Macau '11

I call it Macau - Asia's Las Vegas!

I've heard so many people talk about Macau - the new las vegas, gambling capital of the world, las vegas with a twist, and i thought, I have to see this place for myself. They do have a point though, Macau is dependent on gambling and tourism but the place has its own rich culture and heritage under the Portuguese colony for so many decades. I was able to catch a glimpse of that richness, adding it up to my list of must-see places.

Mom & I checked-in The Venetian Hotel in Macau. It was just a modern-day haven with so many facilities inside the hotel. With hundreds of specialty stores like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, Prada, Gucci - Giordano, Bossini, Espirit and lots more. Plus, you get the feel of being in Venice with its architectural design indoor and outdoor. Once you're in, there is no need for you to get out! Its really an all-in package!

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

The best thing about being in The Venetian Hotel is that this is the only place in Asia where Cirque Du Soleil has regular shows almost everyday for the whole year. I was just so blessed, to have one of the best seats in the house!

The Cirque Du Soleil show that we watched was entitled 'Zaia'. If I'm not mistaken, for every show they have a theme or a story line to follow. Cirque Du Soleil is definitely the best thing that ever happened to Circus combined with stage play.

This is the grand entrance to the theatre.

This is the only decent photo that i was able to take during the show. I was just in AWE. Words, photos or even videos are not enough to express my experience. I can imagine how the actors and acrobats practice. They fly around the theatre as if it was as easy as eating pie! Whew!

A GLIMPSE OF MACAU

This is a city view of Macau. I actually took this photo while inside the van. Looks much like Hongkong, but it leaves you feeling like you're in between history and present-modern day times.

The longest bridge in Macau. This bridge is actually very breathtaking to look at. You'll see curves and waves of steel and concrete making its way to another island crossing the raging seas.

The famous Macau tower known for its ultimate bungee-jumping experience. Too bad I wasn't able to, even if I wanted to. Mom was too scared of the thought. o.O

The landmark of Macau- the ruins of St. Paul Church

So many tourist were all over the place taking picture of the facade of this historical landmark.

THE VENETIAN

Meet Felecita - our pretty gondolier

This was my 2nd time riding on a gondola. My first was in Las Vegas, still at The Venetian. But i don't remember much of that experience except for the golden voice of our French gondolier. This 2nd time around experience was an unforgettable one. I enjoyed every minute of the ride, every song that Felecita sang, and our lovely conversations.

I sure do pray that someday, i'll be able to see her again! By the way, she's half French, half Chinese.

This was our room view from the 20th floor of the hotel. Reminds me with Las Vegas alright with all the casinos, but the feeling is never the same. Macau is Macau, Las Vegas is Las Vegas. Each known for their own distinctive sites and sounds.

Something I discovered at the food court. BOOST - health drinks. The best health shakes ever! They sure do know how to combine different fruits, complementing each other making an awesome drink with lots of health benefits!

I kept on drinking it day and night while inside the hotel. Hihihi

© Mia Huang (All photos are by her unless otherwise stated)