EXPO2020 was a once-in-a-lifetime event that I will never forget. When EXPO originally began, I saw and lived it through TikTok and Instagram.
For the first time, I went with my father, brother, and a friend. We visited about ten pavilions. The beauty of that site, as well as the vibes I experienced, made me want to return again and again.
When I got back home, I had made up my mind and told my parents that by the end of EXPO2020’s six-month duration, I wanted to have visited every pavilion and fill my passport with all of the stamps.
I was dead set on doing it, and nothing was going to stop me.
Things became easier when I discovered that there was an EXPO rider bus from near my home that would take me to my destination, and I was accompanied by a buddy who shared my ambition. I went to the EXPO many times, and each time I discovered and relished something new. Whether it was visiting different pavilions, collecting stamps, having fun with friends, or witnessing a concert, there was always something for everyone.
I was able to visit all the pavilions and accomplished the EXPO2020 challenge, which prompted us to acquire stamps after answering quizzes on various topics. One of the issues encountered was waiting in queues, which I didn’t have to do much because of my friend Nivyan, who always managed to get Smart Queues for the major pavilions.
Inside EXPO was simply captivating; I will never forget cycling throughout the vast area and the water cascading over our feet at the water feature. There were several large pavilions, with Japan drawing by far the largest turnout. Alif – the mobility pavilion, Switzerland, Portugal and El Salvador were all personal favourites.
The EXPO was divided into three key themes: Sustainability, Mobility, and Opportunity. Countries that excelled in various fields were assigned to specific areas. Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion, was set up here so that we could learn about all of the creatures that live in the water and forest, as well as know how to conserve them.
Every pavilion, no matter how small, had something interesting to showcase; for example, did you know that Tuvalu does not take credit cards, or that Mauritius was the only country where the extinct bird Dodo could be found?
I gained knowledge in a variety of fields, including architecture, wildlife, and the environment. During my visits, I learned that Russia has the world’s longest railway, that St. Bernard is Switzerland’s national animal, and much more. I also discovered that Tajikistan is the world’s second-largest producer of hydroelectricity, El Salvador is aiming to develop a city entirely based on bitcoin.
Overall, EXPO2020 was a very beautiful and great adventure, from drinking coffee to jumping to Jason Derulo’s tracks, finishing and obtaining all of the stamps. I hope to get another opportunity like this.
Ismail (10E)