T Minus 2: Welcome to Macau

I had a good dose of liver poisoning last night and vowed not do to that again (until the next fine reason anyway). Even though my senses were dulled, except for the hunger, I quickly realized the world seemed quite different than the day before. Yesterday was brilliant and sunny and alive with people, but now it was gloomy, raining cats and dogs, and looking almost lonely. At one point there was a bright flash of light, followed just a second later by a loud crackling BOOM that faded away to echoes against the skyscrapers. The sound was disturbing enough to set off car alarms, which beeped faintly in the distance for a while.

Andrew, Chris, and Jes on the "Turbojet" to Macau

A quick change of plans set us on a mad dash to the speed ferry for Macau, which is sort of like a sister city to Hong Kong. Whereas Hong Kong was a British colony, Macau was a Portuguese outpost. Both are part of China and treated with special privileges by her in protection of their heritages. They each have their own currencies too, which conveniently trade at the same value. We paid in our Hong Kong Dollars on a 1 to 1 basis. I quickly learned Macau is China’s version of Las Vegas but bigger. This is why Jes wanted to come here.

Sheraton of Macau

We checked in at the world’s largest Sheraton; a 4,000 room, multi-towered Goliath according to Jes. It’s not my style to go this posh, but the place is certainly fascinating and comfortable. There were Disneyland-like features built into a 3 level, high-end shopping mall that included many quality restaurants and bars. As all neighboring hotels have, there was a built-in casino. We chose to tour the Venetian Casino across the street instead and were mesmerized by the colorful Sistine Chapel themes. I’m a sucker for painted ceilings. There were exterior holograms and moats and a gondola that takes people shopping through their own version of a mall, complete with pretend blue sky. The effect leaves one feeling slightly uncomfortable as they gaze upwards in an attempt to figure it all out.

Manish, Jes, and Andrew under a False Sky at The Venetian

There wasn’t enough excitement at the Venetian though (or perhaps too much for me). As the guys climbed into a taxi to find trouble on the other side of Macau, I excused myself to walk alone back to the room and an early bed. Jes was not pleased and gave me a serious “thumbs down”, complete with scowl, as they sped away into the neon light-filled evening.

A Speed Ferry (note how she hydroplanes)

Classy Bar of The Sheraton

Ceiling of The Venetian

Wedding in India

T Minus 2: Welcome to Macau

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