We survived

The trip to Macau took us some 22 hours but we made it in the end. Trnsport: taxi, bus, ferry, bus, local bus, ferry, taxi. Leaving from Hainan took us three hours. We were very early at the bus station so first we just waited for one hour in the bus. Then from three to six we were waiting either in the bus or at the ferry terminal. The bus left at three, drove max 5km to another bus st and then to the harbour which was next doors. The ferry left at six. We still have no clue why we left so early as most of the time we were just waiting and the bus was standing. But I suppose these are the things we are not even supposed to understand.

For me the bus ride wasn't bad. The ferry took 1,5 hours and then the bus ride some 10,5 hours. I could sleep well this one time, Suvi slept also some but Tiina nothing. We arrived in Shenzeng (if I remember correct). As not knowing where we were we took a taxi to a bus stop, to take the bus no 204. I don't recommend to anybody to take a bus to Shekou ferry terminal. Taxi is more convenient!!! The ride was some 20km but took us more than 1,5h. At least we can say we visited Shenzeng as we did see quite many streets and buildings. The ferry to Macau was excelent! Very different from the boat we took in Hainan island. The ferry was fast and comfortable - the people onboard looked also bit more 'civilized'. After the last taxi ride we arrived on our 5star hotel (we would say more like 3stars) finally around one o'clock.

We didn't have time to lose. We took shower and headed to the city without resting. Yesterday we visited most of the important colonial sights you can visit in Macau island. Nicely those are not too many and you can walk easily. This is not a big place so it's quite convenient to explore on foot. The only thing we really are missing here are nice cafes, where you could sit outside and drink you cappuccino.

Macau is former 'part' of Portugal and it really feels like being in southern Europe when you walk on the narrow streets here. People also look different. They are a mix of European and Asian blood. They don't look like Chinese, these people have bigger eyes and the bodies seem more strong to me. The shouting which you hear in China, you don't hear it here. It's clean everywhere, you get fine if you throw your litter on the streets. People wear helmets when they drive their motos. You are not allowed to cross the streets anywhere you want to. It's almost like a cultural shock when coming here.

Today me and Suvi visited to other islands which are actually one island nowadays. Taipa had some very nice restored buildings. There were tourists but it wasn't crowded anywhere. You could walk easily on the streets and no need to push or dribble. We wanted to eat in a vegeterian restaurant that was in a monastery. But it ended up being too expensive to us. They say it's popular and tasty, but there were no other guests at that moment.

Other colonial village we visited was Colone. It was very tiny but there we found the coziest restaurant so far. It was outdoors, on a square just opposite a small Christian church - like being in a Catholic village. I ate black bean chili mussels, so very tasty. I recommed sea food very much if you ever visit southern China: it's cheap, tasty and fresh.

Tomorrow we head to Hong Kong. Tiina and Suvi leave bit earlier as I still wanna visit Museum of Macau and know more about the history and traditions.

Erika

p.s. if you ever visit Hong Kong or southern China do not miss Macau!!! This is a lovely place. And as in Hong Kong here neither you need a visa.

Hellohello

Taal Macaol siis ollaan, siistii on ja ollaan shoppailtu ja kaikkee tosi kivaa jeejeejee. Ei tas mitaan muuta. Matka tanne oli kyl kieltamatta aika v-mainen. Nyt Tiinan vuoro.

Suvi

ja pieni faktaruutu tahan loppuun kaikille teille innokkaille jotka haluatte lahtea kiertamaan kiinaa: hommatkaa ennen lahtoa kiinan lentopassi koska maitse matkustaminen on ihan saatanasta. tiina