What happens in Macau...

So I bet you thought Las Vegas was the gambling hub of the world? 

No way honey... not by a longshot!

In fact, the revenue brought in by Vegas gambling last year was only 15% of what Macau reported!

Macau's revenue was roughly $45 billion and Vegas was only about $6 billion!!

Can you imagine that?  How is that possible?

Boy, those Chinese really like to gamble. 

Okay...  so what is it really like?

 Here is my summary report:

*  Well, it was not what I expected- AT ALL!  First of all, the entire place is filled with construction.  Economists have ranked it among the fastest growing regions for the past 3 years in a row. They are building bigger and better casinos as we speak. They have a Wynn, Hard Rock, MGM, and Venetian Hotel there (among hundreds of others).  The hotels look identical to those in Las Vegas!  Seriously, it is kinda weird.  Did you know the Venetian Hotel in Macau is the largest casino in the world??  I happen to learn that while I was there.  I will remember that next time I play drunk trivia with my friends.

View of  the Wynn

the Venetian!

*  When it comes to gambling in Macau...It's all about the Baccarat.  My God those Chinese love that game.  I really could not believe how many baccarat tables they had there. With only a small section of slot machines and a handful of roulette/ craps tables, there weren't many choices of what to play. I don't think anyone will fully understand this until they see it for themselves because I wasn't allowed to take photos inside the casinos.

I still snuck a few:

Chinese slots

we can get a full house in any language

* Macau is not a party town like Vegas (is there anyplace that parties like Vegas?) The gamblers in Macau appear to be much more serious.  Hardly any of them were drinking alcohol or partying.  Instead, they drink hot tea and focus on the baccarat tables.   Have you ever seen anyone drink hot tea at a table in Vegas??  It was a little odd...In fact, I attempted to order a  cocktail at a craps table and the waitress brought me a watermelon juice (definite language barrier). A manager even came around trying to help me (with no luck). They have a few lobby bars in which alcohol is served, but most people were drinking hot tea again!  

we found a bar hidden upstairs at the Hard Rock

Don't get me wrong, I am sure they are having a great time, but from a "westerner's" point of view, this was no party scene as we see in Vegas.  Keep in mind gambling is illegal in mainland China.  There are restrictions on how many times a year the Chinese can go to Macau. I am guessing this affects how they spend their time and money.  They probably need to focus on the gambling.

view from our hotel room

* There are no white people there.  Well, maybe just a few, but not many at all. I swear when I say this.  We stuck out like aliens; I have to admit I kind of liked the attention.   People stared at us and even took a few pictures of us. There are probably dozens of Asian families laughing at pictures of Ryan and me as we speak! I think I was expecting more western tourists there, but I really didn't see any! 

We happened to be there over Christmas so anytime a casino employee saw us walking by they would say "Merry Christmas" to us.  We noticed they only said it to the whites and we even had a little fun with this.  They decorated the casinos with huge elaborate holiday displays and even brought in a Santa to drop off candy bars and gifts to the hotel guests. 

Chinese Santa and Elves with our new friend

*Things to do/see!

Just like Vegas, it is fun just to walk inside all the various casinos and admire the lobby décor.  Also, just like Vegas, there is sort of a new area and an older area.  This new area where all the new high end construction is taking place.  We stayed at the Hyatt City of Dreams which was quite possibly one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in!  They have a club lounge with some of the best food and service I have ever experienced.  

The wonderful club lounge

 

now that is the freshest honey I have seen!!

 

chicken congee breakfast

 

green tea buns

some sort of noodle wrap

Connected to our hotel was the Hard Rock and across the street was the big Venetian hotel.  The "older area" was easily accessible via free bus (all buses had free wifi too!!).  This area had the famous Lisboa hotel. 

Lisboa Casino

another entrance to the Lisboa

Walking through this hotel is a memorable experience.  First of all, prostitution is somewhat accepted and tolerated in Macau.  There is a maze of walkways that go through this hotel and that's where the "girls" are.  

just like Vegas, they pass out the "cards"

 

This area also had a Wynn hotel (I heard they are building another Wynn) and the MGM grand.  For the record, the best food we had in Macau was at the Wynn hotel sitting outside by the pool!! 

our Wynn lunch, poolside

There is only one show to see in Macau.  Now, I don't say this because it is the best show, I say this because it is literally the ONLY show to see.  It is called "Dancing Waters" and it is magnificent.  It was a mix of dancers, motorcycles, acrobats, etc.. on par with any show you will see in Vegas.  My only complaint is that they don't have any other shows in Macau... I would have loved to have seen another one!

