Feline Quarter
East Tenne: Feline Quarter
The second arrondissement of the national capital, adjacent to the Royal Quarter, is the Feline Quarter. The Feline Quarter is the home of the magnificent Bureau of Feline Affairs palace, which serves as the administrative headquarters for BFA activities in Schulmania and its colonies. The district centers around this landmark and its extensive gardens, but contains far more than just a palace. The bustling and densely developed district will be explored in multiple updates, as we stroll the palace grounds, amble along the Riverwalk, marvel at the plethora of cultural and economic amenities, and enjoy the ambience that only a feline capital can provide.
The densely populated district has many short diagonal roads near the BFA compound. Altogether, they make use of every single Parisian diagonal BAT ever published in the LEX/STEX. That’s right, not a one has been left out of District II.
One the main thoroughfares is Chancellor Mooky Boulevard. Over 1,000 carriages and wagons traverse the road daily.
Here’s an easy to find landmark on the west side of the district: the Column of Baron Nik
Pedestrian walkways have been installed at key places along major thoroughfares to reduce delays for walkers and carriages
Check off a few more diagonals… this is Rue Calico
This is the Bureau of Feline Affairs Palace, the centerpiece of the district and one of the foci of national power in the nation. From here, Governor-General H. J. Franciflora and his staff administer the nation’s feline affairs. The international headquarters of the BFA is located in The Wirdleplex. The palace sits amidst luxurious gardens. The grounds are known as the Jardin des Felines and remain open to the public during business hours.
At center on the top floor is the Governor-General’s office. He has an inspiring view of the town and the beautiful gardens. I wonder if that distracts him from his work. I think I’d be gawking at the surroundings all the time and not get any work done. But of course, I am sure he is more focused than am I.
The Royal Protectorate of Harar is administered by the Bureau of Feline Affairs and ruled by Queen Vera. As the population is mostly engaged in traditional feline culture, much of the government’s functions are carried out here, at the Royal Embassy of Harar. Queen Vera, when not in her palace at Lake Felis or at the BFA headquarters in The Wirdleplex, often works from the embassy here in the capital. This suits her well, as she can be closer to her husband, Chancellor Mooky, who is often in the capital.
The Royal Embassy of Harar is next door to the BFA compound and is the only embassy in the capital. There are consulates in District VI, but non-BFA nations’ embassies are in Friendsville, on the other side of the Tenne River.
Let’s take a stroll through the magnificent Jardin des Felines. Designed by famed feline landscaper Fredrick Meow Olmstead, the garden consists of two distinct sections: rambling gardens along the front and sides and a formal, geometric section in the back, fronting the river.
The front and sides of the palace have grounds such as this, with plantings and walkways in exuberant abundance
The formal gardens in the back are much different but equally inspiring
On a sunny day, picnics aplenty fill the lawns
One of the signature features of the Feline Quarter is its waterfront. The south shore of the Wirdle River has been developed into a park- the Riverwalk. Riverwalk Park is the nation’s first attempt to develop a shoreline as a recreational area. Usually, these places are left natural to encourage wildlife and preserve water quality. The BFA decided to use the minimally invasive technique of building walls along the shoreline to add space for strollers and fishers without compromising the river. Since its inception, the Riverwalk has been a huge success with the locals. The concept is sure to be reproduced elsewhere.
The beautiful Wirdle River beckons…
You can head downstairs to the waterline to fish. The national fish, the catfish, is plentiful and pan fries excellently.
Further east, the Riverwalk encompasses a large plaza, dominated by a gilded column
As you can tell, Olmstead did a fine job marrying the Riverwalk to the formal gardens. Truly, his impressive work is meritorious of an award. And he has received a medal from the BFA for his efforts.
The Riverwalk continues to surprise as we stroll its length. Around every bend we find monuments, pocket parks and special features.
We have barely started to see what the Feline Quarter has to offer. Across the street from the BFA palace we find St. Sylvester’s Square, home of the golden domed church of the same name. St. Sylvester Puddytat is one of the most popular figures in the feline world and his ravenous spirit is celebrated in many places.
The church is flanked by huge bronze statues. This one is of Dr. Kannopenner, inventor of Fancy Feast.
The church’s dome uses over 10,000 ounces of pure gold and is a blinding sight at the right time of day. Sunrise and sunset, the effect is dazzling and not to be missed.
To conclude our tour of the Feline Quarter, we will see some wider view of different parts of the district. But, if you think we are finished exploring this amazing sector of the capital, think again! It will take eight full chapters to see all that is here. So, sit back and enjoy!
The intricate pattern of streets in the district makes ample use of diagonal buildings
Busy streets are lined with thriving shops and offices, many of who specialize in feline supplies. Ossie’s Scratching Post, the premier feline outfitter, has several locations here in the capital.
In this wide view, we see the heart of the Feline Quarter. The massive palace complex is the heart of the district and dwarfs all of the other developments.
Though densely developed, nobody in the Feline Quarter is far from open space
In this photo alone are six different Parisian diagonals. Told you!
Here we see more of the Riverwalk
St. Sylvester’s is a landmark in its own right, located across the road from the palace
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