MACAU :: Not gambling in the world's gambling capital

Kilgore Trout · #1 Posted: **Jul 25, 2012, 4:32 AM**

If you've heard of Macau, you probably know that it's now the world's gambling capital, with casino revenues five times bigger than Vegas. You might have even read Evan Osnos' excellent story on Macau in the New Yorker earlier this year. But here's the thing: Macau is not Las Vegas. There's more to it than casinos. There's an entire 500-year-old city here. Confusing streets with long Portuguese names (and even longer Chinese names, which nobody uses, because every street has a nickname). Churches, tenements, just enough colonial architecture to make you think you're somewhere near the Mediterranean.

Parting shot: Macau as seen from Hong Kong.

pEte fiSt iN Ur fAce · #2 Posted: **Jul 25, 2012, 4:54 AM**

Pretty high on my places to visit list.

I've gotta admit, I had no idea Macau was visible from HK. Very cool.

FrancoRey · #3 Posted: **Jul 26, 2012, 7:41 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by pEte fiSt iN Ur fAce

Pretty high on my places to visit list.

I've gotta admit, I had no idea Macau was visible from HK. Very cool.

It normally isn't although it is only about 20-25 miles away. Usually it is obscured by the thick smog and humidity in the bay. This is a very rare shot and a lucky one at that! I don't think I have ever seen such a clear shot!

Thanks for the nostalgia from my trek a year and a half ago. Next time check out the older neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the city. The cobblestone streets and buildings make you feel like you are more in Latin America than Asia. Such a cool place and has so much more to offer than the gambling, IMO.

ColDayMan · #4 Posted: **Jul 25, 2012, 4:59 AM**

And this place only has 560,000 people. Good God that's amazing. Great stuff as always. Diggin' that last shot.

hkskyline · #5 Posted: **Jul 26, 2012, 4:51 PM**

Nice set. I spotted Macau's skyline from Hong Kong's Tai Mo Shan before on a clear day.

From the Sofitel?

Kilgore Trout · #6 Posted: **Jul 26, 2012, 5:05 PM**

Yeah, it depends entirely on visibility and location. I took that photo from Tai O, which is the closest part of Hong Kong to Macau, only 30km away. Your view would normally be blocked by mountains even if it's a clear day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkskyline

From the Sofitel?

Yes, taken a few years ago. I'm amazed the Grand Hotel was left to rot like that. I was actually in Macau today but the weather was so miserable I didn't get a chance to wander over and check to see if anything has happened with it.

the pope · #7 Posted: **Jul 26, 2012, 5:16 PM**

pretty bad-ass thread, thanks for sharing.

arkitekte · #8 Posted: **Jul 26, 2012, 6:50 PM**

Solid set man.

ChiTownCity · #9 Posted: **Jul 27, 2012, 2:19 AM**

And THIS is why I come to this website! Thanks, Kilgore!

LosAngelesSportsFan · #10 Posted: **Jul 27, 2012, 5:19 AM**

very nice set. looks like an interesting place with character and grime.

MplsTodd · #11 Posted: **Jul 27, 2012, 4:50 PM**

Great photos! I especially liked the scooter drivers. If you make a few changes, the streetscenes reminded me a bit of parts of working-class Paris.
One question: Is Macao as claustrophobic as it looks? Or are there lots of waterfront vistas nearby?

Kilgore Trout · #12 Posted: **Jul 27, 2012, 5:44 PM**

I wouldn't consider it claustrophobic. As you said, the density is similar to Paris, with a lot of narrow streets lined by 5-10 storey buildings. There's not a lot of greenery on the sidestreets, but major streets are lined by trees and the whole city is punctuated by verdant hills. It's also a pretty laid-back place so it never feels particularly rushed.