st augustine square

st augustine square
Originally uploaded by olaer.

macau sar china

eating with buddha

private impressions, originally uploaded by olaer.

Crown Hotel to be 5 Stars?

Crown likely to have five not six stars The Standard writes that though Melco International Development is busily building what it describes as Macau's first six-star hotel, the HK$1.5 billion Crown Macau casino hotel is likely to officially bear just five stars. Star ratings in Macau are governed by statute and must be displayed prominently. Five stars are the most a hotel can claim under the law. The "one- star" rating was abolished nine years ago, but there has been no move to add new stars at the top end. Traditionally, star ratings are supposed to serve as a guide for travelers and travel agents as to the relative quality, facilities and price level of an area's hotels. Macau's star classification regime, however, ranks hotels solely on their facilities and features, and hoteliers say the local ratings give vague guidance as to price and quality. Of Macau's 42 hotels, nine officially carry five stars. Guestrooms in five-star hotels must be at least 14 square meters and the hotels must have meeting halls, a hair salon and an on-site travel agency, among other features. Nonetheless, said industry veteran Markland Blaiklock who is directing Wynn Macau's hotel operations, "within a given rating, there can exist quite a range of facilities and services." Both the Westin Macau and the Hotel Royal Macau are five star, but the Westin's room rates run about triple those of the Royal. The rating may not even be much guide to a hotel's facilities. Hotels report their star rating to the Macau Government Tourist Office but inspections may take several years to happen. The Sands Macau casino boasts 48 hotel suites that are among the plushest in town, but officially the property carries just three stars as it lacks a swimming pool or a conference room, among other facilities. The rooms are reserved for high rollers and not offered for sale to the public so the Sands escapes association with its budget-hotel peers. The HK$3 billion Grand Lisboa will offer rooms that are larger, bathroom facilities that are the largest in town with massage showers and a separate [dressing] area. The law says such hotels must feature either a Portuguese or Macanese restaurant and a warm-water pool, among other amenities. Melco is developing the Crown hotel through a joint venture with Publishing & Broadcasting of Australia, which operates the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne. Australian hotels star themselves and by PBL's reckoning, its complex is home to the five-star Crown Towers and the 4 star Crown Promenade hotels.

Macau Grand Prix winner Lucas di Grassi thankful for safety car

Di Grassi thankful for safety car from Autosport By Jonathan Noble November 20th 2005, 11:42 GMT Macau Grand Prix winner Lucas di Grassi has admitted that he would have had no chance of winning the blue riband event if it was not for the late-race Safety Car. The Manor Motorsport driver, who is the first Brazilian to win at Macau since Mauricio Gugelmin in 1985, managed to overtake Robert Kubica two laps from home after diving past immediately after a Safety Car restart. And having lost the lead just a few laps before the Safety Car to Kubica, whose car improved over the course of the race, di Grassi said that there would have been no chance to respond to his Polish rival without the outside intervention. "I think my car was a bit different to Robert's," said di Grassi. "There were a lot of reasons for that, like the engines and wings, but it meant we were quicker on the straights while I was a bit slower in the middle sector. "But you cannot overtake on the mountain section, you can only overtake on the straights, so if there was not the Safety Car then I don't think I could have caught Robert. He was really fast. "After the Safety Car I did a good restart, got a good tow and pushed for one lap. And when I saw on the first corner of the last lap that he could not make a move, then I was pretty comfortable because it is quite hard to overtake in the mountains. So I pushed to the end and it was a great win." Kubica backed up di Grassi's views - claiming that he was sure of the win before the Safety Car was called out just five laps from home. "We struggled a bit in the beginning of the race when we had cold tyres, and we knew that we didn't have enough speed on the straights," said this year's World Series by Renault champion. "So we were trying to make the car as fast as possible in the corners. "We had done it (had the race won) but unfortunately the Safety Car came at the wrong moment. If it had come even one lap earlier probably, it would have been much easier for me to overtake Lucas. "There was nothing more I could do at the restart, because we were much slower on the straight, so if there was not a Safety Car then I think it was done. But here in Macau it has been shown that not always the fastest guy wins the race."

