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.) 

Happy Thanksgiving!

The turkey is in the oven, the sides are almost done, and we made our last grocery run this morning for more wine (can't run out of that). 

I hope you all enjoyed a fantastic meal with family and friends. I'll post photos of our Thanksgiving next week, because tomorrow, we're off to Macau! In the meantime, know that while you were watching football, we were watching this (jealous?): 

More on Macau

I mentioned last week that we booked a quick trip to Macau for a long weekend in November. Asia's Vegas, here we come! But I stand corrected; come to find out that Vegas is actually America's Macau now that the Asian city has surpassed the former's gambling revenue.  

We've been researching things to do and places to see. For starters, we're staying at the Lisboa Hotel, chosen based on price (on the cheaper side) and location (in the thick of things). TripAdvisor ratings were also quite high, but the descriptions were the clincher: 

• "The interior is just way too corny and it looks like [you're] in a Portuguese grandma's house."
• "The bathroom looks like a spaceship. Water jets and rainbow colors everywhere. The design is borderline quirky and tacky." 
• "The lobby is (like the rest of the hotel) is one of the kitschiest lobbies I have ever seen."

Perfect! 

Of course, we'll get our gambling on, Mike at the poker table while I enjoy some blackjack. Come on 21! Momma needs new shoes!  (I'm practicing.)  

Like Vegas, Macau is home to some great restaurants. Our one splurge will be a meal here. Cantonese and Portuguese food will also be in order. (Macau is a former Portuguese colony, in case you didn't know; I didn't.) 

There are shows too, like the House of Dancing Water, and culture to take in, like the A-Ma Temple and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  

It should be an interesting getaway. Keep in mind that Mike has never been to Vegas (shocking, I know), and we had originally been seeking somewhere that would take us away from city lights. Ah, well. A different kind of trip, something new to see and experience. We're excited.  

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Zhoumo kuaile!

What's everyone up to this weekend? No set plans for us other than a few errands to run, one of which may be a trip to the fabric market for custom winter coats now that the temperature is dropping. It's actually been quite lovely here, though I'm waiting for the cold to sweep in suddenly and forcefully.  

Mike and I have been discussing upcoming travel plans with the news that he's been given a few days off in November. We thought of escaping this polluted concrete jungle and its soundtrack of car horns; we thought of getting back to nature, hiking and swimming in Southeast Asia, going on some sort of eco-adventure. And then we looked into flights. And we weren't prepared to drop $600-700. So instead, we're going in a completely different direction and heading to... wait for it... Macau, the VEGAS of Asia! Stay tuned for more on our upcoming getaway. 

Before signing off for the weekend, I'd like to wish two of my very good friends, born on the same day in October, a very happy birthday. Sending love from China.   

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