Hello Macau

From the Central Pier in Hong Kong we purchased tickets for a TurboJet ferry departing at 10:45am. A one way single ticket from Hong Kong to Macau was HKD 164 (19€). 60 kilometres and one hour later we reached Macau at approximately 12 o’clock. At the terminal we withdraw some local Macau Pataca and headed towards the busses. A few stops away, we got off the bus and gave our host Olivia a call. We contacted Olivia through Couchsurfing.com and she gladly welcomed us to her and her husband’s home. We immediately sat down, had some great conversations and she helped us out with directions, what we should see and do, bus cards and even a local sim card. She definitely made it possible for us to get as much out of our day in Macau as possible.

Portuguese traders first settled in Macau in the 1550s. It was first rented as a traiding port, until it became a colony in 1887. In 1997 it was transferred to China. Macau is a collision of the Chinese and the Portuguese culture and architecture. While I knew I was walking around in China, it did t feel like China, not even Asia at all. All signs are written in Chinese, and Portuguese and the population is a mix of both countries. Macau is the richest and most densely populated region in the world. 636,200 people are living within 30,3 km2. How crazy is that? Macau became the world´s largest gambling centre in 2006. The economy of the richest city in the world is dependent on gambling and tourism, as well as manufacturing.

At first we walked through two local markets. The Red Market, and another market nearby (can´t remember the name). These markets are meant for locals, so you won't find a lot of souvenirs here. We continued by walking through a historical path, which can be described as the crossroads of China and Portugal. This path gives you an opportunity to explore the Senado Square, St. Augustine´s Square, St. Lawrence´s Church, A-Ma Temple and a few museums. During the day we had some Indonesian tourists who all wanted a selfie with us, so we decided that we also wanted a picture with them! I wonder what they tell their friends and family at home about us.  

After a historic day we took one of the shuttle busses that takes visitors to Taipa Island. Taipa Island is located 2,5 kilometres from Macau Peninsula. Most of the casinos are located on Taipa Island, and  is definitely the place to be if you want to gamble and/or spend some money. The island looks like a place that only exists in movies and not in real life. The lights, buildings, hotels, casinos… It´s overwhelming really!

When we arrived back to our host’s home, we enjoyed some Taiwanese snacks and tea. I also got some professional advice what to do and see in Taiwan, since Olivia’s husband is Taiwanese. How lucky am I? Our stay in Macau couldn´t have been better and a humongous thanks to our hosts. Taru and myself were sharing the guest room.