There are few greater contrasts in Macau than the end of the Cotai Strip and the entrance to Coloane village. Separated by only a kilometre or so, the strip is defiantly 2009, with its gaze set solidly on the future, while the village seems to be, well, peddling back half a century and more.
Set back from Coloane square down a rustic lane, one of Macau's most successful antique shops, Asian Artefacts, has long been a sought-after destination for visitors from Hong Kong - and much further afield - who come to buy a souvenir, some much needed furniture or simply to take in the aura of years gone by.
'I've been operating in Macau for more than 15 years,' says owner Anita Lauder. 'Customers visiting from overseas who purchased from me 10 or more years ago often come into the shop and exclaim, 'you're still here!'.
'I'm glad to say I am still in business as many Chinese furniture shops have closed down in Macau as landlords near the ruins of St Paul's [Cathedral] increase their rents, and furniture has been replaced by almond cookie and honey beef shops, catering mostly to mainland tourists.'
Lauder has been involved with antiques for many years as her mother was a collector and she used to help out in antique shops in England belonging to friends when she was home from school and at weekends.
'As well as being interested in antiques and collectables I developed an early interest in travel,' she says. 'I went overland by bus from England to India twice, and lived in France and Spain and remain fluent in both languages - which has proved to be very useful in the shop.'