Ainkien: The Underdiscovered Country

[metasmurf 705]

Wow looks really good

[knarfmo 0]

Weston Bay, Ainkien: July 10 2003

Larry Lawrence was glad that his shift at the reception desk in the Hogwarts' Theme Resort was over. He had been assigned to the Slytherin Group for the past summer, and because of his blond hair he had numerous verbal jobs from customers and coworkers calling him Draco. Far more comfortable in his shorts and t-shirt, he left the castle just as the summer sun was beginning to think about waning in the early evening sky.

After a brisk walk to lakefront, Larry had made it just in time to catch the ferry to Chiquita Town. On the deck of the ferry, he looked out over Lake Cancotain to the bustling activity in Ainkien's tourist trap. He could see the rides at Six Flags moving on the skyline and sail boats crossing near the waterfront. He had plans to meet up with his friend Simon to go play some slots at the Casino Cairo. The Chiquita Town area was Larry's ideal place to spend the summer, but he and Simon would return to Ashington University at the summer's conclusion.

Simon was waiting for Larry at the bus stop near the ferry.

Hey, Larry. Busy day at Hogwarts?

Yep. Five customers called me Draco. I really wish I could get switched to Hufflepuff. One lady with thick glasses drew a wand on me. That still freaks me out, even though you'd think I'd be getting used to it. How about you?

Oh you know. It's always the same thing for me: watering flowers for the parks department.

Simon and Larry were very intentional about riding on the right side of the bus so that they could catch a glimpse of the ladies as they passed the beach. Chiquita Beach was full this time of year, and their was plenty of eye candy to catch their interest. Larry was especially fond of the blonde ladies, many of whom were from northern Europe at this time of year. Unfortunately, the artificially constructed lake beach is fairly small, and the Great Sphinx soon announced their arrival at the Casino Cairo.

Welcome to Vegas, quipped Simon. Larry agreed. The Casino was one of the most gaudy buildings in Ainkien. It was a theme casino, which further made a further allusion to Las Vegas, Nevada.

I'm feeling lucky tonight, announced Larry. I'm going to turn my $20 into $100.

Unfortunately, Larry's money was spent within an hour of playing 25 cent slot machines. It lasted this long only because he stopped to watch part of Simon's blackjack game on the way back from the rest-room. It looked like Simon had some modest success. When Larry was out of spending money, he found Simon waiting in line to cash some chips.

How much have you won, Simon?

About $110 - I think

Your lucky. How much did you spend tonight.

$10

Okay, I think I was feeling luck for you, not for me. Larry smiled. Something then caught his eye over at the entry to the casino. He let out a slight gasp.

What is it? said Simon, who was puzzled.

It is my lucky day, responded Larry with a nod.

At the door, flanked by two bodyguards, was Larry's favorite blonde of all: Nicole Kidman.

I like working in this town, said Larry, licking his lips.

================================================

Welcome to Page 2!My previous entries have focused on the City of Newcastle. We will return to Greater Newcastle periodically through this city journal, but today we are going to Canterbury County. Canterbury is a more rural setting in Ainkien, although the focus of this entry will be on Ainkien's second largest city, Ashington, as well as several small towns that range from the quaint to the eccentric:

The trip query was from the intersection of the two expressways at the lower right of the picture.

For the next entry I plan to take us back to Newcastle to explore the Barr Having Riding of Newcastle County.

[sebrat13wildcat 5]

This CJ is really awesome, I love the suburban feel to the cities and the stories you do with them

[Cjah 15]

Thats a large update!

I like all the custom stuff aswell as the maxis content.It is really nice with all the wall to wall buildings grown in.The transit layout is also very cool aswell.

 

 

[sloppet 3]

well, I'm sure This cj will go far, but now I have to say also that the pictures are nice! Well, I don't have to say it, but i think so!

[choco1 4]

Very nice update! Your cities look great, and they are designed both realistically and beautifully.

Keep up the great work, oh and I love the theme park, cheers.

[jacqulina 162]

fantastic updates very nice detail awesome pics i love the night pics

[knarfmo 0]

Time for an Update: Barr Haven

Here is the first part of another long entry. This time, I will dispense with the introductory story and take you back to Greater Newcastle where we will tour Barr Haven. I would like to start off this entry with an explanation of how the cities and counties of Greater Newcastle are organized.

I'll continue the tour of Barr Haven in my next update.

[sloppet 3]

nice work! the pics are ok, I like it!

[knarfmo 0]

More pictures from Barr Haven

Reality Check: Barr Haven is named for a suburb of Ottawa Canada and, indirectly, New Haven Connecticut's New Haven railroad.

