Windows of the World in Shenzhen

Check out these pictures and tell me if it doesn't look like the real thing! If I told you I went to see these great sights, without a doubt I know you would believe me.

Below is the great Taj Mahal of India ...

This is Borobodur. Look at the efforts that went into the detailing of this exquisite building ....

Oh yes .... I was in Paris too at the Champs Elysee.... Hahahahaha! These are some of the few sights and Shenzhen's Window of the World. Magnificent isn't it. Such efforts the Chinese have gone through to give you a piece of the world and every possible sight of that country in their huge country.

Shenzhen's Window of the World is a fantastic replica park situated at the Overseas Chinese Town. Here you can see vivid replicas of the world's wonders, historical heritages and famous scenic sites. The entire masterpiece is built at ratios of 1:1, 1:5 or 1:15.

Within one day, you can visit many reproductions of famous sites from different countries. For example you can find the Mahamuni Pagoda of Mandalay and the Angkor Wat of Cambodia here. European architectural splendors, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Ancient Athens, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Tower of London will carry you back to the cradle of classical European culture. When you tour the miniature Roman Colosseum, you might notice a cruel and bloody scene. Enjoy the picturesque scenery as you take a gondola along the canals of Venice. Mysterious Africa is always full of life and vigor. Here, the Pyramids and the Sphinx are quietly waiting for your visit. After traveling through typical African hamlets, you come to the Oceania. Sydney Opera House, which boasts a unique style, is a landmark not only of Australia but also the whole Oceania. Looking from a distance, it looks like a luminous pearl on the vast expanse of blue sea water. The rumbles of Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon lead you
For the Beer Fetival to the America, a young continent. These two natural wonders are awe-inspiring. Moving on to modern civilization, in the replica of Manhattan you will see rows of towering skyscrapers. No wonder they say the rhythm of life speeds up here.

Visiting during a festival time is another way to experience this replica park. Annually the park holds the Cherry Festival and the Indian Cultural Week. During the Cherry Festival, wandering in the cherry garden of Japan and taking a cup of tea will refresh you. Window of the World runs many programs during holiday periods too. In the summer holiday, the International Beer Festival is a big tourist attraction. Probably, the Pop Music Festival is the favorite of young people. This is held on China's National Day. In December, Santa Claus welcomes New Year's approach. Following this the World Dance and Singing Gala is held during the Spring Festival.

Taking part in the entertainment activities complements your travel plan.
Niagara Waterfall in WOWThere are a number of adventure trips for you to choose from. For example, test your courage by navigating the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. In the Archery Field, tourists may follow the ways of North American Indians and learn to hunt prey in the lush woods. Even more exciting is to traverse the primitive tropical forest in a cable car. Skiing in a subtropical city might sound strange, but the Indoor Alpine Ski Run in Shenzhen Window of the World offers you four thousand square meters (about 6,200,012 square feet) of indoor piste to ski.

This is the sight I would love to visit most, the top of my list you might say, the Eiffel Tower in Paris. No one would know any better just looking at this picture. Around the area of Paris, the theme park has also copied the Galleries Lafayette and the surrounding gardens. They have little shops you can browse through and cafes to enjoy a cup of coffee. I was there during winter which is considered off peak season so the shops were all close. Therefore I can't vouch for the croissonts or hot chocolate!

This is the Great Athens .... they even did landscaping just like the real thing. Many people say, who else but the Chinese will give you exact replicas! Hahaha .... A must see place if ever you are in Shenzhen!

Shenzhen and Hong Kong in Dec 2009

I had the opportunity to go to Hong Kong last December with my sis in law, Ayu. She had some work to do and I was invited to tag along. It was just me of course no kiddies. We were in Shenzhen, China first for 3 nights and spent a night in Hong Kong. I don't have any pictures of Hong Kong because I only managed to get a memory card for my pocket camera later. All the pixs are with Ayu and I will downloand them once, if, I get them from her.

Shenzhen is about a 45 min drive from Hong Kong. It was definitely not what I expected. It reminds me of New York and also Singapore. There are nothing but high rise buildings there. It is just building after building and busy streets. Just like New York. Despite the cold winter wind, people were everywhere rushing here and there.

We managed to get some shopping done there ( I would probably only go back for the material, bought all the Chinese silk I could) and the food. They took us to this Muslim restaurant and the lamb was fantastic! Cooked several ways Mongolian style but all tasty as ever. In fact, that was all I seemed to want to eat anyways. With the lamb dishes on the table I didn't even look at the oher dishes.

We also managed some sightseeing and saw Windows of the World and some cultural shows. Very interesting ... it was like the whole of China in an hour. Windows of the World was really awesome, they had a replica of every possible world landmark in a huge theme park like area. Takes about 3 hours for you to walk the whole park. You have the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, even Jesus Christ on top of that hill in Brazil, Mount Rushmore, pyramids, windmills in Holland, Taj Mahal and even the entire Borrobodur, in greatest detail too. I have some great pixs from there and will share them with you soonest!

What was Hong Kong like? Dirtier compared to Shenzhen for one and congested. It's like being in Bukit Bintang on a larger scale. We were taken to Harbour City, the largest and longest mall, it is like 4 malls in one entire stretch. Of course I didn't and couldn't walk the entire stretch but managed to get some retail therapy done. We were also taken to the Ladies Market which is Petaling Street for us. An experience no doubt.

