My fascinating Shanghai-residing Uncle William told me about this and convinced me to go. A little hesitant I went and was totally impressed! I didn't want to leave...
What is it:
From May 1st until October 31st Shanghai, China is hosting an utterly grand and magnificent event, the World Expo.(http://en.expo2010.cn/) Titled "Better City Better Life", this is a chance for each country to showcase itself: it's history and what it has to offer now and going into the future. It is astonishing and overwhelming and if you can get there it's well worth seeing! You won't be able to do it all in one day (or even get close) so map it out and make sure you stick to your plan.
Who it's for:
A. Anyone who likes to travel
B. Anyone interested in history
C. Anyone interested in the future of the world
If you picked any of these, this is for you!!
Don't miss:
-Italy: T
he one-of-a-kind Ferrari 599 HY http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/02/sneak-peek-ferrari-hybrid/, what a dream(not sure about the green color) and a reason to see this pavilion in itself, so sexy!Also there are gigantic 10ft. tall Avatar-sized original pieces from Versace, Zegna and Dolce and Gabbana, so if you like fashion it's a treat. The wine, pasta, architecture and overall feel make this a delight! (FYI these pics don't do justice)
-Japan: Check out Toyota's single-person concept car, Canon's new camera that takes 3-Dimensional photos http://usa.canon.com/industrial_bctv/pressrelease_20100408_3D.html and the
robots playing violins. Crazy. End of Story.-Canada: The acrobatic theatre troupe, Cirque Du Soleil http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ was in charge of this pavilion. Need I say more?
-Turkey: My favorite. They have a 360 view theatre playing birds-eye and POV footage of present day Istanbul from sunrise to well after sunset. The bustling city life and the Hagia Sophia (http://english.istanbul.gov.tr/Default.aspx?pid=343) , street vendors, waterfront, cafes and more. There are no words to describe this. I felt like I was really in Istanbul....Splendidly SURREAL! (they don't trap you either! you can come and go as you please)
-Belgium: Best food! In this order: Get the Belgian fries from the outside kiosk. (ask for little or no mayo, they go a bit crazy with it) Then head straight to their cafe and order the Chicken Stew. Seriously, the meat is so tender it's falling off the bone and it's served in the most divine broth. You won't leave a drop. Finally, head back outside and indulge in the Belgian waffle and ice cream for dessert. You will need the calories from all the walking.
Can pass on:
-France: Really? This is all you could come up with! The highlight was a glowing tree with a Louis Vuitton trunk beneath it. Come on FR, I know you have more to offer!
-USA: Call me unpatriotic but I've heard enough rhetoric from Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama that a few hours break isn't too much to ask for. This pavilion's short comings are probably the reason why they don't promote the World Expo in the US!
-Thailand: Lived there and know that this was one long advertisement from their tourism board. They trap you in a series of rooms with bad videos. Just don't do it! The exterior is beautiful though.
-Australia: Again, trapped! Just when you start to enjoy and appreciate the Auzzie's efforts they pull some concentration camp-like action. If you do get stuck....RUN for the exit!
Tip:
Go during off-peak hours (very early or late), when the weather isn't the best...anything to avoid the seriously long queues! If you get burnt-out at the Expo, don't worry, there's so much more to Do and See in Shanghai...stay tuned!
