The Portuguese Den

Macau

This is the third time I have been to the Peninsula. However the previous visits were done more than a decade ago. Macau must have changed; so I thought.

This Portuguese Settlement in the 19th century was a port instrumental in the development of trade among East Indian Enterprises, Portugal, China and the East. History has it that it was the half way house for the foreigners who tried to knock the door of China. So, it thrived perhaps out of trade, spices and vices of course.

A return ferry trip from Hong Kong Island to Macau costs about RM150.00. We got up early to catch the MTR and the ferry. It was to be a day trip seeing Macau as much as we can in a few hours. The ferry ride was pleasant and comfortable.

First sight of the Peninsula through the window of the turbo jet. I felt excited at the possible changes in the last decade. I found out some things never change while others do change a little.

The ferry terminal is exactly what I saw in my previous trips many years ago; only perhaps the volume of tourists has escalated as I watched troops of main landers swarm the place. My smart friend straight away approached the information counter to find transport to the city centre. As usual, a simple bus ride took us to the heart of the Peninsula.

As we were early, we were privileged to see Macau in its serenity. It was peaceful although I was told soon I would be in the midst of a mad crowd.

The red coloured shops and buildings reminded us of Malacca; our very own Portuguese settlement. Strange but true that the locals still retain this identity passed down by the then colonial power. Chinese and Portuguese are the main languages and announcements in public places are broadcasted in both language. Signages carry both languages too.

The streets of Macau are kept meticulously clean despite the huge number of tourists scouring the place each day.

Most of the buildings once resided as homes have been converted into business premises and still give that quaintness essential to attract holiday makers.

Chin Loi said that we must be hungry stomachs for the best beef noodles ever created. Alas, we trudged to the eatery but it remained close probably because it was too early. So, we settled for some local famous porridge. The bowl above is a concoction of 9 types of grain; the most potent type good for health and everything. How did it taste? It needs an acquisition of taste before you can fall in love with it. Not quite ready to move we asked for another version of congee, this time fish porridge. We were taken aback when we were sounded for asking the price of a bowl of fish congee. " You don't bargain or the deal is not on!" Why such explosion? We had to calm her down by saying we were not bargaining; merely making sure we had enough change. It was RM12.00 per bowl. Later we walk down the lane and found fish congee at RM6,00 per bowl. No wonder .

Very soon we found ourselves at Senado Square, the heart of activity.

There was a nearby Cathedral and I could not resist going in and have a peep; it was nothing compared to those in Europe proper. The remnants of the Fort is home to our eyes. It is Malacca found here! That is the signature mark of Portuguese conquest. 

All around the square are tea houses, eateries, pastry outlets and pharmaceutical stores. 

 The Bossini outlets are found at almost every nook and corner in Macau. 

They are an exact replica of our local brand of Padini.

Yes, The famous beef noodle eatery remained closed for the day to our dismay but we were directed to another eatery offering apparently the same type of noodles. In my previous blog I remarked that I have forgotten where we took the noodles. Now the memory is back. It was in Macau.

The noodle is not starchy but crispy; good taste but can be better?

Highly recommended is the milk yogurt. It looks like soya bean curd but it is double-boiled milk. A bowl costs RM32.00! Food price is definitely not very people friendly.

This cottage industry of nuts cooked in honey and sesame oil is lucrative. As expected, my friend insisted that we help the small players and leave the big boys behind. In Macau the pastry and sweets industry is dominated by a few big boys like the one shown in the box below. We supported the family enterprises instead.

Sweets and biscuits prepared in different capacity and style but at the end of the day it is individual choice as to who you want to support.

One difference I see here compared to a decade ago is the mushrooming of casinos. They are dotted along every lane and corner; some are smaller while others are bigger. Every casino has its place here. If you are afraid of big bets you go to smaller ones. Even the casinos are on par with the type of clientele; truly versatile.

So it is no wonder too Macau is packed with jewelry stores.

Pearls big and small; some from the sea others cultured. Pearls of A to Z are found here. Gamblers who make their buck will naturally walk in and purchase without qualms. Believe me you can associate wins with gems. 

Jade in all forms and settings all ready to be picked by winners.

So much gold. Big chunks. The gold business is outstanding here. Those who win the game will walk in and buy, buy, buy for wives and girlfriends.

I believe this chain store is a big monopoly here. So many outlets carrying the same name "Chow Tai Fook". The market is real here.

Watches all all brands are also parked here. Winnings are easy to spend without thought and consideration. I remembered buying a Longines watch here; a gift from dad and it still serves me well after all these years.

So Macau is rich and touristic. I saw many of Filipino origin who must have gained residency here with their colonial connection both in business and in the service industry.

Macau is a place to play.