Macao, the new Eldorado of the game

Filed Under (Uncategorized) by admin on 16-05-2011

Fan of blackjack, poker addict, addicted to roulette, collect your money towards Macao. In recent years, the one we dubbed the Asian Las Vegas has become a master hand in the casino. Single gaming platform in China, this former Portuguese province disputes the top of the table, shoulder to shoulder with its American competitor.

Macao, the wheel turns …
For Macao, the game starts in 1999, while Portugal lends this small archipelago in China. Macao enjoys a special status so that it provides a complete economic independence. From that date, Macao is playing its cards brilliantly. Establishment of its own tax system and customs, to guarantee private property, free movement of capital … In 2001, coup when the Chinese government granted him an exclusive game rooms in China.

In recent years, this city of 500,000 inhabitants became the ace of casinos in Asia. Located just 60 km from Hong Kong, sees the archipelago inflow of tourists from around the world around her table games. In 2007, no fewer than 22 million players have bet on Macao. And it pays, as today, the casinos represent 40% of its GDP. In good player, beautiful wants more, she wants to conquer the world … For that, Macao’s clear his bad reputation. Farewell hell of game, Triad and prostitution … Hello, sumptuous hotels, luxury shopping (duty free …) and oversized projects …

Place your bets, bets are off!
Of course in Macau, it is obviously not as addicted to casinos and roulette. There is also a beautiful historic center, declared World Heritage by Unesco, beautiful Buddhist temples or exotic gardens. But anyway, the game industry makes its mark in the city.

Starting point for the dive into the game world, the Inner Harbor where ferries carry 24/24 visitors from Hong Kong. From that moment, the opportunity awaits them in one of 23 casinos in the city. The upscale resort of Lisboa, the floating casino’s outer harbor, the game room at the Mandarin Hotel and the Casino at the Landmark, so Ancient Egypt … Everything is possible!

Not to be missed, even dry, the Las Vegas Sands Venetian … Most complex in Asia, this is Bling Bling. Inside, 850 gaming tables, 4,500 slot machines, 3,000 suites, a stadium of 15,000 seats, twenty restaurants … Everything is in disproportion to the decoration, which are reproduced Venice canals and gondoliers, cardboard pate! Well, not the gondoliers;)

For those who still some energy and some tickets to spend, Macau also offers the largest canidrome the world. There, it’s about dog racing that you bet. Finally, more conventional but no less lucrative, Macau has a very sophisticated racetrack, where you put this time on spirited stallions.

Practical information:
Directions:
There is no direct flight to Macau. We must take the airport Tipi, the neighboring island, or that of Hong Kong, then take the ferry.

Formalities:
A valid passport.
A visa is not required.
There is no vaccination required. However, it is advisable to prevent cholera.

When to go:
Mostly Autumn, the weather is sunny and warm.

Languages:
Chinese and Portuguese official. English is fluent.

Silver:
The pataca, pegged to the dollar HK

Time Difference:
+ 8 hours

Malta, between Nature and History

Filed Under (Uncategorized) by admin on 13-05-2011

Located a few hundred miles to Tunisia, Libya and Sicily, the Maltese archipelago is revealed in the middle of the Mediterranean. Consisting of nine islands, only three are inhabited, Malta became a few years a popular destination for its historical and scenic landscapes. Between the turquoise sea, cliffs and walls lined with archaeological sites, Malta multiplies the benefits, less than three hours from Paris.

Malta, the Order of the Republic
If she is today one of the places in Europe that has the highest population density, Malta has always attracted the crowds with its strategic location. Since antiquity, Malta unfolds on his land many invaders. First the Phoenicians, who gave his name, “Malat” safe place, then the Carthaginians, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, and finally, the Arabs in 870, the origin of the Maltese language. Less than two centuries later, Malta passed the lap of the Arabs than the Sicilians. The latter then drove all Muslims to impose Christianity, which today is still a large majority in the archipelago.

This long period preceded a fundamental change in the history of Malta. From 1530, Malta was bequeathed by Charles V., the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, otherwise known as the Knights of Malta. Originally the famous Order of Malta, these companions began the urbanization of the island. They have constructed many buildings, including Defence, and founded as the capital Valletta.

In 1814, the Order of Malta gave face to the British troops. They kept control of the land until 1947 despite numerous conflicts. In 1964, the island of Malta finally gained its independence and became officially the Republic of Malta, 1974.

Malta, on the trail of the Knights
First step, Valletta, the capital. With its 320 buildings spread over only 55 acres, this city declared a World Heritage of Unesco, does not lack arguments to appeal to history buffs. Among the essential and evidence of the time of the Knights of Malta, as the Co-Cathedral of St. John, the former Palace of the Grand Master or the Manoel Theatre. See also the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses works by Mattia Preti, or the National Archaeological Museum, where stands the Venus of Malta. Between museums, Upper Baracca Gardens or the natural harbor are perfect for a stroll. In the evening, the Saint Julian’s takes on a festive in a very friendly atmosphere.

Still on the trail of the Knights, discover Vittoriosa, the city victorious, also named Birgu. Ancient capital, this city was built around Fort St. Angelo. Today one can visit there including the Maritime Museum and the National Inquisitor’s Palace. A few miles away, Cospicua offers a stunning view from the ramparts.

To the west of Valletta, Mdina, the silent city, offers a magnificent panorama of the Mediterranean. After crossing the Great Gate, Walled City unveils its medieval facades and Norman palace. You will also discover the monasteries or the Gardens of San Anton.

Lovers of old stones can extend the fun side of the Hypogeum Saflieni Hal, a cave temple at 11 meters underground or visit the Catacombs in Rabat.

Malta, in the wild …
Spread over 316km ², the Maltese archipelago is divided into nine islands. Of these, only three are available are: Malta, of course, but also Comino and Gozo. With its mild climate and natural resources, the archipelago is well suited to outdoor activities. On foot or by mountain bike, hiking is a fun way to discover the island without much effort … The highest point is at 252 meters! Odds and bordered by cliffs, the island is also a great playground for climbing, especially south and west.

Finally, the beaches and especially the seabed are also on the strengths of Malta. North and west of the Island, Paradise Bay, Anchor Bay, Zurrieg or caves of Santa Maria are listed among the best spots. Gozo is also a must for lovers of snorkeling. It may in particular discover the wreckage of a boat Cirkkewa.

Practical information:
Languages: Maltese and English

Money: Euro

Formalities: an identity card or passport. Minors must be entered on the passport of their parents or have a valid identity.
No compulsory vaccinations

When to go? Malta is subject to the Mediterranean climate, ranging from 40 ° C in summer to 15 ° C in winter. The best time to visit Malta is probably the spring, warm and sunny.

While Holding: No special precautions regarding the island of Malta. Just know that the conduct is left and the speed limit of 80km / h on road and 50km / h in town.

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