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Macau - February 2006 |
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This former Portugese colony was quite sleepy and under-developed when compared to its British cousin, Hong Kong, but after the turnover to mainland China, it was decided that Macau would become the "Vegas of Asia." It is the only place in China where casinos are legal, and its revenue and visitors already exceed Las Vegas, even with development barely started. It has lost much of its colonial charm, in my opinion. |
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The new Sands Casino is within walking distance of the ferry terminal. It's a typically tasteless Vegas-style monolith designed to pump the chumps. |
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This is Macau's most famous landmark, the Church of Sao Paolo. Fire destroyed everything but the stone facade in 1835. Beneath the church is an underground museum with Catholic artifacts and a crypt, complete with the entombed remains of former clergy. |
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Just east of the Sao Paolo is the Fortaleza do Monte, which was the old Portugese fort that stood watch over the city. The cannons repelled Dutch invaders in 1622. |
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This is the entryway which leads to the top of the fortress. |
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I'm not sure about the history behind this bell. It was the only one I could find on the battlements and I liked how it framed in its own alcove. |
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This is the interior of the Sao Domingos church. It is done in Catholic baroque style and still open for worship. |
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This is the entrance to the A-Ma Temple. Parts of it are up to 600 years old. Altars to different dieties are tucked away into the rocky hillside. |
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This is a Buddha shrine near the top of the A-Ma Temple. |
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