Part 14: Macau China....
Up to now most of my explorations have been alone. I've enjoyed travelling at my pace, doing my own thing, taking notes for my blog, people watching and going exactly where I wanted to go.
You learn a lot about your self in these situations.
I've learned, much to my own surprise, that I am resourceful and adaptable and no where near as socially awkward as I first thought I was at the beginning of my travels.
But today for my Trip to the Chinese Island of Macau, or the Vegas of Asia, I was going with company.
A group of 3 Australian guys who I met on the roof top of the Hostel.
They took a liking to me after my banter with the American travellers. We arranged to meet early at the reception so we could get one of the fast ferry's to the Island.
Conversation was easy with these guys, we all clicked and got on really well, but the weather forecast was not good. Torrential rain and wind, with the temperature dropping to the coolest its been since I arrived in Asia. It reminded me of back home, I even wore a hoody.
The ferry's left every 30 minutes. And from the port (10 mins walk from central station)you could see just how rough the sea was. This was my worse nightmare!
The ships where swaying up and down and some where cancelled due to the bad weather, but our one wasn't.
We were all joking about the boat sinking and I was doing my best impression of not being worried. Those that know me well would know otherwise - I hate rough sea.
The platform bridge was wobbling as we all walked across it boarding the small ferry. Once on board, there was an announcement for all passengers to remain seated and strapped in for the duration of the journey!!
This did not bode well and I was already feeling nauseous.
As it departed, the ferry was not only swaying up and down, but left and right. I asked one of the attendants on board if I could go on the deck to get some air, she just laughed at me.
All 4 of us didn't talk much for the journey. Instead just focusing on the horizon ahead.
The ferry was being battered by wind and rain and was not in the least bit very pleasant.
It calmed just enough for the last quarter of the journey to be at best, slightly more bearable.
I was relieved as the Ferry docked in Macau where we were instantly met by dozens of reps trying to sell us tour packages and casino trips - thankfully the rain stopped.
But for the next hour or so I was stuck with that disorientated, seasick, nauseous feeling.
We decided to grab a free shuttle bus into town.
The casinos arrange the transport to get people around the islands for free, dropping you on their door step where you are met by even more hugely over enthusiastic casino staff literally sucking you in so you can part with your money as quickly as possible, it was a well oiled machine.
We resisted the pushy reps as all of us were really hungry and so stopped in a small cafe for food, finally I shook the nausea feeling after eating a delicious Chinese pork sandwich. Dining mostly alone it was really nice to have the company.
We where joking and winding each other up a lot and I was giving as good as I was getting, considering I was outnumbered.
There are 3 islands to Macau, linked by these really long white bridges just above sea level - each Island is vastly different.
One apparently is mostly inhabitable, the other 2 are a blend of East and West cultures and architecture which give it a unique character.
The high rise modern oddly shaped, but rather interesting casinos stood out at first.
Walking further into the center you see the elegant Portuguese style buildings and churches that bears testimony to the 400 year colonial rule they had here, but the Chinese population has brought traditional Eastern culture with its unique temple architectures.
We stopped to take pictures in the main square just as the heavens opened, leaving us to scramble frantically for shelter.
None of us where particularly the gambling type but we agreed that it was best to head to the strip where at least it was under cover to experience the casinos.
We jumped on one of the free busses which took us to the Venetian and were reliably informed by the driver, that this was the biggest casino in the world with an area of about 980,000 square meters (242 acres)and the second largest building on the Planet.
Inside it was opulent and extravagant with a strong pungent cigarette smoke aroma, it really was absolutely massive.
The floor space of the main casino area was buzzing and it seemed only right we purchase some chips and have a flutter on the Roulette table.
Although Unsurprisingly, we all lost.
It was more interesting watching the fascinating stand offs, and poker faces between the Croupier and punters psyching each other out from across the tables.
Free mineral water and salty snacks where on hand in unlimited supply to make you stay as long as possible.
My Asian friends were texting me a list of places to visit and foods to try so we decided to leave.
But not before watching the beautiful showgirls on stage, which also happened to be surrounded by the huge bar - I see what they where doing.
Google eyed men where buying expensive drinks whilst being drawn to the bar by the sexy dancers like moths to a flame!!
That was our cue. 'Suckers' we said to each other as we left.
