Welcome to the Coastal Plains

[jacqulina 162]

great update maybe slow down a little and give people time to reply,great use of pegs things,love the sea walls great update

[aasim45 1]

Nice Job!! A Splendid Update!!!

Oh Ya, and Welcome to Page #5

[sharkbait16 0]

jacqulina: yeah, I guess I might update too quickly, but I figured somebody  would've atleast replied.

aasims45: Thanks, I guess I'll do more updates afterall.

 

Check for a new update on Milan shortly.

[753 0]

I jus can't wait for the update! So far the pictures look really good! Good job sharkbait16!!

[sharkbait16 0]

Update 43: Milan centerstage

Most of my SimCity time has been spent on Milan, though I'm trying to get some of the neighboring cities started atleast, so it doesn't look a little off have this big city in the middle of know-where.  In fact, Milan is already one of the oldest city in the entire Coastal Plains at 115 or so years, probably right behind Manhattan and Panama City.  Let's get back to the tour of Milan:

Milan's famous landmarks aren't all located on Assisi Island in the center.  One of Milan's most famous Churchs, La Ravenna, is located near the city's edge.  La Ravenna is located in a mostly residential part of town on top of a hill overseeing the area.  La Ravenna is most famous as the site of dozens of graves for some of the Coastal Plains's most famous citizens.  Artists, Heads of State, actors, poets, scientists, beaurocrats, and businessmen alike are all entombed here.  Some La Ravenna's most famous tombs include the designer of Palmero Palace, every Duke of Tuscany (except the 3rd, whose body was burned alive during the Caspian Wars), Julien Orsay - the famous poet during the Renassaince and King Umbria.  Here's a look at this great landmark. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//La%20Ravenna.jpg align=baseline>

 

Our tour will return now to Assisi Island where we'll start at the famous Venetian Piazzo with the Oblisk in the center.  The Venetian Oblisk was commissioned during the 17th Century by Milan's 2nd King as a reminder of his triumph at the battle of Tyrrhenia.  The Piazzo is surrounded by columns celebrating some of the other lesser battles won during the war.  Ironically, he later lost the war because he had his commanding general sacraficed at the oblisk's base upon completion and buried underneath.  Milan's kings aren't known for their intelligence.  The Venetian Piazzo is the center of Assisi Island and is surrounded by some of Milan's most famous landmarks.  The other piece of history that can be seen in this picture is the Tivoli, Milan's central library where many famous document are kept from the countries history, including a Guttenburg Bible, the Revolutionary Constitution and many original copies of Orsay's most famous poems.  Tivoli is also surrounded by several government office buildings as it also carries the national archive. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Venetian%20Oblisk.jpg align=baseline>

 

Across the piazzo from the Tivoli is Milan's popular La Maggiore.  This huge building is relatively new compared to the surrounding buidlings.  The Umbria Castle grounds were demolished to make way for this part Convention Center, part Grand Opera.  La Maggiore is the largest convention center in the entire Coastal Plains and tops the list of the worlds largest.  It's also surrounded by the only parking lots on Assisi Island.  Nearby La Maggiore is the Novara Duomo, the resting place of King Phillip, Milan's last King.  The Duomo is most known for it's famous nighttime lighting (which unfortunetly I can't see right now because the nightling on many of the BATs decided to randomly turn-off).  This Northern section of the island is known as Milan's Theatre district because of the iMax Theater, La Maggiore, the other Opera house and a large 32 theater cinema are all located within a few blocks of each other.  Here's a look at Milan's Theatre District.

 

 

Finally we'll end with a glimpse of Milan's downtown.  Milan has a policy that skyscrapers cannot be taller than the Perugia Tower, so Milan's businesses have been kept back from their full potential.  In the central corner at the intersection of the two rivers, arceologists are hoping to dig up ruins of Milan's lost Sardinia Castle, which was burned to the ground during the Siege of 1712.  (Or they might find another garden or downtown section, depending on the space availability). 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Downtown%20Milan.jpg align=baseline>

 

Well, next update will probably be about another city other than Milan, because it's about time I focused my energies elsewhere.  Though I promise you this city will get loads more attention soon enough. 

 

Till then, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.

 

[Cjah 15]

Wow this looks excellent...

I really need to drop in more often.You have such a beautiful city and a great highway layout...

 

I also love those european style monuments and buildings....

[lookinin 2]

Just beautiful - great job!

[sharkbait16 0]

Update 44: Take a look at Tokyo

I finally got around to working on the latest large city in Coastal Plains, Tokyo.  Tokyo's Asian influences aren't completely apparent just yet, the city is only 12 years old.  However, it sure is one dense city, though only 12, it has 140,000 people in a relatively small area.  Tokyo's biggest problems is air polution, crime and traffic.  So mass transit is all over, and there are dozens of trees in any space where skyscrapers won't fit.  But first we'll start with the beach.