*The Historic District

Macau was a former Portuguese territory that is now a "special region of China".  Behind all the enormous casinos and hotels lies a wonderful historic area where you can see the blend of east and west while walking through the streets. 

The Senado Square (senate square)

St Augustine Church

your guess is as good as mine

street in the historic section

Portuguese Christmas

Do you like beef jerky?  Well here is a chance to try all sorts of dried meat in the street.  Yeah, its weird, they have dozens of meat squares and when you walk by they cut them with scissors and hand them out.  Honestly... I liked it!

Not your everyday Jerky

people eating the dried meat on the street

  

Historic Centre of Macau

ryan attempting to drive a rickshaw

more rickshaws

Alright, so let us review this place.

They call Macau "Las Vegas on steroids" and that is exactly what it appears to be financially.  This is clearly where the real gamblers go. However, there is not nearly the amount shenanigans going on in Macau as you see in its Vegas counterpart.  I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing, I just know that sometimes we all need a good weekend of mischief!  I know I do! 

On a slightly different note....

If you have been following my blog you are probably sick of hearing about our trip to China.  I just want to assure you this is the last posting from that trip so you wont have to see any more pictures of my breakfast rice or carrot juice.  (even I am sick of it) ha ha 

Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Macau proved to be three of the most unique and interesting places I have been.  I am so happy to have gotten a tiny glimpse into the Eastern culture.  The experiences we had on this trip (as well as every international trip)have truly changed me for the better.

Here are just a few more snapshots I thought I would share!  I am tired of story telling for now.

high speed ferry from Hong Kong to Macau

scooter parking

huge aquarium inside the Venetian

outdoor gym

 

Our next trip is to LA in less than two weeks - so stay tuned !!

 



 

Experience Hong Kong with me

There are a few things I believe every person should experience in their lifetime: 

1. Watch a sunset from Santorini, Greece.  It will inspire you.
2. Go to a Sunday "rehab" party at the Hard Rock Las Vegas pool.  It will shock you.
3. Spend a week in Hong Kong.  It will intrigue you.

Hong Kong? 
Really? 

I mean for most average Americans, Hong Kong is hardly on their list of places to see.

Trust me... It should be.  

Here are just a few simple facts about HK  I need to share before I blab about our trip:


* Hong Kong was essentially a British Colony until 1997 when it became a "special administrative region of China"
* The population of HK is about 7 million people
* The official currency in HK is the HK dollar (different from mainland China)
* The official languages are Chinese and English
*Because of its low taxation and free trade market, HK has become one of the most important financial centers in the world
*over 90% of daily travels in HK are on public transportation... this is the highest percentage in the world

Okay, since it was under British rule for so long, everything is basically written in English and the majority of people speak or understand basic English.   

Why would anyone care about any of this?  To me, this means it is easy to get around and navigate which we all know can be a huge barrier when traveling to a foreign country.

So let me start blabbing bout the trip: (I underlined and capitalized all the blabbling topics for you cuz this is how my brain organizes my thoughts)

I HAVE TO TALK ABOUT THE TRAINS!

The train system (MTR) in HK is by far the best I have ever seen in the world (so great that I felt compelled to take multiple pics of it).  There are literally 3 levels of transportation throughout the entire city. 
Level one- this is the ground/ street level. Do I need to explain this level? Taxis, busses, cars, walkways, etc.. 
Level two- this is just below the street level.  This is where you enter the MTR world.  This is not a normal "subway" system in which you walk down a flight of stairs, buy a ticket, and jump on a train.  No this is so much more.  This is where you can walk to a multitude of various trains in various directions. Its basically a mini city underground filled with numerous walkways and substations where you can either go up or down. Oh, did I mention the stairs only go down and the escalators only go up?  Yep..makes sense huh?   

