HYDERABAD: I was told that Hong Kong’s skyline is one of the most beautiful and I shouldn’t miss it while landing. But I missed it. I slept through he whole fl ight and beyond. The midnight fl ight I took from Hyderabad was the culprit. But it landed me at Hong Kong at a comfortable hour and there I was, in the Turbo Jet (Ferry to Macau). After a smooth sail of 50 minutes, I arrived at my destination, the beautiful Macau.
A ten minute ride into the centre of the city, I was in for a pleasant surprise. Amidst the charming historic quarter, blending with the classical architecture of its surroundings, the elegant façade of ‘Sofi tel- Macau at Ponte 16’ greeted me. As I checked in, I was bowled over by the grandeur of the luxury French hotel. Located within a walking distance to the UNESCO world heritage sites, the hotel is a glamorous mix of classic and modern styles.
The view from my room on the 13th fl oor was a big bonus! The picturesque waterfront with anchored boats on one side and the blue and inviting pool on the other- couldn’t have asked for more! Macau is a city where ‘Two Worlds’ merge; European and Chinese, heritage and modernity. Macau has been an important gateway though which western civilization entered China.
For hundreds of years, this piece of land has nurtured a symbiosis of cultural exchange, shaping the unique identity of Macau. The artful blending of cultures is revealed in the visual ambience of Portuguese architecture, with a subtle mix of traditional Chinese design and european style. In contrast is the glamorous nightlife of the rapidly emerging gaming and entertainment hub. Macau’s main square is paved with wave patterned stone mosaic, created by experts from Portugal, which extends from Senado Square to St. Paul’s.
The Square that has been a civic hub for centuries is now pedestrianised and contains an elegant fountain, trees, benches, cafés and space for public events. At one end of the Square is the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and opposite is the Holy House of Mercy, dating from the 16th century and the oldest western charity institution in China. The bustling Senado Square with its old world charm, transported me to another time frame. The setting was old but the people were modern. The pawn shops too are attention-grabbing. “Pawning” is an integral part of Macau’s cultural history. Pawning in Chinese culture is considered shameful and has to be done discreetly.
The counter s on an elevated platform so the customer would need to look up to the shopkeeper while discussing the item to be pawned – done again on purpose because it creates a sense of inferiority and allows the shopkeeper can bargain the items for a lower price. Isn’t that interesting!? In over four centuries Macau hasnot only inspired architecture of different traditions, it has preserved and maintained an extraordinary number of its buildings.
As a result, ithin a short distance, you can fi nd Taoist temples from the Ming dynasty and Baroque churches from the 18th century; hilltop fortresses from the 17th century and assic China Coast shop houses ; the oldest uropean theatre in Asia and the fi rst Western light house; colonial palaces and Chinese courtyards. I had the most memorable dining experience in Macau. When the Portuguese arrived in Asia, they brought food stuffs and cooking ideas from their settlements in Africa, South America and India, as well as from their home country.
These were combined and adapted by the local Chinese to create a truly International cuisine. You will fi nd this interesting fare in restaurants, o suit very taste and budget. Traditional hinese delicacies like dried eats, mushrooms, shrimp, scallops, tc., are found in many shops. he aroma spreads cross and these shops can’t be missed. Macau is a place that can make life slow down and make you look nwards. Fully satiated, I left the fascinating place, only to come back home, with rich memories. This time, I was wide awake and enjoyed the splendid skyline of Hong Kong! The author is a documentary fi lmmaker and travel writer; blogs at www. vijayaprataptravelandbeyond.com