This was taken a few weeks ago, on what was then the hottest day of the year. But by now, everyone would have been used to 38-40 degrees Celsius (100 – 105 degrees Farenheit) weather in Shanghai.
Yes, it’s an oven outside and it’s going to stay that way for a few more weeks. Walking along the streets, you can see the heat eminating from the asphalt, creating sporadic mirages. The sun sears your skin, and each gulp of hot and humid air is worse than the next.
Yet the cruel weather does little to deter tourists headed for the Expo. They come in droves, jostling in lines and panting by the many mobile water coolers on the Expo grounds. Lethargic individuals sprawl on the grass, pavements and benches. Others fan themselves furiously, only to break out in more sweat from the futile activity.
This is the main “Sun Valley”of the Expo Axis, a 1km long elevated pedestrian walk that connects 6 “Sun Valley” horn-like structures. Located next to the China Pavillion, it is lit up with a moving LED video and stands in front of a reflecting pool. Brilliantly thought through in terms of design for night time, it is one of the most widely photographed piece of architecture at the Expo.
Given the heat, the shallow reflecting pool is also a great way to cool off, and families would throng and splash their way through the area. I saw a child lie down on her back in the shallow water, staring into the sky with a most contented look on her face. For a moment, I was most tempted to follow.
Instead, I reached for a cold beer. That will serve as a respite, for now.
July 2010