Di Grassi wins the Macau GP

Di Grassi wins the Macau GP from AutoSport By Jonathan Noble November 20th 2005, 08:38 GMT Lucas di GrassiBrazilian Lucas di Grassi won a thrilling Macau Grand Prix on Sunday - snatching the lead from rival Robert Kubica with just two laps to go to take the chequered flag 0.6 seconds ahead of his nearest challenger. The battle for victory was blown wide open at the start when pole position man Loic Duval, who had dominated the qualifying race on Saturday, was adjudged to have jumped the start when his car moved forwards with the lights still red. Duval managed to keep the lead at the start and stretched out an impressive 2.2 seconds lead over the first lap. After opening up his advantage by a further one second a lap, the Race Stewards decided to hand him a drive-through penalty. He pitted on lap six and dropped well down the order. Duval's penalty meant that the fight for the lead was left between di Grassi and Kubica, who were locked in a thrilling battle for the entire race. Di Grassi had moved to the head of their battle on lap two, with a brave move around the outside at Lisboa, but lost what was then the lead on lap 10 when Kubica dived down the inside at the same corner after getting a good slipstream. Kubica seemed set for victory but the Safety Car was called out at the end of that lap after Danny Watts, Charlie Kimball and Dan Clarke were involved in a collision at Faraway that left cars in a dangerous position. The Safety Car pulled in at the start of lap 14 and di Grassi seized the opportunity to slice past Kubica on the run into Mandarin. He then stayed ahead, despite intense pressure from Kubica, to take the victory. German Sebastian Vettel took third place, ahead of TOM'S duo Joao Paolo de Oliveira and Kazuki Nakajima. Duval recovered to finish sixth. CLASSIFIED: Pos Driver Make-Engine Time 1. Lucas Di Grassi Dallara Mercedes-HWA 40:49.730 2. Robert Kubica Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB + 0.659 3. Sebastian Vettel Dallara Mercedes-HWA + 3.924 4. Joao P De Oliveira Dallara Toyota-Tom's + 7.003 5. Kazuki Nakajima Dallara Toyota-Tom's + 8.619 6. Loic Duval Dallara Mercedes-HWA + 8.705 7. Christian Bakkerud Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB + 11.185 8. Paolo Montin Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB + 12.490 9. Romain Grosjean Dallara Opel-Spiess + 13.007 10. Franck Perera Dallara Opel-Spiess + 13.290 11. Guillaume Moreau Dallara Opel-Spiess + 13.890 12. Fabio Carbone SLC Opel-Spiess + 16.445 13. Karl Reindler Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB + 17.334 14. Mike Conway Dallara Mercedes-HWA + 17.808 15. Michael Ho Dallara Toyota-Tom's + 26.120 16. Rodolfo Avila Dallara Mercedes HWA + 28.615 17. Daisuke Ikeda Dallara Toyota-Tom's + 1 Lap 18. Lei Kit Meng Dallara Opel-Spiess + 1 Lap 19. Jo Merszei Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB + 1 Lap 20. Steven Kane Lola Honda-Mugen/NB + 2 Laps NOT CLASSIFIED/RETIREMENTS: Driver Make-Engine On lap Cheong Lou Meng Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB 10 Dan Clarke Dallara Opel-Spiess 9 Charlie Kimball Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB 9 Danny Watts Dallara Toyota-Tom's 9 Stephen Jelley Dallara Opel-Spiess 8 Naoki Yokomizo Dallara Nissan-Tomei 4 Fillip Salaquarda Dallara Opel-Spiess 3 Kohei Hirate Dallara Opel-Spiess 1 Bruno Senna Dallara Honda-Mugen/NB 1 Fastest lap: Duval, 2:11.929 on lap 9

Duval fears after the Macau Grand Prix

Macau Grand Prix - Duval fears for his future By Jonathan Noble November 21st 2005, 10:44 GMT Euroseries Formula Three front-runner Loic Duval is keeping his fingers crossed that the start-line error that cost him victory in the Macau Grand Prix will not wreck his career. The Frenchman had been handed a golden opportunity to impress after landing a drive with the crack ASM team following Lewis Hamilton's decision to pull out of Macau. But despite dominating practice and the qualification race in the Macau Grand Prix, it all went wrong at the start of the main event when his car lurched forward when the lights were on. He was handed a drive-through penalty for jumping the start. And although he knows that his speed over the weekend impressed the team and onlookers, he fears that his failure to win the Macau Grand Prix will not go down well with the bosses of the Renault Driver Development programme as they decide which drivers to back next year. "The team, the engineers, the boss were saying: 'Loic, you were really fast, you were like Lewis.' But while I know that and the team know that, I will have to speak to RDD about it and they were not here - they know the result only. "When you have everything like this and you have a good team and a good car then you have to win. And I didn't." Duval's lack of sponsorship backing means that he needs RDD's backing to fulfil his dream of moving up to GP2 next year. "If I was the winner here then it was definitely GP2 next year, but I don't know if anybody will now want me in the car," he said. "RDD told me to win here and I didn't win. They will not be happy, but I am confident about my speed so we will see what happens in the next month. "I don't want to do F3 again unless it is with ASM, but I think their seats have gone. So I think I will go to the World Series by Renault or GP2. "But I have no money so first I have to stay with RDD. If they don't want me or tell me that I am not really good then I will have to go to Japan or something like that."

Kubica's Macau Grand Prix

Kubica and returning to Formula 3 for the Macau Grand Prix World Series by Renault champion Robert Kubica has said that he has no regrets about returning to Formula Three for the Macau Grand Prix - even though he failed to win the event. Lucas di Grassi won the Macau Grand Prix by a fraction of a second over the Polish driver. But Kubica still believes the pace he showed more than justified his decision to temporarily return to F3. "We have shown to people that Honda are still quick enough to win races, Carlin Motorsport are quick enough to win races and I am quick enough to win races – even though I didn't drive F3 all year," he said. "People said I was crazy to want to come here, but I have shown that I can still drive an F3 car even when I wasn't driving all season." Kubica is due to test a Renault Formula One car next month, as a prize for winning the World Series, and is hoping the run will open up further opportunities for him next season. "I hope I will get some chance to test other cars," he said. "I hope we can get some good possibilities for next year – and that is the most important thing. I want to get a good seat for next season." from autosport...

Macau Grand Prix Challenge

by Jonathan Noble They say there are two types of drivers at Macau: those who have hit the wall, and those who are about to. One of the most challenging tracks on the planet, Macau hosts one of the most thrilling races of the year. analyses the challenge and previews the event.

For seasoned travellers of Asia, the five-letter word conjures up stark images of noisy casinos, busy bars, restaurants serving up a fusion of Eastern and Western delights, and the bright lights of the modern hotels contrasting with the Mediterranean architecture of the old town.

But mention Macau to any racing enthusiast and the reaction is very different. Their heart rate goes up and a grin will spread across their face, because it means just one thing – arguably the best street circuit in the world.

