December 3, 2009

High Roller


A quick jaunt to Macau - about 1 hour away by ferry - happened in Day 3 of the trip. The ferry we took is the Cotaijet, which deposited us directly to Cotai Strip - a Vegas-type development that includes out hotel, the 3000-room The Ventian. We even got a bonus upgrade to the Rialto suite, as the hotel overbooked and the room we reserved is no longer available.


After checking in, we took a cab to take us to 338-meter Macau Tower, about 20 minute taxi ride away (about 35 MOP one way). We then went up the viewing deck (entrance fee 90 MOP), which is about 233 meters up. From here you can bungee jump and receive a certificate from Guinness Book of World Records for the highest bungee jump. I didn't have time to try this as we have to catch the Cirque du Soleil show at the hotel, so we contented ourselves by viewing the spectacular cityscape below us, through the vertigo-inducing glass floor.


Back to the Venetian, the over-the-top decor of the hotel took some time to sink in. The place is very opulent, and the casino is the largest I've seen (it is in fact, the largest casino in the world). I did enjoyed Zaia, the show staged by Cirque du Soleil




After the spectacle that showcases death-defying stunts and acts, we went to an Irish pub McSorley's to grab some food, then explored the artificial canals - made to look like Venice - built inside the hotel. Shops and restaurants surround the canal, which also have rideable gondolas.

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