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.
