Macau

Macau mentions its history with its Portuguese architecture, European main square and churches, but also lets them crumble into dilapidated back alleys. This is charming in its own sense, but when searching for the past, its a little sad. The art museum actually had the most information on traders other than the origional Portuguese sailors which is the focus of both the main museum and the maritime museum. The paintings on display were only mass produced works to be sold to early 1800's tourists (aka bring it home to the wife and kids after 2 years at sea), but it at least shows what was there.

This almost doesn't exist anymore. Now this harbor is a shallow lake surrounded by casinos. Yup, MGM Grand, The Whynn, the Venetian, and numerous other less overwhelming establishments have all moved their way into the Vegas of Asia. I know it seems gaudy, but after being out of the States for so long, I did have to spend considerable time enjoying the show, and I'm not complaining too much.