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Macau is the smaller, less famous, Portuguese counterpart to Hong Kong.

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  Most signs have typographic errors or non-sensical grammar

Although a part of Portugal until 1999, Portuguese presence is primarily residual: Macau is more New Orleans than Québec. Portuguese speakers comprise less than 1% of the population; Macau’s mandatory bi-lingual signage is mostly marketing. [The law will lapse in 2049, when the 50-year transitional period ends.]

English coverage, although spotty, is far more prevalent than Portuguese (a reasonable economic decision by the Macanese).

Macau’s core retains it’s European architecture, salvaging far more of the colonial influence than neighboring Hong Kong. Like New Orleans, the effect creates a quaint colonial face that works well for tourism.

Outside of the older core, most of Macau is full of rapid, cheap construction, that is likely to be replaced by casino and hotel infrastructure.

Macau is booming; new construction is everywhere (even more than Hong Kong), as it transitions into an Asian gambling Mecca. Gigantic Vegas-style casinos are being built everywhere and real estate speculation is rampant.

Although not on the same scale as Hong Kong, shopping is a major part of Macau as well (the two share a common past as a center of trade and manufacturing).

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  A shopkeep cuts up dried beef, which is jerky-like but much sweeter