Tokyo's Harbor Beach is located just below the seawall which has kept the city safe for so many years from tusinamis(sp?).  Here, citizens will lounga on the beach or some may even go surfing off the coast, a great get away from busy downtown.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Harbor%20Beach.jpg align=baseline>

 

Tokyoans (is that right?) are well known for their busy life, the streets are always packed and the day seems to last forever.  One building that has always symbolized Tokyo's business focus is the International Finance Square.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//International%20Finance%20Square.jpg align=baseline>

 

You can also get a glimpse of Tokyo's focus on greenery as well in this picture.  One of downtown's best views in fact is the Kami Park Hotel which overlooks Kami Park. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//park%20and%20hotel.jpg align=baseline>

 

None of these buildings however are actually in Tokyo's downtown.  Downtown is graced by many of it's most famous skyscrapers, The Capital Plaza (the tallest building in Tokyo and actually borrowed from Taipei) which can't be seen in this next picture and the twin Republic Towers.  Planning is also begining for Tokyo's tallest skyscraper, Union Center.  One of Tokyo's other famous landmarks downtown is the boardwalk that stretch's all along downtown's coastline.  The boardwalk has been popular for ages as place of rest and relaxation.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Republic%20Towers.jpg align=baseline>

 

Well stay in touch and I'll have more updates on Tokyo, Milan and another new city soon, but till then I'm taking the weekend off.  In case I don't see ya later, good afternoon, good evening and good night.

[lollipop guild leader 0]

Wish I'd checked around here more often, Milan is turning out nicely, I love the Sacre Couer.  This city of Tokyo looks nothing like the real city, but yeah it is dense, would like to see more.

[sharkbait16 0]

Update 45: Around Austin

Austin is the third large city (area-wise) I've recently started.  There are a total of 6 so far in the Coastal Plains with room for a couple more as well.  Panama City was the first, followed shortly afterwards by Plano, and Manhattan.  Recently, I began work on Milan and Tokyo and now Austin.  Much of the focus will be on these latest three cities.  You've probably seen a lot of Milan so far (if not check back a page or two) and have gotten a peek at Tokyo, now it's time to look at Austin.  The city of Austin is a medium size (population-wise) suburban-type city.  There are more trees and parks in Austin than most every other city in the Coastal Plains.  Austin is still under construction, but let's get a glimpse of what's been going down so far.

Here is Austin's downtown, always busy with shoppers and workers.  Running straight through the downtown is the famous MTO Rail line, aka Manhattan Trans-Oceanic.  You should be able to see the large plot of land developers are still fighting over, whether to place a downtown mall there or some other project to help revilatize Austin's economy. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Austin%20downtown.jpg align=baseline>

 

You can also see the Austin Community College and Clive O'Reilly Square, named after the city founder.  In the Clive O'Reilly Square, you can see the huge City Hall and the Legislature building, the courthouse was cut out of the picture unfortunetly. 

 

Seeing as we already mention the MTO line, we'll take a look at the old Garden Station where Austin began.  Right next to the Garden Station, the new Monorail line ends for commuters traveling around the region.  It is also at the base of Spicewood Hill. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Old%20Rail%20station.jpg align=baseline>

 

Now we'll move on to the top of Spicewood Hill.  At the very top is Austin's highest point - The tip of the Cell Tower on the Hill's peak.  Also on top of the hill is Spicewood Gardens where the vast neighborhood stretches out from. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Cell%20Tower%20and%20Hill%20Park.jpg align=baseline>

 

Finally we'll move along to a small neighborhood along the highway.  The Austin Transit Authority began to construct Embankments along the raised highways in order to improve Austin's beautiful greenery and you can get a good glimpse of that here.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//highway%20embankments.jpg align=baseline>

 

Well that was the first look at Austin.  I hope to show you a bit more before then end of this week, for I'll be leaving the country for awhile starting Friday and won't be updating the Coastal Plains for a long time.  Expect new updates on Milan and Tokyo as well and please let me know what you think.  In case I don't see you again, good afternoon, good evening and good night.

[petriknl 15]

wow it's a long time ago I visited this CJ but your skills are defenitely improved very much!! I love Milan, very nice, I think the combination of a old style city center combined with a modern downtown is doing great!

[sharkbait16 0]

Thanks Petrinkl, in fact here's a little more on Milan.

 

Update 46: Milan's Softer Side

 

Now we return to Milan and are almost finished touring the entire Assisi Island, though there's a lot left to Milan besides Milan's famous island center.

