Heritage:
A former Portuguese enclave rooted in the history of the South China Sea Macau, with World Heritage status, is a city of 8 sq kilometres and 2 small islands inhabited by half a million people at the SW entrance of the broad Pearl River estuary. Hong Kong, just 80 kilometres and a one hour jetfoil journey away, is on the SE shore.
A marvellous sense of old Europe pervades the travessas, squares and praias but the energy and bustle are those of a very Chinese culture. An amazing range of museums - an old Chinese pawn shop with its separate brick tower for safe storage, the story of the Grand Prix, maritime history, the wine trade, village life on Taipa and Coloane, the Taipa fireworks factories, the old fortresses and 17th C Guia lighthouse - all are here to inform and entrance the visitor. We have always marvelled that so small a place can offer so much.
The A-Ma temple, a Mandarin's house, the 1860 Dom Pedro theatre, old churches - all demonstrate the fusion of East and West
Food and casinos:
A major attraction is the variety and zest of Macanese food. Enjoy a glass of port on the terrace of the brilliantly converted 16th C Barra fortress, now the Pousada de Sao Tiago, spicy African chicken at A Lorcha, clams and prawns at Fernando's, pigeon at Fat Siu Lau, coffee at Ou Mun, dim sum, French, Italian cuisine - and this doesn't begin to include the delights of Chinese specialities. Late night bars and discos abound in the NAPE area. And the price for both food and wine compares so favourably with the charges in Hong Kong.
With a reputation as a major gambling haven Macau has bright lights aplenty, discos and glitter to offer but, fortunately, the casinos are located on the causeway between Taipa and Coloane islands and in Macau itself. Coloane, and Hac Sa, retain their queit rural charm.
Relaxation:
The flat is a 2 minute walk from casuarina-fringed Hac Sa beach while 5 minutes by car brings you to Cheoc Van's sand and rocky outcrops. The condominium has its own pool but Hac Sa and Cheoc Van offer more challenging swimming pools. Five minutes up the road will bring you to the grass toboggan, paddle boats and a gentle walk around the reservoir.
Walk or drive up to the beautiful Chinese temple and the statue of A-Ma atop Coloane island and gaze at the expansive views to either side of the hill. Sky walk from the Macau Tower. Wander the byways of Coloane village and sample Lord Stow's famous egg tarts. Stray into the bars and restaurants of old Taipa village.
Don't miss the treasures of the Cultural Centre, the Camoes Garden and Protestant Cemetery, the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden and the hundred and one small delights that abound wherever you choose to stroll. Macau has been especially talented in retaining so much of its old Chinese and colonial architecture.
