It was a long way up but the Ruins of St. Paul ("Ruinas de Sao
Paolo") were worth the long walk.
The cobblestones and the old architecture will make you feel like
you're in Europe but the constant chatter from folks who speak
Cantonese, and Mandarin from Mainland Chinese visiting will
completely bring you back to reality like a slingshot.
There is a long and winding road that is laden with cobblestones and
outlets of all kinds peddling their food, beauty products and
clothing. These stores are coupled with old mom and pop
establishments with well-lined people showing their crafts like
Portugal still administered Macau as its colony.
It's an old world charm that is slowly disappearing away as the
people start to change.
I am not too sure what to say about the 7-Eleven sitting half-way
between my starting point and the ruins. Some may argue that the
culture through this path is simply not there, but it can also been
seen as a useful piece of space as resident Macanese are able to
continue their daily lives.
Once I reached the summit, it spoke genuine of its title as the
unofficial centre of tourism in Macau. A church once stood here many
centuries ago during Portugese rule but due to a fire in its later
years, all that remains is a defiant wall.
The historical city of Macau is a one-hour ferry ride from several
points in Hong Kong and nearby Mainland China. Most
nationalities can get in visa-free and due to its reputation as a
popular gambling destination, one may find quite a few tourists.
Some may find a Macau getaway a one day trip, an overnight stay or even a
stopover on the way to a third destination due to its relatively
new international airport. Macau has the unique status of being the
first and last jurisdiction to be colonised by Europeans, predating
Hong Kong by a couple centuries.
Briefcase Briefs features interesting places experienced first
hand that are suggested for a quick visit.
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