Hong Kong's Little Sister

Although much of what goes on in HK seems to be controlled by next-door China, it's not the only territory in this part of the world which has a kind of semi-autonomy. Just across the mouth of of the Pearl River lies Macau, which perhaps surprisingly was a Portuguese colony until 1999. The two territories are roughly 50 km apart by sea and connected by high-speed catamarans. We decided to take day trip on the Thursday before Easter, to sample its interesting mix of European and Chinese culture. It was a conducted tour, so all the members of our party stayed together for the day. Macau's economy seems to be heavily reliant on gambling and we sampled one of these establishments examining the various ways for patrons to loose their money! Alas photography was forbidden. Here's Dot and Emily waiting in the hotel foyer for us depart on our trip.

And this is our first view of Macau with its high rise apartments and European-style cobbled streets.


We slowly walked our way towards the fortress built by the Portuguese to guard their colony and it was quite impressive.

Here's its wall and the manicured gardens below.








Once we walked up to higher ground near the fortress, we got a great view, side-on, of the facade of the former cathedral, now demolished.

Our first stop atop was a museum portraying the history of the Portuguese colony. And here are some of the exhibits on display.



























































Unlike HK, which has, I think, lost quite a lot of its British origins, one can still see lots of Portuguese influence in Macau. I have visited Portugal several times and could pick up readily the colonial influence.

 

Once atop the fortress, we had some lovely views over the city. Above we can see quite a bit of the old city, backed in the distance by high-rise apartments similar to HK. We loved the architecture of the casino on the right. Why can't we build such structures in Australia? Below, we see Dot and Emily on the fortress




















I don't know who this dude is, but left you can more of the cathedral's front. Descending from the fortress we came across more cobbled streets and a temple with joss sticks in front.

Here's a selfie in front of the cathedral's facade and, from there, we walked through crowded shop-lined alley-ways towards the heart of the Portuguese Macau.














































All the buildings you see above could have come straight out of Lisbon! And the former council chamber above had lots of blue ceramics both inside and outside as the picture below shows.










To the left and above we can see a dragon's body and head, with both presumably used in various festivals.
















And, to the right, we have a statue of Jorge Alvares who landed at Lintin Island  in 1513. The Portuguese arrived here at least 300 years before the British turned up! Having finished our stint on the ground, we rode up Macau's Tower in a fast lift. This is at least as tall as the equivalents in Sydney and Seattle and has a traditional revolving restaurant on top with clear views over the surrounding landscape.


And here, folks, we can see mainland China, which comes right to Macau's doorstep.





















Remember that some parts you're looking at are Macau, and others are China. I'm not sure which!

The tower has an interesting side that doesn't exist in Sydney and Seattle. And it's scary. One can Bungy Jump from the top with a fall of maybe 400 to 500 feet! We saw several people zoom past our viewing position at the end of a long rope. And, if you fancy something tamer, you ca take a sky-walk along a flat concrete ledge outside of the viewing area. Fortunately, you're tied to a rail to prevent you dropping far if you take a misstep! See below right. The people taking this scary walk looked about Max's age - c. 15 year old. Incidentally we had a late lunch in the revolving restaurant, which was vary good.

And this is the view they might have had. It's a long way down!

And, for less adventurous, one could lie on a glass floor with nothing between you and the ground.

After this bit of fun, we headed off to a casino to sample, but not photograph, the atmosphere


Then it was all aboard the ferry taking us home. All up, it was a great day and highly recommended.

AS

Where Is Dr Who?

I have just spent quite a while looking for Dr Who because I suspect her's somewhere in Armidale. You may ask why I think that, but I have an answer. I was driving around Armidale when I came across this scene in a house not much more than 100 m from where I live!

Well, somehow or other a Tardis has arrived here in town!

And I'm that if you were me you'd know who had been in it. Who else but Dr Who?

Alas, I couldn't see him even after searching the neighborhood. Where do you think he might be?

AS

Meeting up with Buddha

We're now up to Wednesday 17th in our HG visit and we have another full day of exciting things ahead. WE took a ferry from central HK jetties to the large island of Lantau. And, after alighting from the boat, we found ourselves in a long queue for, believe of not, a cable-car experience - as in Switzerland. After a long time, we made it to the front of the queue.
















Soon seated, Bec and Max showed some enthusiasm for the trip ahead. It was a grey and misty day, but that didn't blunt enjoyment.















We're just about to travel across a big sea inlet.


Once there, Max could see through the glass floor to the ocean below.






As we traveled up the steep hill ahead, the view became increasingly mistier until everything around was engulfed in cloud.















Soon we were in the little village of Ngong Ping, originally farming, but now given over to thousands of tourists like us.


I have no idea what these objects are ... but maybe possibly Easter Eggs given that we're only 2 days off Good Friday.

What's that lump on the horizon? You'll find out shortly!







As I said, this is a touristy  spot. Lots of shops selling things.

Note the absence of vehicular traffic. This was a pedestrian area.

 And guess what! We're getting sloe to that lump on the hillside. Wow! It's a massive statue of Buddha!










And I do like cats! We've got a solar-powered version of this sitting our window-sill at home!








I said this was a farming village originally and here are some cattle to prove it!


The temple area is getting closer as this wonderful arch betokens.















And the path to the temple was adorned with statues of various Chinese warriors / leaders.



And here, at last, are the steps up to Buddha! Impressive, Eh!
















I also like the view over to the monastery surrounded by the original farming area. These dames were also impressive, as was the view to the far side of the island











 The we saw some joss sticks burning in a rack.
And the grand avenue leading to the temple, which we couldn't enter as a prayer service was under way.

A ceremonial pond contained carp. And this view really marked the end of our visit to Ngong Ping.



We then took a bus ride down a steep and winding road to the sea shore at Tai O, a typical Chinese fishing village not much altered by the passage of time.

Here below is our first view of the village and surrounds.










Just look back though history to this bustling village








Here are some bonsied plants I always thought typical of Japan, but obviously not so.

Modernity had crept into the village's economy with a host of motor boats ferrying visitors through the waterways

 Some more traditional housing.













A market area, typical of the kind we've seen all over Hong Kong.




















And a party of monks walked past us along the street in question. My final picture shows a safe home for stray cats. It's nice think that people looked after them rather than cooking them on a barbecue!!


AS