Too bad Macao is becoming a Vegas

AFTER reading Beverly Beyette’s article on Macao [“A New Type of Treasure Island Rises,” Oct. 8], I became sad thinking of the lost charm of the old Macao, which I had visited in 1987 and 1999 and loved.

I happened to be in Beijing when Wynn Macau opened, and it distressed me as I watched the weeklong promotion to visit Macao. Las Vegas has its place. To try to outdo Vegas and emulate Western culture can have the opposite effect, except on the casino owner’s pocketbook.

Living conditions are probably better for the people of Macao, but at the loss of what? Too many places where tourists converge slowly lose their character.

VICTORIA FRANCIS

Los Angeles