Macau holiday- The Peninsula 1/3

這麽近，進出方便，又確實來過數次，而原來以前的目標都是怱怱到來午餐和晚餐，之間急趕走走，而已。

要到現在，和數位朋友只有三天共同有空，決定到澳門聚聚，才首次仔細查看資料，列出有什麼名勝景點值得看看。

又因為叫不到的士，大部分時間都在走路，反而看到更多有特色的古老建築、原來有這麼多老大榕樹、和留意到路上美麗精緻的黑白地磚，令我對澳門另眼相看。

For a gathering with school friends, we decided to stay in Macau for 3 days, close by, easy to get to and good food. It is the first time that I properly researched on scenic sights in Macau, as my previous trips were short with eating and shopping (for furniture/vintage Port) as main purposes.

It is a surprise to learn that there are 22 Unesco listed buildings, plus hill forts, light house and gardens to visit. We walked to most of the sights and found a lot more picturesque views on the way, it is a very satisfactory short trip and make me view Macau in a different way. 

The first lunch is at the north part of the Peninsula at the University of Traveling’s restaurant, serving good quality set menu of Portuguese/Macau/Western food. 

After that, we wander along to Monte Fort  大炮台 for a view of the city. Along the way, there are a number of traditional buildings and old temples caught my eyes. 

 

Up at the Fort with the panoramic view all round, the city has a lot of pretty old and in poor condition medium height buildings, with a few new high rises dotted around. 

 

Then we walk to the Ruins of St Paul, which is the most iconic view of Macau, and big gathering of tourists. The area, with the building style, the long flight of steps and colour themes used, make one feel that it can be somewhere in Europe.  

 

Dinner is at Albergue 1601 婆仔屋, on the way walking there, I noticed the pavement are covered with fantastically lively mosaic, in black and white or beige brown tones, with vivid patterns. Actually thought out the Peninsular, a lot of pavements still have this old paving style, this, on its own, well deserved to be mentioned as an Unesco sight, plus more interesting buildings along the way.

Albergue 1601 is in a group of old Portuguese style house around a courtyard with 100 years old Ficus trees. This is my second surprise in Macau, there are so many big old trees! Along the pavement, next to buildings, everywhere, so beautiful.