Entry 14: The Sin City of the East

Song of the Moment: Strict Machine by Goldfrapp

After doing all things childlike in Disney, I found myself boarding a ferry boat the next day to attempt to engage in all things of contrast. Welcome to Macau, the Sin City of the East.

Every time I read about Macau, it’s almost inevitable for people to compare it to Las Vegas. And with much merit, I must say. (read: The Venetian) But there’s a quaint side to Macau that I particularly enjoyed too, and would like to come back to, if I’m looking for a quick European-feel romantic fix on international territory. 

My favorite experience in Macau was the Portuguese lunch at Boa Mesa, along Avenida de S.Domingo. Along that small street are several quaint Portuguese cafes that guarantee excellent Portuguese cuisine, cooked as if you’re really in the European country itself. I didn’t do much shopping, but it was just nice to roam around the small network of cobblestone streets that was once Portuguese territory in the far east. I said a short prayer in the Cathedral and was moved that there were Tagalog confessions available. I took photos of the old municipal hall, astonished at the well-preserved ceramic crème and blue tiles. I visited the Wine Museum, in sheer curiosity of the fact that an Asian city could say so much about wine production and ageing. 

Oh but the crème de la crème of the brief trip was taking the free shuttle to the Venetian, in order to be overwhelmed by the vastness of the hotel. I think some people might find the hotel rather “public” for a 6-star establishment, but I suppose the hotel is also trying so hard to draw as much shoppers and gamblers, at the expense of exclusivity. (If you’re looking for exclusivity, I suggest you just check in at the Four Seasons.) 

The Venetian in Macau is very similar to The Venetian in Las Vegas --- complete with an indoor canal, Venetian gondolas and ceilings painted like the clear blue skies in Italy. It was really spectacular. In addition, the wide array of shops screams “opulence” at its best. Versace, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Louis Vitton, etc. I even found a shop that sells JLo’s line of bags and shoes, as well as Paris Hilton’s bags and shoes (with designs that look so “her” by the way.)

Now the test for the ultimate Macau experience. To gamble. 

But no. I just couldn’t. I guess it was really more of the lack of knowledge on table games that intimidated me enough to just leave me at the sidelines as a spectator. It was interesting though, how people spend hours and hours seated on those tables... Watching their net worth go down by the minute, if they’re not careful.  I texted Enzo the same, saying, “I got so intimidated by it.” And he just goes, “Don’t worry. I’ll teach you next time.”

Oh Macau casinos. You shall have your day. Someday I will conquer you with my poker face and my high-yielding luck. For now, I need to practice counting cards. Hehehe.