Fastidious

It was the same place—the same soil, streets, and buildings that we’ve all experienced and familiarized with. It had animals, from mammals to insects, and also us, or humans. It was the home to everyone that we’ve known of, the Earth. Yet, concurrently, it couldn’t be more different.

Even in the bustling city, there weren't any skyscrapers. In fact, as if civilization hadn't developed enough, the buildings were primitive enough to surprise anyone who was adapted to our modern society. There were hardly any buildings created by concrete materials (and thus, no concept of concrete jungle), as it was preferred to use bricks instead. None of the buildings was higher than three stories tall, as if time hadn't passed since the 1600s. The only buildings exempt from these rules were the city hall and the irrigation system, both, surprisingly (at least in this world), over 10 stories tall. One peculiar fact was, in contrast to the external appearance, the machinery was more than superb considering their city, or villages, but on its own, it surpasses ours. Though every mechanical technology deserves attention, it was irrigation technology that was most evidently apparent in its superiority. In the same place that we share, an ironic combination. 

The surrealness of the place did not only derive from the environment, but also from its inhabitants. Particularly mammals, which were, on average, more voluminous. The appearances of these creatures were well outside of our knowledge of being ‘fat.’ It was as if we had returned to our younger selves when next to them. Physically, we were no more than teenagers when next to them. 
What caused these changes was a lack of soil. Indeed, it was the same Earth without a doubt. Earth, water, rocks… all these natural components were there. But, without a specific reason, a large proportion of the soil was infertile, so much so that the crops grew less than a quarter of what they do annually.

Still, we were the same humans, the same people. Them and us. But we were more than different.