The second day of our trip covers a day tour in the 'Casino Capital of China',Macau! Well, I have been to Las Vegas last year and I surely believe my views would take a few comparisons. Though inspite of what is expected such as the casinos and each hotels' connecting malls, it is a must to explore the main square of this Portuguese-colonized country.
We rode a ferry going there courtesy of Cotai Water Jet which took an hour and a half.This was my first long seafaring ride and I don't think I would like to take it again anytime soon.Haha! It got me seasick especially when I was sitting in the aisle. Perhaps the big waves are worse than a plane's air packets ;p
view from Hong Kong to Macau
So moving on, we reached Macau at about 11am from a 10:15am trip and outside the airport was a line of buses that you could ride depending on your destined hotel. On our part as day tour goers, we took the bus going to the Venetian hotel which was free. And along the strip, you can see the various hotel and casinos. Most of these are also in Las Vegas and similarly, it might take a whole day to walk around this gambling district. The design and casinos are also identical but it wasn't as open as the one in the US. The casino is enclosed and before entering, a guard will check if you're in legal age.But anyway, we didn't go there for the slot machines so we head on over to the shoppes.
exquisite ceiling from above❤️
Just like any other Venetian malls, the place is Venice-themed with gondola rides in the middle on a blue-skied roof.Most of the shops are of signatured brands,a couple that I'm not familiar with but nevertheless, I did not purchase anything anyway! We passed by the shoppes of Sands Resort and Casino and the Parisian; still with the same interior but with different features as they have French models that plays an instrument in every corner of the mall.
The Eiffel Tower by the Parisian Casino.It is so lovely that it really looks like the one in France!❤️
Aside from resorts and casinos come the wonderful Senado Square located at the other side of Taipa.You could take a cab from Studio City and it will drop you off in front of their municipal office.The place was very Portuguese-styled and I like it inspite of the crowd.There are various shops going towards St. Paul de Ruins and these includes food kiosks that are certainly a MUST- TRY.Everyone seems to know that they are popular with eggtarts and truth be told,it is heavenly the BEST!!I love it that there are a lot of vendors selling this pastry for 10 MOP which is worth the price.
I bought this at Koi Kei Bakery and it is very delicious! Though it may seemed oily but the level of sweetness is perfect ❤️ How I wish they could sell these in Manila also. I believe they all sell the same type and price of the eggtarts so don't hesitate to try any of the stores there!
I also tried the authentic tapioca milk tea and an egg waffle which is another great delicacy here in the city!The egg waffle is from Egg Puff where I bought a matcha-flavored one with red bean inside. ;D
Besides those,the different flavors of beef jerky are quite high off the grill on the streets and it was also delicious.
And when you walk further, you'll reach St. Paul de Ruins.Indeed, it's a miracle on how only the front portion of the shrine was left.❤️
We head back to Hong Kong by 7pm via Turbo Jet.Overall,I had a very pleasant day tour in Macau; a 4/5 rating for me ;)
