Strolling Through Macau

When Macau is mentioned, images of extravagance, luxury, and casinos come to mind. Indeed, this is often the case. A one-day tour won't reveal the essence of Macau life; it only scratches the surface. In the bustling shopping malls, like the Venetian and the Parisian, seemingly independent buildings are interconnected indoors. Step into any building, and you'll find luxury stores everywhere, with queues of people waiting to enter. To provide a premium shopping experience, stores limit the number of customers inside at any given time. Once some shoppers leave, a new wave is allowed in. It's a level of opulence that's hard to fathom. The Venetian is undoubtedly a highlight. On the second or third floor of the mall, gondolas glide through the water under an artificial sky. Visitors can choose to ride the gondolas (for a fee) or stroll along the canals, eventually reaching the Parisian. Many entertainment venues in Macau offer free milk tea, resulting in streets filled with tourists carrying identical drinks. Entry to these venues is restricted to those 21 and older, and those who appear younger may be asked for identification. After 20,000+ steps of leisurely exploration, despite the physical fatigue, I realized I had only witnessed Macau's glamorous facade. Amidst this vast commercial empire, a question arose: How do ordinary people live here?