A Weekend in Macau: Part 1

I’m just sitting down to the computer this morning (with my morning cup of tea) to tell you all about the weekend Brett and I just enjoyed in Macau. I have pasted in a map of the islands to give you a bit of perspective. Our hotel was in the southern cove of the south most island, Coloane. Pousada de Coloane, was located in Coloane Beach, which is about where the "o"from the work "alto" is on that map. The island of Coloane is more traditional Portuguese, while the northern islands are full of casinos and geared more towards tourism. I think it's safe to say we enjoyed the best of both worlds.

SATURDAY:
We headed out Saturday mid-day to the Macau high speed Ferry from the edge of Kowloon, Hong Kong, which took us all the way to the northern island, Macau. Unfortunately, it was beginning to rain as we left, and was awfully grey. But since we were headed out on Vacation, we didn't mind! I've included a picture from the window of the ferry- you can see the coast of Hong Kong- and just how grey it really was! The other picture "Pocari Sweat" is the beverage Brett chose on the ferry. This is supposed to be an energy drink, but we decided it was hilariously unappetizing to sip at something with "sweat" in the title!



















We reached the Macau arrivals terminal, where I got my second stamp in my passport! WOHOO. Next, we headed for the ATM to get some "MOP" the local currency- and yes, Brett and I called it mop, like the cleaning tool the whole time. I think the "MOP" stands for Macau Pataca.


There are a number of lessons to learn when travelling into a country you've not been to before. One of these is learning "how NOT to look like you don't know what you are doing." Another is that sometimes the most helpful people are out to get your money. Luckily we didn't have to learn either lesson the hard way. LOL. Thanks to Brett's keen eye- we found the taxi bay, and hopped in a cab headed for "Pousada de Coloane." It only took about 7 tries at the pronunciation and pulling out the written title of the hotel to get the driver on the same page!Thank goodness he knew the place!

By now, it was pouring rain. We wrapped around some windy roads as we worked our way through the hills to the south island. At one point, we looked over the hill/cliff and saw water- we were getting close! The cab pulled as close as he could to the hotel door. (You see, the hotel has stunning patio overlooking the ocean, but it was uncovered, so we entered through the side bar door). As we were pulling our bags from the cab, two of the hotel employees sitting in the bar jumped out with umbrellas to cover us. So friendly!


A little wet, but so happy to have arrived, we worked our way through the bar and into the reception area to check in. Our room was lovely. (I have included a few pictures- these were taken later in the trip, so don't let that sunshine fool you- it was pouring! And please forgive the flash reflections- this photographer is an amateur.)

From our patio was a perfect little view of the ocean. At every angle you could see Portuguese tile lining the walls- or decorative art on the walls. It was at once cozy, but very authentic. You'll notice the picture window (covered by blue blinds) between the bathtub and the main room. We decided this was so that you could see the ocean while bathing. WOW. Be sure to check out the tile in the bathroom picture too! So lovely.

It was about 5pm at this point, and though we'd had a late breakfast, it was definitely time for a snack. We headed up to the bar where we'd entered and asked about snacks and beer. It wasn't 5 minutes later that Brett and I decided on a new favorite Asian Brew "Macau Beer." Perfectly hoppy compared to the very pale brews of China and Japan. This was DELISH. Sitting at a table facing the water, and enjoying the warm, yet rainy breeze coming through the window, we ordered a couple of snack sandwiches and "went halvsies" on Portuguese sausage and pork loin sammies on crusty bread. This, we decided was the perfect brew to help us attain "vacation mode."

We asked about getting a cab to head for the Venetian Casino for the evening. As it turned out, two other groups of people were headed there too and we were able to share a van. One group was a middle aged woman and her parents. We learned that she was originally from New Zealand, but was teaching in Hong Kong. Though she had moved to the main island recently, she used to live in Tai Po (which is where Brett's apartment is-) small world... The other was a French couple, who said nothing to anyone and spoke in French the whole way...

The Venetian was in a word: stunning. I have never been to Vegas, so this was a whole new experience for me. Much of Macau is practically a gallery of replicas of Vegas casinos. The following picture is the fountain you walk straight into upon entering. There is an entire section of this place that is an indoor Venice, complete with gondola rides and singing Italians...LOL

See pictures below of the canal and of one of the buildings and the painted sky. This was really very cool. And considering the weather outside, it was the perfect night to spend in indoor Venice.

We stopped for some dinner at one of the restaurants, and sat on their "patio." Sitting outside the restaurant, but "inside Venice"- hope that makes sense! See our food below! Brett and I decided against sharing to enjoy the others' inedible foods. Brett got a Shrimp and Rice dish, and mine was an almond crusted fish with sauteed bananas. (Family who know I'm not a huge banana fan- this was AMAZING. Very savoury). YUM. While we ate, a group of traditionally dressed musicians began playing. Among other songs, we caught "Yesterday" by the Beatles and even a few movie soundtracks... interesting! :)

We wandered around "Venice" a while longer, and upon heading back to the Casinos, came upon a group of Spanish Tango dancers. Cool costumes and very fun to watch! We stopped at another bar for an Italian nightcap before saying farewell to Venice and heading back to Coloane.

To be continued....