Undressed

As Shanghai readies itself for the 201o world expo (there's a daily countdown at the hotel nearby...we're around 370 days right now), the entire city is starting to put its best foot forward. And by starting to put its best foot forward, I mean that it feels like I'm watching the process of a photo shoot. A regular gal walks through the door of the photo studio and after all is said and done, there's a heavily made up regal lady standing in her place.

Right now we're somewhere in the middle of the process. Make-up's on, lighting is being tested, but maybe she's not in the dress yet, or her hair's not done. The preparation became all the more apparent during my recent visit to the Bund (on what was probably the best day for it -- clear blue skies and sunny not-too-warm weather). The Expo is taking place on the Pudong side of the river. This is a picture of me with the Pudong side of the river behind me; it was taken from the Puxi side (quick FYI: I live on the Puxi side):

About 30-40 years ago the Pudong side of the river didn't have a building over 6-8 stories tall. Pudong is the side of the river that's growing exponentially, so it seems fitting that the Expo be held there. In addition to all of the development of the past few decades, tall buildings are being erected in front of some of the more "unsightly" neighborhoods.

But Pudong isn't the only part of the city readying itself for a world showcase. Puxi is getting its hair and make-up done as well. There are two new subway lines under construction, and many buildings are getting face-lifts of their own. Here we have some underground construction going on right next to the river in the highly popular Bund area of town. The river is to the right, and to the left you can see some of the historical buildings in the area (also, the Chinese flags on the buildings rooves).

And this is the famous Peace Hotel:
Quite a looker, huh? Although I think the scaffolding and green mesh have been added since Bill Clinton and Sir Sassoon stayed there.

I met two girls from Shenzen who were on vacation in Shanghai (there's more to this story, but I'll keep y'all on your toes a little while longer). They commented that Shanghai's not so beautiful now, but in a year it should be looking good. Personally, I think it's looking alright now, but it's sure to look a bit more complete in a year or so.