First-time in the Shanghai World Expo 2010

As we touched down at Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, everything was World Expo mode. Even the expressways had special directional signs to the expo site.

We were fortunate to have our visit timed during the World Expo, an internationally registered event (major expo) which happens every five years only and the venue held in different cities globally. There are also minor expos but this one in Shanghai is considered a major expo with countries building their own pavilions.

Purchasing expo tickets were not difficult at all, contrary to our belief. We bought our one-day passes at the China Mobile outlet just across the Expo gate at Yaohua Road. Since it was a standard day, we bought our tickets at ¥160 each. However, we had to buy it a day before so we could enter the Expo early the next day.

We entered the Expo site at the Xizang Road with the subway station leading to one of the entrances. Since we entered from the underground, we first saw the base of the funnels that appear at the elevated roads.

As we ascended the escalators, the towering China pavilion wowed us. We were awed by the gigantic red structure where everyone lined up. But for every half a million visitors a day at the World Expo, China only accommodates 30,000 in its pavilion through free reservation tickets that could be availed at 9:00am by the entrance gate.

The Oman pavilion showed the amazing landscapes of the country. There was a tent set up at one side of the pavilion. At the center was a colorfully lighted dome. Some products were also in display and were up for sale.

Beside the Oman pavilion were the Pakistan and the Israel pavilions. We entered the Sri Lanka pavilion where actual gem cutters and wood carvers showed off their expertise. There was also a small hut inside the large pavilion that exhibited some Sri Lankan paintings.

We were supposed to proceed to the Saudi Arabia pavilion, an oasis at the middle of the modern structures in the Expo site. But the line was too long that we decided to visit other nearby pavilions instead. We also thought of passing by the Nepal pavilion on our way back.

All six of us parted in twos to save up time. My friend and I attempted to enter the dune-shaped United Arab Emirates (UAE) pavilion but never got through because there were some who were quarreling at the entrance. We proceeded to the Qatar pavilion which showed its underwater pearl divers.

There was a Bedouin camp set up inside the pavilion with wax figures of Bedouins in their usual garb. A local performance was going on at a small stage area in its first level. Local art, trade products and a diorama of future Qatar were on display near the exit.

The next pavilion we entered was that of Morocco’s. It’s one of my favorites. When we entered, the interior was like a local Moroccan courtyard with a small fountain at the center. The palm trees and arches looked authentic.

Old urns, stamps, and clothes were displayed at the ground floor. There were mannequins dressed like the Prince of Persia character. A camel saddle with intricate weaving was also displayed for public viewing.

The second level was like a marketplace with stalls left and right, showing various Moroccan products. Some had television screens that presented how some of those products were made. My favorite window was that of the colorful slippers and the room that appeared to be inside a Moroccan tent. The topmost floor was all multimedia presentation that projected Morocco’s landscape on a sloping wall.

It was way past noon and we were already starving. We had to cross from Zone A to Zone B where there was a food court. As we walked the elevated walkways, we observed some people eating by the benches with their packed food. There were also Coca-Cola stalls almost everywhere, since they were a major sponsor of the Expo.

When we got to the food court, there weren’t much people around. It must be that we were too late for lunch or visitors opted to eat somewhere else.

After our meal, we proceeded to the Philippine pavilion. It would be a crime to miss our very own exhibit. As we entered the Southeast Asia and Pacific zone, a performance in the open-air stage area near the New Zealand pavilion surprised us. No wonder this area was more crowded than the previous one we visited.

We went directly to the pavilion of the Philippines which highlighted performing arts. As we entered the cube-shaped building, it was as if a concert party was going on inside. People were eating by the small restaurant, buying Filipino goods, viewing the exhibits, and participating on the variety show that was set up for the Expo visitors.

It was truly fun inside and I would have wanted to stay longer. I may be biased because this was my country’s pavilion but I was extremely pleased to be there and proud to be a Filipino. I must say that the people behind it did a great job. It was not just another exhibit but they injected the Philippine spirit of fun and music in it.

We visited the nearby Thailand pavilion which featured a 4D Theater to the delight of children, and even adults. Since we get to travel to most countries in Southeast Asia, we decided to cross the street to where the European pavilions were found.

Again, we parted ways by pair. Being in the middle of European countries was so interesting and we couldn’t decide which one to visit first. I spotted Greece, which is one of my dream destinations. It was unfortunate that the Greek pavilion has let us down. It was divided into cubicles with television screens that showed Greek attractions and some exhibits that weren’t even interactive.

