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Showing posts from May, 2010

Translation

Macau- land of contrasts and mixed blessings

Tourists throng around the ruins of St. Paul's   There is something schizophrenic about Macau. On the one hand there is the architectural and cultural legacy of four hundred years of Portuguese occupation alongside an older Chinese tradition. Then there are the glittering palaces dedicated to hard core gamblers - a sort of adult Disneyland, cheek by jowl with the grubby high rises and narrow alleys where the majority of the people live. Then there is the extremely avante guard architecture of the waterfront set against ancient forts and Buddhist temples. The sacred and profane can to be found in equal measure- elegant churches and seminaries sit alongside the global brand shops in Senado Square or the thousands of tiny shops and stalls which crowd already congested alleys.   Disneyland for Adults - Two of Macau's many glittering casinos Interior of one of the casinos - Thank goodness they were open! Ultra Modern Buildings on the Water...