MACAU: East meets west here. As Special Administrative Region of China, Macau was earlier a colony of Portugal and reverted to Chinese rule on
December 20, 1999. It's the only city in the world where Las Vegas joins hand with continental Europe while being in the lap of the Oriental. Confused? Well don't be - Macau has a distinct flavour to its pulse and feel.
On one hand, casinos, pubs and bars crowd its coastline, adding to the Las Vegas touch. On the other, there are Roman cathedrals, forts, canals and museums that bring in the European flavour in a city that's carved out of mainland China.
With many Asian countries opening their doors to the gaming industry (revenues touched $13 billion in 2006 as per a report by Globalysis, a Las Vegas-based consultant), the biggest names are interested in it. These include Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, MGM Mirage and Harrah's Entertainment and they hope to generate about 20% of their revenues from Asia alone in the next decade.
Little wonder then that Macau is throbbing with casinos like the indigenous Lisboa, The Grand Emperor and the Vegas Import. It's the only Chinese city where gambling in a casino is legal. As a result, the city has not only lured business travellers and tourists alike, but also a niche clientele dubbed as entertainment travellers.
Not surprisingly, Macau's night life dons a carnival look. There are casinos where Latino music and dance forms like the Samba, Mumba and Salsa enthral the traveller. For the more adrenaline-charged, there are pubs with pole dances. Otherwise, the city turns quiet at midnight.
With an area of 29.2 sq km, mostly got from reclaimed land, Macau, like big brother Hong Kong, benefits from the principle of one country, two systems. But unlike Hong Kong's Manhattan-like mania, Macau has a leisurely pulse with a happy blend of Macanese (Chinese and Portuguese) culture. One can see this all around, from sepia-tinted colonial architecture to A-Ma, Na Tcha and Kai Vui Kun temples. From one street looking traditionally Chinese, to the other looking distinctly European.
Indian tourists, for whom South East Asia has become a much favoured destination, have taken to Macau in a big way. With the opening of the over 10.5 million square feet Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, their travel experience has become luxurious. The Venetian (as it's popularly called) is Asia's answer to Las Vegas and is the property of Las Vegas Sands Corp, headed by Sheldon G Adelson, chairman and CEO.
Considered a virtual city under one roof, The Venetian is the second largest building in the world and the largest in Asia. It has 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet of convention and exhibition space and a 1,800-seat theatre (Cirque do Soleil). Considered the crown jewel of the Las Vegas Sands Corp, the hotel also boasts a 15,000-seat arena that can be transformed and customised to accommodate any event providing world-class entertainment.
Another first for the hotel is the one million square feet retail space with a false sky ceiling that's home to 350 stores selling renowned brands. And then there are three 490-ft long canals holding 22,000 m cube of water (equivalent to 11 Olympic pools), followed by a complete replica of European landmarks such as St Mark's Square and canals and gondolas of Venice. The Grand Canal is complete with serenading gondoliers and arched bridges and is an out-of-the world experience right inside mainland China.
What makes the visit more heart-warming is Indians who've found vocation in the hotel. Santosh, who hails from Darjeeling, has been working in a restaurant in the hotel for over a year. Speaking in chaste Hindi, he says, "I came here because the job opportunity and money was good." And lest one doubts his awareness of national events, he's quick to assert that Gorkhaland is a just demand of his fellow men. " Desh ka sawal hai, ektaa to chahiye is struggle mein ," he smiles. And then he goes on to recommend the best menu here.
Budhiraja Mahasingha is another Indian who serves as a security officer at the hotel. With an Indian sister-in-law in Hong Kong, he exchanges notes on the latest Bollywood films.
A little India bang in the middle of Macau. It sure is a small world out there.