We went on a bit of a wild goose chase walking for what seemed like hours searching for the famous local custard tarts.
But when we found them, oh my goodness where they delicious and well worth the wait.
Sweet, crumbly and heavenly.
We also found the Ruins of St Paul's Church Facade, one of Macau's most famous landmarks. Tons of crowds filled the tiny streets as we approached the ruins, climbing the steps and soaking in the views of the island below.
They say it was a miracle that saved the facade of the catholic church.
It was whole and intact while the rest was completely destroyed in the 18th century.
The rain made this a quick visit to the church but one we all enjoyed none the less.
We headed back to the Portuguese quarter and the splendid square, Largo do Senado, with its wave like patterned pavement and central fountain, a highlight of the area which housed many international branded clothes shops and restaurants.
We explored the narrow alleyways that radiated from the square. The market was a highlight here and it was very European.
We decided on eating at a Portuguese restaurant with Chinese staff! but it was really authentic food, completely different from what I had been eating for the last few months.
Fried steak and vegetables really hit the spot.
Out side it was torrential and the rain did not relent. It suddenly hit us that the ferry back may be cancelled as it was really windy.
By now it was gone 8pm and dark. The strip was lit up with big bold and bright neon lights with lasers shooting upwards in to the dark skies, It was a really cool sight.
The important landmark Macau tower stood high above all the other buildings by quite some distance, the 10th highest in the world at 1100 feet tall.
The Aussies where considering bungee jumping from the top of the worlds highest free fall bungee.
Just looking up at it made me dizzy.
I was thinking to my self, how the hell am I going to get out of this because the guys where daring me, calling me a 'pom p****
Damn that tattoo as it rang in my head.
I knew this was going to get me into trouble. Then just as we were about to approach the tower, luck would have it as the sky's filled with lightning, relief; the towering skyscraper was closed.
I tried to sound disappointed but deep down I was more than relieved.
'What a shame I said....I was soooo looking forward to that!' I told the guys.
Instead we stopped for a beer. Debating weather or not to head to back to the port. The rain was still relentless.
After an hour or so we decided on taking our chances and hope the ferries were still running, so we rode a cab back across the white bridge to the Port.
It was some sight looking back with the towering neon strip and lightning.
The sea looked really rough from
The shallow bridge and possibly a long night at the port beckoned.
Just as I was looking at the Macau Tower thinking of my lucky escape with a wry smile, I could not believe
my luck as a huge lightning bolt cackled down from directly above the skyscraper, and struck the top.
It was an incredible sight, lighting up the whole sky, all the lights in the tower fizzled out.
And just as I signalled to the guys, an even bigger bolt struck it for the second time!!!
Wow! It was spectacular, lightning doesn't strike twice, does it?
Well in this instance it did and it was an awesome sight. The taxi driver seemed unfazed as we were all blown away by what we just witnessed.
When we reached the port several boats where unsurprisingly cancelled, but there was one heading back to Hong Kong Island.
It was going to be even rougher than the journey here, but it was that or a night sleeping in the port.
Easy choice, we braved the ferry.
It was the roughest, and longest hour I have ever experienced on a boat in my life.
We were all green, the strong diesel smell did not help either. How we did not feel sick is a miracle.
But we made it back safe and thats all that mattered.
It was a brilliant day filled with laughs - I really like my Aussie buddies.
They were relentless and did not want to head back to the Hostel, Instead we met the Israeli girls and headed to the bar district in Lang Kwai Fong.
As it was my last night in Hong Kong I thought what the hell.
Other backpackers joined us on a bit of a bender.
To be honest, I remember very little about the next few hours apart from being constantly bugged by 'walkers'
Kind of Hong Kong call girls that work the tourists.
They lure you into buying them drinks all night in exchange for their company, and for extra money, back to the hostel for a happy ending.
Thankfully that was not an option for me.
And besides I think the rugby fans would have eaten them alive. Somehow I made it back to the Hostel and I cant remember how.
It ended a fantastic day and and a most memorable 8 days in Hong kong.
I walked, explored, toured, scaled, ate, drank, savoured, marvelled and wondered on this magnificent Island.
It was relentless, fast, furious, exciting and electric.
I loved every single moment in Hong Kong and met some amazing new friends here.
It was time to head back to Manila, my adopted home and base for my travels.
And yes....
...I truly did ❤ Hong Kong x !