How would you describe the Macanese?

Hong Kong people generally describe themselves as being energetic, pushy and always strive for good performance.

The Taiwanese generally describe themselves as being able to stand hard work, vivacious and generous.

How about the Macanese?

These few weeks, I am thinking over this topic, especially the characters of the Macanese amidst the rapid development of this place, and then I happened to see:

• A TV program showing a lot of images of Hong Kong around 30 years ago. Then I found that during the development stage of Hong Kong, quite a number of beautiful British or Victorian style buildings were pulled down so as to build the skyscrapers. Comparing the situation of Hong Kong with that of Macau, Macanese seemed to cherish much the Portuguese-style buildings constructed in the old days;
• A news article (http://www.macaodaily.com/html/2008-04/22/content_161575.htm) exploring the human touch (人情味) of Macau. In this article, two Hong Kong artists were interviewed and they thought that under the rapid development of Macau now, it is commendable that human touch can still be kept. Although many old buildings were pulled down and new huge buildings were built, if a person would pay attention, the distinguishing feature and good old things of this city could still be found, like the tri-cycles can still be driven on the busy-traffic roads of Macau.
  

Maybe before the rapid development and the so many changes of Macau, we could have the chance to really look into the characters of the Macanese. This also corresponds to Amy's idea of underlying beauty surrounded by a hard shell. I think somehow the beauty of Macau still exists, but with the new eye-catching constructions around, it may now take us more time, or maybe even the need to take a break, so as to aware of the inner beauty of Macau.

─ Stella Ho