Day Two began with a hike up to the Guia Fortress and Lighthouse, which sit on the highest point in Macau. This wasn't too bad of a hike, since my hotel (The Hotel Guia) was literally right at the entrance to the park. From this old colonial stronghold, you can see the entire territory, from the harbor on one side and across the narrow waterway to the coastal hills of Guangdong Province, China on the other. From this old fort, the sight will bear witness to the unique blending of Asian, European, and international cultures as reflected in the buildings, ranging from graceful colonial mansions, rough-looking apartment towers that have seen better days, and up to the glittering glass and steel towers and spires of moder skyscrapers and the numerous casinos, hotels, and resorts.
Next, after descending the hill, I visited in quick succession several very beautiful Catholic churches and finally found my way to the Largo do Senado. The Largo was once the center of the Portuguese administration of Macau, home to the Senate of Macau. It is covered in alternating irregular stripes of black and white tile, and surrounded by many old, eye catching structures. This area appears to have become a very chic and hip shopping district, with many recognizable companies having stores in this area. Fortunately, the effect of this gentrification does not detract from the exciting atmosphere or the grace and beauty of the architecture. Here I visited the Leal Senado (The Loyal Senate). It received the "Loyal" title from the King of Portugal due to their continuing to fly the Portuguese flag during a period when Portugal was being dominated by Spain. There is an inscription quoting the King over the door leading to the stairway that takes you to the Senate chamber extolling the loyalty and devotion of the Senate. There wasn't much to see at the Senado, unfortunately; lots of blue and white tile, a few statues and inscriptions, a small garden and fountain, and an exhibit of Ming vases.
Following a quick stop at Saint Paul's again (You just can't avoid passing it. All roads seem to lead there!) followed by a little souvenir shopping and a look around at the casinos, I headed over to Macau Tower. The tower is over 1,100 feet tall and, unfortunately for my intermittent acrophobia, has windows in the floor of the observation deck. I admit, I had a brief spell of vertigo but I pulled myself together after a minute or two and had the pleasure/horror of watching several people bungee jumping from a platform just above the observation deck. I always have loved getting to see interesting cityscapes and skylines and looking out at the sea, and much to my delight, I could see all of these from the tower.
The evening consisted of a brief rest and a trip to try another Portuguese restaurant. This time I had an appetizer plate of various foods (All delicious... except I couldn't finish the fried sardines. I just have too much trouble eating something that still looks like the animal), stuffed crab (one of my favorite foods), and an orange pudding for desert, again with some Portuguese wine, it made for a delicious way to end a long day of being a tourist.
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