While the casual Formula One fan may find it hard to imagine that anything can surpass Monaco, speak to any of the men who have raced on both circuits and there is never any doubt that the Asian track puts it Mediterranean rival firmly in the shade.

Former winner Takuma Sato's reaction is typical. Stop him in the F1 paddock and just say Macau and his eyes always light up. "It is the greatest circuit in the world I think," he says.

The 3.8-mile Macau Guia circuit is split into two distinct personalities. Along the harbour front there is a flat-out blast that lasts for nearly 30 seconds, which includes the fearsome 140mph Mandarin Bend that has caught out many past stars.

After the following tight right handed Lisboa, which all too often lures drivers into its tyre barriers, the Macau track then takes on a more usual street-circuit feel. There is the slow San Francisco Bend, which has emerged as the new favourite spot for opening lap pile-ups, before the drivers head flat out up the hill under Hospital Bridge to the tight wall-lined sequence of corners – Maternity Bend, the Solitude Esses and then a short straight section before Moorish Hill.

Following the Dona Maria Bend (a quite fast hairpin), there is the infamous Melco Hairpin – probably the tightest corner on any international circuit. Some teams opt to give their drivers more right hand lock to get their cars through (as much as 300-degrees in some cases) but even so you cannot afford to not get on the right line.

And the exit of the hairpin is important because it leads to the start of the complex of long-straights, separated by the fourth gear Fishermen's Bend and R Bend, before the start-finish straight that runs all the way down to Lisboa.

The challenge makes it tough for rookies for succeed – and invariably you can say there are two types of drivers at Macau. Those who have hit the wall, and those who are about to.

As Mark Webber says: "When you first get there you think it is a bit crazy for a car race - and I have got to say that the motorbike guys are psychopaths - but whoever is quick around there is definitely a good driver." The unique challenges of the track have helped maintain Macau's place as the blue-ribband Formula Three event of the year – and have no doubt played a part in convincing the FIA to add the event to the World Touring Car Championship calendar this year.

Yet the supreme difficulty of the track, the high speeds allied to its tightness, means that danger lies around every curve – and the result is that no driver can take anything for granted in his quest for victory. A look at the tales behind many of the wins shows how success on the streets of Macau is as much about survival of the fittest as it is about being the quickest.

There was 1997 winner Soheil Ayari, who triumphed despite a spectacular 140mph flight through the air after he was launched over the rear wheel of another car on the run down to Lisboa. Peter Dumbreck will not forget his 1998 triumph, which was by just 0.003 seconds, while Jenson Button will only wonder what might have been after he saw a first lap shunt cause a red flag just after he had got clear in the lead of the race in 1999.

Macau has been something of a self-fulfilling success story. Its reputation has been enhanced by the calibre of its winners – which in turn has served to encourage the sport's rising stars to want to compete on the streets. It's hard for any driver to turn his nose up at the chance of following in the footsteps of former winners Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher.

And while a good showing at Macau is no guarantee of making it into Formula One -Takuma Sato is the only winner since Ralph Firman in 1996 to have made the jump to Grand Prix racing so far - recent history shows only too well how quickly Macau front-runners do get to the top.

New Williams signing Nico Rosberg briefly led last year's race before crashing into the barriers, while future Squadra Toro Rosso driver Scott Speed took a podium finish in the supporting Formula Renault race – which is now being used by F3 hopefuls keen to get track knowledge the year before their main event.

It is no wonder that some drivers even opt to return to Formula Three for the event, even though their careers have taken them higher up the racing ladder. Rene Arnoux famously finished sixth in 1985, Ralph Firman returned in 1997 the year after winning it, while this year's World Series by Renault champion Robert Kubica is making his return with Carlin Motorsport.

"I know some people have said I am crazy to come and do F3 again after winning the World Series, but I disagree," said Kubica, whose next run in a racing car will be a test in the Renault R25 at Barcelona in early December.

"For me, racing at Macau is really a challenge and after being quite competitive last year I wanted to come back because I am convinced I can do a good job. It's the nicest track in the world."

On the other side of the prestige coin, however, the challenge and fortune element of Macau has invariably led to some drivers choosing not to risk harming their image by possibly failing in the race.

This year, pre-event favourite Formula Three Euroseries champion Lewis Hamilton withdrew from the race on advice from mentors McLaren because there was a chance all his good work in dominating the season could be undone by a poor result in Macau. He was in that difficult situation where anything less than victory would not have been good enough, and it was felt his time would be better spent preparing for 2006.

While Hamilton's decision is understandable, there is also an argument to suggest that drivers should be confident enough in their own abilities to not fear the consequences of getting it wrong. When Sato came to Macau in 2001, he already had a contract with Jordan Grand Prix in the bag for the following season, but was adamant that he wanted to add victory on the Chinese streets to his British F3 crown.

Sato had it all to lose if things had gone wrong, but came through it all to dominate the weekend in style – despite some early pressure from teammate Anthony Davidson in qualifying before the Briton was sidelined with a neck injury after a crash.

But Macau is not just about the challenge of the race track. For drivers it is the chance to let their focus on racing maybe slip off a little bit over the weekend, before letting themselves go completely on Sunday night. The late night bars, cabaret activities and restaurants offer plenty of temptation – especially to some of the younger F3 drivers who have never travelled outside of Europe before.

As one former Macau Grand Prix winner said ahead of this week's event: "I always have to say that Macau is nothing special away from the race track, because if I told the truth about what was so good there is no way you could write it!"

