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Macau--The Last Outpost

© Haydee De Guzman

On 20 December 1999, Macau will be handed over to China by Portugal ending 442 years of colonial rule. Macau, a small peninsula and two islands in the Pearl River delta, will be the last European colony in Asia when it returns to Chinese sovereignty.

As a one-time Hong Kong resident, Macau is a place, for us Hong Kongers, to unwind during weekends and long holidays. Just 60km from the former British colony, this tiny Portuguese enclave takes only less than an hour's ride by jetfoil from Hong Kong.

Owing perhaps to its Latin temperament, and languid lifestyle, I feel easily at home in Macau. Macau's numerous churches made me feel like I'm back home, coming from predominantly Catholic Philippines. The street signs are understandable as Portuguese sounds much like Spanish to me, which I studied for three years in school. Words such as Senado, Guia, Monte, Santa Casa,etc. are familiar.

From the 16th to early 18th century, Macau flourished as an important trading port in East Asia. It served as a main artery for shipping routes from Lisbon to Goa to Nagasaki, and on the other side of the Pacific, Mexico to Manila. However, with the British settlement in Hong Kong, Macau went on a gradual decline. Today, Macau is overshadowed by the progress of neighbouring, Hong Kong, which is now an international port and financial business center.

Macau is considerably small, only 23.5 km of territory and can easily be toured on foot or by bicycle. In fact, the mopeds are the popular means of getting around. It is a familiar sight to see a whole stretch of road lined with parked mopeds.

My first stop whenever I'm in Macau is the Leal Senado located along the city's main artery, the Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro. The Leal Senado, with its classic structure houses the municipal government offices. Inside, the blue-tiled-lined staircase opens up to a garden in the middle of the building. There's a café located at one corner facing the garden. The rooms on both sides of the building are furnished with antiquated furniture and serve as function rooms.

Facing the Leal Senado is the public square known as Largo de Senado. It's a perfect meeting place and resting area for residents and visitors alike because of the large fountain at the center. It's also a favorite place for events or gatherings. Almost every time I'm in Macau, there is a makeshift stage at the middle of the square and small stalls dotted the cobbled walk. The square is a good starting point to see the city's famous sights. I like the stucco buildings in European architecture with exteriors painted in sunshine yellow, salmon pink or fiery red.

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