Hurting....

Hurting, yes, not my Arthritis, it's a given. I was struggling big time.... ankles, back and chest... Even had problem taking deep breath. Last time was back in Regina. But compared to the economic downturn affecting the Casino, that's no comparison.

Was in Venetian at the Cotai Strip. First time there. Scary how money from the last 4 years really made an ugly monstrosity to a piece of land used to have nice environmental views, Oyster farms and the old days of life to totally huge buildings sucking up all the natural resources around the Pearl Delta in order for it to work. This strip used to the bridge road connecting the two outer islands of Macau; I could not even see any water or far away China but only saw the sky if I cranked my neck almost 90 degrees up. Scary!

As I stepped into the Venetian, I felt I was in Vegas. Same layout, grandeur and massive. 5 minutes in, I was ready to leave. We went there to see Zaia, the Cirque Du Soleil. The show was excellent. However, it was not packed at all. Only two sections were full. The rest of the theater was empty. The music was life. I could see music instrument played high up behind a glass room. Was talking to some Victor's friends during the mid-night get together. They said, it wasn't good. No techniques. Right... As if they know enough about the world and education to offer their valuable comments.

Walking toward the theater, we had to pass thru the casino part. Scary. So many empty tables, empty slot machines, empty.... No people. The economy and the Chinese Central Gov't restriction is really choking the revenue. Mom and dad said compared to after it was opened two years or so ago, night and day. They couldn't walk thru the place. Now, we like it! Pretty scary how many people are out of work with this lack of business.

Shops galore in Venetian. No one really buying. Some shops were offering 70% off. There was a small corridor connecting between two shopping areas. All expensive watches. Got HKD 100,000 ? That's the start. Keep dusting... I don't think anyone will be buying. Same with other shops, dust is more than people. And we found out most staff in the shops either Filipinos or mainland Chinese. We either spoke English or Mandarin. Forget about Cantonese. So, the biz model for Venetian definitely was geared toward Chinese mainlanders. The English speaking part is more for the US English-based Americans. All I could say, this place is hurting for revenue.

If this is any indication of one casino, what about the other super casinos in Macau. Will check out Wynn today.


PS. One redeeming quality of Venetian, it HAS a Mac store!!!! A Mac Store!!!! Too far though, taxi is about MOP55.00 one way.