World Expo 2010: Site C

Initially, I planned a three-day World Expo tour but, due to legality status which I would get into detail about it in the future, I only had one-day World Expo tour. In fact, it took me around 6 hours to finish 5 sites with just sightseeing and walking. No queuing or whatsoever.

Site C consists of North & South American pavilions as well as European countries pavilions. Hope I am not getting this wrong. This site is considered as the most crowded site.

USA Pavilion

I have a friend working inside this pavilion and was hoping he could get me in through VIP lane. However, I could not reach him as he was busy and so, I left the place. However, it was said that the USA almost was not able to come due to financial problems. Therefore, it will be great to have a look.

Brazil Pavilion

Mexico Pavilion.

You have to queue to enter this kite forest.

Canada Pavilion

They said you can see Cirque du Soleil who’s fantastic. No idea who that is as I did not enter the pavilion.

Chile Pavilion

They said it’s a well inside. You should check it out, perhaps?

Venezuela Pavilion

Cuba Pavilion

Russia Pavilion

One of the beautiful pavilions (imho). Don’t forget to check out Romania Pavilion. I think I missed it.

Luxembourg Pavilion

Italy Pavilion

If you were able to look carefully, the building was made of transparent concrete! Awesome, ya?

United Kingdom Pavilion

No doubt, this is the most beautiful, creative and unique pavilion. However, it is a disappointment in the inside or so I heard.

Netherlands Pavilion

This pavilion looks interesting, alright. However, there is nothing much you could do other than walking around.

Germany Pavilion

This pavilion is one of my students’ favourite. They said there are a lot of interactive exhibits and that you must beware of pickpockets who may steal your wallet or camera or both.

France Pavilion

They hold large scale weddings for free. Anyone interested?

Switzerland Pavilion

It’s cable cars are its main attraction.

Poland Pavilion

Spain Pavilion

People said it is a must see so, remember to join the queue here. It won’t be short so be well-prepared.

Serbia Pavilion

Latvia Pavilion

This pavilion was officially opened last year and if you are into sky-diving, this is a place for you as they provide such entertainment to people.

Finland Pavilion

It was said that the services and exhibits are all first rated as the northern Europeans do not lack funds. Worth the queue, I guess.

Denmark Pavilion

There are 500 bikes provided for you to take a ride. It’s interesting though so, no harm queuing.

I know there should be more pavilions in site C to see but you see, some pavilions are still under construction. By right, August-September would be the perfect months to go for the expo.

Why not July-August?

It’s China’s summer break and you should know the scale of China’s population, don’t you? And Shanghai, itself, is already very populated. It’s going to be horrible; the place, the queue.

Let’s Review

I did this survey three years ago here. Let’s review the list again with the same rules.

Bold the statements that are true to you.
Italicize the statements that you WISH are true.
Leave the fibs alone.

