Renaissance in China

China - Every where I go there will always be some article about China. China's development and growth has been more than phenomenal. In November, I went to Sydney and everyone is talking about China. Why? because China is now Australia's largest export market and it is the real reason for the strong Australian dollar and booming economy. Sydney taxi drivers talk about how China has made Western Australia a booming state and made many people there rich.

In such a short period of time, China has become an economic Juggernaut:
- World largest mobile phone subscribers and still growing...
- 3rd largest economy in the World - by end of 2007, China will overtake Germany to be the 3rd largest economy in the World
- Bringing more than 100 million people out of poverty in 10 years

World's Largest Steel Producer - China surpassed the US to become the World's largest steel producer in 1997 (10 years ago). China's mills have increased their output five fold over the decade, to about 38% of the world's total.
Reference:
IHT

World's Largest Exporter - In September 2005, OECD stated that China could be the World's largest exporter by 2010, but during the first six months of 2006, China has surpassed the United States as being the world's largest exporter. Only five years ago, the United States exported more than double the amount of China.
Reference:
Manufacturing News
OECD press release

World's biggest CO2 Emitter - The International Energy Agency has predicted that China's carbon emissions would not equal those of the US until 2010 . But in 2006, accordingly to the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, China has already overtaken US as the world's biggest CO2 emitter.
Reference:
IEA Press release
Guardian UK
NY Times

Widest varieties of cars

Singapore - Having travel to most parts of Asia Pacific, I find that Singapore has the most varieties of car brands. There are 49 brand of cars being sold in Singapore. The largest are European made with twenty-four (24) brands, next nine Japanese made brands, five are made from China, six are USA made brands, three brands are Korean and three from our neighbour Malaysia.

Alfa Romeo - Europe
Aston Martin - Europe
Audi - Europe
Bentley - Europe
BMW - Europe

Chery - China
Chevrolet - USA
Chrysler - USA
Citroen - Europe (France)

Daihatsu - Japanese
Dodge - USA
Dongfeng - China made

Ferrari - Europe (Italian)
Fiat - Europe (Italian)
Ford - USA

Geely - China
GM - USA

Ha Fei - China
Honda - Japan
Hyundai - Korea

Jaguar - Europe
Jeep - USA

KIA - Korean

Lamborghini - Europe
Land Rover - Europe
Lexus - Japan
Lotus - Europe

Maserati - Europe
Mazda - Japan
Mercedes Benz - Europe (Germany)
Mini - Europe
Mitsubishi - Japan

Nissan - Japan
Naza - Malaysia (new introduction in 2007)

Opel - Europe

Perodua - Malaysia
Peugeot - Europe (France)
Porshe - Europe (Germany)
Proton - Malaysia

Renault - Europe (France)
Rolls Royce - Europe

Saab - Europe
Skoda - Europe
Soyat - China
Ssangyong - Korea
Subaru - Japan
Suzuki - Japan

Toyota - Japan

Volkswagen - Europe (Germany)
Volvo - Europe

Le Meridien Cyberport

Hong Kong - Today, we will be checking out of Grand Hyatt Hotel. So, the kids want to stay in the Hotel to rest and watch their favourite cartoon programmes from Cartoon Network. So, me and my wife just walk around till it is near time for check-out.

Our next hotel is Le Meridien Cyberport - located @ 100 Cyberport Road. This hotel is not on any popular Hong Kong tourist map. Upon arrival via taxi, the fare was quite expensive because it was far. The reception at the Hotel was unpleasant for a 5-star hotel - only 1 staff manning the reception and it took so long to check us in. The Le Meridien Cyberport is a modern ultra sleek hotel but it does not give you a cosy feeling. The rooms are ultra modern - with a 42" LCD TV and a naughty shower that you can bring the shower blinds up and down. So, if you are in the mood for some extra sexy and modern feeling - you can bathe with the shower blinds up.

Walking around the hotel and a small shopping centre was quiet and nice - just the correct tempo and pace for tommorrow we head back home.

Hong Kong famous Ladies market

Hong Kong - After a hearty breakfast, we make our way to the MTR for our next adventure into the heartlands of Kowloon. Our 1st stop was Mong Kong station, because we want to visit the Ladies market (also called Tung Choi Street) that we hear so much about. This is a place to find good bargains, inexpensive ladies clothes, jeans, bags, watches, etc. Opens daily from noon till 11:30pm. We walk up the down the street a number of times - spent lunch at a local eatery.

After lunch, we walk a distance to the Goldfish market - this place is located at the further end of Tung Choi, crossing 3 roads - and this is where you can find ornamental fishes. Walking around is quite an eye opener for the children.

