At the landing place there is a big ice rink for skating and parties. Check out the new gallery with the non-profit spaces! You can see the festival globe from here, the big structure with a rotating Christmas tree inside. Look around, there is plenty to see!
Hop on the merry-go-round by the landing, or walk over to the trolley, which will take you on a tour of the sim. It stops at some major landmarks worth seeing.
While on our way to the Santa's village, we came by St.Nicholas and some familiar faces. Uncle Jak said it was difficult to tell me and the other foxes apart.
When we got to Santa, me and him had a serious talk. He promised not to make me sing to him on Christmas eve, like he often has done in Finland to innocent creatures like foxes and small human children. He wanted something in return, so I promised not to bite him this time and to try and avoid hiding under the table when he asks, whether or not I have been a good fox. We shook paws and mittens and I went on my way.
Then Uncle Jak took me to a surprising place! There is a whole Japanese garden on the sim! Once you walk through the gate, you feel, like you are stepping into a magical world of it's own.
Swans and ducks swim in the pond. You can feed the ducks by clicking the feeder box. There are also frogs that leap around on some lotus leaves. And fittingly the dance floor meant for parties is actually made of huge lotus leaves!
Did you notice the shape the stepping stones are lined up in? They mimic the formation a flock of geese flies in, and hence the path is called the "Flying Geese Bridge".
In the middle of the pond, you find yourself on some big rocks deep in thought. An old tree bends it's neck over you. This is a temple for protection and safety.
If you are aware of how traditional Japanese Gardens are built, you will notice that this one is made as authentic as possible. So much research went into the making of this special space, where you feel like everything is the way it should be. Someone has made lines on the sand, like a meditation.
There is a little tea room set up for a traditional ceremony. Make sure to note the moss garden and the old bonsai trees, by the long fence, as well. Did you know that many Japanese gardens have something to remind you of Mount Fuji? Here the mound is for that purpose.
Back to the world outside the garden. In the Memorial Chapel you can light a candle for a loved one, and many people have done so. It is a beautiful space, where one may sit down and have a quiet moment to think about those we have lost. But the space is not too somber. You can think of the good things, too. Nice memories and the special people you shared them with.
When you visit the Auditorium, you may find your first thought to be "wow". The colorful yet elegant, practical yet beautiful look of the space is really wonderful. Jak has been replacing the windows with glass blocks to give the space a new interesting feel. Speaking of replacing, he has also been retexturing some buildings with nice red bricks.
When walking around starts to make you tired, sit down in the gazebo for a hot chocolate and a chat.
Here is a look over the whole sim. Even the sim surround is lovely.
Thanks for a great tour, Jak!
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