Globe-trotting Macau: Magna Friends As Vagabonds

We were on the second day of our 3-day HK vacay with Magna Friends and we decided to spent it in Macau. A little trivia over here: Macau (also spelled as Macao), a former Portugese colony, is one of the two special administrative regions of China,  the other being Hong Kong (View source here). It is just an hour-ride from Hong Kong via ferry so the hustle of travelling is less. Seems legit, eh? Hitting two birds in a stone. That's good. I haven't been there myself, though I lived and stayed in HK for half a year. Today's a great opportunity for us to again unfold new wonders outside our shell. Hooray.

MTR Ride

At HK-Macau Ferry (RT Fare of about 330 HKD)

Ry was with us during the Macau Trip since he's been there a couple of times. Another two birds in a single stone: a travel guide and a photographer -- in one. Plus a cozy pillow during the ferry ride, a best friend whom I never heard a single complain, and a poging boyfriend na taga-sundo't hatid sa flat. So that actually makes five -- in one. It is more like killing many pigs with an angry bird.

Anyhoo. We arrived the place at around 10:30 AM and headed straight away to our first stop: Guia Fortress

Guia Chapel and Lighthouse at the Guia Fortress

Also known as Fortaleza de Guia, it is a complex of military fortress, a chapel of mixed western and oriental influence, and a lighthouse which is known as the oldest in China's Coast. The place symbolizes Macau's maritime, military and missionary past (View source here).

The Great Pretenders

Alvertte and his praying 'kuno' pose at Guia Lighthouse

Walking uphill at 32degC is not a good idea for us (we need to conserve our energy for more lakad and picture-taking and stuffs) thus taking a cable car ride from the entrance to Flora Gardens created a better impression. Opkors, we didn't deprive ourselves for that 3-HKD ride! Nevur. Sulit na sulit ang fifteen pesos sa'min.

A 7-min ride to the top for 3 HKD. Not bad.

Tree-shaded Exercise Area at Flora Gardens

The fortress allowed us to see panoramic views of the city, across to the islands, and China.

Aaaand the next stop: Senado Square and Ruins of St. Paul's.

From Guia Fortress we rode a bus for 3.2 HKD/MOP headed down to Av. De Almeida Riberio Bus Terminal (San Ma Lo) and walked at Senado Square shortly. Also known as Largo de Senado, you could see traditional Chinese restaurants, shops and local stores. We were able to taste all sorts of jerkiess for free! Jerky vendors event tried to talk with us in our native tongue. Cool. 

Senado Square at Scorching 32 degrees

L-R: Joshua, Alvertte, Jep, Roemer

Walking past the Senado Square is the Ruins of St. Paul's. The said ruins has a baroque facade with oriental characteristics. It is known as the famous landmark in Macau.

The Wacky Pose

Yep, we brought the legendary Oble pose in Macau

Another Oble Shot

With the boyfriend. This is one of our few 'couple' shots. Am not kidding.

And finally our last stop: Venice, Italy!

Okay, I'm kidding. It's more of a renaissance Venice-themed luxury hotel and casino resort. Ladies and gents, allow me to share you the highlight of this trip - The Venetian Macau experience.

Venetian Macau is a Venice-inspired casino and hotel that features replicas of Venice landmarks such as St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, Campanile Tower, and indoor canals with gondolas and singing gondoliers. It is modeled after its sister casino resort, The Venetian Las Vegas, and runs as the largest single structure hotel building in Asia (View source here).

Indoor Canal and the Singing Gondolier

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All pictures were taken by Ryan Carlos