Macao

Old town square in Macao

When Bebette suggested visiting the place I readliy agreed. We almost didnt make it since we both woke up late. We planned to leave early morning so we can see a lot. Noon time I decided we go and we did! I didnt see a lot but was impressed at the changes I saw since I last visited which was eons ago.

I think I was 10 yrs old when dad brought me here the first time. I remembered taking a small hydrofoil. Today one takes a huge fast ferry. Bebette and I took a cab to go to the last island whose name I cant remember right now so we can take lunch at Fernando's a famous authentic portuguese eatery. Unfortunately being labor day, even the owner went on vacation so it was closed! We took another cab to bring us to Shangri la for our much delayed meal.

After late lunch, some tea with scones and lingering awhile, we headed to the old town. I loved the ambiance of the place, very european. I think its called plaza senador. There was no more time to visite the famous St. Paul ruins, although I have seen that in the past. At least I was able to see one church near the square. I was able to buy some souvenirs and one comfortable sandal.

Honkong April-May 2004

Lai Kwan Fong with Bebette

This was my last foreign trip to date. I knew my friend Bebette may leave her job soon and didnt know then where she will go next so decided to visit her in Honkong. It was the first time I visited the country after the dreaded SARS scare. Despite the several times I had been to this country it was the first time I got to see Lan Kwai Fong, the jazz place which livens up only starting late at night. Its a fun place, great to people watch, very much lighted and full of expats.

I was also able to visit Macao again during this trip. Its so different from the last time I visited with dad when I was still a kid. Carol was supposed to meet up with us but she had dinner with the family and their place was an hours away from honkong island.