We then walk back to Mong Kok station and hop onto the MTR for Jordan station. This location is where the Gentlemen market is location (also called Temple Street or their night market). This is also famous for their numerous fortune tellers all lined up along Temple Street.

After much walking, bargaining and shopping - we hop onto the MTR to head back to Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong room is nice and comfortable - the ambiance is great and you really want to come back again.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong - We took the MTR from Wan Chai station all the way to Sunny Bay station, and then hop on the Disney train to the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Throughout the trip it was pleasant but never expected to have such a huge crowd on a monday morning. We started our Disneyland tour at around 11.30am and left at 9.30pm.

I was told by many Kong Hong friends that Monday is a good day to visit HK Disneyland as it is not a HK school holiday and many parents are back at work. They were correct to an extend as many of the visitors were foreigners and Mainland Chinese.

We had to queue at popular stations about 30-45 minutes. This HK Disneyland is smaller to the ones I have been to at Tokyo and California - but to my kids there is no difference - this is a paradise of fun and play. We paid HK$ 295 (S$59) for adults and HK$ 210 (S$42) for children.

There are 3 fantasy lands ( Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Adventureland) and it would be best to plan your route around the Resort.

Tomorrowland - My kids love the roller coster rides (Space Mountain) at Tommorrowland and went twice - once for me is fine. There are no 360 degree turns so my 6 year old can also take the ride - it is very safe. We did the Buzz lightyear Astro Blasters 3 times - it was really fun. We manage to completed all the 6 stations.

Fantasyland - There are 11 stations here and did not mange to complete only 1 - The Golden Mickeys because of the crowded showtimes. The most fun stations were Fantasyland Train station, Mickey's Philharmagic and The Mad Hatters Tea cup.

Adventureland - There are only 4 stations and all are really fantastic and fun.

At around 7.30pm, we have to quickly make our way back to the evening finale - Disney in Stars Fireworks which will start at around 8pm. There were so many people already seated at choice locations - there are only standing spaces left. It was worth the standing as the fireworks display was spectacular.

Once the show is over, hundreds of people were making their way back to the entrance to take the MTR. It was so crowded - unbelievable.

I was totally exhausted having spent more than 12 hours out....but it was a child's fantasy even for myself.

Back to Hong Kong

Macau - Since it is our last day in Macau, my wife together with my youngest son decided to tour around Taipa.

Taipa is one of the smallest city of Macau. The three bridges connecting Macau to Taipa are Nobre de Carvalho (2.5 km long), the Friendship Bridge (4.5 km long) and Sai Van Bridge (2.2 km long). The longest one (Friendship Bridge) leads directly to Macau International Airport located on the Island of Taipa. Also located on Taipei is the famous Macau Jockey Club.

After being dropped off by the Westin Macau shuttle bus, we walk around for a few hours and had breakfast at a neighbouring Macau chinese restaurant. Quite surprising on a Sunday morning it was crowded.

In the afternoon we took a dip at Westin Macau Resort's heated swimming pool. Spent about 2 hours in the pool and then it was check-out time. We have already bought the tickets one day earlier so we zip through immigration quite quickly. The only hic-up was that Turbojet insist that I pay a fee for my hard-case luggage. When we arrive from Hong Kong to Macau via another ferry company, they had no such ruling.

Turbojet Sea Express manage the ferry services from HK International Airport and Hong Kong island, whilst New World First Ferry handles ferry services from Kowloon.

It took just one hour on the jet foil to reach Hong Kong. We will be spending 3 nights at the luxurious Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. This is a beautiful luxurious hotel that I have stayed many many years ago.

Walking up Guia Hill

Macau - There is a hill just behind Royal Hotel and so early in the morning after breakfast, we set off walking up to Guia Hill. On this Guia Hill stands the Guia Fortress and Lighthouse. The Fortress was built in 1637 and the Lighthouse which is still in use, in 1865. This Lighthouse when it was built was the first of its kind along the China Coast.


There is also a small and simple chapel - Chapel of Our Lady of Guia. This chapel was originally established by the Clarist nuns, who resided at the site before establishing the Convent of St. Clare. The chapel's elaborate frescoes depict representation of both western and Chinese themes, displaying motifs of religious and mythological inspiration that are a perfect example of Macau's multicultural dimension.


Walking up I found an interesting sign board....



This is a great morning walk and the Guia Hill has many exercise equipments along the pedestrian path, and is popular with joggers, birdwatchers and lovers alike. The weather is cool and very nice. Up ahead on the winding road, is the Guia Cable Car (operating from 7am -6pm, the ride takes 80 seconds). I took a round trip back to the hill and then walk down a series of stone steps to the Flora Garden. This Flora Garden used to be the site of a mansion which was destroyed in a factory explosion in 1928, it contains an aviary, small zoo, botanical gardens and original fountain. Leaving the Flora Garden, turn left is just a 30 minutes walk back to the Hotel.

