Almost four years on board the expat train in the multi-layered metropolis of Hong Kong, it's time to call it a day. I knew this post was coming… in fact I've known since the day we decided to pull up stumps and relocate from our home in Australia -- that one day it would all come to an end. To be honest with you, the day I stepped foot in humid, heaving Honkers - I already had my eyes on the finish line. I'll give it two years (at best) I thought, then we'll go home. But with time comes acceptance, assimilation and ultimately adoption. I've unexpectedly fallen in love with this intoxicating city, enough to start a serious relationship and call it home - 43 floors up. In fact, I've spent more of my married life in Asia's World City than in Australia and have experienced the biggest life-changing event of all in the city that (appropriately) never sleeps - motherhood! When my toddler asks where she's from it's Hong Kong (Kowloon to be precise) her home is a very tall building called Gwun Lum Tin Ha and she thrives on a diet of dim sum and rice. Truth be told, I've also (surprisingly) become a little bit addicted to expat life. It sneaks up on you. Before you know it, you're hailing cabs like a woman possessed, wielding chopsticks with an element of finesse and crowd jamming with the best of 'em. For the last 18 months though, 'normal' life has been interspersed with a roller coaster ride of emotions - heart racing moments, highs and lows, plenty of what ifs, what next and how the hell?! With a husband in hotels, they like you to progress and conquer, meaning the next role is never too far out of sight. There's an unspoken rule…don't get too comfortable, for soon it will be time to move on. This time it's for 'top dog' -- General Manager -- the very reason we started this expat journey. The ball started rolling as the clock struck midnight 2013! No sooner had we clinked champagne glasses, pondering what the future may hold …the phone literally lit up with calls. (Who needs fireworks!) First cab off the rank (unexpectedly) Sydney! Yes! Sydney!! It wasn't for top dog. But it was Sydney!! Our home. It's like being offered your favourite pair of warm fluffy slippers after you thought you'd lost them or a warm blanket when you've been out in the cold too long. So very tempting to slot back into that old life where good friends, good jobs, a city we love and precious family not too far away, co-exist all in One. Single. Place. Really - what's to think about? Call us crazy (yes the really loopy in the head kind of crazy if you must) but… it wasn't time. It was too soon. We realized then and there, when fate slapped us in the face, we'd changed. The excitement of living amongst a different culture, constantly learning and forever adapting -- being in a place where each day brings new surprises, some good, some bad and some just plain bizarre had caught us in its grip, more tightly than we'd ever anticipated….and so we said no to Sydney -- for now. Then a month later, Wuhan, China came knocking at our door. And just when we thought we were hardened expats, ready to embrace the next big adventure, Wuhan wobbled us off our expat axis…. With two days to decide, we took a frantic flight to the place they call Asia's furnace. I'll spare you the drama, but if you missed it, you can read about the slightly harrowing, yet enlightening experience in my previous post - Do All Roads Lead to China? So, feeling weary and weighed down with the pressure of making the right decision again, we wiped our brow, took a few deep breaths, dusted Wuhan off and carried on enjoying life in the fragrant harbour. Breathing in Hong Kong air never felt so good! Then, about a month later, just chilling on the couch, a late night email came through. This time - the arrow had spun around, landing on - Bangkok! We tried to contain our excitement, hide our smug grins (it is the 'Land of Smiles' after all). This was the prize winning lotto ticket (after Hong Kong). We could do this! No consideration necessary. A quick google search for the hotel… it met all our expectations - perfect for a first time GM. A sparkling city boasting plenty of culture and charisma. As any expat would know, when you get this kind of call, as much as your head tells you sternly not to start planning, you let a little bit of your imagination run away….just a little. You start picturing what daily life in that country might look like. Where you might live. What you might do each day? Imagine yourself walking the streets amongst the Tuk Tuks, temples and famous Thai cuisine. A new culture to explore and conquer. We're in! But we weren't. Disappointed, you tell yourself it's not to be. About now, a little bit of panic sets in. What's next then, will China call again? Brace yourself, you can't say no forever. You also breathe a small sigh of relief, knowing it buys you extra time. Time in your haven where you can almost pretend you're not going anywhere. Life goes on as normal - school run, work, socializing, trips away, shopping….doctor's appointments. But just as you let your guard down, relax and almost convince yourself you're here to stay, the inevitable happens. When my husband comes home from work in the middle of the day, bearing a Mint Mocha, I know it's serious. "How does Melbourne sound?" he says ever so half heartedly. Then more enthusiastically, "This time it's top dog!" My heart skips a beat. We've got 24 hours. 