Macau: Taipa Evening Stroll

Taipa Waterfront
Taipa Waterfront with artificial lake and view of Cotai Strip

Our coach sped through the scenic lights of Macau-Taipa bridge coming from Macau Central. It didn’t take long before we stopped and alighted our coach again. Joao led us to a waterfront park with steel benches by the lake. Afar we could see the towering buildings of the City of Dreams at the Cotai Strip. Despite the dimness it was nice scenery. I could sit down on one of those benches and just space out.

View of Cotai Strip
View of Cotai Strip

Or maybe think on how this artificial lake was made to appear natural with all the vegetation alongside it. White cranes sleeping by the plants, visible even with the night light, learned to live here and make it their habitat.

Taipa House Musuems
Taipa House Musuems

Just opposite the lake and along the main road, Avenida de Pria, are a couple of houses. I thought these lime colored houses were residential or ‘model’ units. They are part of Taipa Houses Museum and each house has different exhibits inside. Of course we didn’t get in as it was late. But it was interesting to know that these houses were built in 1921 as a summer house.

Our Lady of Carmel Church
Our Lady of Carmel Church

We climbed a low hill where an attractive little church stands. It is Our Lady of Carmel Church, said Joao and it was built early 19th century. The facade faces the lake and Coloane. I thought the quarters opposite it was really interesting with the use of roman columns in its design.

Taipa Village
Taipa Village low rise structures

We continued walking, descending on a narrow stairs back at the main road walking a few blocks along Avenida de Pria into the Taipa Village. Even at night time, I thought this place looks really charming. I dig the small 2-3 story houses, with distinct windows, old style lamp post with hanging baskets of flowers and the colors of the houses. I would have imagined it to be part of Europe in a minuscule scale.  It would have been interesting to see this place in broad daylight.

A cute corner bakeshop at Taipa Village
A cute corner bakeshop at Taipa Village

We reached a bus stop where we waited for or coach to fetch us. From here we drove south, down to Coloane. Our windows were now filled with views of trees illuminated by vehicle headlights. If Macau would have a rural region, this place would be it. Miramar Restaurant, known for its Portuguese Cuisine was our venue for dinner that night. We enjoyed the food so much that despite having heavy eyelids, we were happy to have a heavy tummy on our way back to Ponte 16.

Taipa Village Houses Facades and Lamp post
Taipa Village Houses Facades and Lamp post