Minhas férias de Macau

Minhas férias de Macau- Means "My Macau Vacation" in Portuguese. It's been years since Macau was colonized by the Potuguese but its effect it is still very evident up to the present. Most people speak Mandarin or Macanese language but customs and traditions still roots from their Portuguese ancestors. This explains why there are lots of Catholic Churches in the area. From a humble fishermans village, Macau has come along way. It is now known as the Las Vegas of Asia due to it's countless Casinos and entertainment sites.

Continuing on my Macau vacation with friends, here are some shots of the places we've visited.

The Macau Business Tourist Center located at the downtown. You can see exhibits and maps of the area in this place. Macau currency is called the MAcau Pataca ( MOP ). Most shops accepts Hongkong Dollars of $20 HKD denomination and up. They do not accept any value lower than that, as per the natives it is because its hard to look for Money changers that accepts smaller HK currency.

"The Ruins" - The face / front side of Saint Paul Cathedral is what's left of it after a fire burned it down centuries ago. This now serves as a popular tourist spot.

A few steps down the ruins is a market place. This is their own version of "Divisoria" where you can find good bargains and great food!

Cured meat in honey and Chorizos are some of the native foods that made Macau famous

One of Macau's famous delicacie - Roast sukling pig

(popularly known as Lechon Macau )

Lots of nuts such as Almonds, Walnuts, Pictacios are sold here by weight at a fairly reasonable price

Different sweets and spices sold per pounds

Macau at it's best when sun sets down... Look at all the colorful lights!

The Casino Lisboa ( Pronounced as Lish-boa , named after the capital city of Portugal)

The Grand Lisboa Hotel Casino Lobby

The Dancing fountain show at the Wynn Hotel ( Shows starts from 8 PM onwards every 15 minutes)

hallways of MGM Grand Hotel Casino - The hallway lights changes gradually from time to time. A very nice sight!

The Venetian Hotel Macau- The biggest hotel Casino in Asia - to date

(I'll tell you more about this fabulous place on my next entry. Ciao!)

Basking at Monterey, California

Just about approximately 2 1/2 hours from San Francisso is the City of Monterey. Monterey is one of the famous coastal city in Northern California. It is a perfect place for a weekend getaway for Californians and tourist who wanted to experience relaxation under the sun. The city have many museums and historical sites with rich Spanish influnces that is still preserved up to the present.

The Junipero Mission Church

The San Carlos Cathedral - a famous Junipero Mission Church in Carmel, Monterey

This is the original Altar of the Junipero Mission Church, it is now displayed in the museum

The new Altar


This was said to be the first erected Cross in Monterey California by the Franciscan Missionaries headed by Father Junipero Serra, It still stands now at the Church Courtyard

The Courtyard is very spacious it has a fountain at the center, beautiful landscape all over. This serves as reception venue for parties and gatherings

Many dated stones are found in the courtyard garden. It explains the history of the place

A statue in memory of Fr. Junipero Serra

The Nativity scene exhibit inside the Museum

Inside this chest are remnants of the original wooden casket of Fr. Junipero Serra

THE 17- Mile Drive

The place best described as " the greatest meeting of land and water in the world." ( as per the brochure given at the entrance gate)

The 17- Mile Drive ia another famous tour spot in Monterey. As name suggests, it's 17 miles stretch of breathtaking sceneries

At Point Joe, you can see the Pacific Ocean at it's best

Lots of Squirrels and birds flocking around...

The Lone Cyprus is the trademark of the place. This cannot be used in any other advertising or Marketing purposes without any permission from the authorities of the place

My cousins and I posing at the wooden staircase near the Lone Cyprus

The Bird rock point

The 17- Mile Club house at Pebble beach host golf tourneys

My tito and tita Posing at the golf club

The Old Warf at Monterey

The original Fisherman's warf in CA located in Monterey

Clam Chowder and seafood cocktails are one of the best food in the area.

Witty Parrots entertain the tourists

Make your own taffy store

Coffe vendors on the side parking area

The warf walkway