This is me with Bruce Lee on the Avenue of Stars. We stayed at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kowloon Hong Kong which is right opposite this walk. So lucky we caugh the Star Cruise ship at the back too!

That is the skyline of Hong Kong and that tower, forgot its name, is the tallest in Hong Kong. It was extremely foggy when we were there. In fact so was Shenzhen. Must be because it is winter. Reminded me of the gloomy days in winterland Kalamazoo when I was studying.

That is me at the Ladies Market. We got a whole load of souvenirs here. The fake handbags and shoes were in abundance here, you actually have catalogues to choose from!

For dinner in Hong Kong they took us to this Kebab place. I had this really fantastic Lamb Pizza, it was extremely delicious!

When we arrived in Hong Kong we took some time to walk the streets and it was very much like Singapore. This picture was taken from the mosque where we stopped for Zohor. Can't remember the street but it was comforting to see a fairly big sized mosque on such a busy street. Traffic of cars, buses and people did not seem to stop at all. We passed by the same way at about 10pm and it was the same scene.

I would not mind going to Hong Kong again as I did not get to see all the sights. As for shopping, yes there are more choices there and all you need is money! Lots of it too!!!!

Khalif and Ali at Play

My nephew Khalif celebrated his first birthday mid of Dec 2009. He is growing so well and is oh so cute. The girls love him and simple dote on him. Ali seems to like the idea of having him around too but I think it won't be long till they start having boy squabbles together. As it is they already fight for the same toys.

Khalif came over for a romp with the kids some time ago and Ali was trying to be the big brother, showing Khalif how to play. Ya, by trying to take everything away from him!

At this time Khalif is a fast crawler and can take baby steps holding on to his parents' hands. I have not seen him since ( ya, everyone has a busy parenting schedule) but I hope he can walk now.

He looks so much Like Murni, my sis in law, but has my brother's dimpled smile. That feature makes Ali and Khalif look so much alike. Guess it will only be the dimples to say they are cousins.

I also can't wait to hear Khaif speak. His first words are deep grunts, all that baby sound! He seems to have a rather deep voice unlike Ali's high pitches. I think if Khalif spent more time with the girls he will be talking in no time. I noticed that Ali's speech has improved tremendously and I am sure being around with his sisters helps very much with his development. Of course he has also picked up words I don't really like for example "silly" and it is so much trouble to kick him off the habit. And they fight, especially Nadiah and Ali. I thought the six year age gap would automatically cease that activity but I was wrong. Guess siblings will be siblings. Wait till No 4 comes, then we can see some different action.

2010 Update

It has been ages since I have "visited" my own blog! Honestly, I have been just lazy. And there also has been a bad bout of "I don't feel like writing anything". However, all of a sudden there was a need to pen a few words down and I will try to keep you up to speed with what has been going on.

It has been a rather "diferent" past few months. I am well into my 6th month of pregnancy and I wish it could say it has been a breeze but hardly. As expected, things should have gotten better after the first trimester but NOT. Many of my friends blame it on the age, it gets harder and there are more uncomfortable moments when you decide to get pregnant late in your 30s.

I admit I have not been as comfortable as I was at this stage of my pregnancy, unlike the other 3. The worst, or is ot good part, is that I don't eat as well as I should be. There are times where I just don't feel like eating and I am quite happy to just go hungry. Not that there is no food in the house, far be it from that. I just don't feel like it! Nothing seems palatable.

My last check up was just after the New Year and thank God, baby is doing well. Doctor did say that the baby is normal sized, not too big and not too small but I myself sense that it will be the smallest of the three. As long as the baby is well and healthy, that is all that matters. In the meantime, I promise myself that I will try my bestest to eat as well as I can.

Other than the pregnancy, other good things that have been happening is school of course. Najihah is in Standard 4 and Nadiah is in Standard 3 this year. The good thing, both are in the morning session and I don't do that crazy running around with two sessions as I did last year. It is definitely not as tiring and actually leaves me time to think about even going out for lunch with my friends.

Initially I worried about Nadiah risi ng early, she is generally a late riser, she just loves to sleep. But she has adjusted very well, and I think she welcomes the sense of having more hours in the day. Both of their tuition classes are in the afternoon and so are their extra agama classes KAFA.

However, I am in a dilemma if I should continue with their piano classes. Advancement seems rather slow and they themselves have said time and again they are not interested and have asked to stopped. I remember how my mom used to force me to take piano classes and I lasted until Grade 5. I always promised myself I would try hardest not to turn out like my mom so should I let them keep at it or let them quit? I just worry that they have no avenue to vent out at and always felt that music is a good way to express one self. If there was an alternative I would not mind but they have not shown any interest to pursue other things.

Ah well ... the dilemma of trying to be a good parent! It has been a few months of not working and I am enjoying this domestic engineer stint! It can get a little taxing and stressful with the kids alone but there are always opportunities for a mom's time out albeit facial, friends or other recreational activities. All in all, I have enjoyed it and will continue to enjoy it. No complaints whatsoever. And when Baby comes, insyaAllah, there will definitely not be any time to spare.

Safe to safe we are looking forward to Baby no 4. The doctor gave me May 8 by the way. God Speed ....