Macao, a former Portuguese dependency returned to China in 1999, is one of two special administrative regions (SAR) in China. As a SAR, Macao is still part of China but has its own form of currency, government, legal system, immigration policies, postal and educational systems. Like Las Vegas, Macao's (capitalist) economy is heavily dependent on gambling and tourism. I traveled to Macao with my mom from Las Vegas. We had stopped in Hong Kong for a couple of nights before. By the way, it's about a 16 hour flight from Las Vegas to Hong Kong. Anyway, here are some pictures from the island of Macao.
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Part of Macao's skyline |
The water seems murky due to all the pollution from mainland China. Unfortunately, the effects of industrialization can be seen throughout China. In order to see clearer waters and less smoggy skies, you'd have to take a boat to the outer islands about an hour away.
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The Grand Lisbon Hotel |
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Local Starbuck's flavors |
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Green tea panna cotta & passion fruit mousse |
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Drinking coconut water |