I miss somebody right now.
I do not watch TV these days.
I wear glasses or contact lenses.
I love to play video games.
I have tried marijuana. Omfg! I am no kidding you here. I had it once (or maybe twice? I don’t recall) when I was really drunk at a house party. No, I am not addicted to it. It hurt my throat and I pushed it away. I am not an active smoker so, I didn’t know how to smoke well. Therefore, it didn’t work on me.
I believe honesty is usually the best policy. Sometimes you need to lie to not hurt your loved ones.
I have changed mentally over the last year. Still very true.
I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me. I should consider doing this now that it ain’t safe in Malaysia. Maybe when I started working?
I curse. Not a few times anymore. It’s most of the fucking time! See?
I'm totally smart.
I've broken someone's bone.
I'm paranoid sometimes. Still, most of the time.
I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free. Liposuction would be cool.
I need money right now.
I love sushi.
I talk really, really fast.
I have long hair.
I have lost money in Las Vegas.
I have at least one sibling.
I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.
I couldn't survive without Caller ID.  
I like the way I look.
I am usually pessimistic. Improved.
I have a lot of mood swings.
I have a hidden talent.
I am always hyper. I have lots of friends. Add-on to the friends I made in Shanghai :)
I am currently single. Please send in your resume with a full body-length picture of yourself to angelina.hht@gmail.com Will be looking forward to your submission lol
I have pecked someone of the same sex. Eidy! lol
I enjoy talking on the phone. But the bills kill so, call me instead.
I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
I love to shop. Subject to mood. Drug stores are still my favourite place. Didn’t realise it until a special friend of mine told me last year.
Enjoy window shopping.
I would rather eat than shop.
I don't hate anyone. I’ve learned to let it go.
I'm a pretty good dancer. Just dance!
I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
I have a cell phone.
I believe in God.
I watch MTV on a daily basis.
I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months. I can drink better and smarter now.
I've rejected someone before.
I want to have children in the future.
I have changed a diaper before.
I've called the cops on a friend before.
I'm not allergic to anything.
I have a lot to learn. So true.
I'm shy around members of the opposite sex. Still.
I have made a move on a friend's significant other or crush in the past.
I have tried alcohol before. Not tried. But owned them!
I own the South Park movie.
I would die for my best friend. 
I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.
I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
Halloween is awesome because you get free candy. Celebrated Halloween last year in Shanghai and it was awesome!
I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.
I am happy at this moment! I won’t say I am not happy either. It’s just neutral.
I'm obsessed with girls.
I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I've ever met.
I study for tests most of the time.
I am comfortable with who I am right now.
I have more than just my ears pierced.
I walk barefoot wherever I can.
I have jumped off a bridge.
I love sea turtles.
I spend ridiculous money on makeup.
Plan on achieving a major goal/dream. I’ve got no significant goal, dream or whatsoever. I’d learned that we’ve only got one life and life is short. I just want to live the best out of it.
I'm proficient in an musical instrument. Drums are cool!
I hate office jobs.
I love sci-fi movies.
I think water rules.
I went college out of state.
I like sausages.
I love kisses. But the best kiss would still be the one you love.
I fall for the worst people.
I adore bright colours.
I can't live without black eyeliner.
I don't know why the hell I just did this stupid thing.
I usually like covers better than originals.
I can pick up things with my toes.
I can whistle.
I can move my tongue in waves, much like a snake's slither.
I have ridden/owned a horse.
I still have every journal I've written in. I regret to have deleted the best one.
I can't stick to a diet.
I talk in my sleep.
I try to forget things by drowning them out with loads of distractions. I wish I could do the same thing now.
I have jazz in my blood.
Climbing trees is a brilliant past-time.
I wear a toe ring.
I can't stand at LEAST one person that I work with.
I am a caffeine junkie.
I cosplay or know what cosplaying is. During last year’s Halloween, as a Shinigami.
I have been to over 15 conventions.
I will collect anything, and the more nonsensical the better.
I'm an artist.
I only clean my room when necessary.
I like a person of the same sex.
I love being happy.
I am an adrenaline junkie.

The Insight of World Expo 2010

During my last few days in Shanghai, I had been pondering whether to take an excursion to places around Shanghai for instance, Zhangjiagang (张家港) or Suzhou (苏州), or to this world ranking number two event, World Expo. It took me quite a while to come to the best decision: World Expo. It’s overrated but since this world event is held in Shanghai and I was in Shanghai, it’s a shame if I did not go, innit? Plus, World Expo will be there for 6 months but Zhangjiagang and Suzhou will be there forever. And therefore, World Expo it is.

Five sites on two different districts in one day.

Before I share my walkthrough in this world event, I would like you to know a few things.

First, I am sure you are aware of Shanghai’s population and with this world event, no doubt Shanghai is super packed with a species: homo sapiens. Unfortunately, it was a public holiday on the day I went. Worst. Everywhere I went, especially the sites in Pudong, I would mostly see people mountain, people sea. Horrible, man.

