Macau is the only place in China where casinos are legal. There are a few historic casinos, but the big American companies are moving in fast. The Wynn, MGM Grand, Sands, and Venetian are already here. In fact, the Venetian in Macau is the largest casino in the world, and man did it feel like it. I'm pretty sure that within five years we'll be hearing about the Cotai Strip just as much as the Las Vegas Strip. Unlike the Vegas casinos, there doesn't seem to be a lot of partying or drinking involved in the scene. People take their cards very seriously here. Ostentatiousness, however, was readily displayed. Observe:
The Grand Lisboa and Casino Lisboa - two of the old timers. The Grand Lisboa was pretty nice, but the Casino Lisboa - despite the marvelously excessive use of lights - was like a dungeon inside.
Casino district skyline.
Incredible and intricate ivory carving in the Grand Lisboa.
The Wynn, stepping on Bellagio's toes and hosting their own fountain show. The Wynn does the Bellagio one better though - theirs includes fire!
This was very strange. Every half hour the Wynn casts visualizations on its ceiling, which then opens to reveal a crystal chandelier. The chandelier is lowered while a golden tree rises from a hole in the floor. The tree rotates and changes colors for about five minutes before being lowered back into its hole. The chandelier is raised, the ceiling is closed, and everything returns to normal. All this is set against a very dramatic Hollywood score, though Ian and I can't remember what movie it's from. Although this was neat to look at, I can't say I really get it.
Pretty colors in the MGM Grand. Also on display: glass by Chihuly (or "Chitooly," as Ian calls him).
At the slots, Ian got the auspicious five canaries, winning $85 HKD!
Who needs Venice when the Macau Venetian is only an hour away?
Complete with opera-singing gondoliers.
The Grand Lisboa and Casino Lisboa - two of the old timers. The Grand Lisboa was pretty nice, but the Casino Lisboa - despite the marvelously excessive use of lights - was like a dungeon inside.
Casino district skyline.
Incredible and intricate ivory carving in the Grand Lisboa.
The Wynn, stepping on Bellagio's toes and hosting their own fountain show. The Wynn does the Bellagio one better though - theirs includes fire!
This was very strange. Every half hour the Wynn casts visualizations on its ceiling, which then opens to reveal a crystal chandelier. The chandelier is lowered while a golden tree rises from a hole in the floor. The tree rotates and changes colors for about five minutes before being lowered back into its hole. The chandelier is raised, the ceiling is closed, and everything returns to normal. All this is set against a very dramatic Hollywood score, though Ian and I can't remember what movie it's from. Although this was neat to look at, I can't say I really get it.
Pretty colors in the MGM Grand. Also on display: glass by Chihuly (or "Chitooly," as Ian calls him).
At the slots, Ian got the auspicious five canaries, winning $85 HKD!
Who needs Venice when the Macau Venetian is only an hour away?
Complete with opera-singing gondoliers.
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1 comment:
Were the opera singers Chinese? Cuz Chinese operas are the worst!
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