World Expo

Back in August, as a part of our tour package, my parents and I went to the World Expo in Shanghai. The tradition of the World Expo (also known in the past as the World's Fair or Universal Exhibition) dates back to the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, whose main feature was the famed Crystal Palace. Originally, the exhibitions were served as a platform to promote new technology and innovation; however, nowadays the World Expo serves more as a platform for "country-branding." That is to say, the main purpose of the different pavillions at the World Expo now serve as a platform for every country to promote it's national image internationally.

Personally, I wasn't that impressed by the World Expo. Although it's only fair to point out that my opinion was probably at least partially influenced by the fact that it was very hot and humid when we were there. Nonetheless, my parents & I wandered around looking at the architecture of the different pavilions which were each very unique in it's own way. I thought the European countries' pavilions were the most architecturally interesting. You can decide for yourself from the pictures below:

 China Pavilion

 Inside the Spanish restaurant in the Spain Pavilion

 Norway Pavilion

I think architecturally, Norway has the coolest structure.

Germany Pavilion

People-watching is always interesting

Ireland

 

The shade covers over the benches

  

Turkey Pavillion

For more information on the history of the World Expo/World's Faire/Universal Exhibiton: http://ilearn-culture.com/world-expo-introduction-and-history/

For more information about the World Expo 2010 at Shanghai: http://en.expo2010.cn/