| Jardim
de Lou Lim IOC is a classical Chinese garden of the 19th century.
Its beautiful manicured ground combine flowering plants, shrubs and
trees with a beautiful pond and several buildings. There isn't much
to say about its beauty so just enjoy the pictures. |
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Building
overlooking the garden pond
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| Enjoying
our walk through these beautiful gardens we headed out to our next
destination the Temple of the Goddess AMA AMA Temple is the
oldest existing temple in Macau today. Inscriptions on some of the
inner walls date back to the 1300's. From the temple's original name,
A-ma-gao, meaning the bay of A-ma, Macau derived its name. |
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Entrance
to AMA Temple |
Darla
overlooking the courtyard |
Anne
about to enter a Moon gate |
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Throughout much of Asia in the old temples you visit you will find
many portals, like the one Anne is standing in front of above, which
appear to be somewhat awkward to pass through. This was intentional.
For Anne to pass through the portal Anne would have to step over the
lower ridge and, in doing so, she would bend forward. This, in effect,
forces the person to bow before the Gods of the shrine which was the
intended action the designer's were searching for. |
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Shrine
in the AMA Temple |
Worshipper
burning incense |
Shrine
in AMA Temple |
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Worshipper
on the steps at AMA Temple |
The
picture at left was a real challenge to take. As I walked through
the temple I noticed this old Chinese woman sitting on the steps
next to a wall. She was interesting in the way she was posed holding
her beggar's cup. I wanted to take her picture, but I didn't want
a staged picture. Every time I pointed the camera in her direction
she would casually lean back hiding her upper body from the camera.
I tried several times and got nothing. Then, being the tricky devil
I can be at times, I posed Anne in the center of the courtyard as
if I was taking her picture. Instead I focused passed her and caught
the little old lady in her normal position.
It's
these kinds of pictures that make the whole photography experience
worthwhile. I'm not trying to invade her privacy in taking her picture.
I'm just trying to capture a moment in someone's life that isn't
staged or contrived ... trying to capture the essence of what it
might be to be an old Chinese woman and how she spends her day.
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Another
of those irresistible
Ming Lions only with Ken
this time |
While
in Macau we were in for a bit of a surprise. Ken's friend Francis,
whom he'd worked with previously and lives in Hong Kong, joined us
in Macau for our visit. We were also joined there by Francis' mistress.
While we were there Anne would be celebrating a birthday. Ken and
Darla, with the help of Francis and his mistress, planned a surprise
birthday party at dinner the evening of her birthday. Ken and Darla
had brought a card from home and Francis' mistress provided the cake.
It was a delightful surprise to both Anne and I, and I know she really
appreciated their kindness and thoughtfulness. |
Anne's
birthday card |
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Ken
standing in front
of the restaurant we
hunted for |
Our
last evening in Macau was spent on a quest ... a quest for a restaurant
that Ken had enjoyed during a previous visit to Macau. The only problem:
he didn't quite remember where it was or what its name was. After
what seemed to be an eternity we settled on Fortaleza, a restaurant
recommended by Fodor's Guide as follows: "The setting of this
exquisite restaurant would be reason enough to dine here. Located
in a traditional Portuguese inn in the 17th century Barra Fortress,
it offers views of an idyllic seascape of green islands and sailing
junks. The decor and atmosphere recall the days of the Portuguese
empire, with crystal lamps, hand-carved mahogany furniture, blue and
white tiles, and plush carpeting. The food is almost as marvelous."
With such a glowing recommendation how could we go wrong? EASY! When
you travel keep one thing in mind. What may be a wonderful experience
for someone does not necessarily mean it will be wonderful for you.
The description of the restaurant was right on, but the food was not
very good at all. We all wished we had returned to Henri's Gallery
for another fantastic meal. |
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For
our third and final day in Macau we would take a one day excursion
into Mainland China. A tour that Anne and I had enjoyed back in 1984
and were sure that Ken and Darla would enjoy. Join us on the next
page for a peek at life in Mainland China ... |
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