Trip to Macau and Hongkong with Pat and Roger (1)

Arrival in Macau (27-3-2006) and morning of our first day (28-3)


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Boarding the Air Asia flight


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Checking in at the Holiday Inn in Macau


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No, not the welcome flowers for us.

After checking in at our hotel, we went out again for a first impression of Macau and also to have some food.


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Macau is famous for its many casinos


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Finding a restaurant was not so easy as we expected


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But finally we had nice Chinese food.

The next morning, after a luxury breakfast, we started our exploration of the town by walking along the Avenida do Infante D'Henrique to the Leal Senado


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The surroundings of the hotel


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An architectural mix of old and new.


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The Leal Senado now houses the municipal government offices

The 'Loyal Senate' once was the poltical power center of Macau and obtained its name when it refused to accept the Spanish sovereignty in the 17th century. It has been immaculately restored.


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Stairs leading up to the courtyard


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In the central courtyard


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View from the courtyard back to the street

Facing the Leal Seanado is the magnificent Largo do Senado, the focal point of the city. It is bordered by beautiful colonial architecture.


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The Largo is a pedestrian area, which gives it a relaxed atmosphere.


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A perfect place to relax


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A real town nomad

The Sao Domingos, at the end of the Largo do Senado, is a fine example of baroque architecture, built in the 17th century


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The interior

The town center has a very nice atmosphere, you can spend many hours here, just strolling around


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Repairing the pavement in a traditional way


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The 'signature' monumemt of Macau are the ruins of the Sao Paulo, possibly the greatest momument to Christianity in the east. Built in the 17th century, it was destroyed by fire during a typhoon in 1835.


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Pat with a cup of herbal tea


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The Sao Paulo


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The Virgin Mary

The Fortaleza do Monte is on a hill overlooking the Ruinas de Sao Paulo. The fortress was built by the Jesuits in the 17th century.


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View of the ruins from the top of the hill


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The canons have been used only once, in a battle against the Dutch in 1622


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Pat and Roger enjoying the view

Then it was time for lunch. Click here to continue.

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