Have you ever fallen in love with a country before you even set foot on it? I you have, you are a true travel enthusiast. So like you, I too keep dreaming of my dream destinations, research about new places, plan my itinerary for that one fateful day in the coming future, I'll quit my job, book my tickets and head out for a trip that will change my life. So recently, I've been zeroing in on the dream destination that will play the central role in my bildungsroman. I hopped from one destination to the other on the map, and what caught my fancy was a little gem called Macao. A combination of the historic and modern, the country appeals to my love for both. I'm someone who can spend hours on a beach, appreciate the intricacies of architectural styles and shop till my bag reaches its full capacity. So here I am, with all that I love about Macao and would like to explore on my upcoming trip (you gotta be positive, right?)
1. Like I said, I love beaches, so I would head straight to Taipa Island which I would explore taking a bike ride. I want to see the Four Face Buddha Shrine and Pou Tai Temple.
2. If you don't undertake extreme sports on a vacation, ae you even on a vacation? So the next things that I love and would thoroughly enjoy trying out would be to skydive!
3. I can read about a place's culture and history for hours, so seeing it in the form of building and monuments is something that really excited me. I want to see the Ruins of St. Paul's Mandarin's House and St. Dominic's Church, and much more!
4. The water baby in me will never say no to a cruise, so I would definitely put on my best dress, gorge on sea food on the deck of my cruise as I see Macau breathing by night.
5. Talking about sea food, I've heard so much about Macanese food! South-east Asia is known for offering a delectable range of food as the culture in most places is formed by the influence of two or more cultures. The Macanese food is a delicious combination of Chinese and Portuguese food like dim sum, chilli shrimps and the signature Minchi.
6. When the food's so great, you gotta wash it down with equally interesting drinks, right? I'd love to try Macao's famous smoothie cocktails and dance like there is no tomorrow at its pubs, bars and discos.
7. As much as I like to have fun, I also love inculcation the values and traditions of every place I visit. And for that, I would love to visit the various Chinese and Buddhist temples that the country is known for.
8. I am sure that I would like to spend most of my time in Bombeiros Square and San Domingos Market, going through the clothes, shoes as well as mementos and gifts to take back home.
9. I also want to test the waves of Cheoc Van Beach and probably even try the hiking routes around it.
10. A taste of luxury is always important when I visit a new country. No doubt that The Hotel Venetian Macao is definitely a place I would like to stay at, even if for a night. It's laid-back European vibe fused with Macao's effervescence, makes it an experience I need to have.
11. I have heard so much about the oft-instagrammed Eiffel Tower light show, the House of Dancing Water and Fortune Diamond. Definitely witnessing these shows along with others.
12. Macao is also known for its emphasis on spas. I'd love to end my vacation with a super-relaxing massage.
13. Festivals such as Chinese New Year, Oktoberfest, International Music Festival and the Grand Prix are also on my things to do list, Hopefully, I'll be in Macao at a time that I be a part of at least one of these festivals.
14. How can I forget! I would also love to experience the Sky Walk at Macao's epic Conventional centre. For an adventurous soul like me, there's no better walk than one at 338m!
15. The Grand Prix Museum to the Macao Science Centre are also places that I'd like to visit.
16. I can't wait to aimlessly wander about the modern squares of Macao such as the Senado Square. I can picture myself sauntering around and having egg tarts!
17. I would also like to challenge myself and take the hike to Guia Fortress.
18. How can one go to Macao and not see Pandas!! That's actually on top of my list of things I love about Macao.
19. I am excited about observing, exploring and capturing the streets of Macao. So I'm definitely heading on one too many photo-walk while in the country.
20. The A-Ma Cultural Village is also something I would love to explore in search of the authentic Macao experience.
I am all set with #20ThingsILoveAboutMacao and I cannot wait to do it all very soon! Praying to the travel gods that they conspire a trip to Macao for me asap.
