Despite being situated on the mainland, Macau's completely different from other Chinese cities. Considering its history, it's not surprising. Like Hong Kong, this Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is better - albeit slightly - than the other mainland cities he's visited so far. Sure, there are still some really rude people. But there are also very kind and helpful ones. So it's not so skewed.
He wonders if this is because of its long Western influence since the Portuguese established its colony in Macau around the early 1550s. It's one of those chicken-and-egg questions really. But it's definitely something to see such a tight-knitted community fusing Western and Oriental influences.
This is especially evident in the Historic Centre of Macau where Chinese architecture such as Kuan Tai Temple and Lou Kau Mansion sit side by side with Portuguese buildings such as Senado Square and the Cathedral. This may seem insignificant. But having witnessed the segregation of locals from the 'whites' in Hong Kong and the divide-and-rule policy in Malaya, this is something extraordinary.
He wonders if this is because of its long Western influence since the Portuguese established its colony in Macau around the early 1550s. It's one of those chicken-and-egg questions really. But it's definitely something to see such a tight-knitted community fusing Western and Oriental influences.
This is especially evident in the Historic Centre of Macau where Chinese architecture such as Kuan Tai Temple and Lou Kau Mansion sit side by side with Portuguese buildings such as Senado Square and the Cathedral. This may seem insignificant. But having witnessed the segregation of locals from the 'whites' in Hong Kong and the divide-and-rule policy in Malaya, this is something extraordinary.
Posts
1 comment:
This is especially evident in the Historic Centre of Macau where Chinese architecture...sit side by side with Portuguese buildings. This may seem insignificant. But having witnessed the segregation of locals from the 'whites' in Hong Kong and the divide-and-rule policy in Malaya, this is something extraordinary.
Extraordinary? Despite the divide-and-rule policy in Malaya or rather, Malaysia, you can find buildings that have Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western influences on just one street. You may even find all these influences in a single building.
No offence but sometimes it may seem that the grass is greener on the other side and we may overlook what we have at home and forget to appreciate and be thankful for what we've been blessed with.
Selamat Menyambut 50 Tahun Merdeka!
Post a Comment