Miniature world

Yesterday, a couple friends and I went up to Shenzhen for a day of shopping, haggling, eating and a miniature around-the-world trip. Aside from bootlegged DVDs, knock-off designer bags and "copy watches," Shenzhen is home to "Window of the World," a Disneyland-esque park filled with many of the world's most famous sights -- in miniature. Believe it or not, I have actually been there twice before when I was younger. Needless to say, I didn't have high hopes for a wow factor on the third time around, but my friends were intrigued so I was happy to go along. I must say, though, that I quite enjoyed myself.

The first time I went there, the novelty of it all was overwhelming. We took far too many pictures. There were just so many cool-looking things from places that I had only heard of or read about in books. The second time around, I barely remember the visit. This time, though, seemed different. In the past ten to fifteen years since my first intro to miniature world, I've learned more about places and sights and even had a chance to travel to some of them. Seeing the miniatures seemed to take on more meaning and really, the detail on the replicas is impressive. Sure, it's not as amazing as the real thing, but it's a pleasant couple hours' activity and hey, if there's any place that has expertise in "copy _____s," China's it.