 

To begin our trip today in Milan, we'll start at the Tempio di Aeolia, which was constructed by the great renassance architect Vecchio (Which means old in Italian).  This world famous temple was based off the ruins of an ancient one Athens and sits on the corner of the canal's intersection.  The real irony is Aeolia is no Greek goddess but Vecchi's muse whom he regularly stayed with when he was particularly poor and could afford very little.  You should also notice the new subway system Milan has put in place to make traveling easier for visiting tourists such as ourselves. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Tempio%20di%20Aeolia.jpg align=baseline> 

 

If we move right across the canal from the Tempio di Aeolia, we come to the Museo d'Anzio.  This museum chronicles the history of Milan and much of the Coastal Plains region.  The Museo d'Anzio is actually the old Parlimaent building remodeled after a flood.  Whenever it was time for a meeting, the clock tower sitting atop the building would chime 20 times for each member of Parliament.  In fact, the 20 member of Parliament have their picture taken in front of the gates to the old Parliament building every year.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Museo%20di%20Anzio.jpg align=baseline>

 

No trip to Milan would be complete without a trip to one of Milan's most famous landmarks, the most dominating icon in the skyline - Perugia Tower, where romantics have proposed atop the pinnacle for a century now.  From Perugia Tower, you can get a glimpse of Milan for nearly a hundred miles, but the best view is of the nearby monuments on Assisi Island.  It's a perfect view of the Tempio d'Aeolia, Genoa Cathedral and the nearby Garda Battistero.  Perugia Tower was errected in memory of the unknown soldiers who have fought so many wars protecting Milan.  The Tower was meant to stand erect against tyranny like these soldiers.  Underneath the tower is an everlasting flame for the unknown solider, one of the more famous ones in the world. 

 

The Garda Battistero as seen in the same picture below was once the king's second manor where guests of the crown stayed.  It was at any one time filled with over a hundred dignitaries, expatriates and messengers. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//atop%20Perugia%20Tower.jpg align=baseline>

 

 This would be the perfect time to go ahead and tour Genoa Cathedral just a few blocks down.  This famous cathedral has been the location for the carnation of every King and Duke Milan has every had, which compared to its counterparts, is very few.  The nearby gardens are just blooming this time of year and make a great postcard.  Genoa Cathedral still reminds some Milanese about Milan's ugly past with bad kings and there was a city ammendment recently to tear it down and rebuild a similar cathedral in Milan for the people, but this proposition was considered a tad ridiculous to most citizens and this famous church still stands today. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Genoa%20Cathedral.jpg align=baseline>

 

Of course Milan isn't all about old buildings and people no one remembers.  Many of the citizens try and stay away from Assisi Island due to it's horrible traffic from all the tourists.  Instead, people in Milan like to spend their time catching an exciting game of football over at Riverside Stadium, where the Milan Knights will hopefully trounce the Manhattan Titans in the upcoming match.  Just across the river from the stadium is one of my favorite neighborhoods, where city planners began to use cul-de-sacs a little too frequently. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Riverside%20Stadium.jpg align=baseline>

 

I hope you enjoyed today's tour of Milan,we 'll hopefully take a better look at Milan's downtown next time and some other monuments in the area as well.

 

Thank you for coming by to visit the journal today, I hope you liked what you saw.  One way or another, let me know what you think.  And in case I don't see you again, good afternoon, good evening and good night.

[lollipop guild leader 0]

I love the feel of touring Milan.  It's such a beautiful city, and you have a great back stories.  Milan has a wild history.  I hope to see more of Milan and Tokyo is looking particularly promising. 

[newyorkrunaway1 110]

I will keep an eye on this one, lots of potential here!

[Glenni 1,447]

Wow!impressively good city!!gottta keep fiollowing this one!!!

[sharkbait16 0]

lollipop guild leader: Thank you, Milan is my favorite city so far, soon I'll give yall a glimpse of the entire Assisi Island

newyorkrunaway1: Thanks, there's a lot of work put into it, I hope you'll be see next time I update Milan.

 

GLENNI: Thank you for following it so far.

 

Update 47: Tokyo... again

First off, I don't want to affend anyone by naming my city Tokyo and having buildings from all over Asia and some even with Chinese characters on them.  I can't read either language, but all of the buildings have a similar Asian flavor to me, of course it's not limited to China or Japan either, so far all of the skyscrapers you've seen so far are from Taiwan or Singapore, actually I don't think I have a single BAT from Tokyo, though I'll probably have to plop the Tokyo Tower in there somewhere, though I've always liked the Oriental Pearl Tower better.  Anyways, I'm getting off track - Tokyo is meant to have an Asian flavor to it from how I see it, some of it is realized through dense skyscrapers side-by-side; elsewhere the flavor is seen in a Chinatown (generalizing again, sorry) type area, in fact I think I'll start off with that.

