Vol. 30. No. 4 A Publication of UMA, Inc Oct - Dec 2007 Editor: Daniel Gomes, 4394 N. Sweetbriar Ct, Concord, Ca 94521 E-Mail:
[email protected] Encontro 2007 The Fifth Encontro das Macaense from November 25, through December 2, 2007 drew over 1400 Macanese from the USA, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Brazil, Portugal and other European countries. The United States alone had 450 signed up with the three local clubs, UMA. Inc, Lusitano Club, USA and Casa de Macau, USA In 1993, during the first encontro, 600 people returned for the celebration. This year, our numbers reached an astronomical 1400. A survey of some of the people who returned for the encontro included “to relive old memories”, “revisit old haunts”, “eat good Macanese and Portuguese cuisine”, “meet up with old friends and relatives” and “see the miraculous transformation of this sleepy old city to a 21st Century Metropolis”. The skyline has changed dramatically, and the old buildings and streets have received a much needed face lift. Leal Senado Square, Barra Square and the Ruins of St. Paulo never looked this good - I look forward to continued progress in this area. The new building boom currently in progress will ensure that Macau will receive the deferred maintenance she so richly deserves. Armed with a copy of “Macau Attractions” published in the April – June issue of the UMA Bulletin we were able to explore all the historical and cultural sites of Macau. The Leal Senado square and surrounding walkways to Saint Agostinho, Ruins of Sao Paulo, Monte and the Macau Museum is totally cleaned up and a pleasure to stroll through, even for an anti-shopping guy like me.