澳门，中国

About 3 years ago, I was able to visit the first and last European colony in Asia, which also happens to be the gambling capital in this side of the world. I am not a gambler, but just like in Vegas, I am always fascinated by the lights on the Strip. Add watching Cirque du Soleil act, seeing the 17th century Portuguese cathedral ruins of St. Paul and bungee jumping off the highest in the world, this trip was not easy to forget.

For over 400 years, this little part of China was under Portuguese administration following an agreement made in the 16th century. Now back with Chinese government as a Special Administrative Region, Macao is now one of many famous destinations in Asia. We stayed at the Venetian, which looks very much like it’s US counterpart and rode one of the gondolas thru its man made canals. We also got to see some Chinese and European ruins and see the city atop Macao tower, then later on took a big jump (literally!) jumping off the highest bungee jump in the world (at that time). Think of Eastern city with European influence adding colonial and baroque architecture mixed with bright lights on a strip Vegas style, Macao is simply a fusion of culture with influences from 3 corners of the world.