Day 61, July 10: Ferry ride to explore Historic Centre of Macau

Cotai Water Jet from Hong Kong to Macau: three hours to see Macau. Michelle and George were excellent tour guides and focused on the Historic Centre of Macau. This Historic Centre is inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2005.

A-Ma Temple: The variety of pavilions dedicated to worship of different deities in a single complex make A-Ma Temple an exemplary representation of Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs

A-Ma Temple already existed before the city of Macau came into being. It consists of the Gate Pravilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Beneveolence, the Hall of Guanyin, and Zhengjiao Chanlin (a Buddhist pavilion).

St Dominic’s Church founded in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests who originally came from Acapulco in Mexico. The first Portuguese newspaper was published here on Chinese soil.

We appreciated the Portugese style tiles throughout the Historic Centre.

Holy House of Mercy. Established by the first Bishop of Macau in 1569. First western-style medical clinic and several other social welfare structures that still function today.

St. Augustine’s Church was established by Spanish Augustinians in 1591.

St. Lawrence’s Church, built by the Jesuits in the mid-16th century, is one of the three oldest churches in Macau. Situated on the southern coastoine of Macau overlooking the sea, families of Portuguese sailors used to gather here on the front steps to pray and wait for their return.

St. Josehp’s Seminary and Church, established in 1728, was the principle base for the missionary work implemented in China, Japan and around the region.

Senado Square has been Macau’s urban centre for centuries, and is still the most popular venue for public events and celebrations today. The square is surrounded by pastel colored neoclassical buildings.

Our time was limited so we were unable to visit the museum of the Macau Holy House of Mercy. As a former Sister of Mercy—Diann wished there had been more time!

Dom Pedro V Theater, built in 1860 as the first western-style theater in China with a seating capacity of 300..

Moorish Barracks, built in 1874, this neo-classical building was constructed to accommodate an Indian regiment from Goa appointed to reinforce Macau’s police force. Now it serves as headquarters of the Marine and Water Bureau.

Lilau Square: The ground water of Lilau used to be the main source of natural spring water in Macau. The Portuguese popular phrase: “One who drinks from Lilau never forgers Macau” expresses the locals’ nostalgic attachment to Lilau Square.

Our return to Hong Kong via ferry boat left us with time for George and Michelle’s stop at the tailor’s shop for last fitting and pick up of new suit and the 6:30 dinner at Jimmy’s Kitchen to celebrate Diann’s birthday. A very full day!!