World Expo Here I Come

On June 3, 2010, I finally made my first visit to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

I left home around 8:15 AM. Walked 20 minutes to Lianhua Station, taking Metro Line 1 to Xujiahui Station. From there, I switched to Line 9, to Madang Lu Station. I was expecting to then switch again to Line 13, but before that, you have to leave the station and walk to the ticket check-in. As we all walked to the entrance gates, volunteers handed out free maps of the World Expo. After turning the corner, I saw it. The massive amounts of people waiting in line. There were lines everywhere, and following the security guards advise, I choose the farthest line. It was surprisingly fast, and I was soon passing through the security check-point. Finally, it was time to put the ticket in the machine and board Metro Line 13, which would take you into the World Expo grounds. There are only three stops on this line, Security check-point, Puxi Side, Pudong Side. Of course, they're not named those names, so it can be confusing as to when you should get off. I decided that for my first visit, I would go the less crowded Puxi Side. B 10:00 AM, I was finally inside. I had made it to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

It was a great feeling, the feeling that I had accomplished something. I walked around, enjoying the slight breeze and taking pictures of what little I could see of the Chinese Pavillion across the river. It's had to decide which pavilion stands out the post on the PuXi side. Each structure has its own uniqueness, something to remember it by. My first goal of the day was to buy a World Expo Passport, so I could collect stamps from each place I visit. Walking through the various stores, I finally found a line to stand in. I bought a passport for myself, and some for my family. Now, I was ready to see the Pavillions.

I made way to the Joint Case Pavilions, which I soon learned were buildings dedicated to multiple cities. There were no lines to get in, and it was a chance to see different cities from around the world in one building. What is so amazing abut the pavilions, other than their design, is the technology. Everywhere you look there are touchscreens to play with. At the Hong Kong area, you even send a virtual picture postcard. One of the most crowded city pavilions I saw was the Seoul area. They had a few screen playing tourist visits, welcoming you to the city. I don't know about others, but it was fun for me, because I recognized the celebrity endorsed videos they were using. One smart thing I think the Seoul area did was to use what they're popular for to promote the city, Korean Dramas. There's no doubt that the Korean Wave has swept China (and the US), and I like the idea to use Korea Dramas to show you famous places to visit. How amazing would it be to say you visited the same place "Mr. Korea Drama Star" stood. Also known for their company LG, there were opportunities for the visitors to use the new technology to take home pictures of themselves. Free stuff is always fun, lines for the two pictures places were always long. I waited in both, at the end, was able to bring home an oil like painting picture of my face, and a picture with mega-star Lee Junki. Being one of the more popular places I saw in Puxi, it is clear that the Korean Wave is going strong in China.

Lunch came soon and I decided to eat at the Food Court, which offered "food from around the world," including a crocodile burger and a Hawaiian burger. Buying a meal card, I walked around the court multiple times before finally decided on small pork on a stick, and boba milk tea.

One of the longest lines on the Puxi Side is probably at the Coca Cola Happiness Factory. While other places had little or no line, it took two hours to get in to the Happiness Factory. But fear not, the loud cheerful music and fun facts made the time go by quicker. A magician also performed for a little. Two hours later, I entered the Happiness Factor, where I watched a video about the working behind each Coca Cola bottle, all in animation of course! It's like that one commercial you see where you stick a coin in a vending machine. After the video, you're given a free small Coca Cola drink, and taught how to properly open it.

I spent the rest of the day entering various corporate pavilions, and it was then that I realized, they were all the same. As I walked into one after another, all I saw were touch screens. Is that really the only technology you can show us? Touch screens?

At night, all the buildings turn on their fancy lights, allowing for some new picture taking. By seven, I was tired. I had walked the entire day. No wonder people took naps everywhere in the World Expo.

Next Expo adventure, here I come.