It is little wonder that so many driver exploits have gone down into Macau folklore – and they are only the tales that have become public. There are rumours to this day that Gerhard Berger and a fellow F3 driver threw the captain of a Macau ferry overboard one year – while Berger regularly recounts tales of practical jokes he served on his rivals

"I remember Hong Kong was really quite funny," he said looking back on his 1983 entry. "I had a special radio for the helmet that I'd got in England and brought with me.

"Cathy Muller asked me, 'Ah, where did you get that nice radio?' And I said, 'I just bought it here. Very cheap.' 'Ah,' she said. 'I want one, too.' So I said: 'It's very easy. You go by taxi,' and then I made a map. 'You go right, left, right, left, right, left, right, left, straight. Ten minutes with the taxi you will find it and there you will get it cheap.' So off she and some other drivers went in a taxi. Right, left, right, left, and came back five hours later, everybody upset, to find out that I'd bought the thing in England!"

The fun, entertainment, challenge and prestige of the event all add up to deliver the heady cocktail of excitement that is the Macau Grand Prix. It is an event that even for those seasoned with the Formula One trail still holds more than enough to stay enthralled.

This all explains why I've not missed a Macau Grand Prix since I first made the trek in 1997. And for those who've never been, I can only say that if there is ever a chance to go just take it. You will not be disappointed. Originally appeared in Autosport Click here for more info about Macau and the Grand Prix

New Macau Projects Profile

All profiles are estimates and may change Animacau Imperial Hotel & Casino Rooms & Suites: 288 Gaming Tables: 200 Slot Machines: 300 Facilities: Dining, Retail and Entertainment Opening Date: December 2005 Cost: HK$ 2 Billion Pier 16 Project (Macau) Guest Rooms & Suites: 250 & 20 VIP Mansions Gaming Tables: 150 Slot Machines: To be Announced Dining, Entertainment, Retail & Shopping Opening: Year 2006 / 2007 Cost: HK$ 2 Billion Fisherman's Wharf Development Opening Date: December 2005/January 2006 Employees: 1000 to 1500 Employees Guest Rooms & Suites: 200 Rooms & Suites Table Games: 80 Slot Machines: 500 Dining, Entertainment, Retail & Shopping / Theme Park Restaurants & Night Clubs, Health Spa and Health Salon Theme Park: Legend Wharf, Dynasty Wharf, East meets West, Hand Made Volcano and a Children's Fort Cost: MOP$1.85 Billion Sands Macau Guest Rooms & Suites: 51 (High Roller Suites Only) Gaming Tables: 453 Slot Machines: 849 Dining, Entertainment Open since 2004 Estimated Cost: USD$265 Million Venetian Macau Guest Rooms & Suites: 3000 Gaming Tables: TBA Slot Machines: 5000 Dining, Entertainment, Retail & Shopping, Conventions etc.. Opening: Year 2007 Cost: USD$1.8 Billion Galaxy Macau (Cotai Strip) Guest Rooms & Suites: To be Announced Gaming Tables: To be Announced Slot Machines: To be Announced Dining, Entertainment, Retail & Shopping Opeining: TBA Cost: TBA Grand Lisboa Macau Guest Rooms & Suites: 650 Gaming Tables: Quantity Not Available Slot Machines: Quantity Not Available Dining, Entertainment, Retail & Shopping Opening: Year 2007 Cost: USD$400 Million MGM Grand Macau Target Opening Date 2007 600 Hotel Rooms, 300 Gaming Tables, 1000 SLot Machines... Dining, Entertainment & Retail Stores etc... Employees: 2000 to 3000 Cost: USD$975 Million Cotai Strip Macau (Development by Venetian Macau Ltd.) 20 Hotels & Casinos Sheraton Hotels Marriott Hotels Regal Hotels Four Seasons Hotels Employing 120,000 60,000 Hotel Rooms Cost: USD$12-15 billion Oceanus Macau Guest Rooms & Suites: 600 Casino, Complx of Shops, Offices, Apartments.... Target Opening Date 2009. Cost: HK$6.2 billion City of Dreams Macau Under Water Casino... Guest Rooms & Suites: 2000 Gaming Tables: 450 Slot Machines: 3000 Offices, Apartments, Dining, Entertainment & Retail... Shopping Mall and a 4000-seat performance hall Opening Date Mid 2008 Cost: HK$8.0 billion Shangri-La Hotels 5-Star Hotel Total Rooms & Suites: 500 Traders Hotel 4-Star Hotel Total Rooms & Suites: 1000 Business Center, Spa Recreational Facilities and Stylish Dining Facilities Opening Date: Year 2008 The Star World Casino Macau (Galaxy Project) Rooms & Suites: TBA Gaming Tables: 400 Slot Machines: TBA Night Club & Sauna Facility Restaurants and Entertainment Shopping & Retail Opening September 2006 Cost: HK$1.8 Million Far East Group Project Cotai Total Floor Area: 3 million sqf. Hotel Rooms: 2,000 Shopping Mall: 1 million sqf. Serviced Apartments: 360,000 sqf. Casino: 200,000 sqf. Gaming Tables: 400 Opening in 2007 2 phases

