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• Simulated Travel: Adventures in Shanghai

  Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 5:14PM / Standard Entry / Members only
  2 comments

  Thanks to everyone who braved the snow and went along to the "Shanghai Bride" 《上海新娘》screening and Q&A the other week! To set the scene: one giant warehouse-style floor, full to the brim with bean bags, couches, and chairs, all facing a wall for the projection. DVD's for sale at the door next to a big poster of the film (it's always rather gleefully exciting to see a poster of a film one's worked on). Right next to the screen was a bright red traditional popcorn maker on wheels which provided - you guessed it - heaps of popcorn. Got a great turn out, and really dug the relaxed atmosphere. A BIG hats off to "What If Innovation" for hosting the screening, providing the drinks et al.

  The day after the screening I went walking around snowy Shanghai. Because of the slush I went indoors, to the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum, which is smack in the middle of a square, not far from Nanjing Rd. While looking at the exhibits I made some surprising discoveries:

  Ah, the great landmarks of the world, London, New York, Paris...

  

  And Canberra??!? Hey, I was born in Canberra - and it's not a bad place. But Canberra?

  Okay, so the museum curator really likes Canberra, fair enough. But if you like a place that much you should probably peruse a map to see where it is before building a giant exhibit and crash landing it...

  

  right on top of Perth!

  Yes, my suspisions were aroused. What was going on here? But it was the simulated travel exhibit that really had me scratching my head:

  

  There's nothing there: It's just the wall! Hmm, this exhibit is so simulated it appears you haven't gone anywhere at all - or maybe I'm just not good with image compositions.

  

  Have a happy Valentine's Day folks.