I'm working my way south in Barr Haven - more pictures to follow soon.

[sloppet 3]

well, i have to say that more pics are nice

[knarfmo 0]

The last installment of Barr Haven...

Gee, maybe I should have added another suburb centred on a roundabout!

[Fabiocb 1]

really great updates and the satelite view of the region is awesome, I just love it, oh and the presentation is really something else, really good.

 

Keep it coming.

 

[GMT 389]

wow.

very cool details.
i love em!

cant wait to see more

[knarfmo 0]

I've just repaired the links to all of the pictures and updated my profile. I'm thinking about adding to this city journal again.

In the meantime, I've been working on two "sequels" to it.

[shaggy01ca 3]

Awesome Map! Whats the program or secret you used to get that picture. I know there is no direct ingame pic that can be taken that way... it's always from the side...

Great work so far!

[Schulmanator 5,812]

This is a cool CJ. I don't think I have seen it before. I am glad I found it!

[knarfmo 0]

How about, after a very long hiatus, an update?

Today, I'll take you on a tour of Manchester Downs:

[Simtastico 0]

very good update! you are good at using maxis buildings, perhaps you could get some more custom content though to get a mix.. would make your cj even more better! my fav is your maps, very good and you describe every part of the region in a very interesting way, good luck!!

[jacqulina 162]

excellent looking ciy great planning my friend

[Schulmanator 5,812]

Nicely done. And, I am glad to see an update. This is a well planned and attractive town.

[KingTitan 6]

I love your consistancy in your layouts of your CJ pics.  Keeps me interested for sure. Of course your details and planning are fantastic too.  What a great idea with the 'You are here" map. 

Definitely will be back for more on this..
May I put you as a must see in my signature?

-KT

PS..   I want the building that that has the blue "tin" roofs and the balcony's.  It dominates this pic...you have a link friend?

[Twenty20 28]

Nice city, good presentation ! perhaps too many Maxis buildings on some pics.

[knarfmo 0]

REPLIES

Everyone - Thanks for your kind replies.

Twenty20 and Simtastico - You both are absolutely right that I need more custom content. I only use the Euro and Chicago building styles plus some extra custom content, and the result is rather monotonous. I built Ainkien on my old computer that didn't like to load plug-ins. I have a better machine now and I've downloaded a bunch of stuff today, but experimentation didn't go so well in terms of redevelopment. So, I'm going to have to let the architectural diversity happen more naturally. It's frustrating that some building types dominate and that you rarely get to see some of the things you download.

KingTitan - I'd be flattered to be in your signature. The townhomes with the blue roofs are part of the standard Maxis Euro set. As you can see, they like to develop.

[knarfmo 0]

Now, for a special CJ update....

"Good Evening. I'm Julia Anniston with tonight's ATV-5 news."

"After much anticipation, the Games are finally here. Today the opening ceremonies were held for the 2008 Simlympics in Penthesili, Dimland. Celebrations were held throughout Ainkien this afternoon, with jumbotron televisions provided by ATV and the Ainkien International Olympic Committee in key public venues."

"ATV-5's newschopper caught a glimpse of the festivities from above while Simlympics fans gathered at McAllister High School near the West End Market..."

"...Ashington Civic Plaza..."

"...and at the Green Valley Amphitheatre in Durham Square."

"This is Ainkien's first time participating in the games, and the Ainkien International Olympic Committee is hoping to bring home at least three medals. Good luck to you, Team Ainkien."

[S1acker 0]

Very nicely done knarfmo! Fantastic editing, especially in the last picture. I wish the best of luck to Ainkien's athletes during the games .

[Schulmanator 5,812]

Great update - the town looks lively! Go team!

[fabsies55 5]

nice city. a lot of maxis material in your buildings but still nice.

i like your parks and houses and some civic but its alright.

[balkair 6]

awesome CJ! Keep up the good work!

[knarfmo 0]

Thanks for you nice comments on my last update, everyone. Now, just a brief update for today:

"Good Evening. I'm Julia Anniston with the evening news."

"Ainkienians everywhere are celebrating the surprising success of Mr. Hugo Martinez, who has won the bronze medal in judo at the Simlympic Games in Penthesili, Dimland. Ainkien Olympic Committee Chair Robert Duncan is very pleased with the unexpected medal win."

"Mr. Martinez is a native of the close-knit Esperanza neighbourhood on Newcastle's East End, where neighbours watched his tournament progress in local cafés and bars. Martinez is an economics student at the University of Ainkien - Newcastle."