Things Macao

These are some of the things that I found in Macao:

Egg Tarts: Although egg tarts can be found abundantly in Macao, the most famous one is Lord Stow’s Egg Tart. Englishman, Andrew Stow opened Lord Stow’s Bakery on Coloane Island, Macau on 15th September 1989. It was a modest affair, in a small village shop, in an area he loved. Local people quickly took to his European produce – a phenomenon in an area with no strong tradition of bread eating.

During a trip to Portugal in the late-80s, Andrew had become familiar with their popular Pasteis de Nata – a kind of egg tart, which had its origins in Belem, Lisbon in 1837. Andrew wanted to produce Pasteis de Nata for his customers, but had no recipe. His Pharmaceutical background made him no stranger to experimentation and Andrew set forth, experimenting with his own version. He dispensed with some conventional methods & ingredients, and introduced an English touch. By doing so, Andrew created his own specialty and introduced the “Portuguese” Egg Tart to Asia in the form they are now recognized and known.

Portuguese ceramic tiles (Azulejos): The influence of Portuguese art, architecture and craft still linger in the form of azulejos – the unique ceramic tiles characteristically used to decorate colonial-era buildings and public spaces. I noticed that one of the buildings in the Historic Center of Macao that still have Azulejos art is Leal Senado Building. Other building that I also noticed having Azulejos is Central plaza at MGM Macao.

Goddess of Mercy (Kun Iam): Goddess of Mercy is 20 meters high and weighs 50 tons. She is a deity embodying love, mercy and compassion, and a figure that represents this message of solidarity and rapprochement between people, worshipped even beyond the scope of the Buddhist religion.

Macao Tower: Macao Tower measures 338m (in height from ground level to the highest point. An observation deck with panoramic views, restaurants, theaters, shopping malls and the Skywalk X, a thrilling walking tour around the outer rim. It offers the best view of Macau and in recent years has been used for a variety of adventurous activities.

Giant Panda: Miles from the glitter and gold of Macau’s resorts, nestled against a hill in Coloane, you’ll find the real treasures of Macau. The feature attraction at Seac Pai Van Park, the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion is home to two rare giant pandas, Kai Kai and Xin Xin. They count amongst the 320 giant pandas living in breeding centers and zoos around the world and are part of an endangered species that has only 1600 left living in the wild.

Door god: I noticed that all temples that I visited have Door God. I am very intrigued by the artwork on some of the doors and took some photos for my drawing reference.  A door god is a Chinese decoration placed on each side of an entry to a temple, home, business, etc., which is believed to keep evil spirits from entering.

Lotus: Standing in Lotus Square next to the Forum, the large sculpture of “Lotus Flower In Full Bloom” presented by the State Council of China in 1999, marks the return of sovereignty of Macao. The sculpture stands at 6 meters high and the major part is composed of a stem, petals and pistil, with a total of 16 components. The base of the flower consists of 23 pieces of red granite.