Shanghai Maritime University has been very welcoming and is always trying their hardest to make sure all the International students see the best that Shanghai has to offer. The school set up a day trip in order for us to see the Shanghai Circus World that I must say was very impressive. However, that was not the only event they set up for us, before the show we enjoyed a wonderful traditional Chinese dinner at the restaurant located next to the circus. The food was amazing and I believe it was over 30 people that came on the trip. Sixteen cadets from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, three students from Germany, three students from Poland, two students from Russia, two students from Korea, three International Professors with one being Captain Belle and four representatives from Shanghai Maritime University. This attraction was one I really wanted to see and almost ended up going to see it last weekend but luckily I waited and was able to enjoy it with everyone else.

The circus act is done everyday from 1930 until 2130 with an intermission of five minutes at 2030. What was surprising were the incredible acts that were performed. The event started with a guy balancing himself on a piece of wood while on top of a cylinder while kicking plates and catching them with his head. The next act included about eight males where they would run and do backflips as they jumped through rings that were nine to ten feet high it was amazing seeing how high they jumped and able to bend their body as they jumped through the various ring sizes. The acts performed by the acrobats always had everyone on the edge of their seats, at least I know I was on the edge of my seat. From standing on top of a revolving ferris wheel type of structure while jump roping with no safety harness to climbing on top of each other three people high. Many times I have visited the local fair and have seen the "Motorcycle Globe" where motorcycle thrill riders ride inside a 14ft diameter metallic sphere. I have seen it performed with two to three motorcycles inside but Shanghai Circus World took it another step to close out the event with a total of eight motorcycles at once. Overall the traditional Chinese dinner and the Shanghai Circus World were very amazing and everyone who attended walked away very impressed. I know that before I leave China I would like to visit the Shanghai Circus World one more time!

-2/c Eduardo Ramos