There is no denying how much we love Canada. After all, it’s the land that gave birth to Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling.
Macau is home to thousands of Canadians who live and love this small big city.
As they celebrate the 15oth Anniversary of Confederation, the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong hosted “Pop-Up Canada! in Macao” in partnership with the Four Seasons Hotel Macao from February 22 to March 8. We had a chance to explore the true taste of outstanding Canadian cuisine and discover there’s so much more to Canada than maple syrup.
Our list of what we love the most about this country:
- Canada holds two records for most gold medals won by a country as well as most gold medals won by a host country in the winter Olympics. True talent surely run wild in this beautiful country.
- Say “bonjour” because after Paris, Montreal is the largest French-speaking city in the world.
- We are simply blown away by the educational system. It has over 99% literacy rate and over half of Canadians have college degrees.
- Canada produces 77% of the world’s maple syrup. How sweet is that?
- 60% of the world’s polar bear population of approximately 25,000 live in Canada.
- Canada is the second largest country in the world by total area with Russia bagging the top spot. It boasts endless lakes and rivers with access to three oceans. It has one of the few places in the world where you can ski and surf outdoors on the same day.
- The most popular sport in Canada is ice hockey.
From Paul Anka to Justin Bieber, Canada is home to a talented bunch of musicians. Among the ones who made it big in the industry are; Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Neil Young, Bryan Adams, Michael Buble, Avril Lavigne, Sarah McLachlan and Drake.
We speak to true blue Canadians about what they love most about Macau.
Name: Jennifer Simms
Profession: Executive Director – Spa Operations, Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace
Number of years in Macau: Off and on for twelve years. I moved here in 2005 with Mandarin Oriental, left at the end of 2007 and then returned in 2010 to work with Wynn Macau when we opened Encore. In 2015 I left for ten months and then returned again to work with Wynn. I keep coming back!
What do you love most about Macau? What made you move/stay here?
I love the uniqueness of Macau, the people, the diversity of cultures. Watching it grow over the past decade has been amazing to witness. It’s an easy place to live, almost like a small town within a big city where everyone knows each other and everything is close by. I have made many friends here and it’s become like a second home.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Macau? Or a favorite place to hang-out?
Too many places to list! I tend to avoid the busy casinos when I am off and enjoy wandering through the parks, old Macau and discovering local coffee shops and cafes. One of my favorite restaurants is Naam Thai in Grand Lapa. It’s been there for years, with the same staff, so I always feel welcome.
What do you miss most about Canada?
Nature, fresh air, open spaces, friends and family. I’m from British Columbia which is one of the most gorgeous places in the world.
Where do you go in Macau to get a taste or feel of Canada?
I don’t have a sense of Canada in Macau and that’s ok. I have been an expat living in various countries since 1999. The day I feel I need to recreate the feeling of living in Canada, while in a different country, will be the time I should consider moving back. With so many things to learn about Asia and life here, I prefer to live where I am and enjoy friends from all over the world. When I miss Canada I just go home for a visit!
Why should people visit Canada? Any recommendations of great places to visit?
For the same reasons I listed above; beautiful nature, clean air, friendly people, delicious, healthy, fresh food. British Columbia offers a variety of things to do whether its arts and culture, outdoor activities, or just taking in the scenic views—sea to sky, the area covers everything.
Why should people visit Macau? Any recommendations of great places to visit?
Macau has such an interesting history, with everything from Portuguese architecture, Buddhist temples, and the small streets and people-watching are a photographer’s dream. Of course, there are the new casinos and entertainment within them, restaurants, and activities. Whenever friends say they’ll come see me for a day or two, I recommend they stay a week just so they’ll get a true feel for all Macau has to offer.
Name: Jacqueline Varga
Profession: Executive Director, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Macao
Communications Manager, The International School of Macao
Number of Years in Macau: 7 ½ years
What do you love most about Macau? What made you move/stay here?
My family moved to Macau in 2007 after my husband was offered a teaching position at The International School of Macao. We returned to Canada in 2009 but came back to Macau again in 2011. We’ve been here ever since. We love living in Macau; nowhere else in the world do you find a fusion of Chinese and Portuguese cultures.
It’s a very interesting, unique city where you can enjoy a great lifestyle and travel opportunities.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Macau? Or a favorite place to hang-out?
Indian Garden in Taipa is my favorite restaurant. The butter chicken and onion bhajis are to die for!
What do you miss most about Canada?
A large backyard with a garden.
Where do you go in Macau to get a taste or feel of Canada?
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce holds networking events for Canadians living in Macau so it’s always nice to get together at a local restaurant or bar.
The International School of Macao definitely has a Canadian vibe. About 70% of the teachers are Canadian so there is a real sense of community.
Why should people visit Canada? Any recommendations of great places to visit?
Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and a great travel destination. There are so many wonderful places to visit, it’s hard to name just a few! My favorite places would have to be the Rockies (Banff and Jasper in Alberta), Baddeck and Lunenburg (Nova Scotia), Niagara Falls (Ontario), Charlottetown (PEI) and Vancouver Island (British Columbia). Edmonton (my hometown) also has lots to offer visitors.
Why should people visit Macau? Any recommendations of great places to visit?
Macau packs a lot of punch for a small city. Visitors can enjoy everything from historical sites and shopping to a vibrant nightlife scene and amazing food.
Some of my family’s favorite places are the Three Lamps District, Lou Lim Ioc Garden, Coloane Village and Hac Sa Beach. Wandering the back streets of Macau and discovering new restaurants and shops is always a good way to spend an afternoon, too.
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For more information about events and activities organized by Canadian Consulate General in Macau please visit the website: travel.gc.ca
Canadian Chamber of commerce in Macau www.facebook.com/CanChamMacao
