Opinion

Great Expectations

Many of the themes in Charles Dickens’s famous novel ‘Great Expectations’ appear mirrored in today’s Macau. The story is set in early Victorian England, a time when great social changes were sweeping the nation, and at its core is the desire for wealth and social advancement.  The Industrial Revolution of the late 18th and early 19th centuries had transformed the social landscape, enabling capitalists and manufacturers to amass huge fortunes. 
Does this sound just a little bit familiar to today’s Macau – albeit it that in place of manufacturing is the gaming business?
 
As in the book, the divisions in the territory between rich and poor remain nearly as wide as ever, but with economies in tatters and work opportunities scarce in many countries in the West, Macau is certainly appealing to many expatriates.  Good money can be made.  
 
However it never ceases to amaze me how little research people do before getting here, to prepare their expectations, especially when it comes to housing.  
Some have more of a challenge than others acclimatizing to what is on offer here.   
 
“I have a six-bedroom house in Las Vegas, a garden, pool and parking for three cars” explained one new arrival, and whilst he realized that he would need to downsize in Macau, he found the cramped high rises in central Taipa depressing.
It is certainly true that a lot of the properties here are poorly constructed, and built at breakneck speed to please the hungry developers (it’s not unusual to find the security guard cooking his fish and rice lunch in the lobby).  
Shortages in quality apartments enable greedy landlords to keep putting up rents.  Since January 2012 we note rents have increased 34 percent in one managed Taipa apartment complex, offering exactly the same units and services, but with furniture and fixtures that are two-years more worn!  
 
Nonetheless, if you are planning to relocate here, it is important to be ready to accept these local realities.
 
Some days the pollution hangs suspended in a haze over the city.  Traffic jams, parking problems, no taxis when you need one, a lack of enough skilled local staff, the exasperation of not being able to read official documents or government websites… 
 
But I say, take Macau as it is.  Temper your expectations.  Instead of grumbling, we should be pinching ourselves and remembering our good fortune at being able to be witnesses and be part of one of the most exciting places on earth, perched on the edge of the most populous and fastest-developing country in the world. Macau is an amazing, exciting, happening place, a vibrant, cultural melting pot.  How lucky we are to be here!
 
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