Around the world in just one day

A World Exposition brings people together, both figuratively and literally, and at the mammoth Shanghai Expo site, it is more literal than ever, as you have numerous chances to be in close proximity with many others, even if its just getting in one line to qualify for another line.

Don't even think of seeing the pavilions of the wealthier nations.

However, the queue for the provinces of China is reasonable. The problem is, once inside, some of the pavilions require more waiting. I thought I'd pop into the Zhejiang house and see how my hometown is doing. But the translucent bamboo-enclosed fixture had 100-plus visitors standing outside. The waiting time? Three hours.