Macau and China

We decided that seeing as we had got to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong is now really part of China, then we ought to visit China. So we got on a Ferry to Macau in Hong Kong. We spent an afternoon exploring Macau. Ruth wanted to go into a cassino but we managed to resist the temptation. Besides we found out that there are some interesting little streets around Macau. After we grew tired of Macau, we found the bus to the border and walked across the border into China. We did need a visa but we had already arranged that back in Singapore, so there was no issue with this.

There were thousands of people crossing the border back into China. We must have been the only caucasions. We just marched along in the human ant trail. The next thing we knew we were in Zhu Hai, the next issue was how to find our hotel. Well the girl said it was easy to find so we just walked off ignoring the taxi offers. We found a atsons and asked in there. They were good but it took three assistants before we found one with enough English to give us direction. Go left she said pointing right. Hmm. Yes a bit of a worry because now it was dark. But we did find it and it was quite nice, very cheap. Cheaper than anything in Macau. Thanks Molly, good advice.

A Slideshow of our Macau and China Trip
Enjoy!




The next morning we had a bit of fun trying to find the bus to Guangzhou. But after realising that our helpful hotel staff did not know enough English to help us we headed off in the general direction of the where we thought the bus was. In our hand we held the name of the Hotel we had booked into in Haizhu Square, written in Chinese, which was some where in Guangzhou.

We found the bus, and were just in time. We arrived in Guangzhou a busy and bustling city after two hours. The bus terminal was large and busy and there was no English. We found a taxi queue, and an obliging tout who put us into a car, I suppose it could have been a taxi. There was no meter and the agreed price seemed steep but we arrived outside our hotel. Surprise of surprises the hotel was quite good and the locality was better.

We spent a the afternoon exploring the neighbourhood. There were lots of interesting alley ways and busy bustling streets. The loads that people carried on bicycles and trollies were fascinating. Everyone was going somewhere, they full of their importance. Along the river there were a number of people busy doing what they do. The day was fascinating and just disappeared. We did feel we stuck out because we did not see any other caucasions walking the streets. We felt we were being scrutinised most of the time, but we did not feel threatened.

We did decide the hotel offered our best option for a meal and ended up in their local restaurant. We weren't really sure what we were ordering but we did have a feast. All washed down with non stop tea. A great way to end a great day.

The next morning we went walking looking for breakfast. We found ourselves doing a block through narrow alleyways. The locals were surprised to see us but were friendly they did have lots of clothing to offer us. I think this was a wholesale area as I noticed people were buying bulk lots and some were taking clothes they had bought by the trolley load.
Eventually we found lourselve across the road from our hotel again having not found anywhere suitable for breakfast. We knew htere was MacDonalds so we settled for MacDs. Yes you don't need to know Chinese to order MacDs in China. Actually it still tyastes like cardboard but it was edible.

We filled in the day with some more sight seeing in the district. A stroll through the pedestrian road Beijing road. A busy shopping centre with all the lable stores that you find in Asia and more.
Every corner had a number of hawkers touting their wares. They approached us with cards showing watches. I don't want a watch. out came the cards showing handbags. I cetainly don't need a handbag. Out came the clothing. A fraction of the price of the shops and all the labels. Yeah Right!

We did have good local lunch in a restaurant that was well patronised. It was fun trying to order us knowing no Chines and them Knowing no English. BUt the end result was a very tasty meal. Surprisingly Ruth found there was very little Chilli so she could eat there too.

That afternoon we got on the bus at the hotel and headed back to Hong Kong. Crossing the border was easier this time because we just sat in the mini bus that was to take us to Hong Kong Airport and smiled at the border control. A very interesting journey in a very busy area. We are keen to go back to China but will have more time and travel deepr into the country.