This post is a sequel to my previous posts: part1, part2, part3, part4, part5, part6, part7, part8, part9
My last report about Expo 2025 is about the United States of America. I really wanted to visit as many as I could, but toward the end of the Expo, it was getting harder and harder for us to get reservations. I had to choose one or two countries, so I couldn't ignore the US. There are several reasons: From 2010 to 2018 I constantly went abroad to the States to take porcelain painting lessons to improve both my painting and English skills. While being there, I met so many American people and made friends with them. That's why I feel the States is my second motherland.
It was September 16th when my husband and I last visited. In front of the gate, there was already a long line, and we had to wait for about two hours to get in.
When we found the US pavilion, there was another long line, and we had to wait for three more hours.
Fortunately, in front of the pavilion, there was a huge screen showing famous tourist destinations in the US. It entertained the whole waiting time. Whenever a place I had visited with my American friends appeared, I felt as if my friends were right there with me. For example, I met my Texan friend, Matt, for the first time in person in San Antonio even though we've already talked for eight years online. You can read about my experience in San Antonio here.
I've also visited Atlanta, Georgia three times. Here are the articles about the trip. (click here)
I visited Nashville, Tennessee as well. Here's the article about visiting Nashville. (click here)
Detroit, Michigan is like my second hometown because my best American painting friend lives there. I can't count how many times I've visited her. I've traveled around the States with her many times.
I traveled New Orleans with my friend from Bolivia, but unfortunately, I didn't write about the trip on my blog. I'm sorry that I can't show any photos. While watching the screen, I shared a lot of memories about my adventures in the States with my husband, who always supports me.
Finally, we were allowed to go inside. A large panel of the American President and the First Lady welcomed us.
Even though it was prerecorded, President Trump was speaking like "Welcome to the US Pavilion. You're the most welcome. We're so honored to have you here." I thought this was very unique because no other pavilion had a greeting from its national leader. It made us think we were special, and at the same time the US government must be one of the sponsors.
In the first room, a guide taught us some English phrases such as "Wow!", "It's important", and "How great!". For example, she said something, and we responded, " Oh! Wow!" It was fun.
After enjoying a short interaction with her, we watched some sponsors' commercial: Massachusetts Institute of Technology and MOMENTSKI. Since my husband is a huge fan of skiing, he already knew the ski brand although I didn't.
In the next room, we saw a big screen again. Some scenes reminded me of my trip to Yellowstone, which I haven't written about on my blog yet.
We enjoyed listening to New Orleans Jazz.
If you aren't from Japan or the States, you might not fully understand why the crowd reacted so strongly to baseball. It's very popular in Japan because a Japanese baseball player, Shohei Otani, is the best player in the States. Many Japanese people have been cheering him up.
When he appeared on the screen, everybody cheered and clapped hands. I think he is the most famous Japanese person right now.
After cheering for Shohei, we moved to the third room that we saw the space program of the US. This reminded me of my trip to NASA in Huntsville. You can read about it here.
If you are a fan of Disney land or Universal Studios, you would love this! There was an attraction that made us feel like we were riding a rocket. We flew to the moon!!
China displayed moon sand, and the US showed moon rocks. It was my first time seeing real ones in person.
There was also a panel of Japanese farmer Prime-Minister with the US President and the Vice President.
When we exited the pavilion, it was completely dark outside. Nearby, an American musical performer was giving a concert, so we stopped and listened to it for while. He was playing some standard music.
When we reached the station, it was extremely crowded.
It wasn't a rush hour but looked like that.
The US Pavilion was really unique and different from others. My favorite is still the Italian pavilion, but I liked US too.
(5065)
No Salt Lake City? Too bad :( It did show Denver, Colorado though, which is where I grew up so that's nice :)
It's been so fun to see your posts about the Expo. Thank you so much for doing them!
I'm sorry that I didn't take the photo. Of course, there was a scenery for Salt Lake city! I only visited Denver to transit to fly to Kansas City, and my image of Denver is cold.
Thank you so much for taking a look at them! I'm glad you enjoyed those!!