Yesterday afternoon, I went to the World’s Expo with some friends. I didn’t really know what to expect initially, but it was definitely worth going and is something I would really like to do again before it ends in October. For those of you that may not know much about the World Expo (previously known as The World’s Fair) it originated in Paris as a national exposition to display the culture, beauty, and fashion industry in France. Other national expositions followed in Europe, but it wasn’t until 1851 that London held the first international exposition to showcase industrialization, cultural exchange, and images of various nations through pavilions.
The theme for this year’s expo is “Better City, Better Life.” The slogan combines traditional Chinese philosophy with Western utopia ideals for a better union of rural and urban life. “Better City, Better Life” strives to portray an identity where technology, science, economic development, human space, and culture exist and thrive in harmony. –Graham Land (Shanghai World Expo 2010 Better City, Better Life?)
From what I've gathered, the pavilions are set up by the country to showcase their nation and ways to become further developed and improved for “a perfect world.” The pavilions promote the nation and encourage tourism while frequently highlighting typical life in that particular country as well as pointing out things the country is known for. The Spain Pavilion, for example, had a flamenco dancer performing, while the pavilion for Greece had herbs, wine, feta cheese, and olive oil on display. In Venezuela there was an entire room of hammocks to lay on and relax, in the Netherlands there were bright flashing lights and signs of “Happy Steet.” I was there for over 5 hours and still wasn’t even close to seeing everything I would have liked. It was a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to go back again soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment