Macau, man-made paradise

There are many ways to lose money at the many gambling tables in Macau. But before that, there are many ways to get to Macau. You can fly directly to this resort on the south-east coast of China from many international cities. Or you can take a ferry from Hong Kong (the popular method judging by the size of the catamarans and their frequency – from the city, airport and Kowloon). Or you can take a nifty ten-minute helicopter ride from Hong Kong and experience the curious paradox of having 50 more minutes but 250 less dollars to spend at the gambling tables. From China, you can simply walk over the border.

I took the ferry. As we sped over the dark water, I marvelled at the stability of the large vessel. It spared me the sight of rampant seasickness among my fellow travellers, even those who eagerly devoured the unappetizing instant noodles served free. After an hour, it was eerie to see large skyscrapers loom suddenly out of the water… we had arrived.

At the dock, I breezed through immigration and was whisked to the hotel in five minutes in a shuttle bus. Once inside, I realized The Venetian is gigantic. After checking in at a lobby the size of a basketball court, I walked down a long corridor with oil paintings and chandeliers to reach a casino area the size of a football stadium.

A weekend in Phuket

On a lazy Sunday my wife and I decided to take the family to Phuket. For me, to decide is to get someone to act. I asked my daughter, who was at her computer – her usual hangout when awake – to research accommodation on the internet. Soon she showed me gorgeous resorts on beaches against majestic hills, with inviting swimming pools and cosy rooms. To help us select one, my wife and I called on our travel agent. 

“For a quiet beach holiday,” she said, “Choose a resort in Karon: they all have private beaches.”

I imagined lying in a hammock between coconut palms, cool wind on my face, a cooler drink in my hand, waves crashing a few feet away…

“But if you want action,” she continued, “Patong town has great shopping, night life and the beach is just across the road.”

Before I could say, “No!” my wife said, “Patong!”