5th July - Macau (Part 1)

Wake up at around 8:30am.

Had breakfast at the hotel and then off we went!

We planned to visit a lot of places that day. We brought along camera, ccw's itinerary, map and brochures (provided by the hotel).

The bus stand is just a stone throw away from the hotel. 'x'!

So, ccw suggested to take the bus. According to the information provided by the hotel staff, we should pay the exact amount of the bus fare as there is no changes. What I mean is if you paid MOP10 for the MOP3.30 bus fare, there will be no bus conductor to pay you MOP6.70 back. Once, we witnessed this incident where one of the passenger asking for the remaining of the money he paid from the bus driver. The bus driver looked at him with a sarcastic face and said: "It states clearly that no changes wat?" He continued:"How you want me to pay you? Use my own money to pay you? Silly!" Opps..I think the cantonese version is more interesting. LOL!

Passenger:"找钱."
Driver:"都话明唔找钱咯! 呵, 找钱喔，我去哪里找钱俾你？唔通叫我按自己个荷包找钱俾你咩？黏线~!"

Ya, that is more satisfying. I mean, it was like watching a live Hong Kong series. Erm, I watch Hong Kong series since little kid, so if you can understand how the feeling is to encounter the familiar scenario from the series, then that's it!

Oh by the way, I always kept quiet in the bus as I was afraid that we might meet Hong Kong bus uncle. Hahah!

Ya, I know I was in Macau that time but I just thought I was in Hong Kong all the time and Macau is part of Hong Kong. Can?

The bus fare is standard. Taipa - Macau penisular is MOP3.30 and MOP2.50 within Macau Penisula itself. (Learn more about Macau from WikiTravel). The bus stops of each bus is listed clearly at the bus stand so it is very convenient to those who can read Chinese characters.

We hopped onto the bus, crossed the bridge and reached the Macau Penisula.
The building (lazy to circle it, it is at the bottom right of the photo and behind the wiper), which is under construction, is the Grand New Casino owned by Mr. Stanley Ho.

First stop - Largo do Senado (Senate Square)

Exactly like what wikitravel said: a colorful typical Iberian town square at the heart of the city. Love the place so much. By looking at the design on the floor, it made me want to dance on it..the spanish dance..turning round and round...stomping feet...clapping hands...


We walked pass Igreja de São Domingos (st dominic's church) but it was not open yet. So we decided to visit Ruinas de São Paulo (The ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral) first and came back later.

At the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, There were a lot of tourists, we can hardly take any photo without other tourists in it.




Traveling mood was there once I saw this WALL! It is 100% like what you see in drama or magazine or photo, well, 2D and 3D does not make much different for the piece of wall! ;p

Looking at the piece of wall from the other side.

The view from the platform through the opening of the WALL.

After that we headed towards the Fortaleza Do Monte. On the way to the fort, we saw this:

WC for dogs.

At first, I did not pay any attention to it. Later, after I got a few fright from the DOGS passing by me with their owners, then I realised why there is the WC for DOGS! I did not know where should I hide myself when there were 4 dogs with 2 owners running up the staircases to the fort and we were walking down! *COLD SWEAT*

Proof - Dog

We reached the fort.

By the way, I saluted the Japanese ladies who climbed the staircases with their heels on! Also, I admired them who put on nice make-up when traveling. I cant undersand how could they do that as I was sweating all the time. LOL! oops!

Next, we moved on to the Museum. It was closed for renovation. :( Can only take photo with the building and the lotus!


On the way back to the church, we saw Portugese egg tart! *Thumbs Up*

You know how yummy it is when you cant resist to eat it even when you are full! Ngek!

Igreja de São Domingos (st dominic's church) opened!

Outside and Inside

The Treasure of Sacred Art is at the back of the church.

There are quite a lot of shops along the streets. Ccw bought 2 Tees from Bossini and requested for small changes for bus fare later. The girl at the counter was very helpful that she gave us direction where to board the bus. In fact, I think the people there are very friendly and helpful to the tourists. :)

We walked pass 义顺炖奶店 when we were walking towards the bus stand. I dragged ccw inside and ordered 2 双皮奶 (double skin milk?!). I have watched it a lot of time in drama and I must try it! ;p Cold one is better than the hot one! The taste is like yogurt + tofu hua!

冻的驰名双皮炖奶 (Plain double skin milk)

热的红豆双皮奶 (Hot double skin milk with red beans)

If you had the same queston like ccw, what is this thing called 双皮奶? My answer is egg+milk. The making of 双皮奶 could be found here.

We spent the whole morning at that area. There are so many things to see and eat and shop!

Let's continue again in Part 2!

p/s: Forgot to mention that, the clouds in Macau can move! LOL. I enjoyed watching the clouds moving, again, just like what we used to watch in Hong Kong movie/series. Last time, I always cant understand why they like to 'make' the cloud moves in the movie, now I understand it was not 'made'! =)