The Las Vegas of the East

[highlight]Leia em Português[/highlight]

One of the world’s premier gaming hot spots, Macau is a must-go place if you are visiting China. A unique blend of cultures, this city has great food, gorgeous casinos and beautiful European architecture.

I was visiting Hong Kong and it is very easy to go to Macau from there, even it would be only for a day trip. The most common way to get there, which is the one I did, is by ferry from Hong Kong, which takes only about an hour and is fun.

Appreciating the view from Mount Fortress

I’ve stayed there only a couple of nights by myself. I pick up a hotel in downtown, and there is where I would recommend to begin your sightseeing from. Start by a street called Avenida Almeida Ribeiro. Stroll the cobblestone lanes, check out the shops and cafes and sample some of the excellent food Macau is known for. You can find the best fresh seafood and excellent Portuguese cuisine.

I loved trying the fried rice, noodles, and several exotic nut candies, which you can find on the street food without needing a large budget. Also near the Senado Square, there are several traditional Chinese delicacies are up for free tasting.

Macau is truly charming with its natural sights, antiques, and manmade attractions, besides the psychedelic waves on the ground created by experts from Portugal. All these together are amazing shows of architecture. The most beautiful spot there are The Ruins Of St. Paul’s. What remains of the first Church and College of the Jesuits in China is the remarkably carved stone façade of St. Paul’s and the museum. The 17th-century church, which was destroyed by fire, is an illustration of the history of Christianity in Asia; it houses Biblical quotations in Chinese and Japanese chrysanthemums as well as bronze statues of the missionary saints.

Pitoresque architecture and its waves ground

The Mount Fortress also is very interesting. It became a useful defense against Dutch attacks in 1624, until it was turned into a governor’s residence. At present, it houses the Museum of Macau. From Mount Fortress, you can also view the bustling skyline of Macau and it is a beautiful hike if you decide to go on foot. Another place to have a great view from the city is the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center. This fine example of modern architecture is breathtaking even from afar, but you need to take a taxi or a bus to get there, and shell out some cash to enjoy the rides and the famous bungee jump, among other things.

But let’s talk about the most important thing in this place: Macau is the entertaining center of China. It boasts a huge number of hotels, varying from opulence international brands to local budget hostels to accommodate tourists from across the world. The amazing growth is mostly due to the superfluity of new marvelous casino resorts that are coming up in newly reclaimed areas like the Cotai Strip and sure to convert Macau into the Las Vegas of the East.

This means: Go Gamble. The casinos in Macau are opulent and exciting, even for the non-gamer. Try your hand at the dealer less blackjack or roulette, and if you’re feeling lucky, get in on any number of traditional Chinese gaming tables.

Among all the casinos I have visited, including the one that has the largest diamond stone in the world, the most fun and interesting is The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel. It is a place where you can get a feel of Venice right in the heart of this Asia’s gambling city. Truly luxurious and gigantic – it’s twice the size of its counterpart in Las Vegas – this resort hotel is my favorite because of the gondola rides, the amazing line of Baroque architecture to wow the old soul in you, the grand Great Hall, and the universal range of dining and shopping.

On the other hand, if you can’t be in Macau right now to enjoy all these hotspots, have in mind that you can do it right now from your pc with a fast click on your mouse. Go to Cassino Euro on line and enjoy. It’s easy fun and you can get great prizes!