The World Expo in Shanghai is for the Chinese, that's clear enough. It's a spectacular, incredibly expensive gift to the Chinese people, a nation by nation showcase of the best each has to offer, all within the context of China's amazing rise to super prominence.
It's clear who got first dibs on the best site for their pavillion; the enormous Chinese structure sits on the highest point on the grounds, serving notice to all the other little pavillions who's the boss...Honestly, it was the only pavillion we toured that was worth the wait. Inside, the tour reveals one remarkable room after another, topped off by a totally cool waterfall feature that revealed Chinese characters as the water fell. One of the rooms had a 200 foot long projection screen with animated scenes of ancient urban life, replicating an ancient scroll. Other rooms were showcases of new technologies to combat pollution and deal with water problems and energy production. Seen throughout were wonderful paintings by youngsters, showcasing future graphic and visual artists.
The US pavillion was.....lame. Two theaters, two short films on following your dreams, followed by a room with Microsoft and GE type companies showing off their wares. Not at all worth the 45 minute line to get in, and frankly embarrassing.
The views from the Expo Culture Center's observation deck were spectacular in the evening, and the lighted bridges and buildings turn both the Expo center and downtown Shanghai into vibrant, colorful spectacles (in the best sense of the word). In Portland, we can't even put a string of lights on the Morrison bridge without an act of congress.....
The Oregon Trade delegation rolled into town last night from Hong Kong, and Susan and I will perform for their reception this evening in the lobby of our magnificent hotel.
Also, the second wave of Third Angle musicians arrived last night in Beijing, and I'm told are doing quite well today. Our ace operations person Lisa Volle is on the scene, coordinating rehearsal schedules and instrument procurement. While it's going to be extremely difficult to leave this hotel, I'm anxious to get to Beijing to hear how the In C preparations are going. It's so exciting to be this close to the event that's taken an entire year to plan.
Here's a funny sign we've seen all over the place. How wise the Chinese are to understand why such wild instruments should be banned.....
It's clear who got first dibs on the best site for their pavillion; the enormous Chinese structure sits on the highest point on the grounds, serving notice to all the other little pavillions who's the boss...Honestly, it was the only pavillion we toured that was worth the wait. Inside, the tour reveals one remarkable room after another, topped off by a totally cool waterfall feature that revealed Chinese characters as the water fell. One of the rooms had a 200 foot long projection screen with animated scenes of ancient urban life, replicating an ancient scroll. Other rooms were showcases of new technologies to combat pollution and deal with water problems and energy production. Seen throughout were wonderful paintings by youngsters, showcasing future graphic and visual artists.
The US pavillion was.....lame. Two theaters, two short films on following your dreams, followed by a room with Microsoft and GE type companies showing off their wares. Not at all worth the 45 minute line to get in, and frankly embarrassing.
The views from the Expo Culture Center's observation deck were spectacular in the evening, and the lighted bridges and buildings turn both the Expo center and downtown Shanghai into vibrant, colorful spectacles (in the best sense of the word). In Portland, we can't even put a string of lights on the Morrison bridge without an act of congress.....
The Oregon Trade delegation rolled into town last night from Hong Kong, and Susan and I will perform for their reception this evening in the lobby of our magnificent hotel.
Also, the second wave of Third Angle musicians arrived last night in Beijing, and I'm told are doing quite well today. Our ace operations person Lisa Volle is on the scene, coordinating rehearsal schedules and instrument procurement. While it's going to be extremely difficult to leave this hotel, I'm anxious to get to Beijing to hear how the In C preparations are going. It's so exciting to be this close to the event that's taken an entire year to plan.
Here's a funny sign we've seen all over the place. How wise the Chinese are to understand why such wild instruments should be banned.....
I remember the 'no horn' sign from my stay at a university in Beijing in 1981. The sign was posted near the front of my dorm, and since the area was lit at night, that is where a horn player practiced.
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