My Apartment

Hey All! I hope that you are doing well. It is update time!!!

I figured that it is time to tell you about my apartment. Like I said in a previous post, the real estate market in Macau is simply crazy. The prices are fairly ridiculous for some pretty mediocre accommodations. After looking through a few places (see pink suede couch in previous post), I was really left with the decision to pay way too much for some place that I didn't love or pay a bit more for One Oasis. It basically cost me about $200 USD a month more to have a brand-new apartment with a gorgeous view and brand-new gym, pools, sauna, etc. Here are some pictures:

 It is a relatively small apartment, but it is more than enough for me (and hopefully Alyssa). One thing that I am not a fan of in Macau (really all of China) is that the mattresses here are not much more comfortable than sleeping on a piece of plywood. I am not sure how people can spend so much money on something so uncomfortable!

IKEA in Hong Kong will deliver certain items to Macau, like the bedspread you see here. However, between the language barrier and the ridiculous names of their items, the mattress pad that I ordered turned out to be a regular mattress that does not fit. Alas, I have to wait another week for them to come and change things out. Hopefully, I will be sleeping comfortable by this time next week :).

You can see from the bedroom picture that my view has a lot of green. There are almost no places in Macau where you can have such a nice view. Almost everywhere else will have construction, junk yards, casinos, or other city views. The view basically sealed the deal for me! Here is a better picture:

The plastic-looking dome to the left of the picture is home to Kai Kai the panda. 

There are also flamingos, lemurs, monkeys, macaws (ironic), and other animals in this mini-zoo. A couple weekends ago I toured the zoo and hiked the hill you see above it. It was quite the hike and the views were pretty awesome, but at the top of the hill there is a statue. You can't really tell from the picture, but it is a huge statue that is actually lit at night. A-Ma is the goddess of fishermen and sailors and she overlooks the all of Macau. It is a beautiful sight to see. Across the street is a gorgeous Buddhist temple, too. A huge wedding party was getting their pictures taken at the temple, and you know how much those Asians like their cameras.

Anyway, the apartment and view are very nice. I am liking living here and am trying to explore as much of the city as possible. My one-month-iversary is this week, so expect an update about my initial impressions of Macau and the culture here :). Until then, enjoy the Super Bowl (this will be the first time that I can remember not watching) and take care.

Much Love,

Bryan