Alexander who just came back last week from a 12-day stay in Shanghai, China, to attend the opening of the World Expo was satisfied with how Palau fared during the first week of the exhibition. Although there were a few glitches about the location of the pavilion, the opening went well, the director said.
“Even though we were not allowed to go into the actual ceremony because it was by invitation only given out by the Shanghai organizing committee to commissioner general, heads of the States and the ambassadors, still we enjoyed watching it on TV,” said Alexander.
Palau’s Pavilion also had its soft opening on April 24 to 27 to make sure everybody was prepared.
Alexander joined the four Pavilion staff – Ngedikes Becheserrak, Phillip Tirso, Baulbei Isechal and Rhondalynn Ngirarorou – some friends and Pacific delegations during the exhibit’s opening.
There are parades five times a day, said Alexander. And there are performances by different participating countries.
There are available transportations for free and for rent, depending on the guests’ preference. There are also volunteers on hand to help with the directions.
“It was very crowded. The whole thing was expensive and wonderfully done. We enjoyed more than 30 minutes of fireworks display,” shared Alexander. He added that the biggest attraction for Palau’s pavilion are the pictures about the island and its dive sites donated by different artists and agencies in Palau.
Exhibit items such as the grass skirt, woven items like bags, jewelry made of oyster and turtle shells also draw people’s attention.
According to Alexander, the only things that Palau is selling in the Expo are story boards.
For people who wish to see the World Expo in Shanghai, Alexander said that they can either do the Palau-Manila-Shanghai or Palau-Hong Kong-Shanghai route.
“For $1,500 to $1,600 they can get a round trip air fare. Hotels range from $50 to $120 a day. Food is cheap in Shanghai. So all in all, $3,000 is adequate for a five to six day stay in Shanghai,” said Alexander.
