Day 8 - Shanghai

Today we went to the Shanghai Expo that goes through the month of October. The day started off with an overcast sky and a gaggle of eager MBA/MSA students wanting to get a flavor of the Chinese vision at the Expo.  I, for one, was excited to see where the Chinese were going and possibly see a plan for the future. A future that I could possibly be a part of bringing about through various business relations would be the best.

There were lines on to the horizon. The line to China expo was 1 hour long for travel groups with reservations. The line was actually longer than one could perceive. It wove in and out of itself, creating patterns that only the birds could really see.  Finally, we arrived at the entrance to elevator upstairs and were treated to a room that was at least 2 stories high. Various hanging pillars that stopped 15 feet above our heads displayed images of China’s past and present. We then saw a 15 minute movie titled “A Story of Spring”. This movie was amazing in that it showed the images of construction that China is going through. Cranes on top of every building and a beautiful city, covered in greenery such as moss and other flora and fauna to help create a more sustaining and natural city.

The movie also showed the ability of the Chinese to adapt to any situation. Pictures and footage from the earthquake in Chengdu (I think) showed how the country pulled together to build a new City close to the original, but more stable.