Monday, October 23, 2006

Extreme Water pavilion (II)

The aim of the themed plaza “Extreme Water” is to demonstrate the effects of tsunamis, hurricanes and Mediterranean cold fronts so realistically that the public can feel them. Javier Martín, the project’s Science Director (Professor of Physical Geography of Barcelona University), explains: “members of the public fear at the risks posed by water and think that better use and planning could have lessened the impact of catastrophes like those of the Biescas campsite or New Orleans".

I hope that the pavilion wont be a excuse for massive bombardment of the public with fears on natural catastrophes. I think this pavilion should deal with information and awareness but without creating any anxiety to the visitors. After all, we all know there are dangers that, although improbable, once they happen they can have devastating effects.

But if the pavilion is going into that fearful direction, what about to tackle the Three gorges dam in China (see right) and, for example, go into explaining what are the contingency plans in case there is an earthquake there….
The Chinese are attending the Expo Zaragoza 2008, among other reasons because they will be hosting the Expo 2010 Shanghai China (http://www.expo2010china.com/expo/expoenglish/index.html). So, for sure the Chinese Three gorges dam will become a potent symbol in their pavilion. Thus, it might be good for the visitors to see the other side of the coin…either in the Chinese Pavillion or in the Extreme Water one? Anyone knows what will be featured by the Chinese on the Zaragoza Expo 2008?
See more information on the Extreme Water pavillion at:
http://expo-zaragoza-2008.blogspot.com/2006/10/expo-2008-extreme-water-pavillion.html

Monday, October 09, 2006

Expo 2008: “Extreme Water” pavillion

The 22 metres high pavilion construction should start by March 2007. According to the designers this pavilion will show the devastating effects of natural disasters : Tsunamis, etc. From outside the building will have the shape of a Tsunami wave …once inside you will be put the safety belt and will start feeling the power of water…

Friday, October 06, 2006

Fiesta in Zaragoza

A fast entry in the blog just to let you know that next week Zaragoza will be on Fiesta.
Will try to explain: my region's most important fiesta is in honor of the Virgen del Pilar celebrated in Zaragoza on October 12… but there is party for all of next week.
On the day of Pilar there is a procession with a spectacular display of flowers (see left)dedicated to the Virgin.
This is beautiful to see, and if you cannot be there (like me) and yet you want to have a taste on how it feels, just click at http://www.aragontvnews.es/ to see it real time on the 12th October…. so many people…all in traditional dresses, many dancing and singing “jotas” (with terrific power!) …yes …difficult to pronounce….
You can access either at mid-morning or early afternoon, till more or less 15h CET
Enjoy!!
Pd. actually you can even virtually put flowers to the Virgin at http://www.ofrendadeflores.com/entorno/imagen/index.html