We try to have a family trip to somewhere nice each year =) think it became more regular since few years back.. Started with Hong Kong 3 or 4 years back, then it was Taipei 2 years ago, and more recently last year (yes, it's 2014 now) we headed over to Macau and Hong Kong! Haha..
Heard much about Macau, seen much pictures too.. And unlike many friends who said that there was nothing much to do in Macau, I had a great time there! Weather wasn't perfect (it was raining for all the days when we were in Macau and Hong Kong!!), but we had a great time! Before stepping foot in Macau, I was attracted to the pictures I found online, the Portuguese and European inspired architecture, pebbled/tiled walkway, bold colours on buildings, etc.. Macau, as I imagined, is an interesting place to be at.. A mini Europe maybe? Haha..
A place rich in heritage, and of course juxtapose with the modern and luxurious casinos! I'm intrigued and can't wait to explore Macau.. However, keeping in mind that I'm traveling with my folks, itinerary must be suitable for them.. But since cab fares are cheap over there, we cabbed everywhere! =)
*warning.. Photo-storm ahead*
Here are some pictures taken with my trusty iPhone.. Haha
 |
| 7早8早 at Changi Airport.. Our flight was at 6am.. |
| And we arrived at our destination.. Hello Macau! =) |
|
 |
| Coz it was cold.. 15 degrees, we bought coffee to warm our bodies.. |
| Checked in our hotel, and headed to the first stop on our itinerary.. Haha Ruins of St. Paul! A stone's throw away from our hotel.. Just 5 mins walk! |
|
 |
| Must-take photo! To show that I was there! Haha |
 |
| All in! |
| Weather was cold and nice.. Before it started to drizzle and refused to stop for the next 3 days =p |
|
| The drizzle didn't dampen our spirits and we continued to our next destination.. Macau Fisherman's Wharf! Supposedly a shopping street with shops and restaurants, but it was oddly quiet.. Running man was here some time back.. But that's not the reason why I chose to come here.. Haha I read online that this place is like a mini Europe, with many pretty man-made European inspired houses and buildings.. More of a tourist attraction and a place to take pretty pictures.. Haha |
|
 |
| The colosseum! I'm in Rome!! |
 |
| Taking occasional breaks.. Haha |
| There were many other pictures we took there and it's beautiful! Do check out my Facebook for more pretty pictures! |
|
| A Macau trip is never complete without Casinos! Haha.. And of course, one cannot miss The Venetian!!! I love this place... If there's anything I dislike about it, it's the cigarette smoke... Without that, this place is heaven.. Haha.. |
|
| We went to Sands Macau Casino before The Venetian, but that place is boring =p and oh, all the major casinos offer free shuttle services to other major casinos.. So we took a shuttle bus from Sands to the Venetian.. |
|
| Ok, back to Venetian.. this place is beautiful beyond words.. The owner must be filthy rich to build this place! Even the toilet taps and dustbins are gold plated, or painted.. Either way, I'm in awe.. Haha |
|
| Oh and I gambled too! Haha.. In a lucky game of 大小.. Hee.. Won 100HKD only~ |
|
 |
| No photo taking allowed in casinos, so this is the closest I can get |
Look at the ceiling!
It's always daytime inside the Venetian.. With Mummy dearest~
 |
| So pretty, and the gondoliers sing very well! |
 |
| Why is Venetian so pretty???!!! |
 |
| Family Selfie! =) |
| Day 1 of Macau ended with Venetian and I had such a wonderful dream that night.. I'm not kidding, I dreamt of fireworks, it was like I was in a glittery and magical land~ woah! I'm impressed..... |
|
| Ok Day 2.. We headed to Ruo do Cunha, a narrow pedestrian street that sells souvenirs, littered with Portuguese restaurants and shops selling local snacks like almond cakes, peanut candy, egg rolls etc.. Pretty interesting place.. I didn't take pictures on my phone but I have them in my Facebook =) |
|
| Tickets were approximately $25 per adult, and we bought the package that included high tea buffet and telescope viewing.. And up we went, to a height of 338m! |
|
 |
| Pretty view with my big head! |
 |
| Went to the outdoor area for a short walk.. It was cold!!! *brr* |
| Finally, we were done touring the tower and it's time to fill our empty stomachs.. The high tea ended at 7, so we hurried into the restaurant before 7 and treated it as our dinner! Haha.. |
|
Breath-taking view..
We watched the skies slowly turned dark.. While we enjoyed our food, in an empty restaurant =)
Such bliss!
 |
| Casinos galore! |
| Look at the stretch of colour fully-lit casinos! Very pretty.. |
|
 |
| Last shot before leaving the tower |
| Our night activity was the same for both nights.. Casino hopping!! Next stop.. Grand Lisboa... My second favourite casino.. Haha.. I won in Jackpot too! Haha small amount only~ am not a huge fan of gambling.. |
|
 |
| Gorgeous Chandelier |
 |
| 金碧辉煌 |
 |
| It is definitely very grand looking! - Grand Lisboa |
| And that concluded our 2 days in Macau.... I enjoyed our days there~ |
|
| Day 3 saw us catching a ferry over to Hong Kong (first time taking their ferry, and it was pretty efficient.. Took approx ah hr to reach Hong Kong, minus the waiting time.. |
|
 |
| OOTD at hotel room in HK |
| As we've been to HK previously, and had visited the usual street markets and attractions, we decided to visit the less popular street market - Fa Yuen Street.. I'm surprised that they sell almost everything, at a cheaper price too.. Think most locals shop here too.. |
|
| Next, Sisi brought me to this bugis street like mall at Mongkok called new town mall.. Shioks!! Things are really cheap.. My loot after 1hr of shopping.. Impressive right? Haha.. I could have gotten more, if the season was right =p |
|
We turned in early that night as we were exhausted..
Day 4's plan was simple, we headed to Stanley village for a nice exploration.. I was here with Mr Koh during our last HK trip and found this place simple and nice.. Most importantly, it's not very crowded..
 |
| Took a city bus over.. |
More pictures of Stanley on Facebook =p
We made our way back to Mongkok.. And headed to Langham place, coz daddy read much about the long escalators on the internet..
Guess what, my favourite hello kitty had her exhibition there! Haha.. I had to take a few pictures with her =)
The weather finally took pity on us and gave us good weather for the last few hours of our last night in HK.. We couldn't be more thankful for that.. Haha..
Rest of the night was spent roaming the streets of Mongkok and Yau Ma Tei.. At temple street and ladies market specifically.. Where daddy bought a truckload of polo tshirts and shirts.. Haha.. That was his aim and he was a happy man that night! We savoured street snacks and I had my cold cold bubble tea.. Haha.. Cold drink on a cold 10 deg weather.. Double shiok!
 |
| All smiles~~ |
| Posed for a shot at the lift lobby mirror outside our room, before we washed up and enjoyed our supper - food and beer bought from a nearby 7-11 =) |
|
| Caught an early flight back to Singapore.. And it was such a pity coz the weather that day was perfect and sunny! Wished we could stay for another day or two =p |
|
 |
| Our loot! |
Home sweet home!
Looking forward to the next trip!!! =)
No comments:
Post a Comment