24 hours to make a decision to put ourselves forward as one of three candidates for a role which could potentially change our lives. We talk it through…over and over. We text family… we try to get a feeling one way or the other. It's home but it's not really home. It's still too far from family. It's a great opportunity but is it a great move financially? Great city, but we're not convinced it's for us. We can't decide. There are tears of frustration, heated words. We make a list of pros and cons. We think we should go…but when it comes down to it, we realise, neither of us really wants to. What's happened to us? They joke people (namely expats) get lost in Asia. Is this us? Much to the surprise (shock) of friends and family we decline Melbourne and deep down know this may very well be a decision we long live to regret. But still, we feel OK. We know we've got unfinished business in Asia. If we end expat life now and go home, we'll never know where it may have taken us. Another few weeks go by after the emotional upheaval… and again 'normality' resumes, that is until we hear the top spot at one of the company's other hotels in Hong Kong is up for grabs. Could this be ours? A chance to stay in Hong Kong! Is it too good to be true? Yes it is. This one's got a list as long as my arm and we're not at the top. My husband's getting itchy feet …should we have gone home? Are we going to end up in the back of China? Probably. It's hard to make plans….how long have we got? Do I sign up for that work event? Should Ava start her new school? Should I say yes to that Junk boat invitation next month. Can we book a flight home? Then it happens again, lying in bed one night, another day is over…James quickly checks his emails - a few expletives…then, "The W Koh Samui - They want to put me forward as one of three!" Uh oh.. here we go again….a restless night ensues, simultaneously, we toss and turn. Another long three weeks go by, waiting…waiting - stomach in knots…is this the one? I've never been to Koh Samui, but it's hard not to have heard about it. That famous Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach springs to mind. Amazing location. But an island? - me on an island? Until recently we'd all but ruled-out resorts. Too isolating for us city slickers we'd joked and brushed the idea under the carpet. But after the last six months, lazy days by the pool suddenly sound very inviting. I picture a relaxed, family lifestyle, lots of delicious writing overlooking the powdery white sand and crystal clear waters…life in a variety of techni-coloured sarongs. Am I dreaming? From 7-million to 62,000 people! Suffice to say, I was dreaming, it didn't eventuate. Disappointed, again, we take a collective sigh and try to carry on as normal. The next email comes a month later. The desert heat of Doha is calling. I'm scared because it's the Middle East and it's not familiar, but I'm also keen because I actually know people there. This could work….I start to envisage Arabian nights under the stars, but after a month the project is placed on the back burner and the idea of camel rides in the sand is quickly blown away. Hot on its heels comes Goa, in India! By this point my husband is calmly throwing these locations out there over dinner and I'm usually replying with a nervous half chuckle, too scared to acknowledge it might be the one. I've never heard of Goa but our English friends tell us it's the perfect island city. Again my imagination does a little dance and I think about life on a diet of curries and a place where cows roam the streets. But again I'm quietly anxious. It's a time when India is front and centre in the news for all the wrong reasons… So, maybe it's just as well the powers that be rendered Goa not the place for us. Swallow, inhale, exhale, repeat! At this point I'm stuck between desperately wishing for a crystal ball and just forgetting this limbo land exists! My iPhone weather app seriously can't take any more cities. But it's going to have to. A little town in China comes up called Heifei. Unfortunately a quick google tells me it's one of Asia's 'other' furnaces. This little town has seven million people and it's still considered a backwater! The city's nickname "nowheresville" jumps out at me from my screen. I anxiously read on and discover it's a place where people can't park their own cars. I picture myself being flagged down by rich Chinese in Mercedes and asked to parallel park for them. We say no to Heifei. It's not long before bikinis are back on the agenda. It's Bali but a sideways move for James. We debate the merits and as much as we'd love to dabble in the Island of Gods, it defeats the purpose of this adventure. Relaxing back home over a little Christmas lunch with the family Down Under, the faraway land of Seoul in South Korea springs up! On paper, it sounds oh so very sophisticated, but by this point in the game we barely bat an eyelid… just as well because by New Year, Seoul is off the cards. Another day comes, another Chinese city. ChongQing. The third furnace in China… also known as the 'fog city.' Somehow we narrowly escape this one. Then Macau is placed in our laps and we almost