Visit to the Red Market

Macau - We took bus No. 28C from the bus stop outside Royal Hotel as we wanted to venture into the heartlands of Macau. We wanted to see how the Macau people live and eat. We alighted after 5 bus stops and decided to have lunch at a local restaurant. The restaurant owners were very nice people and guess correctly that we were from Singapore. We had a hearty meal at a very reasonable price.

We had to walk a distance to reach The Red Market but along the way we came across Lin Zexu Memorial Museum of Macau.






We finally reach The Red Market is located on the corner of Avenida Almirante Lacerda and Avenida Horta e Costa, in an area that has some of Macau's most interesting 20th century architecture. The market was built in 1936 by the Macanese architect Jio Alberto Basto in the Art Deco style and is classified as an architectural heritage site. It still houses a vigorous trade, with vendors selling dried foods, fresh produce, fish and meat. In earlier times the market was closer to the waterfront, and vendors bought their goods directly at the nearby harbor. Today, all kinds of fish and seafood still arrive twice a day, and live poultry share quarters with fresh flowers, fruit and other produce.




The most shocking part of this Red Market is the scene where the fish is stripped bare of flesh but it's lungs, heart and head is still intact. You can still see the fish breathing without any flesh on its body....

Local residents told us the place is dirty but we want to see how the local live and eat, so venturing to this location was an eye opener.


We also came across a traditional Dragon Beard candy man - this was hand-made and it taste heavenly and I wanted to buy more but he already sold out for the day. This Candy man was dressed in white, he had a white beard and the candy he makes is also white...it was a delightful scene.

Checking into Westin Resort Macau

Macau - We had to cross the bridge from Macau City to Taipa and then towards Coloane. Macau City, Taipa and Coloane are 3 islands that make up Macau. Taipa and Coloane are now joined through land reclaimations to create a new city called Cotai Strip. The Cotai Strip is the location of the new Casino and Resort Hotel - The Venetian Macau. More than 7 Resort Hotels are under development along the Cotai Strip and this will make it the Asian version of Las Vegas.

The Westin Resort Macau is the only beach fronting resort Hotel in Macau - we had a beautiful balcony overlooking the sea. Unfortunately, we will be resting here for just one night. The Macau Golf and Country Club is located next to the Hotel. On the 5th floor, there is a passage to the entrance of Macau Golf and Country Club.

What a difference! UNESCO Heritage Site

Macau - Checking out at Metropark Hotel, I was confronted with a rude front desk lady. Never had anyone slide the check-out bill to you - most hotel staff will politely hand over the bill with 2 hands. The service from the Metropark Hotel is below acceptable standard.

The taxi driver that took me to Royal Hotel which is a 10 minutes trip that cost about HK$ 30 - wanted me to pay HK$100. I refused and came to a compromise of HK$40 - which I think is also too much. This was a very bad experience in Macau.

Futhermore, Macau has a stupid policy of some taxi can only take 4 passengers and some 5 passengers. If you have 5 people including kids, you have to look on the side of the taxi with the number 5. This is rediculous....

You need to be extra vigilant in Macau:-
1. When taking a taxi, don't forget to write down the taxi number and driver's name which are affixed next to the taxi meter.
2. Make sure that the taxi meter is running - walk out if he wants to hustle and negotiate for a fixed trip price.
3. Bring the hotel name card because all taxi drivers speak Cantonese or Mandarin and hardly speak English.

Checking into the Royal Hotel is miles apart - with very polite and attentive staff. Internet access is free for every room.

Walking about 20 minutes from Royal Hotel, you will come across an photo art gallery and then following the road signs you will come across the Fire Services Museum. This is located at the headquarters of Macau Fire Services. This European-style building built in 1920, contains more than 700 artifacts in two halls. The main halls contains both Chinese and British manual pumps, old British fire engines, photographs and historic costumes. It is free admission and opens daily.

Art gallery

This area is an UNESCO Heritage Site


Visited the Ruins of St. Paul's - this is a World Heritage site and was built by the Jesuits in 1602, but was destroyed by fire in 1835 except for its stone facade with carvings that tell the story of the Catholic Church in Asia. There is also a crypt containing the relics of christian martyrs and a Museum of Sacred Art. This museum is dedicated to the history of the religious missions in the region. Along the side walls are relics of Japanese and Vietnamese martyrs. A grave has been left uncovered, dominating the whole area. A cross and tabernacle have been placed on the stones where the first building was erected, facing an altar capped by a single piece of marble.

