A Day in the Coloane Countryside
3:19 PM
The next day, we woke up early to catch the bus going to Coloane. I love how the cold morning winds assured us that it's gonna be a good day. We joined the people outside who were waiting for the bus in a single straight line. I admire the locals' discipline even with small things like this.
Early morning in Barra captured by my HTC One M7.
We hopped on the bus that's apparently packed, so we just stood still as the driver maneuvered through the winding roads of Taipa. Though overcrowded, the cold morning breeze kept us from sweating. I love travelling in the morning because everything is in its natural appearance — no city lights and night sky glows.
I was fascinated with Taipa-Macau Bridge. It looked like a stark-white version of the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. I was picturing myself there, as we pass through its long road. I looked below and watched barges and boats sailing in every direction. We were two objects moving simultaneously but within different time frames. The bus I was riding in was moving so quickly while below us were boats moving so gently, like time has slowed down for them.
We arrived at the quaint town of Coloane past 9 am. It was so quiet, you could hear the chirping birds and the swaying trees singing as the wind blows. Coloane is just like a perfect fairy tale back draft — clean, calm and beautiful.
It was nothing like what we saw in Macau. This was almost European-like. I'm glad we took the chance to visit this cute and cozy town. As we discover Coloane through it's narrow streets, I can't help but have this "love at first sight" feeling towards it.
We walked around the interconnected streets to discover and really dig deep into Coloane. We were surprised how different the lifestyle of the people here was -- so laid back, even a weekday felt like the weekend.
We ordered a plate of their famous egg tarts and a croissant. Everything tasted heavenly. I really enjoyed every bite of their creamy and sweet delicacies.
We headed out again to take our final walks around Coloane. It was almost noon time and still, it was as peaceful as when we came earlier. The sun was high but I couldn't feel its warmth. Instead, all I felt was the cool breeze coming from the nearby lake.
I was fascinated with Taipa-Macau Bridge. It looked like a stark-white version of the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. I was picturing myself there, as we pass through its long road. I looked below and watched barges and boats sailing in every direction. We were two objects moving simultaneously but within different time frames. The bus I was riding in was moving so quickly while below us were boats moving so gently, like time has slowed down for them.
Macau-Taipa Bridge captured by my HTC One M7.
The Prestigious Venetian Macau captured by my HTC One M7.
People unknowingly mimic The Beatles below Studio City. Captured by my HTC One M7.
We arrived at the quaint town of Coloane past 9 am. It was so quiet, you could hear the chirping birds and the swaying trees singing as the wind blows. Coloane is just like a perfect fairy tale back draft — clean, calm and beautiful.
It was nothing like what we saw in Macau. This was almost European-like. I'm glad we took the chance to visit this cute and cozy town. As we discover Coloane through it's narrow streets, I can't help but have this "love at first sight" feeling towards it.
Filipino couple helping the old lady get her things inside the bus. Faith in humanity restored. Well, a bit.
We walked around the interconnected streets to discover and really dig deep into Coloane. We were surprised how different the lifestyle of the people here was -- so laid back, even a weekday felt like the weekend.
Early morning Tai Chi.
One more reason we're here was because of Lord Stow's Bakery. I've researched that Coloane is where the original branch located. As we walk through the cobblestone floors, we came across a Lord Stow's "take out" bakery with two Filipino staff. I suddenly felt at home talking to them in our own native language. I felt at ease that finally I was inside my comfort zone again.
After a few talks, he taught us how to get to Lord Stow's. We thanked him for being so hospitable and continued our journey.
And within a few minutes, we got to Lord Stow's Bakery where a bunch of cheerful Filipinos greeted us. They were doubtful of our ethnicity, thinking we were off Chinese-descents. And so, I broke off the ice and asked them if they were Filipinos (though, in my mind, I was certain that they were.) When they finally said that they were in fact Filipinos, we started to chatter. Exchanging talks about our experiences along the trip and their experiences living here as well. It was really fun to see Filipinos spread out far and wide. At least, there is an assurance that though you're far away from home, you can find home with people you 'll meet on your trips.
Adult people & technology
The places was cozy, warm and inviting. The mixed colours of red and brown with white as their main palettes will really make you feel at home.
We ordered a plate of their famous egg tarts and a croissant. Everything tasted heavenly. I really enjoyed every bite of their creamy and sweet delicacies.
We headed out again to take our final walks around Coloane. It was almost noon time and still, it was as peaceful as when we came earlier. The sun was high but I couldn't feel its warmth. Instead, all I felt was the cool breeze coming from the nearby lake.
Coloane was the sweetest surprise of Macau, for me. It was stunning yet very humble. It's a perfect place for you to unwind and just let the day pass by slowly, at your own desired pace. It was hard bidding goodbye to Coloane.
As much as I would want to spend another day here, we have a bus to catch going back to Taipa. So, I whispered my goodbyes to the winds of Coloane and promised to come back someday. I picked up my bag, shut my camera off and turned my back on this beautiful countryside. Adventure awaits for me and I can't say no to it.
With a few pennies in my hands, I sat in the bus' window seat and watched Coloane disappear gradually as we drove away.
I'm Eden Morales. A UI/UX Designer by day but a full-time dreamer. To travel and explore outside my comfort zone are the things I crave to do ever since. These are the chronicles of my first-hand experiences from all the places I have gone to and will go to in the future.
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