somersault with unbridled excitement! It seems like a done deal and while it lacks the excitement of exploring a new, unknown culture, a stone's throw from Hong Kong it gives us the opportunity to cling onto much of our old life. We happen to be in Macau on a weekend holiday so we snap pictures outside the half built hotel, daring to wonder if this will become a significant moment in our future. But our snaps end up being deleted. Macau is not where we belong. Our brief love affair is over. Then… just when I start to think we might be destined to remain in Hong Kong, along comes a place we realize we can't refuse. Oh yes, it seems the path to China is set in stone (or rather clay) and truthfully we almost sigh with relief at this point. Our new home is also home to those famous Terracotta Warriors. Xi'an means Western Peace and is regarded as one of the fourth oldest cities in the world, along with Rome, Cairo and Athens, although I'm pretty sure it's not nearly as esteemed. But what I'm comforted by, is it has character and it has soul (and it's not the fourth furnace)! The odds are surely in my favour, there are direct flights to the Gold Coast and there's a Starbucks opposite the hotel. Xi'an, you had me at hello! Something tells me this is where the real expat journey begins….(thank god for those few Mandarin lessons….and thank you Beijing Mandarin for teaching me how to order a Mint Mocha in Mandarin today!) So, it's time to say 'thank you' Hong Kong. Thank you for showing me a life I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams. As excited about this new adventure as I am, I'm also slightly terrified! So stick with me, because I'll see you on the other side! Pssst, i'm almost positive you'll have a very good picture of Xi'an by the time we leave, but here's a short video to give you a sneak preview. Anyone interested in the Westin Xi'an.... this is what it looks like! … [Read more...]
Shenzhen! There’s more to China’s fastest growing city than shopping…
Shenzhen! When you hear the name, you probably think, 'shopping' and 'cheap!' And you're definitely not wrong there. This bustling city, just 40 minutes across the border from Hong Kong warrants the true definition of a 'shopping mecca.' You only need to step off the train and inside Luohu Commercial City to realise this is not retail therapy for the faint hearted! The destination for most Hong Kong day-trippers -- this mall is buzzing with over 700 shops and stalls, all shimmering with cheap and cheerful treasures, as far as the eye can see. It's a bit like Hong Kong's famous Mongkok Markets (only on steroids)! "Missy Missy, I give you good price" can be heard ringing out across the mall with a deafening shrill. Let it be noted, when you want to shop up a storm, psych yourself up to do battle with the eye of the storm! Admittedly, your first feeling might be "Help! Get me outta here!" but try to stand your purchasing ground…it's all a bit of a game and to survive this retail whirlwind you need to bring your sense of humour (and a calculator)! Oh and be sure to ditch the handbag, this is a serious expedition and will take no less than a serious suitcase (on wheels of course). Be ready to be bamboozled with everything from Chanel watches, glistening jewels and chic handbags to electronics, clothes and toys. Tailors are on hand by the dozen to whip up ten of your best designer frocks or suits - over lunch! But… (yes, there's a but)…. as much as I love nothing more than immersing myself in what can only be described as a shopping show-down, there is more to Shenzhen than retail revelry. And my friends, I'm here to tell the tale! A few weekends ago, I popped across the border to scratch beneath the surface of this city that's labelled one of the fastest growing cities in the world not to mention the fastest growing city in China, had to offer…(all in the name of blog research of course -- not to mention a cheeky weekend away, sans small person). A 40 minute train-ride and HK$34 later, the scenery looked reasonably familiar, but that's pretty much where the similarities with Hong Kong ended. Out of the train station, the border is brimming with people - no doubt all those day-trippers from Hong Kong keen to shop 'till they drop, but it's also packed with locals who've travelled across the border for things they can't easily access in China, most noticeably - milk powder for babies. I've written about this ongoing issue here in Milking Hong Kong for all it's Worth…..and this weekend it was no different. Everywhere I looked, people were milling next to bags, boxes and even crate-loads of this precious commodity. There were also hundreds of school kids in uniform….who're known as 'cross border school children' -- just some of the 20,000 who make the daily trek to class from Shenzhen, through immigration to Hong Kong. A recent report suggests that number will reach 80,000 by 2017. Jumping in a taxi, the first thing you notice is they drive on the left hand side and traffic, well let's just say it's is a little more wild west than Hong Kong….