A New Adventure: Expo

I had never been to an Expo and since it was (almost) in my backyard, I decided that I really had to make the effort and go. I am not a fan of large crowds - especially those who don’t mind elbowing anyone around them. BUT, I am glad I went!

The taxi driver had no idea what I was on about, so I had to phone “China Help” which is a great phone service. You phone up, tell them what you can’t convey to the locals, and they then tell them via your phone. I have used it several times and found it an excellent system. (I am not sure if they will be still keeping it now that Expo has finished.)

The lines to get tickets were not bad, but the wait to get in was horrendous. I felt sorry for people with kids and strollers. We had to go through strict security - bags through the usual x-ray machine and a body metal detector.

I decided to forego the China pavilion. It is an amazing structure - very unique. But it is one of the few buildings that will stay now that the Expo is over, so I thought I will get a chance some other time to see it. Also you had to book tickets to get into it.

I started at the New Zealand pavilion and enjoyed that. While waiting for their cultural show, I also visited the Cambodian exhibition. Then back to watch the show. Halfway through, one of the Maori warriors pulled me up to the stage to do the poi routine, along with some Chinese women. Very funny!!! I also watched some Indonesian and Mexican dancing.

I headed towards the USA show, having lunch along the way and also visiting the Brazilian pavilion. I waited a long time for the US exhibition and it was in 4 parts. Most of it was pretty average, but I did enjoy aspects of the 4D movie.

After 5 hours of jostling, lining up and generally waiting around, I decided I had had enough and grabbed the metro and a taxi home.

I was pleased I got to see as many pavilions as I did. Many other people who went said they only got to see 2 or 3 a day.

xxx,

Shanghaisuz