Macau was a Portuguese colony for more than four centuries. The Portuguese settled in Macau in 1557, with the permission of the Ming dynasty, and administered it as a commercial port until 1887, when it became a formal colony through a treaty with China1. Macau was the first and last European colony in China, since it was not returned to the Asian country until 1999, two years after Hong Kong. Since then, Macao is a special administrative region of China, with a high degree of autonomy and a political, economic and cultural system different from the rest of the country.
Macau
I had the opportunity to visit Macao a few years ago and the truth is that some things caught my attention.
It’s not a place where you can hear Portuguese on the street. But the architecture of the city, after 400 years of presence, is evidently Portuguese.
Macau
Macau is full of Chinese tourists and the locals are also Chinese.
Your current source of income is CASINOS AND TOURISM.
Casino
FOR CHINESE TOURISM IT IS A PIONEERING PLACE AND WITH THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE GAME, WHICH IS ALL THE RAGE (AS WE ALREADY KNOW)
Macao is close to Shenzen and Hong Kong, a well-located place to attract the masses and to stake their money.
Its regime is that of a SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION within China.
FOOD IS A DISTURBING MIXTURE.
Beef
In the same stores for tourists they sell you PASTELITOS DE BELEM and other Portuguese sweets and strips of meat of different colors. The cream cakes are not like those in Portugal and cost much more, of course.
The local currency is the PATACA, although they allow all kinds of currency.
Macau is a curious place, but the casinos aren’t my thing.
Tuve la oportunidad de visitar Macao hace unos pocos años y la verdad es que algunas cosas llamaron mi atención.
No es un lugar donde puedas oir hablar portugués por la calle. Pero la arquitectura de la ciudad, tras 400 años de presencia, es evidentemente portuguesa.
Macao está lleno de turistas chinos y los locales son también chinos.
Su fuente de ingresos actual son los CASINOS Y EL TURISMO.
Macao
PARA EL TURISMO CHINO ES UN LUGAR PIONTORESCO Y CON EL ATRACTIVO DEL JUEGO, QUE HACE FUROR (COMO YA SABEMOS)
Macao esta cerca de Shenzen y Hong Kong, un lugar bien situado para atraer a las masas y para que se jueguen su dinero.
Casino
Su réginen es el de una REGIÓN ADMINISTRATIVA ESPECIAL dentro de China.
LA COMIDA ES UNA MEZCLA INQUIETANTE
En las mismas tiendas para turistas te venden PASTELITOS DE BELEM y otros dulces portugueses y tiras de carne de diferentes colores. Los pastelitos de crema, no son como los de Portugal y cuestan mucho más, por supuesto.
La moneda local es la PATACA, aunque admiten todo tipo de moneda.
Macao es un lugar curioso, pero lo mio no son los casinos.
Firstly, Hong Kong stands as a unique destination, both expensive and distant. Having been under British rule for 150 years, it now operates as a Special Administrative Region of China. Situated south of China, it encompasses a collection of islands and a peninsula, offering a hot and humid climate.
Despite its small size, Hong Kong is densely populated and functions administratively as an independent state, boasting its own borders, currency, and official languages.
The region showcases substantial economic inequality, yet it exudes wealth without any hint of poverty, flaunting its lavishness and opulence. Moreover, Hong Kong has become a bustling tourist hub. Notably, its public transportation is unparalleled, setting it apart from mainland China by being entirely bilingual—both in Chinese and English. The majority of its inhabitants, including merchants and numerous citizens, are fluent in English, which adds to its appeal.
DON’T EXPECT LOWER PRICES ON TECHNOLOGY THAN CHINESE WEBSITES
Xiaomi shop
Hong Kong hosts three main types of technology stores:
Official stores
Electronics chains like Fortress or Broadway
Small shops found in technology markets like Computer Arcade
Why shop for technology here? Chinese brands often release their latest models in Hong Kong before they reach Europe, and the vast array of stores cater to every type of electronic device, usually offering prices on par with popular Chinese websites. However, exercise caution with ROM and firmware versions and ensure compatibility with future updates for any items purchased.
Mongkok district
Official stores, while traditional and equipped with absolute guarantees, may occasionally lack certain smartphone models or accessories. Electronics chains like Fortress and Broadway are reliable options, boasting sections dedicated to brands such as Xiaomi and Samsung, with the latest products and full guarantees. Small technology shops in malls, like Computer Arcade in Mongkok, are excellent for accessories and various items, but their quality and reliability can vary.