(indicators are clearly for dashboard decoration only). Make no mistake, you are now entering mainland China. For a social media addict like myself, my first surprise, Facebook and Twitter were instantly unavailable. English is almost non-existent (although I was surprised to see street signs in English as well as Chinese) and western brands take a distinct back seat. It was 1979 when this sleepy village in the south of Southern China's Guangdong province was named China's first Special Economic Zone, which means it's immune from the communist regime governing the rest of the country - and allowed to pursue private enterprise. Shenzhen was transformed overnight from a fishing village into a vibrant economy which is today home to around 12 million people. With its modern and impressive cityscape, it's now one of China's busiest container ports and home to China's major manufacturing centre hosting the headquarters of some of the world's biggest high tech companies like Foxconn, which employs close to one million people (half of which are in Shenzhen). Touted as the world's assembly hall for anything that can light, sound or read ones and zeros; in the 90's it was described as constructing "one high-rise a day and one boulevard every three days." These days there are massive industrial parks like the Shenzhen Hi-Tech Industrial Park (SHIP) which covers 11.5 km2. and includes industries from biotechnology and pharmaceuticals to building materials, chemical production, computer software and electronics as well as medical equipment and telecommunications equipment. Phew!!!! Like many cities, Shenzhen is a place where two worlds collide, in fact there are possibly even more sides to this ever-changing Chinese metropolis. 20 minutes drive out of the city and not disimilar to Hong Kong, you're amongst lush green mountains that flank picturesque white sandy beaches - so stunning they've no doubt helped earn the city its place on The New York Times’ list of the world's 31 must-visit destinations. With just a couple of days in town, we were never going to capture the whole of Shenzhen, so instead I decided to go to one of the most hip, modern places in the city and then - in stark contrast, one of the city's most ancient spots. Venturing out into the light of day, it was quickly apparent that this is the land where motorized bicycles rule the roads……otherwise known as 'E-bikes' -- pedaling is clearly for fools 'round here! With 500,000 of these battery powered scooters on the roads, the government has actually tried to ban them on certain streets, after a number of serious road accidents. They can reach speeds of 50 km's an hour! So in a bid to avoid becoming an E-bike statistic, we made our way (on the recommendation of a friend) to OCT Loft. Not to be confused with the famous OCT Theme park (which I'm told is also pretty cool)…it's a contemporary art terminal and loft area. Here is a side to Shenzhen I wasn't expecting. This leafy, hip, artistic scene is the epitome of Chinese urban cool. Industrial warehouses have been converted into artists' studios, funky bars, european style cafes, quirky shops selling old vinyl records and vintage typewriters and cutting edge galleries that reflect the modern side of Shenzhen. Of course, one thing that doesn't really change no matter where you go in China, the good old squat toilet. Admittedly every time I see one, I roll my eyes in exasperation. Yet to say I'm a fan and there is definitely an art to squatting… (more on this another day). So squatting aside and a stroll around this avant-garde compound, it was on to Nantou Old Town, where, after the progressively hip OCT Loft, I felt like I'd been transported to another planet (and from the looks and stares I got, perhaps I had). Riddled with historic landmarks, this formerly walled city has been around for 1700 years and walking through, you almost feel like you're intruding on this age-old community. Technically it is the birth place of Hong Kong. 170 years ago, in the middle of this bustling market town near the mouth of the Pearl River stood, the 'yamen' (a mandarin's office) which was the centre of government for the Pearl River Delta. After China lost the first Opium War, its officials gathered here to sign the island of Hong Kong over to the British. Today, huddled amongst the modern cityscape, this is a part of Shenzhen still clinging to a little bit of its ancient past. More than 30,000 people are packed into this vibrant half a square kilometre pocket, where narrow alley-ways laced with rickety apartments - many owned by Hong Kong people and rented out to local vendors - sell everything you can imagine from children's toys to piping hot garlic bread, plastic tubs and all things in between, at a fraction of the cost anywhere else. Tiny hairdressing salons, dry cleaners, little restaurants with nothing more than a few plastic tables and chairs and a television on the wall make up this little village where life echoes a bygone era. Shenzhen is famous for its 'Windows of the World' theme park with vivid replicas of the world's wonders, historical heritages and famous scenic sites. But to me, Nantou Old Town and Oct Loft represent two fascinating windows into this Chinese city that has remarkably revolutionised itself in just three decades into a modern, sophisticated urban sprawl, yet for now, holds onto the hallmarks of its unforgettable past. As one of the oldest cultures in the world, its well worth investigating (after a spot of shopping of course)! … [Read more...]
