Macau- 10/10/08

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Macau

Just a short ferry ride from Hong Kong is Macau Island. Although it is owned by China it has a strong Portuguese history which can be seen in road names, buildings and some of the local food. Previously it was a major shipping port as foreigners were not allowed to enter Chinese ports but this has changed particularly with the growth of Hong Kong as a business centre. Probably Macau’s saving grace is that gambling is allowed, whilst on the mainland it is illegal, so at the weekend Chinese pour in on ferries and planes to visit the casinos. The Casinos are immense and with big spenders, they take millions of Yen each year which has meant that Macau recently overtook Las Vegas by the amount of money it generates.

The Casino Lisboa is the oldest and most colourful Casino’s in Macau while the Sands has the largest gaming area in the world.

I lost......but held onto my shirt!!

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