Macau Events in November

Macau Grand Prix This year's Macau Grand Prix will boast the best-ever race line-up in its action-packed 52-year history. The FIA Intercontinental Cup of Formula 3, the final round of the all-new FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and the 39th Motorcycle Grand Prix-Hotel Fortuna are the three prestigious headline events.The 5th Macau Food Festival is yet another attraction to add to the carnival atmosphere of the 52nd Macau Grand Prix, and is expected to attract foodies from near and far. To celebrate the 52nd Macau Grand Prix and the 5th Macau Food Festival, fireworks displays will be held on November 12, 16 & 20 near the Macau Tower. This autumn is going to be hot with the colors of Latin America! The "Latinamerica 2005 Festival" will offer insights into Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela's diverse cultures through photo displays and handicrafts exhibition at the Macau Tower. 11 to 27 Nov - 5th Macau Food Festival The 5th Macau Food Festival is yet another attraction to add to the carnival atmosphere of the 52nd Macau Grand Prix, and is expected to attract foodies from near and far. The Festival will comprise Macau Street, Asian Cuisine Street, Greater China Street and Portuguese Street, to introduce not only local mouth-watering cuisine but worldwide fare, too. Game booths and a variety of performances add to the fun. Time: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Monday to Thursday) 3:00 p.m. to midnight (Friday to Sunday) Free Admission. Venue: Sai Van Lake Square. Telephone enquiries: (853) 575 765. Free shuttle bus, from Monday to Thursday starting at 5:00 p.m. until 11:30 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to half pass midnight, the itinerary is between Luso International Banking headquarters, located at Av. Dr. Mario Soares, and Sai Van Lake Square. 12 & 13 Nov - 36th Anniversary of Caritas Macau Charity Bazaar The traditional Charity Bazaar of Caritas Macau, now in its 36th year, will be held in the NAPE district by the waterfront this month. Numerous booths will offer a variety of games and assorted entertainment for adults and children, and a full programme of variety shows and stage performances is scheduled for the whole of the two afternoons and evenings. Refreshments and food are also available in several small kiosks, making the bazaar an ideal outing for the family. On Sunday November 13, the winning raffle tickets will be drawn, with a first prize of MOP$100,000 up for grabs. Tickets - on sale now at MOP$10, with receipts going to charity - can be bought at the bazaar once it's open. Residents and visitors welcome! Time: 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Free admission Venue: Open space opposite the Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE Organizer: Caritas Macau Telephone enquiries: (853) 573 297 12 to 20 Nov LATINAMERICA 2005 FESTIVAL This autumn is going to be hot with the colors of Latin America! Macau Government Tourist Office is joining hands with the Group of Latin American Consulates in Hong Kong and Macau (GRULAC) to host the "LATINAMERICA 2005 FESTIVAL" which will offer insights into Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela's diverse cultures through photo displays and handicrafts exhibition at the Macau Tower. Performance of Latin dance and music will also be staged in November to fill Macau with Latin passion! Time: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Free admission Organizers: Macau Government Tourist Office, Group of Latin American Consulates in Hong Kong and Macau (GRULAC) Venue: Level G, Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre. Telephone enquiries: (853) 315 566 12, 16 & 20 Nov Fireworks Display Fireworks displays will be held on November 12,16 & 20 to celebrate the 52nd Macau Grand Prix and the 5th Macau Food Festival. This popular event traditionally draws thousands to the waterfront near the Macau Tower to watch the evening sky light up. Time: 9:00 p.m. on 12 & 16 Nov. and 10:00 p.m. on 20 Nov. Free admission Venue: Sea area in front of the Macau Tower Organizer: Macau Government Tourist Office Telephone enquiries: (853) 333 000 * Displays last approx. 15 minutes 13 to 26 Nov - Boom Creation Intellectual property rights have jumped to the forefront of social consciences, prompting a creative exhibition named 'Boom Creation' to be held by the Macau Art Affairs Institute & Centre for Creative Industries. Boom Creation is the first product design expo in Macau for creative, elegant and practical exhibits. Local students and Macau residents who study in Mainland China and Taiwan are welcome to participate in this event, and exhibits from the students of Cheng Kung University in Taiwan will also be on display. Time: 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays) Free admission Venue: Center for Creative Industries, r/c, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE Organizers: Macau Art Affair Institute, Center for Creative Industries Co-organizer: Faculty of Design of Cheng Kung University (Taiwan) Supporting entity: Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center Sponsors: Henry Fok Foundation, Civic & Municipal Affairs Bureau, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau Telephone enquiries: (853) 753 282　www.creativemacau.org.mo 16 Nov 2nd Miss Airline International Contest Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong & Macau Competition The theme of the Miss Airline International Contest is 'Beautiful Sky Angel, Beautiful New Macau' this year, and represents the first time the event has been held in Macau. A series of activities will be conducted from July to December 2005 with the finals in Shanghai. Participants come from most of the major airlines and are required to display their professional skills and personal talents. In the Macau competition, audiences can also enjoy a large music and fashion show. Time: 8:00 p.m. Venue: 4th Floor, Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre Organizer: 2nd Miss Airline International Contest Committee. Admission: Please check with organiser. Telephone enquiries: (853) 322 011　www.missairline.com.cn 16 Nov 2005 to 5 Mar 2006 Inward Gazes - Documentaries of Chinese Performance Art While the human body is a product of different eras, environments and individual dispositions, it is also a performing object given to individual and social activities. At the same time, the body is an important subject of mutual discovery, contact, care, encouragement, resistance, interchange and introspection. In organizing 'Inward Gazes - Documentaries of Chinese Performance Art', the Macau Museum of Art, a subsidiary of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau exhibits its collection of precious documentary information about Chinese performance arts. In addition, the Museum will discuss, present and promote the development of Chinese contemporary art with a view to enhancing mutual understanding and respect between human beings through the exchange of art and culture. Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No admittance after 6:30 p.m., closed on Mondays) Admission: MOP$5 (Free admission on Sundays. Venue: 2nd floor Gallery of Special Exhibitions I, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE Organizer: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic & Municipal Affairs Bureau Telephone enquiries: (853) 7919 814　 17 to 20 Nov 52nd Macau Grand Prix Revs Up This year's Macau Grand Prix will boast the best-ever race line-up in its action-packed 52-year history. The FIA Intercontinental Cup of Formula 3, the final round of the all-new FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and the 39th Motorcycle Grand Prix-Hotel Fortuna are the three prestigious headline events, with a further six races for touring, saloon, and junior single-seaters adding spice to the occasion. The FIA World Touring Car Championship has now achieved World Championship status and Macau hosts the final round this month. Macau's Guia street circuit - often described as the 'Monaco of the East' - is the only circuit with car and motorcycle races on the same programme and poses a real test for man and machine as well as providing a picturesque backdrop for race fans of every stripe. Organizer: Macau Grand Prix Committee. Telephone enquiries: (853) 7962 268　 20 Nov Rosa Passos Concert Rosa Passos carries the soulful cool of bossa nova into a new age. Her sweet, warm and totally-in-tune voice is undeniably enchanting. The voice and style, beloved by South Americans for so long, now delights international audiences with 'Obrigado Brazil, Live in Concert'. The singer/songwriter's stage charisma and sinuous delivery reminds us that 'less can be more', as does the defining guitar-work of João Gilberto. For her performance in Macau, Rosa Passos and four dazzling musicians will feature several bossa nova classics along with some Oscar-winning theme songs. The small group performs in