Leaving Las Vegas! There’s a New(ish) Kid on the Block – Viva Macau!
My thoughts are, most people are in one of two camps, those who bet…and those who don't. Me? I'm not a gambler per se, although I have been known to enjoy the odd flutter on the horses (truth be told, I owned a small share in a race horse once, possibly the most expensive thing I've ever owned)!! Oh, and in a past life, it's fair to say I was quite partial to bit of 'pokie-action' on the odd occasion! But for the most part, I've never been one to pull up a chair and lay down a few chips. Actually I wouldn't have the first clue about the process…do you even say that!? Admittedly though, it's a world that intrigues me. The actual origin of gambling is unknown. The Chinese recorded the first official account of the practice back in 2300 BC, but it's generally thought gambling in some form or another has been seen in almost every society in history. These days, when you think about the gambling mecca of the globe, I'm guessing the glitzy, bright lights of the 'Las Vegas Strip' spring to mind first, right? Me too! That is…. until I came to Hong Kong. It seems there's another gambling 'strip' on the world map and last year, this tiny pocket in Asia's South East generated no less than $45-billion in casino revenue! Wait for it…..that's SEVEN times more than Las Vegas' earnings. This oh-so-tiny speck on China's south coast they call Macau or Macao (the english spelling which is rarely used) may be no bigger than 30 square kilometres, but its strip - the 'Cotai Strip' - an area of reclaimed land that connects the two "islands" of Macau - Taipa and Coloane, is well and truly cementing its status as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the gaming industry. Now that my friends, is intriguing, yes? I'll preface this post by saying I've never actually gambled in this former Portuguese colony that sits at the mouth of the Pearl River. (No, I've been there on many a 'kid friendly' vacation - which, I'll admit, is not so bad either.) If you're interested, check out this post I wrote for Hong Kong site, Sassy Mama. Anyway, as I was saying, Macau was, until 1999, the last remaining European colony in Asia, having been administered by Portugal since the mid-16th century. Today, much like Hong Kong, it's been granted special SAR permission from Beijing, which means it's a Special Administrative Region. The 'one country, two systems' rule allows the city to run independently of its Motherland, China - with it's own currency, police force, legal system and immigration policy. You can read more about what it means to be an SAR, here. Here's the thing, with a population of just 600,000, it's the only city on the world's most populous continent (China) where gambling is actually legal. Actually, it's been a legitimate activity in Macau for about 150 years. Centuries older than Las Vegas— it hosted legal gambling long before Nevada was even a state! It was the late 19th century when the government introduced a licensing system for the fan-tan houses (Chinese gambling houses). In the past decade though, the city has majestically transformed itself from a colonial backwater with small-time gambling clubs, gangs and prostitution…. into the 'Las Vegas of the East.' The city now lays claim to 36 casinos -- and that's not the end of it. When restrictions on foreign operators were lifted in 2002, new casinos opened in droves as international firms joined the gold rush for success. Such rapid growth has of course attracted the industry's biggest players, including Las Vegas Sands and Wynn -- both listed in the Fortune 500 club. In fact, buoyed by big-spending mainland tourists, the world's largest gambling hub has just enjoyed its biggest and best ever year - propelling even more casino-owners up the rich lists. This pint-sized pokie heaven is now home to Asia's second-richest person Lui Che-Woo - owner of Macau's biggest casino, Galaxy. Even Australian tycoon, James Packer is being given a leg up the rich list, thanks to better than expected casino profits from his Macau investments. Steve Wynn, who opened the $1.2 billion Wynn Macau in 2006, once called Macau "the most exciting growth story of the decade." Just last week it was announced, MGM China has won approval to build a major new casino in Macau. With a budget of around $2.5 billion, the 17.8 acre site will include 1600 hotel rooms, 500 gaming tables and 2500 slot machines (or pokies as we say Down Under), impressive to say the least, especially considering the growing emergence of competition from virtual sites like OnlineCasinoAustralia.com.au online casinos today. Every month 2.5 million tourists flock to this glitzy playground to try their luck in a neon-lit shrine, that's become a testament to China's great passion for