Prices may be slightly lower in these small shops, but they entail increased risks. If you find yourself in Hong Kong, the allure of purchasing technology is hard to resist, but bear in mind that it may not always be cheaper than buying from platforms like AliExpress or Banggood. Additionally, you’ll need to go through customs upon your return.
OTHER SHOPPING: A PARADISE OF LUXURY AND BRANDS
HK
Hong Kong’s numerous and exceptional shopping malls showcase a wide range of Western luxury brands for watches, jewelry, perfumes, clothing, and accessories. However, the real bargains can often be found at the outlets.
HK by Night
For all types of purchases, the typical spots to explore are the Mongkok district and Nathan Road, where stores abound.
OTHER NON-TECHNOLOGICAL ATTRACTIONS
Traditional nunnery
It comes as no surprise that Hong Kong is a magnet for tourists, thanks to its orderliness, safety, cleanliness, and convenience, making it easy to explore within 8 or 9 days. Offering a plethora of experiences, from shopping to savoring exquisite Chinese cuisine, immersing in culture, and visiting temples—Hong Kong truly has it all.
STREET FOOD
Food
Most Hong Kong locals, from my observations, prefer dining at street food stalls. These eateries offer quick service and reasonably priced meals. They maintain cleanliness and proper handling of food.
The key factor is pricing, as street food such as fish balls with spices or skewered fried intestines may cost as little as 2 euros, providing a satisfying meal for just 4 euros with two dishes. Common beverages of choice include tea or salted lemonade.
SIT-DOWN RESTAURANTS
Restaurant
There are also restaurants where locals frequent, often franchises with well-appointed tables and chairs, offering a view of the kitchen through glass. A good plate of noodles or rice with various toppings typically costs around 8 euros, double the price of street food. This usually includes tea or salted lemonade, with an additional euro for other beverages.
Furthermore, you can find various upscale restaurants with Italian, French, and other cuisines, as well as exquisite pastry shops, chocolate stores, and luxurious ice cream parlors—for those willing to splurge.
MCDONALD’S AND SIMILAR
Fast-food franchises like McDonald’s and pizza joints are abundant in Hong Kong, providing affordable options for quick meals. The taste often caters to the Chinese palate, such as spiced chicken for chicken burgers. In summary, you won’t go hungry in HK, and if you seek luxury and fine dining, you’ll have plenty of options to indulge in.
TRAS CASI UN AÑO DE USO: YA LO SABÍA, LO BARATO SALE CARO
De acuerdo. Te gastas solo 170€ en una tableta china de 10″ y 4 Gb de RAM (a precio de una Samsung de 8″) con Android 10. La sigo usando desde diciembre del año pasado. Pero es una experiencia poco gratificante. Y he caído en la misma piedra: sabía que lo barato sale caro.
Las razones:
No se ha vuelto a actualizar un parche de seguridad de Android desde que la encendí por primera vez. Se quedó en agosto de 2020. Eso es un peligro. Por eso no la uso ni para BANCA ni para compras, ni para guardar mis cosas personales.
Por supuesto, Android nunca se ha actualizado. Ni el firmware ni nada. Mejoras=0
El procesador Unisoc es lento y Android 10 no está optimizado, lo que lastra la experiencia.
Al igual que con otras tabletas Android, la experiencia de usuario es mala: las apps no se adaptan a la tableta (como ya escribí aquí).
La cámara es inusable.
Todo ello hace que te lamentes, muchas veces, de no haber gastado el doble en una tableta decente.
PERO RECONOZCO ALGUNAS COSAS BUENAS
No me preocupa ni que se rompa ni que me la roben, la uso para todos los viajes.
Es ligera y la pantalla se ve bien.
El 4G va bien
Es un balance pobre, pero es lo que hay.
Me pasó lo mismo con una Huawei, pero ésta además era frágil y se degradaba mes a mes, lo cual es un problema mayor.
Alldocube iPlay 20
Resumiendo, a veces pienso que en vez de una tableta tan básica, debería haberme gastado el doble en una mejor.
Pero sin Android. Siempre me decepcionan las tabletas Android.
I love Technology/ Teknologia maite dut/ Me encanta la tecnología 