"Macau - The Garden City of the Orient"

"Macau - The Garden City of the Orient" com 30 páginas, capa de João Ramires e escrito em inglês, é um folheto do Turismo de Macau editado em 1965. Seguem-se alguns excertos de um folheto/guia que foi teve várias edições na época e sempre com o mesmo título.

“Macau has the leisurely tempo, church-spired skyline and cobbled streets reminiscent of Portugal; the familiar gardens, balconies, and the colourful architecture of the Mediterranean; and an Oriental influence wrought by thousands of hardworking and resourceful Chinese.

The oldest settlement established in the Far East by Europeans, Macau is a virtual living museum. Its early Chinese temples and Christian churches are busier today than when they were built in the 17 th. Century or earlier.

Macau's ruins and cemeteries are testimonials of a fascinating past; and there is a rich variety of both ancient and modern architecture that shows the influences of the Dutch, Spanish, and Japanese. Provincial law requires that each house be painted every two years; the result is a delightful variety of colour. Signs are in both Portuguese and Chinese calligraphy.

You will see early morning shadow boxers in the park, girl croupiers in the gambling casinos, broad avenues shaded by wide-spreading trees planted nearly one hundred years ago, cobblestone courtyards bright with flowers.

Scattered throughout the city, you´ill see Chinese lanterns. (...) Macaus revenues come from fishing, a wide range of light industry, tourism, and gambling. The city is also known as the “Casino of the Orient” and the “Garden City of the East”. It is Hong Kong´s most popular neighbouring resort for weekends and vacation." (...)

“Macau which is situated at the border with the People´s Republic of China, is a small and abundantly peaceful, 400-years-old Portuguese outpost in the South China Sea and is only 40 miles from Hong Kong. Although its 250,000 inhabitants are predominantly Chinese, Macau is Portuguese with a Chinese accent. There are only influence is recognised in continental architecture, Roman Catholic churches and shrines, language, government, military and police forces – and its delicious cuisine.

The Portuguese residents form a special group with intellectual interests of their own.

The same is true of the Chinese, who have their own theatre, opera, religion, and family traditions. Several newspapers, some in Portuguese and others in Chinese, and two broadcasting stations keep the city informed and entertained, but there is an evident integration of both communities."(…)

"There is so much to be seen in Macau, that your visit can justifiably extend for several days: if your time is limited, an overnight stopover is recommended.

f you go hydrofoil, it is possible to “do” Macau in a one-day trip from Hong Kong. Experienced travelers recommend a more leisurely pace, and suggest a minimum of two days to get acquainted with the “Garden City of the Orient”. This is sound advice." (...)

“Macau has no direct international transportation services. Heavy silting in the harbour prevents large ships from using it as a port of call and Macau´s position on the peninsula of the Communist China mainland prevents land approach. You an reach Macau from Hong Kong by hydrofoil or ferry.

By Hydrofoil: 

This revolutionary type of “commuter” service was inaugurated in 1964. Two companies provide a daily operation, with a total of nine hydrofoils linking Macau and Hong Kong. One company makes 17 round trips daily, by the Flying Albatross and Flying Skimmer, Flying Kingfisher, Flying Phoenix, Flying Swift and Flying Heron. The other company makes eight round trips daily, by the Guia and the Penha, the Coloane operating as a stand-by vessel, and at weekends. Jointly, the two independent companies provide a service at approximately half-hourly intervals throughout the day. The summer schedule provides a service from 7.45 a.m. to 6.30 p. m., in each direction. The fare is M $10, 00 (US$1.72) on weekdays, M $20, 00 (US$3.45) during weekends and holidays.

By ferry: 

The ferries, Macau, Fat Shan, Tai Loy, and Takshing provide the traditional link between and Hong Kong, with daily runs of 3hrs, or 3hrs. and 30 min., each way, dependent upon the vessel. Food, drink, and air-conditioned cabins are available. A passenger departing in the late evening from Hong Kong can sleep aboard until reaching Macau. Fares, one way, per person, are: first class (no stateroom) M $10 (US$1.72); single stateroom M $25 (US$4.31); double stateroom M $40 (US $6.90). Please note that “M” means Macau currency”.

Estoril, Matsuya e Caravela eram os hotéis mais recentes na época. Havia ainda o velhinho hotel Bela Vista que vem assim descrito no folheto:

“In the suburbs at Rua do Comendador Kuo Ho Neng. Formerly the residence of a Portuguese merchant, 22 rooms with bath, all air-conditioned. Hot water available for eight hours daily, 7 to 11 A. M. and 7 to 11 P. M. The hotel facilities and services include a dining room, money exchange, souvenir shop, laundry and dry cleaning. Portuguese and English-speaking staff.Rates: single M$20 to M$30 (US $3.50 to $5.25); double M$30 to M$ 60 (US $5.25 to $10.50); suites M$50 (US $10,50); four rooms without bath at M$ 15 (US $ 2.65) (27 rooms). Bela Vista Hotel specializes in curried dishes.”