gambling. Just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, the government is currently scrambling to build a bridge from Hong Kong to Macau that will cross some of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Currently it's 'boat only' across to the casino hub, with jam-packed ferries running back and forth around the clock (including all through the night if you lose on BlackJack and need a quick escape)! With Chinese New Year underway, it's the busiest travel time in the world and this new 'toast of the orient' has been inundated with a flood of cashed-up Chinese (around 2.7 million to be exact)! Inside these glittering casino walls, you'll see Baccarat on display in all its card-dealing glory. With little skill or strategy, interestingly it's the favored game of choice by Chinese punters over poker and blackjack…and brings in the lion's share of Macau's revenue. This old European card game based on chance, is played at lightening speed by those who don't come to Macau for fun, but to win....and win big! Don't expect the music to be pumping, or for that matter, fist pumps and loud cheers of victory; all you'll hear is the rustle of clothing, as tea is sipped and words spoken in hushed tones - perhaps the occasional thump on a table – subtle signs of fortunes made and lost. It's no secret, Chinese believe strongly in Feng Shui, Yin and Yang, ancient mythology and all things in between, and in gambling it's no different. Luck plays a big part with most believing 'winning' is more a result of fate than skill. Word is - punters have a way of peeling back the cards looking for clues as to what the cards might hold. If they think the number is an unwanted higher number, they will blow on the card to "blow the big numbers away." Each time, this method purposefully creases the cards, rendering the cards unusable for another round! High rollers in VIP rooms are known to bet up to 2-million Hong Kong dollars (US$257,000) on a single hand of baccarat. But while Macau's casinos are abuzz with the energy and abandon of the wildly wealthy, behind the permanently sparkling facades with decor dripping in gold and draped with diamond chandeliers, there are signs of something darker...an element of Russian Roulette. The city has attracted some of those unsavory elements, naturally associated with the industry, including 'money launderers' looking to evade limits on moving cash out of China. Beijing limits the amount of money Chinese can take out of the country to $50,000 per year. For those looking to skirt the rules, Macau provides an attractive alternative. By working with a junket operator -- which performs the basic functions of a tour company, bringing in high rolling punters to VIP rooms on extravagant package deals that see them loaded up with credit (based on the value of their property portfolios) - only to cash out their winnings in foreign currencies - the money can then be moved abroad and used to make purchases in Europe and the US. While most Junkets are law-abiding, some are reportedly linked to Triads (Chinese gangs of organized crime). As a result, this tiny tinseltown has seen several killings and kidnappings associated with debt collection, including one case a couple of years ago which saw two men stabbed to death in their hotel room. Dirty laundry aside, the city's unparalleled boom has also presented the peninsula with another problem - Macau is almost entirely dependent on gambling. At this moment in time, according to official statistics, gambling taxes form 70% of Macau's government income. It seems the government and mega moguls have taken note and are investing heavily in lavish resorts, high-end shopping malls and elaborate stage shows, as the region tries to reinvent itself and potentially replace high rollers with middle class families. Just as it once turned itself from a colonial backwater into a den of organised crime, now Macau needs to become the quintessential family tourist destination. Leading the transformation is the world-famous Venetian Macau. This impressive 40-story development houses the world's largest casino, standing at a whopping 51,000 square metres….and wait…there's more. It also includes a shopping mall to rival any retail nirvana, complete with its own Venetian-like Grand Canal winding through the centre, Gondola rides and serenading Gondoliers, not to mention, fake blue skies and a typically Venetian landscape. Venice is too far away for most Chinese holiday-makers, so it's a handy substitute. If they can't get to Venice, this will curb the appetite, for the moment at least. (OK, so I've been to Venice and as one of my all time favorites, this is definitely not Italy, but the scene is surprisingly more realistic than you might imagine….) Attached to the Casino and shopping mall is The Venetian hotel