"We encourage Chinese visitors to ask questions about how it all works and why, for example, there are no air-conditioners here."

Kruger lives outside the Expo site in Puxi and has a view overlooking the entire Expo Park.

"I can see the China Pavilion and others each time I step on the balcony," she said.

After work, Kruger likes to visit Tianzifang, an art zone combining cafes, bars, craft shops, studios and galleries in a converted factory and a residential block in Luwan District. She finds it "a quiet place to rest" after work.

Kruger is hooked on Expos and she plans to join the special Expo in 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea.

The theme of the South Korean Expo is preservation and sustainable development of oceans and coastlines.

Ignacio Nino

Ignacio Nino - 41, from Spain, Director of the Madrid Case Pavilion [Shanghai Daily]

41, from Spain

Director of the Madrid Case Pavilion

Ignacio Nino says that over six months Shanghai has become like a home to him and the Expo has been a great and enriching experience.

In the Urban Best Practices Area, Madrid's Bamboo House and Air Tree have been a big success, receiving more than 4 million visitors, far more than the 2 million expected.

"We came to show and explain Madrid's success in urban management, especially public housing and environmental protection," Nino said. "But I have also learned a lot about Shanghai, China and Chinese culture."

Shanghai people are very kind to foreigners, which impressed him most. "You can always find people willing to help you and you will never feel insecure in the city," the director said.

He has enjoyed making friends with locals and admires the way Chinese people respect their parents. He especially enjoyed festivities for the Mid-autumn Festival.

Nino's birthday is October 1, coinciding with China's National Day. On that day at the Expo, after passing through security, he was welcomed by a policewoman with a special pin from the China Pavilion - only available that day. He thought she had somehow known his birthday.

He is positive about Shanghai's future, saying, "Everything is going in the correct way."

But he also said the city should pay more attention to environmental protection, especially waste management.