Hong Kong and Macau played a big part in my poker career. Over the years I have dabbled in poker whilst in Hong Kong, and it was there I left my job to play full time. It was also by winning the Central Cup (organized by the HK Poker Players' Association) where I extended my tournament career that led me to where I am today. So it is always cool to be able to visit after being unable to for the last 3 years.
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| Same skyline, better camera |
Today Hong Kong has a different vibe than when I was living there. It is as if the life has been sucked out of it. I can see pain and sadness on my friends' faces of what Hong Kong has become, when their home doesn't feel like it anymore. Always a very social city, it is nice to gather with old friends and make new ones, over a game of poker, money Jenga, OFC or in-between. I had a lapse of discipline where I played some degen games with my friends but the laughs were priceless. And I am proud to say in my 3 days in Macau I didn't touch any table games.
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| Super tight Jenga for money with multiplier! |
First real session of Holdem I did terribly. I think I was being too relaxed amongst friends and admittedly I was super tired and was not playing well. A couple of lapses in judgement made me throw a couple of buy ins away. But determined to do better, the next 3 sessions I played in Macau were of better quality. If only a couple of major hands went my way, it would have been an even better result, but I did pray for a profitable trip and thank God that was what I got.
Food this trip was ridiculously good. There is only a handful of life changing meals that I've had, but this trip I had one in Macau at A Baia Portuguese restaurant. I was also introduced to the best suckling pig I've ever had. But most meals were memorable because of the people I had them with. I am happy that some friends and I have kept in touch over the years.
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| Baby squid in it's own ink yummmmm |
Hotels are still super expensive in both HK and Macau, and the ones I chose were disappointing. They don't seem to understand the concept of "do not disturb" and "afternoon nap". Once they called my room to ask if I needed room cleaning, the second time I thought I was smart by unplugging the phone but they came knocking at my door. Service levels seem to have improved overall but you still get the occasional rude staff.
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| So nice to walk without having to go back to the office |
But overall we had a great time. Was planning to see a few more people, eat at a few more restaurants, but too many friends, too much good food, too little time. We'll be back again at some point!
