Friday, February 4, 2011

Hong Kong

The first stop for ew and me after leaving the states was Hong Kong.  There aren't any direct non-business class flights to Singapore, so we decided to spend a week layover in Hong Kong to hang out with ew's family.  The usual fare in Hong Kong is curry fish balls, egg nuggets, egg tarts, won ton noodle soup, and dim sum.  While it may be expensive to live in Hong Kong, you can definitely get around and eat for very cheap.  Curry fish balls are only around 6 HKD for a stick, egg nuggets around 10, egg tarts between 2 and 4, won ton noodle soup for around 40, and we had dim sum at Yau Ma Tei for 9 people for less than 500.  Keep in mind that the HKD/USD exchange rate is around 7.78/1.

This was the first time in awhile that ew and I had such a long time in Hong Kong with nothing to do, so we actually also took a side trip to Macau.  Let's just say that I really have no desire to go back.  Despite eating a delicious pork chop bun, Macau really doesn't have a lot to offer.  The casinos are not as centrally located as Vegas, and there really isn't the same energy that Vegas has.  When you walk into the casinos, it's basically serious gambling business.  And apparently the only game that Asians play is baccarat, which I have no idea how to play.  Hardly any blackjack or craps games going.  And I only saw one Wheel of Fortune machine in the Wynn.  Basically everyone gambling is nervously smoking, and it's apparent that the only reason why these people are there is to gamble.  Vegas has the allure of food, clubs, partying, and it's just a much more relaxes atmosphere.  Macau feels very stuffy and formal, and it just makes you wonder why these guys are taking losing money so seriously.  So unless you want to see the Portugese architecture, or the remains of the churches, I'd stay away from Macau.  

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