Looking Forward to the Expo
As the number on the countdown plate decreases day by day, and amazing pavilions take shape one after one, the Expo is no longer just a dream in word---we could almost hear the robust and powerful footsteps of it, as well as the passionate heartbeat of the city of Shanghai.
If all Chinese will bear in mind the moment when Samaranch announced "Beijing" to be the host of the last Olympics, then all people in Shanghai will never forget the momentous meeting at the International Exhibitions Bureau, at which Shanghai, with a margin of 54 votes, won the right to host the World Expo 2010.
Living in Shanghai, I could not help being infected by the “Expo wave” filled with passion and dreams. Although the Expo is still some distance away, we can clearly feel the warm atmosphere of it. TV, radio, and the internet, the Expo can be seen and heard everywhere; constructions are mushrooming in this metropolis city, as well as the lovely mascot "Haibao" with its welcoming thumb.
This is only one part of the city’s preparation for the Expo, if we look deeper into the daily life of the public, we’ll see their radiating enthusiasm. Activities with the theme Expo are in full swing in communities, while lectures and speeches from teacher and professors are given out of campus. Even taxi drivers will take notes in their spare time to learn English so as to provide better services to foreign guests.
The World Expo is a symphony of politics, economy, and culture from different countries. Civilizations from different sources are gathering together in the Huangpu River, sparking splendid waves. It is an excellent opportunity to display a nation’s comprehensive strength, and a good platform to promote the image of the host city.
China has always been known as the "nation of courtesy”, and the Expo will be a big event to add to that image. One of the most civilized cities in China, Shanghai is now working hard to further improve its civilization and people here are more “courteous” than ever before.
There are more and more passengers who voluntarily give their seats to the elderly or mothers with children or other people who need help, and there are more smiling faces patiently showing directions. Streets are getting much cleaner, and red light runners and queue-jumpers are becoming less and less.
During the Olympic Games, there was a wave of English learning in Beijing. The same happens here in Shanghai. Not only students on campus are working to improve their English ability, ordinary Shanghai citizens are also actively learning English. Even people over fifty are tirelessly leaning from the very beginning. Occasionally, we can come across interesting scene of street sweepers talking to each other in easy English.
As a university student, I would be much honored to do my part for the Expo. I‘ve applied to be a volunteer at the Expo; I do it not to follow the trend, but to fulfill my responsibility. I remember the day when a meeting was held to explain and promote volunteer registration matters in my school, although it was mid-summer and exceptionally hot, there were many students actively inquiring about the matter and many registered on-site. The list was filled with names in just a few minutes. I was relieved when I put my name on it, feeling been connected to the big event and able to do my part for it.
There have been many Expo-related activities in my university, such as sending students to give speeches on Expo, and charitable activities with the theme of Expo. I took part in an interactive activity in a nearby community, and when asked about some basic questions about the Expo, the residents were all fluent with the answers. We also did some games related to the Expo, and the residents were very active and enthusiastic. After that, we chatted with each other together on topics from Expo in our daily life to our expectations towards it. We had a pleasant time together. These activities enable us to learn more about the Expo and draw us closer to the public. I’ve made a lot of friends in the process.
I enjoy the days working for the Expo. It gradually occurs to me that the Expo is invaluable not only because of its own charm, but also because it creates an atmosphere in which people can learn from each other and to improve our community and society. Interpersonal relationships and the society as a whole are becoming more harmonious and warmer.
Just a few days ago, when passing the lawn beside the front gate of our university, I found we had a new member. His blue body was vigorous and strong, his raising thumb pointing to the setting sun. Flame-like sunlight was reflected in his two large round eyes. Buzzing of machine on a construction site far away came in cue, busy and cheerful.
I breathed deeply and drank in the vitality and passion spreading in the air - I, and Shanghai, are looking forward to the Expo, and to seeing the dream come true!
