A-ma Temple is one of the popular religious sites located at the southwestern tip of Macau dedicated to the goddess Mazu or Matsu, the patron of fishermen and seafarers and protector of the sea. It is also one of the oldest, built in 1488, predating the Portuguese arrival.
It was my first time to watch Chinese opera and I had the fortunate advantage of also going backstage during a performance at a local festival. The colors, the costumes, makeup and sounds were something memorable.
I was in awe with its antiquity. The moon doors and gates, that lead to different spaces in the abode. There are intricate woodworks and carvings, interesting tiles and gourd shaped windows that gives a peek to the sapling at the center of the courtyard. It is an intriguing and beautiful house.
The Ruins of St. Paul is one of Macau’s top tourist drawers and, if not, the most iconic of all the territory’s landmarks. An imposing, well appointed facade rich with details that is a blend of the West and the Orient.
Perhaps one of Macau’s iconic landmarks, the Largo de Senado or Senate Square is often depicted, along with Ruins of St. Paul, in countless photos. The area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Centre of Macau.
There’s a marked contrast. A glaring showcase of opposites. Shabby apartment buildings, tiled roof traditional houses, century old churches and government buildings at one end. Then you have glitzy high rises, skyscrapers filled with lights and neon marquees dancing on a foggy night at the other end. Macau’s old meets the new.
I know nothing about Macau except for a few things or what I think I knew of this place and I am open to what this place has to offer, good or bad. I am always receptive to something new: food, places, structures and probably culture and people. I’m ready to be surprised