an atmospheric arrangement, which is often restrained, but jazzy, while the orchestration in some arrangements is rich and penetrating. Time: 8:00 p.m. Venue: Grand Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE Admission: MOP$220, 180, 140, 100 Organizer: Macau Cultural Centre Telephone enquiries: (853) 700 699　www.ccm.gov.mo Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (without intermission) 23 Nov Tango: The Legend Tango's roots can be traced from both Europe and Africa. When tango came to Argentina, it metamorphosed with the local dance culture, which was expressive and unrestrained, and a new form of dance was created - the Argentinean Tango. Hundreds of years on, it has become the very quintessence of the country. Add love, desire, sentiment and hatred, and the complicated personality of this unique dance starts to materialize. The first artists to be awarded Argentinean's highest dance honour - the María Ruanova Award - were the principal dancer and artistic director of 'Tango x 2', Miguel Angel Zotto and Milena Plebs. Now we invite the Argentine dance troupe Tango por Dos to perform the inimitable 'Tango Legend' - a pulsating potpourri of 50 kinds of wonderful, unsurpassed tango dances, complete with splendid costumes, crowned by classic songs and special, original stories. Thrill to a hundred years of illustrious dance, and prepare for the seismic cultural shock of the tango! Time: 8:00 p.m. Venue: Grand Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE. Admission: MOP$220, 180, 140, 100. Organizer: Macau Cultural Centre. Telephone enquiries: (853) 700 699　www.ccm.gov.mo Duration: Approximately 2 hours (including 15 minutes intermission) 23 to 25 Nov International Hotel Equipment & Supplies Expo The International Hotel Equipment & Supplies Expo acts an exceptional showcase to feature a diverse range of products used by the hotel industry such as food and beverages, kitchenware, security equipment and management systems, etc. Special activities will also be staged, with professional or featured topics relevant to the current development of the hotel industry. Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (23 & 24 Nov) / 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (25 Nov) Free admission Venue: 2nd Floor, Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre Organizers: Coastal International Exhibition Co., Ltd, Macau Convention & Exhibition Association Co-organizer: ANL International Conference & Exhibition Co., Ltd. Supporting Entities: Macau Government Tourist Office, Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Macau Hotel Association, Macau Hoteliers & Innkeepers Association, Association of Macau Restaurant Merchants Telephone enquiries: (853) 715 760 www.mcea.org.mo　www.hotel-exhibition.com 25 to 27 Nov Raymond Iong's Magic Creations Show Renowned Macau magician Raymond Iong is the first local wizard to win an award in an international magic competition. For many years, Raymond hosted TV magic shows in Macau and on the Mainland, and trained a number of aspiring magicians, earning himself the monika of 'The Father of Macau Magic' in the process. Following the success of his annual magic performances, this year's show will be performed by the maestro and several local and overseas disciples. Raymond's 'Dream of Magic Love' will also be unveiled to the Macau public for the first time, and tells of a magician finding love in a dream. Touching moments, romantic music matched with special stage effects enhance the dreamlike quality of the performance. Time: 8:00 p.m. Venue: Ho Lai Iun Va Brito Theatre, 3rd Floor, New City Commercial Centre, Av. Artur Tamagnini Barbosa. Admission: MOP$80, 60. Organizer: Macau Magic Artist Society, Macau Caritas. Production: Iong's Magic & Co. Macau. Telephone enquiries: (853) 334 644　www.iongsmagic.com 26 Nov The Macau Orchestra in Collaboration with Macau Young Musicians - Open Air Concert The Macau Orchestra, Macau Philharmonic Association, Macau Conservatory and Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra Association are combining their considerable talents to present the 'Overture to opera Ruslan and Lyudmila' , 'The Enchanted Lake' and other classic pieces under the baton of Francis Kan, one of Hong Kong's most accomplished conductors and violists. Kan won the International Competition for Young Conductors in Portugal in 1995 and since then has appeared as both conductor and viola soloist with several orchestras abroad, including the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra, the Romanian National Radio and Television Orchestra, the Silvestri Chamber Orchestra of the Bucharest Philharmonic of Vancouver, and the British Columbia Chamber Orchestra. Time: 8:00 p.m. Free admission Venue: Ruins of St. Paul's Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau Telephone enquiries: (853) 3996 699　www.icm.gov.mo/om 26 to 28 Nov 'New Faces of Macau' Photography Competition The Historic Centre of Macau - its streets, squares and monuments - has now been inscribed on the prestigious list of World Heritage sites of UNESCO. With economic development rapidly changing the face of the city, the Government Information Bureau and 8 photography associations have jointly organized a competition to capture the transformation as a valuable record of the change. Some 77 exhibits selected from 600 entries will be on display. Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays). Free admission Venue: Pavilion, Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, Est. de Adolfo Loureiro No. 10 Organizer: Government Information Bureau, Photographic Society of Macau, Photography Salon Society of Macau, Art Photographic Promotion Association of Macau, Macau Photography Association, Multi-Media Art Photographic Association of Macau, Macau Art Photography Club, Macau Camera Lens Art Association, Macau Digital Photography Association. Telephone enquiries: (853) 3961 175 30 Nov to 2 Dec Carnival Time! Teochew, or 'Chaozhou' is a city in Guangdong Province that has a unique culture manifested through their own food, tea, dialect and music. The Teochew International Convention first convened in 1981, is organized every two years, and to date has been hosted, among other places, by Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, America, France, Mainland China and Macau. This year, the territory will once again organize the event. The 'Food and Culture Festival' will be launched in Senado Square to promote Chaozhou delicacies, while a major parade - complete with Chaozhou drums and dancing - will wend its way from the Ruins of St. Paul's across Senado Square to Sintra Hotel Plaza. Associated activities: Chinese Porcelain - Chaozhou Porcelain Expo. Date & Time: 30 Nov to 2 Dec - 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony: 30 Nov - 2:30 p.m. Venue: Macau Forum, Av. de Maciano Baptista Chaozhou International Paintings & Calligraphy Exhibition Date & Time: 30 Nov to 2 Dec - 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony: 30 Nov - 2:30 p.m. Venue: Tourism Activities Centre, Rua de Luís Gonzaga Gomes Organizer: Chao Zhou Natives Association Macau. Telephone enquiries: (853) 594 449. Free admission for all activities 22 Oct to 6 Nov Macau Fringe 2005 Macau Fringe is a dynamic cultural event organized by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau on an annual basis that continues to grow in popularity both with performers and the public. The Fringe features local and foreign artists and different locations around the city serve as dramatic backdrops to showcase the integration of the spirit of the Arts and the beauty of the city. Join the Fringe artists for the Grand Parade from the Ruins of St. Paul's - it's a city party! Venue: Throughout the city (please refer to promotional materials) Organizer: Civic & Municipal Affairs Bureau. Telephone enquiries: (853) 9884 000, 9884 131, 827 882　 7 Oct to 6 Nov XIX Macau International Music Festival The Macau International Music Festival is a novel way to rejoice in Macau's newly-acquired inscription on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Dom Pedro V Theatre was the first Western theatre built in China in 1860. During the festival, four performances will take place in this newly renovated historical showpiece. The festival presents the evergreen musical 'West Side Story' by Leonard Bernstein (November 1 & 2, 4 to 6). A cast from New York, produced by The Broadway Asia Company, Inc. It is undoubtedly one of the premier attractions of the event. The Empire Brass enjoys an international reputation as North America's finest brass ensemble, renowned for its brilliant virtuosity and the unparalleled diversity of its repertoire. The ensemble has won the renowned Naumburg Prize and the Harvard Music Association Award. Don't miss the performance 'Empire Brass' on November 3 at Macau Tower Auditorium. Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau. Telephone enquiries : (853) 3996 699 Source: Macau Tourism Office

