Post-Thanks in Macau

Our 36 hours in Macau were fun! After traveling on full bellies (we scarfed down a plate of leftovers before heading to the airport on Saturday), we arrived at Hotel Lisboa, which was just as cheesy as reviews said it would be -- upon entering, you look up at gold and crystal chandeliers; you look down to the floor covered in gold and navy blue mosaics; and you walk up a dual staircase wrapped in Christmas decorations from the 70s that leads guests to the check-in counter. It was fantastic. A clean and comfortable room was just a bonus. 

That night, we made our way to Alfonso III, a restaurant  frequented by locals featuring local fare, a fusion of Asian and Portuguese flavors. The shrimp curry was yummy. We then made our way to the blackjack table where lady luck was on our side and we doubled our money (and by "we," I mean me, kind of; I was sitting at the table while Mike told me when to hit, when not to hit, when to double-down, and when to split. Sometimes I listened, sometimes I didn't.) 

The next day, we went on a whirlwind sightseeing tour (photos here), all before lunch. We ate at Robuchon au Dome (our splurge), but I must admit, we were a bit disappointed (call us food snobs, call us what you will). After delicious appetizers (one of which was foie with a soft boiled egg, pictured below), the entrees didn't stand up to the first act. We spent the rest of the day in a few different casinos where we saw Bond (out in Macau, but not in China; and not because of censorship, but because the government doesn't want it to compete with Chinese movies currently out in theaters); we shopped (no import tax!); and we played poker (and by "we," I mean Mike; I sat next to him quietly observing, giving him no advice whatsoever.)     

Ways in which Macau is similar to Vegas: 

• Big, flashy casinos line the streets and light the night sky.  
• There's a Venetian here too, fully equipped with canals and gondolas. 
• You don't really need (or want) more than 48 hours there. 

Ways in which Macau is different:

• Gambling is way serious. There's no cheering when you win, and dealers barely crack a smile.
• It's smaller in scale -- not as many casinos, not as many shows, not as many famed restaurants.
• A former Portuguese colony, the city has an interesting history and a true mix of cultures. (They say that Shanghai is the Paris of Asia; I don't really see it. But I do agree that Macau is a sort of Asian Lisbon.)