I was happy to oblige when United Airlines asked me to travel to Hong Kong and Macau to do media coverage. I was treated like royalty, staying at a 5-star hotel, and eating at a Michelin star restaurant (the first Indian restaurant in Asia to receive this prestigious rating).

If that wasn’t enough, I lived a photographer’s dream when I hit the cobblestone streets of Macau. I was unprepared for the overwhelming charm of this Chinese city. I must’ve taken a thousand pictures on these streets alone. Who knew Europe existed in Asia?

Long billed as a gambling destination, I was surprised to find that Macau is a city rich with European history, having been occupied by the Portuguese for 500 years. One minute you’re in a multi-billion dollar entertainment complex like Sands and the next you’re walking down narrow cobblestone streets in search of hot street food. To call Macau diverse is an understatement.

Old Macau is an area that begs to be discovered on foot, camera in hand, belly empty. The Portuguese colonized this Chinese port city in the 1550’s. Our tour guide had a sunnier outlook on the melding of these two cultures, though the early history was admittedly bloody. Still, there is nowhere else in China where Portuguese and Chinese culture so thoroughly co-mingled to produce one-of-a-kind food, architecture, and people.

See also 10 Things You Must Do in Macau.

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The ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral

Our fearless media team pounding the streets. Guess which foot is the camera man.

The iconic Senado Square

Photography by Jessica Peterson

Dress: Venus (similar)

Shoes: Zara (similar)

Bag: Ann Klein via Macy’s

Earrings: Forever 21

Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Travel sponsored by United Airlines. All opinions my own.

Win a Travel Package from Global Girl Travels!

Enter our giveaway below to win a travel package valued at $750!

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Prize Package:

• 2-night stay at Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central in a superior room
• 1-day Shrekfast breakfast for two
• 1-day Grand Orbit breakfast for two
• 2 admission tickets to Ocean Park Hong Kong
• 2 admission tickets to Ngong Ping 360

Hurry! Giveaway ends September 15, 2014 at 12:00 a.m. CST.

Rules:

1. Winner is responsible for airfare and all travel expenses.
2. Hotel reservations must be made at least two weeks before preferred check-in date. Blackout dates apply.
3. The prize is not transferable, refundable, and will not be replaced if lost.
4. The prize cannot be redeemed for cash or any other services, and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotional offers.
5. The room prize is based on single or double occupancy per room.
6. Additional guests staying in the same room are subject to an extra charge as advised at the time of reservation. There is a limit of four guests per room.