After a few days rest getting back from Beijing, it was time to get back in the swing of things. Nothing too thrilling during those rest days, mainly just class and our first homework assignment (big time)! I gathered information from various sources during this week of what was coming up for the weekend. It seemed that Ocean Park (amusement park) was not going to work out, but that a lot of people were going to Shek O beach for the day and then a barbecue. We took the MTR and bus with Benedicte and Maria to Shek O. It is further than the previous beach we went to, and even more gorgeous. I can't really figure out why, but it was more quaint and beautiful, surrounded by rocky hills, neat little houses, and a kind of shanty looking town. We arrived in the early afternoon, Andrew with his 50 spf sunscreen, and we set out to lounge on the beach. It was quite a relaxing day with reading, swimming, and water volleyball. Just as it was getting to the best part of the day (Mom) we headed back for Kowloon because the barbeque was not going to work out. The drive to and from the beach is so interesting because as you leave the huge "Central" part of Hong Kong, you begin to drive up hill and you can watch the bus leaving the entire cityscape. Then the road turns very narrow with steep cliffs on both sides, lots of vegetation, and lots of curves. It is amazing to think that you are still in Hong Kong!
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| Shek O Beach |
The next day was Macau. Our early departure got pushed back and by the time we got to the ferry landing and took the ferry over to the peninsula it was already the afternoon. Everyone met up at a hotel and tried to figure out what to do. Bad idea. Lots of people, lots of different ideas. We took a smaller group and went to see some of the sights including the Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul (my favorite). The city used to be owned by Portugal and now it is technically owned by China I believe. The city is very interesting because of the architecture, tiled sidewalks, and winding roads. Very different than you would see in the mainland or even in HK.
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| Senado Square |
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| Ruins of St. Paul's |
After wandering for a bit and grabbing some food, we decided to go to the Greyhound races. I know, I volunteer at the SPCA. It wasn't too exciting because we got there at the beginning of the races so it was not busy yet. It was neat to see how the races went even though I felt bad for the dogs. We stayed for about 4 out of 16 races and then went to see fireworks! We happened to be in Macau during a firework competition and this night was Australia and the Philippines. We took a bus down to the harbor and waited for the show. We missed the first country, but the second show was really good and pretty elaborate. By this time we had gained some people, lost some others and being in Macau, our HK phones did not work so everyone was just lost. Our group decided to eat. While at dinner we got a call of where to meet up and so we headed for the MGM Grand. High rollers. I cannot remember being in a casino before so it was interesting to see what it looked like and how many of the slot machines do not even have the handles to pull which is the whole point of playing! There was a club in the middle of the casino with curtain walls that we went to for a bit. Unfortunately, Andrew was not allowed in because he was wearing "slippers" or flip flops. He lounged in the casino, counting cards, while we went in for a bit. Then we decided to try yet another club, again no flip flops allowed. Macau is mainly known for its Vegas like feel like huge casinos and clubs so that is pretty much all you can do there after 8pm. The club situation not working out, we caught the hour long ferry back to Kowloon and still did not arrive at the dorms until 5am. The rest of the group got home around 8am. Long day I'd say.
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| Skyline of casinos and hotels |
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