Stranger in the Night

Wow! I did not realize how long it's been since I have posted a blog. This one is very personal because it's the juiciest story to tell.

Have you heard the Frank Sinatra song "Strangers in the Night?" If you haven't you should go hear the song, then read this story. Trust me. It will help lighten the mood. Here goes.

Two Thursdays ago I was peacefully sleeping , when I awoke to a buzz in my ear. I really hate these bugs because they wake me up, but is time I was thankful. I opened my eyes and saw this man. I thought I was hallucinating so it took a couple of glances before I realized I was not dreaming. My first response was to cover my head with my blanket and pretend to be asleep. But something inside caused me act boldly. I guess I watched the Bourne movies too many times!

I yelled and ran after him to get a better look. Of course, he bolted towards the door. All I could grab was my waterbottle. Don't ask me what water would do. I did not catch him or see him clearly. When I called the police and I told them the wrong floor so they woke my neighbor who was able to translate. My voice was trembling on the phone so it took a few tries before she got my address. The police questioned me, took some prints, and stayed a little too long. Police in Macau seem so young and inadequate. I don't even think their guns are real. Thankfully, I was planning on going to Hong Kong that next day with friends so I did not have to sleep at my apartment. While I was away my locks were changed by the agent in charge of the property.

In conversation with friends, it was assumed that this intruder had a key. Who knows how many keys to my apartment are floating around Macau. The door was opened when I ran after him so he must have left it open upon entering. The only pieces of proof to this attempted robbery was a displaced pair of shorts and a bag that was taken and then returned. It was empty because I never use it so the thief must have felt stupid for not getting anything of value. Since then I have been much more cautious. People would tell me how safe Macau is, but sadly there is not any place completely safe. I had some trouble sleeping for the next few days, but slowly I have been getting more sleep. The fact that my security was questioned makes me angry because I want to feel safe in my own home. I am thankful to be safe. I still enjoy my apartment, but it will take a while to feel safe again. I will continue to take walks at night knowing it is safer here. I guess "safe" anywhere is completely relative. I do have some handy devices next to my bed which do help me fall asleep at night.

(top photo: City of Dreams, the theatre is on the left side; bottom photo: my "kind-of-safe" neighborhood at night)