And the performances are not limited to the exhibit spaces. Throughout the day and night, there are parades and performances along the streets of Expo and at stages scattered throughout the site. Head over to the restaurant that is part of the Mexican pavilion and take in a concert by a mariachi band as you munch on chicken poblano and knock back a cold Corona. Or shuffle-step along to the infectious rhythms of Brazilian drummers and dancers. Expo officials have also booked a host of major acts to perform, such as the recent concerts by the popular South African a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
All entertainment is included in the admission price.
In addition, many of the national pavilions and exhibits include restaurants or food stalls purveying the countries' cuisines, albeit much of it tailored for German and European palates. This six-armed robot might be able to help out. Expos also give the world's architects and designers a chance to flex their creative muscles, fashioning buildings and exhibition spaces that are often radical departures from conventional architecture. But there is no denying that many of the soaring, sometimes whimsical, sometimes inspiring designs provide constant visual interest as you stroll about the grounds. In my opinion, in too many cases at this Expo, pavilions and exhibition spaces represent the triumph of architecture and design over content.