Macau

So last weekend I went to Macau with two of my fellow teachers.

Macau is made up of two small islands, and is really only one city. Macau is own by China, but maintains a great deal of independence from it, similar to Hong Kong. It started out as a Portuguese colony when they controlled the trading in the South China Sea. Much of the city has still maintained the original Portuguese infrastructure giving it the look of a modern European city. Now Macau is mostly known for gambling and is referred to as the Vegas of Asia. This is why I have told many of you to think of the city as Lisbon and Vegas's adopted Chinese baby.

Skyline of Macau

Guia Lighthouse, built in early 17th century by the Portuguese. Originally constructed to help
defend the colony from invading countries, it now offers amazing views of the city.

Part of the old city, sometime you forgot you were in China

Unesco world heritage site, the Ruins of St. Paul's. Once the largest 

cathedral in Asia, now all that remains is the south facing facade. 

The city center.

Where Asia meets Europe

Egg tarts! They are an egg custard pastry, they're amazing.

 I May have ate a dozen. 

Another thing Macau is known for, Almond cookies. 

Countless shops line the streets as venders hand out free samples.

This is all beef jerky, in multiple flavors. Another Macau favourite.

The streets in the old part are all lined with mosaics 

Everywhere we went there were song birds in cages. 

Macau is made up of two islands. This is on the smaller island, Taipa 

where massive development is happening. 

In the old area of Coloane. We kept running into photo shoots. 

Offering for the god(s?). Because it was Sunday in 

addition to the normal incense there were also other offerings, for some 

reason they all seemed to be oranges, we were informed that it was just a coincidence. 

A prayer house