There was a small shop inside that sold some pies. There was also a cafeteria or restaurant that sold products like Greek wine. I was imagining the Greek ruins and Santorini inside the pavilion but all we saw were white walls and the exhibits.

We decided to go next door to Turkey and we found the pavilion very exciting. It was dark, as if we were inside a cave. Some exhibits were placed beneath the floor with glass panes for viewing. Famous statues were larger than life. Some people were also crowding by the small coffee shop inside the pavilion that sold Turkish delight, I think.

A parade was going on at that time but we continued visiting the pavilions because it was getting dark. We went to the Switzerland pavilion but we couldn’t get in. We heard that there was a cable car on top of the pavilion’s building. It would have been fun to try it out.

We proceeded next door to France. It was a four-storey building surrounded by a moat, with an indoor walkway or corridor that goes on and on in an incline that you wouldn’t figure out if you are at the third level or the second level. At the roof top was an open-air coffee shop in the midst of a garden. The interior wall of the France pavilion was covered with green, leafy poles with a large fountain in the middle.

The French pavilion featured its great food, French art, the Eiffel Tower on a multi-media projection and a magical corridor that highlighted Louis Vuitton. There were also interesting exhibits by Sanofi Aventis, Michelin, and Lafarge, and a display of Peugeot scooters.

When we went out, we passed by the Spain pavilion. Since we visited the Expo the day after the famous FIFA World Cup final game, the new World Cup champions played their winning play on a TV screen outside the pavilion. Across España was the Belgian pavilion and a small stall outside was selling Belgian waffles. They were just extremely expensive so we decided against buying one.

Night has descended and the pavilions lit up one by one. On our way back to the exit, we took our time looking at the different pavilions from the elevated walkway. The China pavilion glowed in bright red while the Saudi Arabian pavilion was well lighted.

One day wasn’t enough around the Expo site. We never got to enter Saudi Arabia, China, India, Nepal, Switzerland, USA, UK, and so many more. I wanted to visit the Malaysian and Korean pavilions as well but there was not much time. Before we knew it, it was past 8:00pm and people were heading home. Some of the performances were canceled because of the slight drizzle that happened earlier that afternoon.

We tried to enter the Chinese pavilion but they still wouldn’t let us in. We thought that since it was closing already, we might have our chance. We joined the crowd as we made our way to the exit. Seeing the influx of people who would be taking the subway, we hailed a cab straight to our hotel and we contented ourselves with a dinner at Pizza Hut at the mall beside the hotel.

So, if you’re heading to the World Expo, or any other expo, here are some tips you should consider:

1. Wear comfortable clothes – it will be a lot of walking, so have some flat shoes that will support your feet and a cool shirt. If there’s a drizzle, be ready with an umbrella or a cap.

2. Strategize in advance – if you are on a budget, try to plot your route inside the Expo site to save time. Familiar yourself with the expo map. Don’t dwell too much time on one pavilion and start where there are not much lines. Be there early. Get reservation tickets for special pavilions. I read somewhere that some old people offer their services so you can push them on a wheelchair and you can cut through the long queue. Since one of my companions was advised by her doctor to avail of a wheelchair we tried to get one. We found out that they don’t look for medical certificates. As long as you are willing to give a ¥500 deposit (which they will return to you in full when you take back the wheelchair before 9:00pm), then you are good to go. It was most convenient; you can take turns sitting or have your bag placed in the wheelchair. Plus, there are special lanes for those with disability. But be careful with those pavilions that ask for medical certificates and you might be turned away despite being on a wheelchair.

3. Eat fast – water could not be brought inside the site so you have to buy it there. Food is sold everywhere so eat when you get a break and eat fast. And take a toilet break when you see one.

4. Don’t get distracted – there are parades and shows on the side, but these are good times to enter the pavilions when majority are not on the queue and are out to watch these performances.

5. Be careful of your belongings – in a crowded place, it’s always good to take extra precaution. Just be aware of your belongings at all times.

6. Commute to the site – it might not be advisable to drive there as parking lots are a bit far. Better to take the subway but make sure you get there early.

7. Ask – there are volunteers scattered everywhere, so if you need some vital information, just ask. Although some may not be comfortable conversing in English, you have to indicate if you are a non-Chinese speaker so they can refer you to someone who can assist you in English.

Overall, enjoy and have fun at the World Expo. Get to know the various countries there. The expo runs until October and tickets get more expensive during peak days and the closing week. For more information, visit www.expo.cn.