When I first went to Macau, I wasn't impressed with the casinos and hotels. I fell in love with the Old Macau. The one where it feels like you're in someplace in Europe with winding cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. So when we went there on a side trip this year, I had to insist that we visit the old part and do a walking tour.
But first...the requisite skyline shot! We stopped over at the Fisherman's Wharf for this photo before we headed to the Science Center. Yes! It's Macau's version of the Mind Museum and let me tell you, the one at the Fort can't even compare at how huge and amazing the place is. Given that I've never been to the Mind Museum at the Fort but did some research on it for my PR paper, I must say that I can proudly tell people I've never been there 'cause I went to the one in Macau. (This is actually Mitch's plan, I just copied it!)
The security guard posing on top is actually Pinoy! He called us in Mandarin first but quickly switched to Tagalog once he realized we were kababayans. He gave us some tips on going around Macau and even recommended we explore the museum from the top going all the way down, which we did!
We went through fourteen galleries from the top! Amazing.
And we weren't bored at all. All the exhibitions are interactive and you can play with them. No wonder kids like it here. It's easy to learn about science if it feels like you're in a giant playground.
After we explored the ground floor, we went off to the bus stop to find the way going to Largo do Senado (Senado Square) which is the tourist center of Old Macau. It's the starting point of the Old Macau walking tour and we wanted to be at the center of all the action.
Here's a nice building in front of the bus stop. Amazing, right?
Crossing towards the Largo do Sonado! We were hungry and excited.
Sigh. He loves Haagen Dazs. Dessert before lunch for the boy.
We walked around the alleys in search of a good and authentic place where we can have lunch. I didn't want to eat somewhere mainstream and wanted to experience the real Macau.
And so, when we accidentally ended up on a street where the locals hang out to eat, we knew we found lunch. We saw them sitting on plant stools, standing while eating, and basically enjoying their noodles. We were more than ready and willing to have a go at Macau street food!
At around HKD 50 per bowl, you can choose your toppings which are about HKD 5 each and then they boil it, fry it, and fill it with noodles and some curry sauce which was absolutely delicious. No wonder the locals flock here to eat. Every stall sells these yummy babies! We even bought authentic milk tea and lemon yakult drinks to go with it.
We found a quiet spot by a fountain on the other side round the bend. It was one for the books, eating while standing in that alley. I've never been to Italy but from what I've seen in movies, it looked like a Tuscan side street. Jake and I shared one bowl. It was too huge that we didn't get to finish it.
We walked all the way going to the Ruins of Saint Paul but the alley going there was filled with distractions: bakeries offering free taste samples, interesting shops, and for Jake--a Nike. I loved the hustle and bustle vibe.
The main attraction: Ruinas de S. Paulo! Or the Ruins of St. Paul! If I remember what I have read online before correctly, the church was destroyed by a fire save for its facade. Therefore, it's an amazing shell of a church.
We planned to check out ALL the walking tour spots but decided our feet were too tired and we needed to save energy for our Venetian shopping trip. I think we missed half of the spots but who cares? We were perfectly happy exploring the alleys and shops along the way.
Here's the break between the alley going to the ruins and Largo do Senado. So colorful and old-worldly, isn't it?
We also found an awesome shop selling Macau souvenirs below the ruins. It's called Macau Creations and I think they're Macau's version of Team Manila. They sell mugs, shirts, iPhone cases, bags, post cards, stationery, and everything else you can think of--all awesomely designed and illustrated by the top notch artists of Macau. They feature artists every month and we were lucky to buy some of their creations. I especially like how the artists incorporated the tourist spots and sights of Macau into their graphic designed creations.
We squeezed in a bit more sightseeing for our "cultured" tastes before we headed to the casinos. Macau, having been a colony of Portugal, is predominantly Catholic. There are several centuries-old churches scattered across the small country.
And of course, no trip to Macau is complete without the Portugese egg tarts! This is after all, the home of Lord Stow's! We purchased a box to go at a local bakery so we can enjoy them with cappuccinos while at the Venetian.
Here's the view when you exit from the alley going to Senado Square. The square is filled with side street shops, cafes, and is filled with people which instantly brings a festive mood. It's not as hectic and stressful as Hong Kong. You get the feeling that people are in no rush to be anywhere or to do anything, the upbeat energy is just positively relaxing.
And finally, the Venetian! We also meant to go to Wynn to catch the night show but we preferred to stay here so we can also squeeze in a bit of shopping while exploring the place.
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| Top and shorts from MNG, Rubi flats, H&M bag |
We had a happy time at Pull & Bear, though! I'm so glad it's cheaper in Macau compared to Singapore. It was frustrating to shop there knowing it should have been the same price as Zara, them being sister companies. So yes, we emerged happy girls (and boy) from the shops. Somehow, we managed to make this side trip culturally and materialistically fulfilling--always the best of both worlds in my book!
I'll be back before you know it, Macau!
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