The Silly Suitcase: 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.