A Day In Macau!

Because of the time difference between Salt Lake City and Hong Kong, General Conference is not broadcast in Hong Kong until the next weekend.

Well, this is that weekend, but since we couldn't wait to find out who the three new apostles would be, we stayed up very late to watch General Conference last weekend and heard it first hand, 

via the internet. 

And, the remaining sessions throughout the week as time permitted.

We learned the other missionaries did the same, 

and someone suggested we go to Macau for the day instead.

In this day and age when we have access to conference talks at any time and anywhere to review again and again,

 we decided to take them up it, and see a place we haven't been to before.

This is the extra fast ferry boat we took to Macau.

Its about a 45 minute ride from Hong Kong.

Everyone is happy and wide awake as we await pulling away from the dock.

After we pulled away, everyone was still awake except these two.  They were out cold.

This is Alex, our own tour guide for the entire day, thanks to Elder Lee,
who negotiated a sweet deal for us all.

Many of the streets are made of tiles.

Hold it right there. 

 I want to get one of those holding up the huge casino in the background shots.

Judy couldn't resist trying on this guys beard.

I believe it is the longest one we have seen.

The most famous landmark in Macau.

Some of us love fishballs, and some of us don't.

This place was great.  They provide samples of almost everything before buying.

Dried black tongue, sliced antler, dried sea horse.  No thank you!

Loved this area with greenery overhead and hanging lanterns.

And the tiled street.

Picture time!

Rehearsing for the show.  These boys have such strength.

 All that practice paid off.

This is how a lion eats a fish.

Welcome to Macau!

This cutie knows all about the 'Asian Pose'

Alex recommended Tai Lei Lok Kei for lunch, and it was okay.

Alex didn't complain about being everyone's photo taker.

What a deal. 

 Free totes for everyone, even free keychains, and pamphlets with religious information all in Chinese, of course.

Their motives are good.

Why don't you sit on that cannon and I'll take a picture.

Its against the rules to sit on the cannon

Guilty by association

Some serious makeup.

And this is suppose to be good for the feet?  Ouch!

Some beautiful gardens.

He is the gardener and tender of the ornamental trees.

Tai Chi

Sister Chan never holds back.

Best place for egg tarts.

Chan's can't get enough. 

Why settle for an egg tart when you can have apple pie?

In Macau the groom throws a bouquet too.

Break dancing for entertaining the wedding guests.

Decorating the newlywed's car is handled a little differently in China.

Alex suggested we take time to look at this horse head worth millions.

REALLY?

This was more impressive.  A carving from elephant tusk.
The detail is incredible.

Tried to take on a bear.

He didn't get much response either.

Alex patiently waiting as we take it all in.

Macau is a mini Las Vegas with a growing number of casinos.

The Galaxy in the daytime.

The Galaxy at night.

The main attraction we came to see - The Dancing Water

  The stage was a pool, then a dry floor, then a pool again, and so on. 

 It was spectacular and well worth seeing.

The hero gets the girl.

The typical photo taken before the show starts to sell you at the end of the show.

Alex was the ideal tour guide.  After the show, he took us to a Peruvian restaurant and even helped us order.   After tonight, I don't think we are fond of Peruvian food.

The Lees, Balls, Chans, Us

After seeing one last show in a hotel foyer for free, we

walked back to the port to catch the ferry home.  It was late by the time we got back to our apartment,  but it was a fun day and in part due to Alex's expertise.