A day in Macau

When in Hong Kong there are lots of surrounding islands to explore, I only really had time for one; Macau. I paid HK$350 (390 SEK/ Euro 39) for a return ticket. Macau was a former Portuguese island (or administered by the Portuguese) and you can clearly see the influence in the architecture. I started off by getting a bus from the ferry terminal to Senado Square.

From there I made the short walk to the ruins of St. Paul, which is little more than the front gate and staircase leading up to it. 

Right next to the ruins was the Monte Fortress, which was not much in itself but boasted amazing views over Macau.  

The skyscrapers in Macau were far from the glamours skyscrapers in Hong Kong and was a nice contrast. 

Continuing my walk around the island I arrived at Luis de Camoes Garden & Grotto which was a beautiful little park to walk around in. 

Afterwards, I ended up at St. Michael Cemetery where the grave sites were a mix of Portuguese and Chinese, all surrounded by skyscrapers. 

Walking around the neighborhoods of Macau I actually started to feel a bit homesick and started to look forward towards the ever soon to be day when I will be back on European soil.  

But then of course there were the one thing that Macau is most famous for: the casinos. So after feeling homesick in the old quarters that reminded me of Europe, I suddenly felt a slight feeling that I was back in Las Vegas when I saw the casino buildings with the same names. 

I think a day in Macau is more than enough but a really nice addition to your Hong Kong stay which will give you an interesting mix of European architecture mixed with the Chinese culture and of course the infamous casino bubble.