Butterfly's Principle: Day in Macau

MACAU - oldest European Colony in China

Etymology

The name "Macau" (Portuguese pronunciation IPA: [mɐ.'kaw]) is thought to be derived from the Templo de A-Má (Temple of A-Ma or Ma Kok Temple) (媽閣廟, Cantonese Jyutping: Maa1 Gok3 Miu6, local pronunciation: Maa5 Gok3 Miu6 or Maa5 Gok3 Miu5), a still-existing landmark built in 1448 dedicated to the goddess Matsu - the goddess of seafarers and fishermen. In keeping with saga, a fisherboat sailing across the sea one day found itself in an unexpected rainstorm. Everyone on board had given up hope of surviving this natural disaster. An attractive young lady, who had boarded the boat at the eleventh hour, stood up and ordered the tempest to calm down. The gale ceased and the sea became calm. The fisherboat, without further event, arrived safely at the port of Hoi Keang. The young lady walked ashore to the top of the Barra Hill where, in a glowing aura of light and fragrance; she ascended to heaven immediately. On the specific locale where she set foot on, a temple was built. Several hundred years later, when Portuguese sailors landed and asked the name of the place, the natives replied A-Ma-Gao (i.e. Bay of A-Ma). The peninsula was therefore renamed and Amagao was abbreviated to Macau in modern usage.

Languages - Chinese, Potuguesse

Climate - humid subtropical

Government and Politics - enjoys high degree of autonomy; exercises legislative, executive and judicial powers

Economy - based largely on tourism -- much of it geared toward gambling

GDP (PPP) 2006 estimate
Total US$ 14.3 billion (139th)
Per capita US$ 28,436 (2006)

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A Trip to Macau -- H mmm... thanks to Auntie Ilona and Uncle Bernd for that...and of course to their Son -- my friend Chris. It was his idea (from his generous heart) to bring me there. I guess if it was not for them I couldnt go to the said country yet. It's one of proof of God's faithfulness and he is using them to bless me ;-)

Well, our trip started on the afternoon of Sunday so I went first to the church for worship service. On my way to the train station where I and Chris will be meeting, my make-up kit fell on the bus.. spreading all my stuff and causing my vitamin E stick to fall out from the bus. Oh gosh, what a day! I felt like crying... it was an expensive gift and hadn't used it yet. Similarly, I was running late and I knew my friend will hate it when I didn't arrive on our agreed time. I arrived in our meeting place 15minutes late. My friend wasn't there. I had no way to contact him coz I forgot to get his number. Worst there were two Exit As in the station and we had not talk whether I will be meeting him inside or outside the station. So I was running back and forth ... I then asked favor to some filipinas that in case my friend arrived and I was not around to tell my friend that I was just looking for him . My mind was in panic.. I was afraid he left me. Good thing he didnt, he was the one who was late :-) Ahmmm... he arrived with a grim face --looking very stress. He overslept and since he will be late -- he took a taxi instead and it cost him a fortune. I guessed this travel will not be a good idea for him anymore. If he was stress expect a not so good companion... so I expected a scowling friend for this whole trip.... scratchhhhhh!!!!! =)

Well, our first stop was Grand Lisboa casino. Wow, a proud golden building - shaped like a lotus flower -- world for the gamblers (what inside scared me). The Basement was crowded with people playing in the luck of machine. After an hour my friend became one of those crowd. Shhhh.. I did play too. However, chris got hands for risk -- he won several bucks. When it was my turn to try my hand on the luck -- i blowed it. Lost the game -- making my friends eyes big with irritation. It was his money...hehehe

After playing we decided to go around and walk in the downtown of Macau. While I was enjoying the tour in the city... my friend was on a sour mood. I just ignored his mood, it was my first time to step on the soil of Macau so told myself that I will make most of my time in the said country ;-) Well, it was my friend's second time -- and he was the one who brought me here so -- enjoy the day and his generosity. The downtown was crowded with people. It was too hot and humid so when I saw this tempting fruit shake, I convinced Chris that we grabbed that one. He took the fresh orange shake and I got the healthy healing shake (kiwi shake topped with strawberry, dragonfruit, watermelon, apple, pineapple and melon). Wow, it was the best shake I ever had...yummy ... truly healing shake to one's thirst from the heat of the sun.

Along the way, there were so many treats from Macau. So many stuff that one can buy at a cheaper price. Hmmmm... I enjoyed their tasty bacon. Love it. (Shhh... I didnt buy one I was on a tight budget(wink...wink)). Beside, me and the Cantonese saleslady didn't understand when I asked for expiration date of the goods =( We kept on walking until we reached the ruins of St. Paul Church. It is one of the famous landmark there and Christoph wants to make sure that I will see the place. The church was built during 1582 to 1602 by the Jesuits and it used to be the largest church in Asia during that time. The church was destroyed by fire during typhoon in 1835. Th ruins now consist of the southern stone facade and it sits on a small hill with 66 steps leading to it. Up from above... you can enjoy the view of the downtown and the Igreja de Santo Agostinho. I enjoyed looking on the busy downtown and at the same time feeling the breeze of the hot wind. Somehow, it was relaxing.

Afterwards, we took the taxi and went down in the promenade near the the babylon casino. We walked around and decided to get inside the Vulcania to play computer games. Chris went for car racing and I played the street fighting games. Btw, I won....hehehe... my friend, Christoph wondered when I did start to have the interest in streetfighting games ;-)

We had bread with porkchop for dinner at the pier and we killed our time like the old times -- having chitchat and bullying each other... with strong punch on the shoulder. Ouch!!! I retaliated if his punch was too much too handle. The turbo jet left macau at 10pm and we arrived in the apartment at 1:00am...

Too tired.... the warmth of the bed was too comforting. I fell in a deep slumber afterwards still thanking my friend and his family for that opportunity ;-)