Consequently, the next thing you would see: horrible queues were literally everywhere! I am amazed with those people who were willing to queue for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours just to get into a pavilion.

Denmark Pavilion’s queue

Australia Pavilion’s queue; like going for a concert

Taiwan Pavilion’s queue if I am not mistaken

If you were like me, couldn’t be arsed to join the queue but just to look at the buildings, then you should use this elevated sightseeing passageway.

Awesome, innit? Also, if you want to be entertained, do look out for sleeping Chinese. They could be found everywhere as well. You would be amazed by how ignorant these people could be to sleep in the public in this world event!

Till then, look out for my next post on World Expo 2010: Site C.

Nervous Breakdown

It happened two months ago when I had a serious nervous breakdown. I didn’t have the will to neither live nor die. You must be thinking that I am exaggerating here but trust me, it is the truth! That month was the worst month ever in my life.

It was a good conversation and such which cost me a fortune for my silly mistake but it was all worth it. However, I wasn’t being smart enough to just get a new number at that time. Silly me.

Anyway, it was then when I re-read the mail and I was crushed when I realised I didn’t get the meaning right. I was being a fool for the past few months. Consequently, I had a serious nervous breakdown that I requested for two working days’ leave to rest.

I even had a litre of ice-cream during one of the nights.

To amuse myself, I decided to have a little bit of fun with my all-time buddy, Hon, to fool our mutual friends that we were together.

Never would I realise that was the biggest and stupidest mistake I had ever done. Now, I could not turn back the time to fix it nor could I amend it. I did try to fix it but I was too late. I made things worse when I was trying hard to amend what I had destroyed about a year ago.

Now, I wouldn’t dare to do anything other than watching from afar. I am very limited to knowing how he’s doing and such. I don’t know what kind of pathway I am choosing right now but I know I had made the silliest decision back then...

If only...

Last Monday in Shanghai

It was finally the first day of break after a long week of working days in Shanghai. Well, not for me though since I had already resigned on Thursday and didn’t have to go to work from Friday to Sunday. However, I had to work that Monday, teaching, and that was my last day of teaching but, guess what?

I was fucking late for work!

I must have been overworked from those night outs I had that I overslept. My co-worker called me and I thought it was only 6-ish. To my horror, it was already 8.33am and my class was supposed to start at 8.30am. Damnit!

Fortunately I managed to make it for the second session of the class and thank goodness they did not deduct my pay like how my previous employer does. Those bastards.

Anyhow, it was a good time, to spend my last day of teaching with my students. I managed to get their addresses (Dang! I almost forgot about this!) so, I could send postcards to them.

Oh, did you notice those arts shown above? The girls drew them on the glass board when the boys did not pay attention in class. And as a farewell gift, I drew for them as well.

I taught two classes and these students are from my second class. They are the most naughty and outta control group. The girls love to draw the glass board while the boys would play with their gadgets such as mobile phones and PSP.

That night, since I would not be able to get a massive burger with a ridiculously good price in Malaysia, I decided to have one last big burger at Malone’s. I am going to miss this always especially when Mondays come.

After Malone’s, I headed to my ex-housemates’ place where they had this house party for me. They talked about this the week before and I felt horrible to forget about it totally until that Sunday evening. It was a good time though the night didn’t go as well as I thought it would be. Still, it’s worth the shit especially when I could see these two great and very important people before I left Shanghai. They are really worth the shit that happened which I could not be arsed.

My Farewell@Shanghai Gecheng

It was finally my time, my time to leave this crazy place called Shanghai. Woah, don’t get me wrong. I didn’t mean this place is bad. This place is awesome if you asked me. That’s why it’s crazy. It didn’t seem so real to me as things happened real fast that it’s outta control. I knew I had to leave this place someday but, damn, the Visa issue ended it sooner.

To be honest, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I just wanted to have a good time with everyone I know in Shanghai and I thought of my last KTV in Shanghai.

