Milan's Expo 2015 may be the last of its kind

When people think of past world expositions, the marvellous Cristal Palace or the magnificent Eiffel Tower may spring to mind, as may mindblowing innovations and inventions.This year's Expo is no exception - it is a marvel of architecture, colour and technological productions with many pavilions using incredible ideas and concepts.

The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) sand dune-shaped pavilion alone cost more than 60 million euros.

Over 140 countries are participating in Expo 2015. They aren't all multi-million dollar displays; economic minnows such as Timor Est and Angola are part of the event.

The theme of the Expo is feeding the planet - Energy for life - with the idea to examine food production for the future with a balance of traditional values and new technology.

Incredibly, a number of countries focused on the declining numbers of the humble bee as an issue that needs to be addressed worldwide.

Great Britain’s wonderfully simple yet complex exhibition has a wooden entrance that gives information about bees. A path then leads you through a meadow that is at a height where the viewer can see bees, wasps, butterflies and moths attracted to flowers. 

Finally, there is a giant beehive made of light aluminium tubing, humming with the drone of bees. The sound is sent from an apiary in England that is fitted with sensors. In this pavilion there is also a café with light meals and good refreshments.

Germany has also embraced the idea of future sustainable production with many interactive displays and games for children and adults alike. They have very good live shows at the end of the visit with audience participation.

The German pavilion was constructed using different types of renewable wood. Shade for the pavilion is provided by membrane canopies that also supply solar energy.

For pure optic opulence a visit to the Italian pavilion should be on your checklist. One room of mirrors provides scenes from Italy’s landscapes and countryside, the imagery in high definition is incredible and then the next room has a kaleidoscope of images from Italian art and architecture that is simply breath-taking, or mozzafiato, as they say here.

Within the Italian pavilion (if you have the time after the long wait at the entrance) is an activity organised by Milan’s Institute for the Blind. You enter in a fresh produce market without any light. You are assisted by a blind guide and then you need to guess the things that you smell and touch. A truly humbling experience.

Kazakhstan will host the next Expo in 2017 in Astana and their pavilion is one of the most delightful. The exhibit begins with a show that tells the story of Kazakhstan using sand images projected on a screen. A 3D movie is also included, with seats that move, to provide an exciting journey through the country.

South Korea’s pavilion does not pull any punches. They have looked at the theme with honesty and stark realism. Through their own cultural channels they have provided solutions that begin with traditional ideas about food preservation. They've also provided incredible imagery using modern technology and a robotic machine.

Other pavilions that are definitely worth a visit are France, China, Colombia, Azerbaijan, the UAE and Japan.

If your feet are weary and it’s a hot day, a trip to the Austrian pavilion is suggested. There you can relax in the cool forest they have planted. Austria's Expo theme is fresh air and reforestation.

During the day many countries have cultural events, such as traditional dancing and folk music. The Belarus and Laotian artists impress with their performances - totally diverse but enchanting all the same.

Kazakhstan once again shines with what seems to be a non-stop display of traditional entertainment topped by a lively DJ during the night.

Argentina also has performances of live music and dancing and its restaurant is very popular.

If you want to eat at the Expo, expect to pay a high price, although most meals are of good quality. The inclusion of McDonalds, Coca-Cola and Belgian Fries seem to be contrary to the theme of the Exposition and left this visitor, at least, with a feeling of unease.

Australia’s non-participation in this event is a lost opportunity. Many countries have shown themselves in a positive way and it's fairly certain that Expo's 20 million visitors will leave the event with plans to visit countries they didn’t think of before. This is an investment for the countries that participated.

All who visit the Expo are reminded of the ongoing struggle of millions of people every day to obtain enough sustenance to survival. Meanwhile, the challenge of the western world now is increasing obesity. A visit to the Zero pavilion at the entrance of the Expo provides a history of food production and an emphasis on the future with the UNs Zero hunger challenge.

No visitor will be able to visit all the pavilions in one day so good research is important. Focus on what you would like to see, arrive early to avoid long queues and look for pavilions that have short progression times. Some of the smaller pavilions without queues will provide lovely surprises.

If you are staying in Milan the best way to arrive is by the Metro. Just follow the red line to Rho Fiera with the big Expo sign. Beware of driving by car - it is a challenge with heavy traffic and difficult-to-understand road signs.

Free parking in Rho is almost impossible so official Expo parking is provided at an additional cost.

Expo opens at 10am and closes at 11pm with a light show at the 35-metre tree of life.