Life in Macau, China: The Wanderer

Trip Around Taipa, Cotai, and Macau Islands

Last Sunday, I decided to take a short trip. Starting early, I walked over to the park area near Taipa Village. The setting is quite scenic, with several flower beds, tropical trees and plants adorning some hills, and many people gathered around taking pictures. Soon I wandered over to the Venetian, and after a quick snack at Starbucks, grabbed the free bus over to the Sands casino on Macao Island. After a short but pleasant trip, we arrived at the destination (did I mention the buses have neon lights that light up at night on the inside, as well as show on a central TV screen all the pluses of visiting the Venetian?). I strolled into the Sands, and was surprised that the architectural design setting was similar to that employed by some of the other Chinese-run casinos in the area; basically, the casino is spread throughout the entire building, interspersed with the shops and restaurants. I took the escalators up all the way, admiring the view of the chandelier in the center. Taking the escalators back down, I walked over to the robotic head I'd seen the second day after my arrival in Macao. Inside, I found a science center for kids. Next door, a planetarium lecture was about to take place - free admission to the public - but I stepped out after deciding to get while the gettin' was good.

After a mile-long walk down the shoreline, past the MGM and over several bridges bustling with motorcycles, cars, buses, and trucks, I arrived at the skytower. I had decided previously to finish the evening up with a buffet dinner at the MGM and at that time I was blissfully unaware of Square 8's popularity in the evening. The skytower was an interesting visit, home of Toys"R"Us Macau, but it didn't take me too long to head back. Upon learning that the MGM Square 8 was booked, I made the executive decision to head over to the Wynn and to have an enjoyable meal at the "Cafe Esplanade". The buffet meal and dishes are documented in the "restaurants" section of the website. Weary, full and just plain tired, I headed back to the MGM to catch a bus to City of Dreams in Cotai.

Park near Taipa Village

Gateway into the park area near Taipa Village

Close-up of a pink flower

Close-up of a red flower

One of four dancing bears! He's made of sod, plants, and a big bamboo stick!

After walking over to the Venetian, I decided it was time

to start looking beyond the Venetian (and Taipa) to Macao!

Sands Macau

After taking the free bus from the Venetian, I found myself at the Sands casino in Macao.

The centerpiece for the building is a massive glass chandelier that sparkles and glistens. Built in similar style to the Chinese casinos. The gambling areas make up the entire buildings, interspersed with shops and restaurants. The entertainment at this location is perhaps more risque then the Venetian or City of Dreams, however. I didn't stay for the mini-show in front of the casino area!

View of the casino from the Macao cultural center

Looks like one of 007's adversaries is arriving on schedule!

Cultural and Science Centers

Fountains outside of what appears to be several college buildings.

Two? A perfect mirror! Picture taken next to the glass railing of the pedestrian overpass

View of downtown Macao adjacent to the waterfront

The sentinel. Can't you just see this as a robotic turret or head? It houses a convention center (on the left) and a science center (inside the head).

The overpass extends out over the water and is very popular for tourists or natives alike!

Freight ship passing between Taipa and Macau.

MGM Grand Macau

MGM Macau, five-star resort hotel, shopping complex, and casino.

The MGM Macau's architecture is quite fascinating!

The great MGM lion is at least four stories tall!

Main entrance to the hotel.

Square 8. At the far, left hand side is the famous buffet! Dinnertime seating is typically requires a reservation. Stop by between 11am and 2pm to enjoy the brunch buffet, which is also quite excellent.

Second floor of the shopping area.

MGM lion near one of the northern entrances to the casino.

Macau Sky Tower

The skytower!

The first four stories or so are shopping, small restaurants, and offices. A casino is located in lowest level, as well as the elevators direct to the outdoor activities (skywalk, bungee jumping) and the 360 degree rotating restaurant. Dinner buffet costs MOP 268 per person.