Jacuub whom I just met that night left the next day and Linda, one of the Dutchies I knew in Shanghai. She came to my house party once and we met once again at Szu’s when I thought she had already gone back to Netherlands.

Lennart, another Dutchie with Abdel, an Egyptian who left Shanghai on the same day as I did. Though time was short, we had a good time on our last night in Shanghai at Windows Scoreboard. Hint, especially when I started the topic on how annoying people can get when eating. It was a good time *chuckles*

My colleagues and my friends, Ying and Szu. We’d been through thin and thick both at work and outside of work. Billarissa, the couples from Philippines. I am sincerely happy for them when Clarissa decided to move and get a job in Shanghai.

Yves, the Mexican in our team. One of the people who is really addicted to Bejeweled Blitz. You know, that social game in Facebook. Though I know him the least, I always had a good time with him. It was never not fun.

Terry and Eidy. Two of the best Chinese colleagues I had back in the company. However, Terry left the company, followed by Eidy earlier before I even resigned.

Lin, a new Singaporean colleague of mine after Ellwyn and Jeff, a Kiwi dude whom others matched me with. We are too good to be together. Plus, we only have one thing in common: ice-cream.

We ended KTV around midnight and called it a day at the nearest McDonald’s. It was a good night though I had to sleep in early as I had to teach the next day. However, the night didn’t end here as I had two more crazy nights in Shanghai.

Shanghai Qibao

After a walking tour in Xujiahui on previous morning, I was more motivated to get into a tourist mode and headed to Qibao which is located in Minhang District. Qibao literally means ‘Seven Treasures.’ I remember I heard of this place from Adrian when he first came to Shanghai way back in January. He didn’t go as it is too far from town.

Today, Qibao is overrun with Chinese visitors but is also littered with traditional, historic architecture with busy alleyways and cut by picturesque canal. Qibao also gets you out of the centre of Shanghai which brings you closer to the feel of rural China.

Though the best strategy is to just wander the streets, the place was too crowded that I could not be arsed about it. Instead, I walked straight to the main attractions.

First was Cotton Textile Mill Museum

..enjoyed picturesque canal and headed to Shadow Puppet Museum..

..and then Zhou’s Miniature Carving House.

Before I headed home, I dropped by at the pawn shop.

Qibao reminds me of Wuzhen but I enjoyed Wuzhen more. It’s really crowded in Qibao. It was Sunday and people were supposed to work. Anyway, if you had been to Wuzhen, there’s no point for you to go Qibao anymore so, yeah, go to Wuzhen!

Shanghai Xujiahui Walking Tour

It was beautiful Saturday that I decided to do a walking tour in Xujiahui. I had always wanted to do this but due to procrastination, I finally had to do it since I had to leave China in less than a week.

The first stop was this amazing Xuhui Middle School where you could admire this historic red bricked building.

Next was this famous St. Ignatius Cathedral which is a major landmark in Xujiahui which I had always heard from people. This amazing building wouldn’t let anyone down with its amazing architecture and structure. And like what I had told Cw and May, it was my very first time to go to church in Shanghai. So much for being a Catholic.

I decided to walk around Guangqi Park before heading to my last destination of the day. My camera’s battery was dying on me so, I decided to call the day earlier. Else, I could have gone to Qibao. This park, like most of the parks in China, is very typical with Chinese men playing chess while the Chinese women would sit together and gossip.

Next destination was Longhua Temple and Pagoda where I had to take a bus. Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to climb the pagoda, boo and therefore, I went only to the temple. It took me less than half an hour before I decided to take another bus back home. Nevertheless, it was a nice day even though I had drinks and slept in late on the previous night.

Though the walking tour was tiring, it didn’t stop me from having a night-out with my friends. We had a good time and my, by the time I hit the sack, it was already five in the morning.

Had to do another sightseeing the next day though: Qibao.