The city of Tokyo has recently lifted the restriction on Skyscrapers in the old Tokyo district, so a few buildings have begun to overshadow the rest of the W2W shops. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//old%20Tokyo%20skyscrapers.jpg align=baseline>

 

You can vaquely see the TMT rail line in this picture, that's the Tokyo-Manhattan-Transit railline.  In Old Tokyo, it stops at the Old Town Station where tourists come through all the time to visit Old Tokyo.  They also love getting their picture taken next to the famous Clock Tower Square, which stands far above the rest of Old Tokyo showing the time to anyone interested.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//old%20Tokyo%20station.jpg align=baseline>

 

Next we'll move on to the new Industrial Port on the other side of the mountain range.  This Port area became a necessity when the old indutrial port was overtaken by commercial and residential buildings and quickly became Tokyo's city center.  We'll take a look at two shots of the port:

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Industrial%20Port%201.jpg align=baseline>

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Industrial%20Port%202.jpg align=baseline>

 

Finally we return to Tokyo's city center where the biggest construction project of all begins for Tokyo.  Construction has finally begun on Tokyo's Union Center which is going to be the center of business in Tokyo for some time.  You should also be able to finally get a glimpse of Tokyo's Capital Plaza in the shot below.  The Union Center will be tallest building in the entire Coastal Plains (despite Tokyo's low place of 4th among largest cities, though at the rate Tokyo has been expanding, it ought to take second in only a few more years, just behind Manhattan.)  To accompany the Union Center, Tokyo's largest subway station was built next door.  The Grand Union Station has already been finished is currently running at half capacity to accomodate other nearby buildings.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//construction%20begins.jpg align=baseline>

 

That was Tokyo for you.  I hope you tune in next time when I'll be showing off Milan for probably my last update in a very long time, as I will be in Europe till August.  In case I don't see you again, Good Afternoon, Go

[sloppet 3]

excellent update sharkbait16!! really nice pics!! interesting update indeed

[sharkbait16 0]

Update 48: Greetings from Milan

First off, since we've finished touring Milan's most famous touring spot - Assisi island, I thought it would be appropriate to mail some postcards out.  Also, this will be my last update until mid-August.  I will be in the real Milan, and I can't wait.  Other than that, these post-cards were a pain in the ass to make, and they're addressed to the people who've visited this CJ the most.  Oh, and we get a could glimpse of the entire Assisi Island from our airplane window during take-off, and, uh all that blue around the island is simply the glare, yeah, the glare.

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Assisi%20Island.jpg align=baseline>

 

Dear jacqulina,

    Things have been great here in Milan so far, went to the Opera last night - saw Phantom of the Opera, incredible!  Well, thanks for everything.

 

 

 

Dear lollipop guild leader,

    Couldn't find a better card in the gift shop, so uh congratulations, and thanks for always replying!  Though I guess it is that time of year for graduations.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//postcard%20-%20graduation.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Dear Sloppet,

    Cheers mate!  Just wishing you (and your brother) the best of times, had a drink in your honor at Vino Bar and Grill, just delicious food there.  Thanks again.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//postcard%20-%20Verona%20Abbey.jpg align=baseline>

 

Dear Cjah,

    Went to visit La Ravenna where they have all those dead people buried and got you a postcard.  Thanks for the comments.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//postcard%20-%20La%20Ravenna.jpg align=baseline>

 

Too all: Thanks for coming by and in case I don't see you again, Good Afternoon, Good Evening and Good Night!

[jacqulina 162]

awesome update great canal,i love the walls,and i wouldnt mind a holiday in your city

[lollipop guild leader 0]

Lol, it's another year before I graduate but thanks nonetheless.  A great update - I love the feel of Milan, and the postcards are right on.  I'll be missing your CJ while you're gone, have fun in Italy.

[Cjah 15]

Well at least you'll be somewhere nice for your holiday and this C.J. will be even better once you return...

Your work has been really great and I hope you don't lose your touch...

 

Have fun!

[Cjah 15]

I'd hate to double post,but are there going to be updates soon?

[sharkbait16 0]

Oh, I might do a few updates on it, but I really want to start a new CJ with a brand new region, so I'm probably going to be putting most of my time into that.  Thankfully I have a lot of time to do a little of both.

[sloppet 3]

great work! well, but what would I drink there?? keep it up!

[Cjah 15]

Thats great to hear.I can't wait for more updates!Your cities are always so well made and excellent!

Also thank you for the comment you made in my C.J.

 

[____----____ 37]

this cj has a lot of cool areas nice work

 

Alek

[gurrgkud 2]

wow this area is looking awesome. Milan looks amazing.. and so does the industrial/seaport area. I also loved the greeting cards idea. Very good!