Macau, the Magnificent        2008-6-25 11:03:51

Macau's mixture of East and West brings together an eclectic mix of Old World. Europe and the Orient in one beautiful package.

Portuguese traders leased Macau from the Guangzhou Mandarins in 1557. Portugal governed Macau for more than 440 years until returning it back to China in 1999. Macan still maintains its Portuguese-style and coupled with the numerous Mediterranean buildings, it feels as European as it does Chinese.

Senado Square, surrounded by bright colored Portuguese buildings and cobbled stone alleys; this is the best place to get a feel for what Macau has to offer. Surrounding Senado Square you will find some of the best shopping in Macau, everything from antique Chinese furniture to the latest in designer fashion. The beautiful St. Dominic Church, which has been standing for the past 400 years, east of Senado Square, holds mass on the weekends in Cantonese. Farther down the cobbled stone street is the Ruins of the Church of St. Paul. Built in the 1602 by Jesuit priests, the church was destroyed by fire in 1835, and only the massive stone fa;ade survived. Today the ruins of St. Paul are the official symbol of Macau and offer great photo ops. Next to the ruins is Monte Fortress, the largest fortress remaining from Macau's imperial past. Inside the fort is the Macau Museum, an interesting museum with artifacts and a detailed history of Macau from the early days to the present.

Within walking distance of the museum is St. Michaels Cemetery to the east and Camoes Grotto and Gardens, to the north.South of Senado Square is the tallest point in Macau, the Macau Sky Tower, standing at 338m, it's hard to miss. Along the road leading to the tower you'll pass by the brightly painted Residence of the Portuguese Consul and the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha The gothic church sits on top of a small knoll overlooking the bay and glows eerily when lit up at night. Macau Sky Tower offers an unparalleled 360-degree-view of the ocean, Macau and the mainland border city of Zhuhai. For those who are a little more adventurous, there are tours available that allow visitors to walk around the outer rim of the observation deck unimpeded by windows or even a rail. Harnesses with lines attached to a beam keep people from being blown off into bblivion.

 If you prefer finding excitement with your feet firmly on the ground, then head to one of the many casinos or racetracks scattered though out Macau. Lisboa Hotel with its birdcage shaped building is the most famous casino in town and is conveniently located between Senado Square and Macan Sky Tower. Across from the Lisboa Hotel is the Cybernetic Fountain, which provides a mesmerizing show of lights and water at night.

Guia Lighthouse, northwest of Senado Square, occupies the highest natural point in Macau and was a sign of relief for far-eastern trade ships, signaling that their arduous voyage from Europe was finally over. Beside the lighthouse is a small chapel and Flora Garden sits at the base and offers gondola rides for those who would prefer not to walk.North of Flora Park is Kun Lam Temple, one of the largest temples in Macau, where many important documents have been signed, including the treaty leasing Macau to Portugal. The A-Ma Temple is on the southwest corner of the peninsula and is another temple worth checking out and is located across from the Maritime Museum and Barra Fort. The fort was once a cannon battery, it has since been turned into a Portuguese inn with amazing character and charm.

Along with the main peninsula, home to the majority of the 460,000 Macanese, there are two islands, Taipa and Coloane. Talpa was home to many of the wealthy Macanese whose row of impressive mansions has been restored and turned into the Taipa House Museum. This museum gives viewers a taste of what life was like for 18th and 19th century traders. Taipa Village has become a familiar place with tourists and locals alike,known for having some of the best restaurants in Macau. Make your way up the small hill, located in the middle of the island, and you will find the Chapel of Our Lady Carmel, a quaint, quiet church built in 1885. Talpa Island is also home to the international airport, University of Macau, ,Jockey Club and Four Faces Buddha.

Coloane Island is the most remote part of Macau where it is still possible to get a glimpse of village life. Hac SA Beach with its black sand, gentle waves and barbeque
pits is a favorite retreat for locals. Coloane Village is home to St. Francis Xavier Church and Tin Hau Temple. To the northeast is Coloane Arboretum and Seac Pai Park. Coloane also holds Macau's only golf course located at the Macau Golf and Country Club.

High rollers, big and small, come to Macau for its many casinos. The largest is in the Lisboa Hotel, but there are many venues to choose from, and all of them offer a variety of ways for you to win or lose. The casinos here are world class and most are open 24 hours.

ZHUHAI BORDER JUMPING