The parents have convinced me that a trip to Shanghai and the Expo (世博会。。。World's Fair) is an opportunity not to be missed. So I've gotten busy and excited planning a trip. So far I've just gotten a reservation at an historic hotel, pictured above in its former glory. As you can see, the history of colonialism is quite conspicuous in Shanghai, which has been called the Paris of the East. This hotel is the site of a bunch of firsts in China's process of becoming modern (first electric light in China, for example), as well as the hotel stayed at by a bunch of famous people, including Einstein.
I'll get my train ticket on Monday. Planning to take the 11 hour ride through the night (with a sleeper so that I'll arrive having had some sleep) and arrive early Wednesday morning. I hope to get a day ticket for the way back so that I can see the 11 hours of China in between Shanghai and Beijing.
As for the Expo, my favorite art history professor from Reed has given me some advice (arrive early in the day, midweek is best), and has told me that the Expo is exhausting, enormous, and fascinating, as one might expect. She's also told me some other art areas to visit and that the best pastries are in the French concessions area.
My plan to end the trip being completely physically and mentally exhausted will be an easy one to carry out. I have lots to do in one of the biggest cities in the world and four days to do it.
12 days and counting.
So exciting for you Evelyn!
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