Level 3- this is where the trains actually are.  You navigate everything on level 2 and catch the train on level 3.  Each "destination" has a map and "points of interest" highlighted. 

All you need to survive in HK is an Octopus card.  This card is like a magic key that will get you literally ANYWHERE.  They accept it on the ferry boats, all trains, busses, trams, even some tourist attractions! 

WHAT THE HECK IS THERE TO SEE IN HK?

Well for a first time visitor you have to see the main tourist hotspots...


*  Probably the most popular attraction is called Victoria Peak.  It is literally an area 1800 ft above sea level on Hong Kong Island that overlooks Victoria Harbor.  The fun part about this attraction is getting there via the Peak Tram! 

Overlooking Hong Kong from Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak

Tram to the peak (you cant tell how steep the ride is by looking at this pic)

*  Alright, I know a mall is not really a tourist attraction, but in Hong Kong it sort of is. You have to see the massive structures for yourself to believe them! Just like in Shanghai, they are everywhere and from the outside you cannot tell how massive they really are.  It is ridiculous.

mall entrance

another mall

Here is the outside of yet another huge mall

The Holiday displays outside the mall

*  Possibly one of the most interesting things we saw in HK was the Central Mid-Levels Escalator.  It is the worlds longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world.  It actually spans over 2600 feet and was originally built for commuting purposes.  The fun part about the escalators is checking out all the neighborhoods on the way up and then bar hopping and sightseeing on the way down. Now, the escalators travel down each morning until 9-10 am then they go up for the rest of the day (to bring the workers down in the am) so the return trip requires lots of walking!

Heading up the first of many escalators

the walkway to another set of escalators

walking down by foot

* The best area for some action is called Lan Kwai Fong.  It is an awesome region of HK filled with Bars and restaurants popular among expats. This is where we seemed to enjoy most of our nights in Hong Kong.  My picture doesn't do it justice as this area becomes alive at night!

Lan Kwai Fong- during the day

can you read the fine print?

inside a cafe in Lan Kwai Fong

Walking through Soho

*No trip to HK would be complete without seeing The Big Buddha!  This is a huge bronze Buddha statue situated on a lotus structure and surrounded by "six Devas".  Part of the fun of seeing this site is getting there!  You have to take a cable car (30-40 min ride) over to the Buddha on Lantau Island and then climb the 268 steps to reach the statue! 

cable ride to the Big Buddha

Cable Car Selfie

we upgraded to the clear crystal cabin

The Big Buddha!

268 steps

There is a mini village here called Ngong Ping

* Ferry boats are a great way to kill two birds with one stone.  Our hotel was on Kowloon Island but we seemed to always want to be on Hong Kong Island.  The boat was a great way to get across the harbor with an awesome view of the city! 

Ferry Boat entrance

inside the ferry

View of Hong Kong Island from Kowloon

*Here are just a few more pics I took while exploring the city!

Times Square

street view of some of the trams/ busses

residential area

waterfront area with view of Hong Kong Island in the background in the morning

riverwalk on the harbor called "avenue of the stars"

View from our hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui

EVERYONE ASKS ABOUT THE FOOD
Seriously... Everyone asks me about the food situation. 
Here is what I noticed:
* There is really no difference between Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.  Fried Rice for breakfast or noodles all hours of the day is completely common. 

typical noodle breakfast

Congee- rice porridge for breakfast

shrimp dim sum

spicy skewers

*There was a decent amount of western food offered all over the city, particularly in specific areas where the expats tend to congregate, so if you get sick of the rice... you can always find a decent pizza or pasta place

bacon and egg pizza

bacon chips? 

SO LET'S RECAP


Alright so you can see there is plenty to do and see in Hong Kong.  But why do I think it should be on your bucket list?  

Perhaps it is the fact that Americans do not need a visa to get there.

Perhaps it is one of the safest foreign cities I have ever been.


Perhaps it is because you will spend lots of time laughing at the signs

I don't really know


Perhaps it is just something you will just have to experience for yourself!

 

OMG.  I have not even mentioned Macau!  Dont worry, my next post is all about Macau- so stay tuned!!


Tu-Da-Lu for now