It was Diwali 2019, and I was surrounded by my loved ones with a lot of love and the spirit of merriment! Diwali in India is not just a festival, it is a feeling – between sharing scrumptious meals with loved ones, raising toasts, beautiful lights and fireworks, feeling a nip in the air as winter heralds itself and a feeling of new beginnings full of promise!
And it was at this party, I heard about #20ThingsILoveAboutMacao contest from a friend, and it just felt meant to be.
Post retirement, all I am looking for are experiences that exhilarate and excite me, and I am ready to fly away at the shortest notice now, something I have been looking forward to for some time now. I have never been to Macao but I feel it calling out to me with the promise of amazing, breath-taking experiences and a chance to live life queen size!
Living the good life is high on my list of priorities and Macao promises some of the best experiences I can think of. Macao promises an eclectic array of experience – from modern delights to historic sights and I can’t think of something better. Here are my #20ThingsILoveAboutMacao:
1. Betting big!
I can’t wait for my tryst with Lady Luck at some of the best casinos at Macao like the Venetian Casino, the City of Dreams Casino and more. I can already hear the tinkling of coins in jackpot machines!
2. History class
The ruins of the St. Paul’s Church which are a UNESCO heritage site cannot be missed for sure.
3. The House of Dancing Water
The House of Dancing Water with the world’s largest water shows looks magical and enticing and is definitely on my must-see list!
4. Up In The Sky!
I am so kicked about taking a ride on the Skycab Cable Car and taking in the panoramic views of the Performance Lake views and the Macao Casino strip in style.
5. South China Sea awaits!
I also plan to ride a turbo jet ferry from the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal and catch a view of the harbour from the Macao- Taipa bridge.
6. Heritage Walks
What fascinates me in particular is the balance between an exciting urban night life and the beautiful historic sites the city is home for. My inner history buff is excited to take in the sights during one of the many heritage walks around town. I am looking forward to taking in the views while relaxing at Senado Square.
7. Mandarin’s House
It will be nice to absorb the culture walking through the hallways of Mandarin’s House.
8. Our Lady of Penha Church
I am planning to take the uphill walk to Penha Hill to catch the stunning views of the city at sunrise/sunset. It will be quite a view I am sure. I want to also see what I have heard is the best church in Macao – Our Lady of Penha Church
9. Guia Lighthouse
I have always loved lighthouses ever since I was a little girl, which is I why I will not miss the chance to pay a visit to the Guia Lighthouse.
10. Walking Around Macao
I think the winds from the ocean, the sun and the blue skies contrasted with the modern and colonial sites around the city sound like the perfect day tour.
11. Museums of Macao
Fontaleza do Monte, the oldest fort in Macao must be fascinating to walk through I am certain. I can’t wait to visit the museum there to know all about the colonial history of the region.
12. Bird's Eye View of Macao
I can’t wait to climb up to the 61st floor of the Macao Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre to take in the bird eye’s views of Macao nightlife.
13. Taipa Village
I most definitely plan to visit and walk through the paths of Taipa Village and click quaint pictures and enjoy the cuisines available there.
14. Paris in Macao!
I am sure the Eiffel Tower at the Parisian will be quite a sight to behold on an evening walk through the city.
15. The Food!
The Rua di Felicidade should be quite a unique experience as well. It would be fun to see sights and check out the food streets out there and see what’s on offer. I also plan to check out the city’s gastronomic restaurants to relish local specialities.
16. Lou Kau Mansion
I am very curious to get an insight into a new age and time with the Lou Kau Mansion.
17. Portugese cathedrals
I do love cathedrals a lot. And the Portuguese occupation has left behind many beautiful cathedrals around the city for me to visit and find my peace.
18. A-Ma Temple
I am intrigued by the temples also in this city like the Kun Lam temple and many others that I think will be a nice way to spend a day. I also want to go check out the A-Ma statue at the Matsu Cultural Village.
19. Air of Celebration
I think it will be terrific to visit the city during the rush of one of its many widely known festivals like Macao Food Festival, to feel the air of celebration – Macao Style.
20. Venice in Macao!
And last but not the least, I have to hit some stores at the New Yaohan Department Store and the Grand Canal Shoppes to pick souvenirs for loved ones back home!
Macao holds the promise of so much delight, that I can’t wait to hop on a flight and take the trip of my lifetime to celebrate my retirement in style!
All images are credited to Unsplash, Macao Moments and Wikimedia.