Ruins of St. Paul's

There are so many tourists at the Ruins of St. Paul's and on that day - there was to be held a big concert. Crossing the road, you will come across Mount Fortress into which is built the Museum of Macau. The fortress was equipped with cannons, military barracks, wells and an arsenal that held sufficient ammunition and supplies to endure a siege lasting up to two years. The fortress covers and area of 10,000 square meters, in the shape of a trapezoid. The four corners of the fortress protrude to form bulwarks.

Walking along the old section of the City Walls - these were the surviving segment of the city's defence structures built as early as 1569, is a remnant of an early Portuguese tradition of constructing defensive walls around their port settlements.
Further down, you will come across the Na Tcha Temple, which was built in 1888, to dedicate to the worship of Na Tcha.


Had dinner in the city near Senoa square at a small restaurant and it was shocking to have your porcelain dinner plate with 12 small pieces chip off. In Singapore and Hong Kong, this plate would have been thrown away as it does not look decent and professional. I just swallowed my pride, don't question and gobble down the chow....

Being in Macau, makes me feel like this is a backwater place for Hong Kongers where professionalism and courtesy are non existence. Because of the numerous Mainland Chinese coming to Macau to gamble, the Macau entertainment business is booming and courtesy just falls by the wayside.

Unfriendly MACAU...

Macau -  We visited the Fisherman Wharf located near the Macau ferry - occupying 111,5000sq meter and claimed in their brochure to be the 1st ever themed entertainment attraction in Macau. But reality is far from claimed by the brochure - this is the most boring theme entertainment ever - not advise to visit at all. There is nothing of interest here - most of the theme attractions are closed.

Went over the New Yaohan departmental store - claimed to be the only department store in Macau - not too exciting.

Came back to the Hotel for a meeting with their sales and banquet to discuss for next year conference. Overall, I am not impress with Metropark Hotel.

Generally, I think Macau has a big problem in Macau on their service level. Macau has so many Mainland Chinese in the service and entertainment business that most are not given ample service training besides just being able to speak Mandarin. Macau is the only place, in all the countries I have travel around that the housekeeper has the audacity to question you why you need more towels and more bottles of water. So, in order to enjoy your trip in Macau - you need to set service level expectations very low. Don't set your expectation too high and you will not be disappointed.

In the afternoon, I visit Macau Tower. One of the must see icon of Macau. The express lift takes you to the 58th floor (view gallary) and then to the 61st floor. On the 61st floor it is open air viewing gallary and is also the location for bungee jumping and aerial walking for the brave hearted.

After meetings...off to Macau

Hong Kong - After all the meetings, I decided to take a nice stroll along the Harbour front located next to the Renaissance Kowloon Hotel. It is also called "Avenue of Stars" having the hand prints of HongKong famous movie stars similiar to Hollywood movie stars. The weather is very nice around 17 degrees and many times it reminds us of Perth.

At the end of the Avenue of Stars, there is the HK Space Museum and fortunately it is free entry on every Wednesday.

Macau - At around 8pm, took the jet foil (New World First Ferry) from Kowloon Harbour to Macau jetty. It took about 1hr and it was a smooth ride. There was meant to be a free shuttle bus to pick us up but did not know that it end at 9.15pm - we were 30 minutes late.

Macau like Hong Kong is part of China.  Macau, the former Portuguese colony is a  Special Administrative Region and has an area of 28.6 sq. km (about half the size of Singapore) - comprising of the Macau Peninsula (with 9.3 sq. km and connected to Mainland China), the islands of Taipa (6.5 sq. km) and Coloane (7.6 sq. km) and the reclaimed area Cotai (5.2 sq. km).    Macau official currency, the pataca is pegged to the Hong Kong  dollar which is also accepted as currency.   Chinese and Portuguese are the two official languages and most signs are displayed both languages.   Cantonese is the predominant Chinese dialect.

I took a taxi to MetroPark Hotel - you have to speak Mandarin or Cantonese in Macau otherwise you will have difficulty nagivating yourself around. This is a 3-star hotel and the room that was given to me was a smoking room - it was really bad - I could not breathe. This will be my hotel for the next 2 nights. The hotel staff had to spray air-refreshner and increased the speed of the air-con to rid the room of smoke. The manger told me there are so many smoking floors because many people from mainland China and Hongkonger come to Macau to smoke freely. There are no restrictions on where you can smoke in Macau - basically it is a smokers paradise.

There are no internet access in my room but all guest are given free 15 minutes to use the ground floor to access their email or internet daily - this was very troublesome.

Nice weather in Hong Kong...

Hong Kong - Even at 10.45pm the Hong Kong International Airport was crowded with people. It is the holiday season and many people are in Hong Kong enjoying the cool and nice weather. Took the Airport Express to Kowloon and stayed at Renaissance Kowloon Hotel. Just had to prepare for the next day and the time is already 1am...time to zzzz. Renaissance Kowloon Hotel is a walking distance to the harbour front.