Christmas in Macau

Macau is a small island off the coast of Hong Kong, about an hour ferry from our city of Shenzhen on mainland China. Originally, a Portuguese colony first claimed in the 1800's, Macau developed into an European city with strong Chinese undertones. When Hong Kong was returned to China in 1999, Macau was as well. Now it is a hot tourist destination for well heeled Chinese folks who like to spend $250US/night on a hotel on the "strip" and gamble. Many call it the Las Vegas of the East.
We had learned all of this before deciding to visit there with the Correias and opted to stay in the old Portuguese section instead. Russell, who is Portuguese American, had wanted to visit Macau for a long time and we were more than happy to see it too. So here is what we found -- beautiful European looking cathedrals, a fantastic old, but still used cemetery, archaic, narrow streets, blue and white tiled fountains and walls, detailed mosaic sidewalks throughout the town center, motorcycles galore, amazing food... Also, because of this very cool Portuguese and Chinese fusion, there were beautiful Catholic churches and Buddhist temples. At nearly every shop entrance, there was an one foot high Buddhist altar with little incense and fruit, offerings to the god of prosperity and good business, I was later told by my very knowledgeable TA, Ms. Hou.
Anyway, we were all pretty taken with this little island. In the following pictures you will see a Catholic church, Renata and Hope in front of the Square's Christmas tree, lights above the town center, the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral and a Buddhist temple. Enjoy!!!