Hong Kong

Hong Kong at sunrise

Hong Kong meaning “fragrant harbour” was once a British Colony. The island became British soil in 1842 under the Treaty of Nanking. In 1860 the Kowloon Peninsular was added under the Convention of Peking and then the New Territories including 253 adjacent islands under a 99-year lease by the second Convention of Peking in 1898.

The Japanese, who were just passing in 1941, occupied the small sea trading port of Kong Kong till 1945. The biggest single growth of Hong Kong came when China became fully communist in 1949 and over 1 million refugees fled to Hong Kong as a result. The current population exceeds 7 million.

1n 1997, Hong Kong returned to China’s control. China has sensibly allowed Hong Kong to remain as a large tourism centre for world travellers. Hong Kong however is an ageing tourist shopping destination that is looking tired compared to other shopping destinations. There are now many equivalent or better shopping meccas around the world such as Dubai, Turkey and Kuala Lumpar that some might say are a better combination of sightseeing and edgy shopping.

Having been to Hong Kong many times and shopped at Stanley markets and taken the cable car to Victoria Peak I decided to visit Macau, located on the southeast coast of China to see what all the fuss is about.  

The name of Macau is derived from the word Magao (A-Ma Temple), which was the shrine dedicated to Mazu, a sacred sea goddess respected by the local people. The Portuguese ruled here prior to Macau's official return to the People's Republic of China in 1999.

The Macau fast ferry

The land of the city is quite small covering an area of just 27.5 square kilometres. The total population is 469,800 of which 95% are Chinese. You get to Macau by fast ferry from Hong Kong. I was pleased to find that there is a first class section on these ferries for only $HK30 more than economy. This gets you a better view, better seat and free champagne and nibbles if that is your fancy.

As a first time visitor, I decided to hit the tourist highlights.

Largo do Senado, the splendid main square with surrounding simple, elegant Portuguese and baroque style buildings is the busiest downtown area of the city.

St Pauls

A short walk north leads you to the Ruins of St. Paul's Church and the Monte Fort, one of the best-preserved forts in Macau. The Museum of Macau, to the right of the ruins, tells all stories on the city's past.

The ruined façade and staircase to the church of the Mother of God - St. Paul's - is the most famous landmark of Macau. Designed by an Italian Jesuit, and, with the assistance of Japanese Christian artisans who had fled from feudal persecution in Nagasaki, the church was built from 1602 to 1637. In 1835, a fire burned it to the ground, leaving only the façade, the staircase and portions of a wall. It remained unchanged until a restoration was undertaken and completed in the summer of 1991.

Monte Fort

The Monte Forte was built between 1617 and 1626 as part of the church of St. Paul's project and with the added purpose of defending the city from possible attacks. The Monte Fort's great moment of glory eventually came in 1622 when the Dutch attempted to invade Macau and were roundly defeated. It was also the only occasion that the cannon in the Fort was used. From the cannon terrace of the fort you can see China just across the estuary.

Ming Dynasty prayer cards

In the southwest part of the city is A-Ma Temple. It was constructed in the year of 1488 of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen of Macau. 

In the southern part of the Peninsular, the New Reclaimed Area and the Outer Harbor Area is where the casinos and many luxurious hotels can be found. One day this area may be world class but not for a while.

 I was not disappointed with my decision to visit, once, but there is not a lot other than gambling to do and see so I will not be back.