Sands Macau is a Pretty Girl

"I feel like the prettiest girl on campus because all the boys are chasing me.'' Was heard from Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chief Executive Sheldon Adelson, who is building three hotels in a 200-acre area in Macau known as the Cotai Strip. Hotel operators including Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. and Marriott International Inc. are also interested in building hotels on the Cotai Strip.

Wynn Macau eyeing September 2006 Opening

Wynn participated in Thursday's 7:30 a.m. conference call from Macau, where it was 11:30 p.m. His presence in Asia was appropriate, he said, given Macau's growing importance to Wynn Resorts. "We're looking forward to a very serious future here with multiproperty development," said Wynn, who will open an employment center in Macau within days. "We really haven't seen the depth of the Macau market yet because the development is still several months away." The company's first Asian resort, the $1.1 billion Wynn Macau, is on pace to open next August or September, Wynn said. He also pledged to build a second Macau resort in Cotai -- a developing strip of reclaimed land between the islands of Taipa and Coloane -- and added his company may soon sell a Macau subconcession to another developer. Wynn Hotel Expects More Job Cuts: "Wynn participated in Thursday's 7:30 a.m. conference call from Macau, where it was 11:30 p.m. His presence in Asia was appropriate, he said, given Macau's growing importance to Wynn Resorts. 'We're looking forward to a very serious future here with multiproperty development,' said Wynn, who will open an employment center in Macau within days. 'We really haven't seen the depth of the Macau market yet because the development is still several months away.' The company's first Asian resort, the $1.1 billion Wynn Macau, is on pace to open next August or September, Wynn said. He also pledged to build a second Macau resort in Cotai -- a developing strip of reclaimed land between the islands of Taipa and Coloane -- and added his company may soon sell a Macau subconcession to another developer.

