Macau
through lens the
BY Ewen Bell
M
acau grows bigger every year, growing upwards and outwards. Land reclaimed from the sea is dressed in neon as new casinos arrive in town. Galaxy Resort leads the way, an integrated destination with five-star hotels such as Banyan Tree paired with fine dining, gambling floors and a secluded wave pool at the centre of the complex. Downtown streets are richly Chinese, with morning markets and dumpling stalls tucked into side lanes. Walled gardens are graced by Tai Chi classes in the cool of the mornings, with tall trees and short turtles looking on. Red Market is a hive of activity every all day long as Philipino maids collect the house hold groceries, stopping for the roast duck or fresh durian dangling in the crowded lanes. The oldest parts of Macau are built into the steep hills, usually with a chapel or a fort presiding over roof tops. Enclaves of residential villages can be found on the small islands of Taipa and Coloane, each preserving remnants of colonial architecture and a faithful dedication to Portuguese cuisine. Lord Stow’s Bakery on Coloane is the most popular icon of how the Macanese embraced Portuguese. They took the simple egg tart and made it their own, with a little less sugar so you can enjoy one extra. Front of store at Lord Stow’s bakes piping hot tarts for takeaway, but pop around the back for a quiet cafe to sit and enjoy the smallest treasure in Macau.
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vacationsandtravelmag.com
vacationsandtravelmag.com
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faces of macau This page clockwise from top left: Taipa Village is mostly residential with daily life spilling onto the narrow streets; “Double happiness cookies” are baked and sold at the Red Market; Sudden rain storms in the wet season causes a short delay in shopping. Opposite page clockwise from top: Casino lights of Macau paint the night sky with neon colours; Cookies in Macau get a contemporary makeover designed to appeal to Chinese travellers; Even the lobby of the Galaxy Resort draws attention from guests as the light show and animated waterfall performs every half hour. Opening spread: Macau Portuguese eggs tarts are served hot off the baking tray in the village of Coloane.
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vacationsandtravelmag.com
vacationsandtravelmag.com
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sensual feast This page from above: As the sun goes down on Macau the big neon signs take over the city; Popular with local residents is the Dim Sum breakfast at Red Market; Family ancestors are sent offerings in their afterlife by burning paper notes and food. Opposite page clockwise from top left: Fine wines are a feature of the Portuguese menu at Antonio’s; Colonial architecture provides a constant reminder of their Portuguese heritage; Durian is a popular snack food, sold fresh or as a flavoured ice cream; Fresh durian can be found in every street market around town; Egg Shell Puddings are the only sweet treats in Taipa Village smaller than the egg tarts; China Rouge nightclub provides entertainment for members only.
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vacationsandtravelmag.com
vacationsandtravelmag.com
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