What can be a more perfect poem for a true blue traveller on board out to see the World waiting beyond the horizon? We came across this poem in a magazine served with a sumptuous meal in my flight to Macau.
A comfortable flight journey ended at the beautiful airport of Hong Kong. A ferry from Hong Kong ferry terminal took us straight away to Macau. A pleasant air blew at our faces as we cruised towards our hotel feeling strange against the serenity of the water around. But a well maintained lobby at Hotel Sofitel blew our mind away and after we freshened up, we breezed across the dininghall to taste some local cooking in Macau. The food, consisting of a blend of Cantonese and Portuguese cuisines was equally amazing. Many unique dishes resulted from the spice blends, that the wives of Portuguese sailors used in an attempt to replicate European dishes, were served typically, seasoned with various spices and flavours.
My pre-journey research had said that Macau is a city with two faces. On the one hand, the fortresses, churches and food of its former colonial master Portugal to a uniquely Mediterranean style on the coastal China. On the other, Macau is the self-styled Las Vegas of the East. And this information truly fitted with what we spectacled at Macau. Our Indian guide helped me not only in choosing the right and tasty vegetarian food but also helped us feel at home while getting familiar with the place around.
Our Indian guide, Alorino Noruega- a gentleman from Goa told us that unlike China and Hong Kong, the casinos are legal in Macau. We are not gambling freaks but a taste of fortune can make any soul swear that casinos are the most intoxicating thing on earth. There is, however, much more to Macau than gambling. The peninsula and the islands of Coloane and Taipa constitute acolourful palette of pastels and ordered greenery. The Portuguese influence is everywhere: cobbled back streets, baroque churches, stone fortresses, Art Deco buildings and restful parks and gardens. It's a unique fusion of East and West that has been recognised by UNESCO, which in 2005 named 30 buildings and squares collectively as the Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site. There are also several world-class museums. But, we decided to keep the museum for a luxury visit. We pondered over different local attractions like Penha church, A-MA Temple, Ruins of St. Paul’s etc.
Built on top Colina da Penha or Penha Hill, also known as Bishop Hill, is a Chapel of Our Lady of Penha which was first built in 1622. The first chapel was erected by the crew and passengers of a ship which had a narrow escape from the Dutch in the sea. Later the chapel served as shrine for sailors embarking on often hazardous voyages. The bell tower of the Church is very distinctive and can be seen anywhere from the harbour. The serenity of the surroundings overwhelmed us.

Macau Tower is the proud location of the highest bungy jump of the world. The only tower on the earth with this sort of activity, it offers great dining experience at its lounge and grills on 59th floor. There are some ultra modern cinemas as well as shops with many an international brand.

and we sat down for a silent prayer. The mind knew no purpose but the prayer soothed the soul.
The A-MA Temple is located on the southern side of Macau's inner harbour, near Rua do Almirante Sergio. The historic temple was originally built in 1488 to commemorate the miracle that gave Macau its name: Macau's best known legend tells of the story where a junk, while sailing across the South China Sea, was caught in a tremendous storm and was about to sink. All aboard were terrified but at the last minute, a beautiful young woman stood up and ordered the elements to calm down and the junk reached land safely. This mysterious woman was none other than A-Ma, the Taoist goddess of the sea. The temple was built on the spot where she landed and is one of Macau's oldest temples. The name Macau came to be when many years later, when Portuguese soldiers asked for the name of the place, the locals replied "A-Ma-Gao" (Bay of A-Ma). It was eventually shortened to Macau.
Our jovial guide seemed to be knowledgeable guy whose love for history mesmerized us. After roaming around different tourist spots we sat down for someMacanese Chili Shrimps and Tarts. The restaurant we weresitting at represented the fusion of Mediterranean and Asian people, their lifestyles, temperaments and food and that makes Macau so much fun.
Our next day itinerary included some twenty-five historic monuments and public squares. Time was scant but we were high on energy to cover all of them. Macau preserves many historical properties in the urban area called the Historic Centre of Macau. We went to the Macau Museum at first and then went on to see other museums like Wine Museum, Maritime Museum, Grand Prix Museum, Communication Museum and many more, each trying to preserve the marvels in the related fields. We couldn't help appreciating the local authorities attempt to preserve their history and showcase it to the world. Two different worlds floated in front of us, one is of luxury and vanity, the other being the world of knowledge and culture. And after a day long Museum trip, we decided to slip into the other world.
A heavenly spa massage at the famous Six Senses Resorts and Spas healed our jet legged and travel wearied body and a rejuvenated self embarked on a night life spree. Clubs, casinos and shopping malls everything around us felt like a dream. The night was receding into another bright warm day in Macau but the hungry soul refused to return to its actual dream world. The hangover of the nocturnal Macau still lingered on the next morning when we checked in to our second accommodationcalled MGM Grand. As grand as the name suggested, this hotel offered us everything a wistful traveller expects on an abroad trip.
The entertainment and casino resort, City of Dreams featuring the aquatic exposition consumed our whole day as well as our composure. The City of Dreams Casino is one of the largest Macau attractions, comprising 40,000 square meters of water-theme gaming space complete with 450 gaming tables and more then 3,000 of the latest slot machines. In addition to the massive casino, the City of Dreams Macau includes more than 80,000 square feet of retail space which makes it the top shopping destination in Macau.
Time flew unnoticed in the next two days as we enjoyed numerous resorts, tourist attractions, shows, theaters and other ones in a lifetime experiences. Like conquering Macau's highest summit at the Macau Tower, at 338 metres high. The SkyJump, a new attraction at
the MacauTower that takes guests on a 20 seconds flight over the breathtaking cityscape of Macau, is
the highest adventure of its kind around the world. And the‘Lights & Sounds’ tribute daily after sunset at MGM Grand Macau - Central Plaza, where images of special themes, incredible visuals and music to match was a spectacle beyond any literary description.
However, one thing that sank our heart at Macau was the Macau Greyhound Races. Although this is a very famous sport, we hated to see the bruised animals and their desperate struggle to escape death at the race course that takes place at the Canidrome on Avenida General Castelo Branco.
The last item on our list was the Bubble show the night before we left this enchanting place. A dazzling visual show of lasers, lights and fire displayed in a giant dome reminded us of an out of the box concept that we call the Big Bang in Physics. But, life is itself a big bang ever bursting into newer truths.
There were more to this account of Macau but
let us leave the details for you to find out if you ever resolve
to set foot in this grand place. Variety is the spice of
life and in one single life time we try to see as many places
we can, but Macau is one such place where we want to come back again and again. After all, some moments in life are worth reliving.

FACT FILE
Location: on the south-eastern coast of China at the mouth of the Canton River, 40 km s from Hong Kong City.
How to Reach: Well connected from all the major cities in the world by air route. East Asia Airlines operates 16 daily flights between Hong Kong and Macau in 8-seat Bell 222 helicopters connected through sea link from Hong Kong.
Currency: The currency unit in Macau is the Pataca (MOP) which is about USD 8.00. 1 Pataca = 100 avos.
Climate: The climate of Macau is moderate to hot,
with an average annual temperature of just over 200C (68F) and a yearly mean variation between 160C (50F) and 250C (77F).
Best Time to Visit: The best season is autumn (October – December) when days are sunny and warm and the humidity is low.
Main Attractions: Museums, Casinos, Shopping Malls, Boutiques, Spas and Resorts, Festivals, Cuisines.