with its 3000 rooms, all of which are luxuriously spacious suites sporting lavish italian decor. Across the road stands one of the world's biggest hotels, the Sheraton, just shy of 4000 rooms! With seven restaurants to choose from, two fitness centres, a kids club, a spa and three outdoor swimming pools, it's vibrant, busy and innovative. Arriving here is a little like stepping into an island paradise (complete with a surprising performance by island dancers upon check in). Over the road, the mega-casino, City of Dreams has opened two regular shows: Taboo, a cabaret and the House of Dancing Water, an acrobatics spectacle that simply (without a word of a lie) is one of the best shows you'll possibly ever see. Featuring extraordinary acrobatics, deep dive stunts into Olympic-sized pools, flying motorbikes and more, it is breath-taking... mind blowing. Speaking of spectacles, this once sleepy fishing village has also made itself a name with several grand appearances in James Bond movies, including the latest, Skyfall and in the early seventies extravaganza, The man with the golden gun. Stepping away from the all the glitz and glamour though, there's another side to this City of Dreams, a more humble, unassuming side that boasts a unique fusion of the Mediterranean and the Oriental. Last year marked the 500th anniversary since the arrival of the first Portuguese mariners to Macau. Predating Hong Kong by almost 300 years, Macau was the first European enclave in Asia. In a sure sign this little piece of Europe in China stands strong today - you'll see all of the city street signs in Portuguese. As a result of its mixed heritage (and in complete contrast to the gaudiness of the gambling district) you'll see pretty pastel-colored neoclassical buildings that flank paved cobble-stoned piazzas; a warren of tiny alley ways with all the old world charm of a European city, infused with ancient Chinese temples and shrines; and food stalls wafting with the smell of Dim Sum and fish balls mixed in with the aroma of Portuguese spices and those famous custard tarts. It's possibly this distinct Macanese flavor that really showcases Macau's multicultural identity - a unique blend of Chinese, European and Southeast Asian tastes. They say Las Vegas is a monument to the American dream of endless possibility, Macau is without doubt a place where two worlds collide…both perhaps with endless possibilities. Here's hoping this cultural hybrid can remain unscathed on its pathway to reinvention. The stakes for its future are high and getting the balance right is surely the key to success for this little pocket where razzle dazzle meets old world charm. Viva Macau! **And there's more to Macau than meets the eye... check out how you can apply the game-play elements of Bingo to make the most of a Macau vacation here. Related articles High-stakes Macau leaves Vegas behind as casino revenue soars … [Read more...]
Fake it till you make it: China’s counterfeit craze….
I was at the mighty Mongkok Ladies Markets this week or as the locals call it "Wong Gog" - meaning 'prosperous and crowded corner.' Crowded is probably a slight understatement, given the Guinness World Records has named it the busiest district in the world….Yes! Just the planet! Prosperous - most definitely not an understatement - with a brilliantly bedazzling array of colorful markets, shops and food stalls all competing for the shopping enthusiasts attention, it's a sure bet there's no shortage of money changing hands on this corner. There are approximately 130,000 people squeezed like sardines into each and every square kilometer, making it one of the liveliest and most authentic places in Hong Kong. Authentic in the sense that it showcases all the hallmarks of the city's traditional Chinese culture -- the same can't be said for the myriad of Chinese wares brazenly on display. It's no secret, Hong Kong is flooded with fakes or 'copies' as they like to call them. From handbags to teabags, everything is produced in China, shipped over the border and sold at rock-bottom prices. And who am I to complain! To continue, head over to Expat Focus..... … [Read more...]
My neighbour’s got the flu: Bird Flu
Just up the road, China's ducking for cover with a nasty dose of the flu. Down south, Hong Kong's going out of its way to avoid catching it. The word on the street: "Don't Panic!" But make no mistake, precautionary measures are being put in place quickly and methodically in a steadfast effort to boost Hong Kong's immune system. In Mainland China, 129 people have been infected with a new strain of bird flu - H7N9 and 31 people have lost their lives. Hong Kong's government says with 30-thousand Mainlanders visiting the fragrant harbour city each day, it can’t rule out the possibility of an outbreak here. … [Read more...]