Walking and Seeing

Macau is so small. It's not at all difficult to remember the names of roads and buildings. The layout of the town is almost instinctive. The cool weather meant that it's fairly pleasant to walk over long distances even in a jacket.

I walk from building to building; sat in many conference rooms. I work the hours of the Macau colleagues, try to speak their lingo. I eat where the locals eat. (Although I'm dying for a plate of nasi lemak, specifically sambal belachan.) Through the many work discussions and meetings, I try to understand their work culture and mindsets. I try to understand how this mega-casino boom has changed the tiny city in a short span of 4 years. I feel the unease of some and the eagerness of the entrepreneurs.

These are exciting times for the city indeed. Spanking new buildings and boulevards. It's not unlike other global cities. Neon lights, crystal displays and opulence of the gaming and entertainment industry. I only feel a distant curiosity and the artery of sharp efficiency running though. I do my usual asking about the cost of living in the city. I ask about property prices and take look at the apartments downtown and houses on the hill. I check out the local stores. I compare the price of a McDonald's double cheeseburger to what it is in Singapore and Shanghai. I look at the range of local and international designer labels available across a variety of products. It's a pretty easy city to live in.

But when I walk through the older streets lined with the historical buildings, my senses come alive. I take in the sights, sounds and smells of the area. Some say that the streets look the same. Not to me. Each street has a different character and atmosphere. The old streets have so much more color and vibrance. There is just so much more to see. I actually want to linger in these areas and watch the world go by.