 Coloane Island junk building yard, Macau (above); In the pits at the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix starting line (right) |
 In almost every regard, there is more to Macau than meets the eye. More space, more exotic food, more accommodation, more history, more industry, more festivities, more surprises, more real charm. Upon arrival once is overwhelmed by casinos, lavish hotels and Grand Prix excitement but on the easy accessible islands of Taipa and Coloane an entirely different Macau presents itself: one of sandy beaches, shady lanes, intriguing side streets, pine forests, ponds and farming communities. Once a hide-out for pirates and bandits, the European-toned villages of Taipa and Coloane islands preserve a languid, family based, self-sustaining life that seems centuries rather than minutes removed from the mainland. It is for the construction of junks that Coloane is renowned throughout Asia. Visitors are free to wander through the extensive junk-building yards where the graceful and eminently functional seafaring craft are made from huge tree with almost no modern tools, to a centuries old tradition.
The Hidden Macau is a 1370 word story. There is a 360 word Macau Grand Prix sidebar also available. Accompanying images by Bob King can be supplied.
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