Wynn Hotel Expects More Job Cuts

Wynn participated in Thursday's 7:30 a.m. conference call from Macau, where it was 11:30 p.m. His presence in Asia was appropriate, he said, given Macau's growing importance to Wynn Resorts. "We're looking forward to a very serious future here with multiproperty development," said Wynn, who will open an employment center in Macau within days. "We really haven't seen the depth of the Macau market yet because the development is still several months away." The company's first Asian resort, the $1.1 billion Wynn Macau, is on pace to open next August or September, Wynn said. He also pledged to build a second Macau resort in Cotai -- a developing strip of reclaimed land between the islands of Taipa and Coloane -- and added his company may soon sell a Macau subconcession to another developer. Wynn Hotel Expects More Job Cuts: "Wynn participated in Thursday's 7:30 a.m. conference call from Macau, where it was 11:30 p.m. His presence in Asia was appropriate, he said, given Macau's growing importance to Wynn Resorts. 'We're looking forward to a very serious future here with multiproperty development,' said Wynn, who will open an employment center in Macau within days. 'We really haven't seen the depth of the Macau market yet because the development is still several months away.' The company's first Asian resort, the $1.1 billion Wynn Macau, is on pace to open next August or September, Wynn said. He also pledged to build a second Macau resort in Cotai -- a developing strip of reclaimed land between the islands of Taipa and Coloane -- and added his company may soon sell a Macau subconcession to another developer.

Walt Disney World Dining

Disney Dining: Pleasing Your Picky Eaters at Walt Disney World

By Leslie Clevenstine The full service restaurants at Disney World are bustling these days with the growing popularity of their “Dining Plus” option available for Magic Your Way package. Many guests who previously stuck strictly to the counter service options at the parks or the hotel food court, are getting to sample the huge variety of culinary options available at the full service restaurants. But new experiences in food don’t appeal to everyone. Kids in particular, as well as many adults, have a limited range of what they enjoy eating. If this sounds like someone in (or all of) your group, don’t let this stop you from trying a new dining experience. Many Disney restaurants also serve up a unique atmosphere as well as food, and there are ways you can enjoy both the experience and the meal. General Tips Every Disney full service restaurant, even the really fancy ones, has a kid’s menu with kid-friendly choices like chicken nuggets, hot dogs, spaghetti, and macaroni and cheese. Picky teens and adults can order off the kid’s menu too. Just don’t expect larger portions. Although you won’t find it on the menu, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is always available—you just have to ask. Don’t see chicken nuggets or a hamburger on the kid’s menu? Ask. They may well be able to accommodate your request. Try a buffet. Disney does a buffet better than most, and chances are you’ll find a little something for everyone. Even the kids get their own buffet area with kid favorites (but they can always eat from the main buffet if they wish). Many of the buffet restaurants are character meals, where you’ll get some one-on-one time with your favorite characters as well. Unless you’re eating at a buffet or pre-plated character meal, your selections are cooked to order. So don’t be afraid to ask for your entrée with no sauce, or to make a substitution. They’re happy to oblige. Recommended Disney World Restaurants for Picky Eaters Best buffet: Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge). Huge selection, good quality, exotic & tame dishes Best character meal: Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort). Kid-friendly, fun, and a great dessert bar Best fancy restaurant for picky eaters: Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club Resort). Great steaks, elegant atmosphere with strolling violinists Best selection of “comfort” food: 50’s Prime Time Café (Disney-MGM Studios). A step up from traditional diner fare in a fun 50’s atmosphere Best World Showcase restaurant for the finicky: Biergarten (Epcot). If you’re not into German favorites like sauerbraten and red cabbage, you’ll also find rotiserie chicken, roast pork, a variety of salads, and a fun oom-pah band (seating is family style) Leslie Clevenstine is editor of YourDisneyGuide.com, an unofficial guide to planning the perfect Walt Disney World vacation. Visit at http://www.yourdisneyguide.com. Article Source

Casino Vacations

Casino Vacations for fun and entertainment

By Adel Awwad

Casino vacations are some of the more popular choices for fun and entertainment. It is not surprising then that casinos average more than 50 million visitors a year in the United States.

While most casino vacations take place in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe and the Bahamas, others prefer to take a slow, leisurely and relaxing casino cruise on the open sea.

There are casino vacations for everyone from the leisure traveler to the serious gambler, from singles and couples, to entire families. Many airlines and hotels offer all-inclusive casino vacations, which range in price, depending upon the type of accommodations, number of people, length of stay, and destination. You can select the one that fits your budget and interests.

The highlight of a casino vacation is the casino itself, which offers a variety of table games, including poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, pai gow, and rows and rows of slot machines. In addition, the casino usually has separate keno, horse races, and high stakes gambling areas. The sounds of people laughing, the clink of coins in the slot bins, the lights and bells, and the anticipation of a winning hand or a jackpot payout are exhilarating and exciting. You can gamble what you can afford, enjoy the free beverages, dine at reasonable prices, or take a chance on the giant wheel of fortune for cash and prizes.

Casino vacations may include tickets to a nightly show or evening entertainment, as well. Arcades and amusements for families with children are often available as a part of the vacation package. Whether you choose to gamble in the casino, take in a show, or do a little shopping, casino vacations are an excellent choice for unlimited fun and excitement.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/