Article 001: Introduction & pics

Note: This is a translation from this article

Here is the first of a series of articles on Expo2008, an exhibition that is poised to be a pleasant surprise for many people: A lot of stuff is going on here and most of it it’s done in the right way, too. Incidentally, as everybody keeps asking me the same question: yes, it will be ready in time.

I’ve been working here for some time now, but so far I hadn’t had the time to visit the river water aquarium. Today I’ve walked through the main entrance, where workers are finishing the last details.

Picture: River water aquarium. Main entrance.

Then I’ve been to the terrace of the aquarium, with water layers, shadows and walking areas.

Picture: River water aquarium. Terrace area.

There is a great view from this terrace, you can see many of the themed plazas on the riverside.

Picture: Themed Plaza “Cities on Water”.

Picture: Themed Plaza “Oikos: water and energy”.

Picture: Themed Plaza “Citizens’ Initiative”. El botijo(*).

(*)A “botijo” is a Spanish drinking jug with a spout that vaguely resembles the shape of this building

Picture: Themed Plaza “Extreme Water” (although right now you’d say it’s “Extreme Steel”).

I’ve been looking for the goldfish. It seems they are already here, but the closest I’ve been to them is an area that smells like a swimming pool in a sports centre. I’ll let you know when I find them, they can’t be far .

I’ve also visited the Spain Pavilion. Inside, I have found an exhibition area and I’ve experienced the impression of being in the middle of a forest, an effect caused by the columns that surround the building.

Picture: Spain Pavilion, view from inside.

Picture: Spain Pavilion, outside view.

From the Spain Pavilion there is a good view of the stands by the riverside.

Picture: Riverside stands.

As I am very fond of it, I’ve taken a picture of the themed plaza “Citizens’ Initiative”, aka “el botijo”. 8 buttresses are already in place.

Picture: Citizen’s Initiative Pavilion.

On my way back, I’ve called by the themed plaza “Shared water” which is starting to look like something.

Picture: Themed Plaza “Shared water”.