As Seen by TV

So I finally got my first taste of the Shanghai 2010 World Expo, which opened back on May 1, and runs until the end of October.  Took a weekday night ticket, in the rain, and there were still massive crowds (June 24th: 447,100 visitors)… I can only imagine what it’s like on a sunny weekend. 

“Better City, Better Life” is the motto, and the site itself is MASSIVE (interactive map).  This first trip was only through [part of] Zone C which houses most of the European Pavilions as well as Canada, US, and Africa.  And to say the Expo has transformed Shanghai city life is quite the understatement: 

• 41 billion US dollars were spent on preparations (more than the 2008 Beijing Olympics);
• 18,000 families & 270 factories were relocated;
• 190+ nations and 50+ world organizations taking part (largest ever);
• Expo site covers 5.28 km², also the largest in Expo history (which equals about 987 football fields including endzones);
• 10,000+ new Shanghai taxis;
• 6 new metro lines;
• 1.7 million volunteers were trained specifically for Expo help;
• 70-100 million visitors are expected to pass through the gates;
•  metal detectors (nuisance!) in every subway station throughout Shanghai; 

The image above (UK Pavilion) is just a taste of the CRAZYNESS that is to come, I took 397 images and am still working through them, so check back soon as I will be updating them below!

Opening in 2004, the Shanghai Magnetic Levitation Train (official | wiki), was the first commercial high-speed maglev in the world, recording a [non-commercial] speed of  501 km/h (311 mph).  It connects Shanghai’s Pudong Airport with Longyang metro station in the outskirts of Shanghai (restricted to 430km/h).  The 30km trip takes just over 7 minutes and I must admit is somewhat pointless as you still have to transfer to metro line 2 for another 20 minutes before you are in the city center… but it sure is fast!

The planned 200km extention (via South Railway Station, which is 3 metro stops away from my house!) was halted in 2008 due to radiation fears, but has since resumed (underground) and will connect Pudong Airport with Hongqiao Airport (55km in roughly 15 minutes) and extend to the city of Hangzhou. 

I apologize for the dismal photography, but I was using a point-n-shoot (and shooting through windows), and was going to the airport to pick up my Mom who is visiting for 3 weeks… hence, not carrying my Canon in the 36C weather.

And HERE IS THE VIDEO I took.

…watching football rather.
I must apologize in advance for the lack of posts in the upcoming month… but I, like the majority of the world, will be watching football religiously.  

To commemorate, here is my favorite football advert, Nike’s “Take It To The Next Level” directed by Guy Richie: