Stuck

It took Joe a little while to figure out where he could go and not go in his new house.

At first, he often got stuck trying to squeeze past the island.

He kept getting stuck between a wall and an island.

The Center of Nowhere

The Geographical Center of the Asian Continent is in the middle of nowhere. I really think it could be called the Center of Nowhere instead.

There is an empty main road that has a turnoff that leads back to the monument.

The road to the monument has signs on either side for each of the countries in Asia.

On my first trip, we took a bus that dropped us off at the turnoff going back to the monument. We started taking photos at each of the signs until we realized how far it was back to the monument. Nervous that we would not make it back in time before the bus came, we picked up the pace and stopped taking photos.

After walking a mile or more, we finally made it to the ticket gate. It may be in the middle of nowhere, but that doesn't stop them from selling tickets.

Even at the ticket gate, you can barely make out the monument.

Inside the ticket gate, there are a serious of sculptures.

The monument that you could barely see from the ticket gate is rather tall up close.

Make that really tall...

The monument is surrounded by a circle of sculptures, one for each country in Asia.

Once again, this place is in the middle of nowhere.

After a very long walk there, we started back to the road a little concerned about missing the bus. If we missed the bus, we weren't sure how we would get home. We were quite a distance from the city. As we started down the road, a car stopped and asked if we needed water. At first, we said no, but then we asked if they would be willing to drive my parents down to the main road. They agreed. It was a fun ride for my parents since they don't speak the local language, and the people in the car didn't speak English. When they got to the road, they dropped off my parents and one of the passengers and came back for me and my friend. It was a good thing that they did because they no sooner turned around to pick us up then the bus came. Luckily, the passenger was able to hold the bus until we got there. We were close to being stranded in the Center of Nowhere.

Note - The story in this post is from April 2008.

Original Center of Asia Markers

I have heard that a older man near the Geographical Center of Asia was upset that there was no monument to mark the spot, so he carved 4 lions one to face each direction. I don't know if the story is true, but there are 4 carved lions off to the side, discarded.

A closer look at 2 of the lions...

And the other 2...

Posing...

Me and my buddy...

Extreme Makeover - Turtle Home Edition

Some time in the fall, Joe outgrew his old house. He loves to swim, but there just wasn't enough room for him to swim in his old house.

So, I built him a new house where he could swim.

I also put an island in the center, so that he could spend some time outside the water.

I think he really likes the new house.

Center of Asia Marker

Today is just shots of the marker for the Center of Asia.

This shot is from the side looking up, short view.

Long view.

This shot is from below.

This is same place from the side.

Another view.

This is the upper part from below.

And a more complete view from below.

This is the base under the marker.

Finally, the shadow of the marker.

Like I said, great for taking photos.

Center of Asia

I live near the Geographical Center of the Asian continent. It is a fun little place in the middle of nowhere with lots of fun places to take photos.

A big sign along the main road.

And a little sign.

And another sign closer to the monument...

The Geographical Center of Asian Continent...

Looking out to see all of Asia.

More about the Center of Asia tomorrow...

Hot Dog on a Stick

First, I think this little boy is absolutely adorable. That is probably why he is getting his second post. Any excuse to post a total of 3 pictures of him.

Right before I started taking photos of him, his mother gave him a hot dog on a stick. I think I live in the food on a stick capitol of the world.

Unfortunately, the stick fell out on the first bite. He must be a pro at eating these though, because he managed not to lose the hot dog, and we got it back on the stick.

Was I Being a Bad Turtle?

Joe loves to hang out on top of his island. I personally think this particular position looks uncomfortable, but I am not a turtle. I have no problem with Joe hanging out on the island, in fact, I built the island so he would have a place to hang out.

Unfortunately, Joe has yet to realize that. Every time, he sees someone looking at him while hanging out on the island, he dives back into the water. Silly turtle.

China Doll

Here is a real-life China Doll.

What an adorable little jumper!!

My Christmas Tree

I would have to guess this post is from December.

I did decorate for Christmas including a Christmas tree.

Here is a before shot of the tree.

And an after shot.

World's Most Adorable Turtle

How can you resist a face like that...

Easy 5 Minute Chocolate Cake

Did you know that you can make a tasty chocolate cake in only 5 minutes?

Here is what you need...
4 Tablespoons Flour
4 Tablespoons Sugar
2 Tablespoons Cocoa
1 Egg
3 Tablespoons Milk
3 Tablespoons Oil
a small splash of Vanilla
3 Tablespoons Chocolate Chips (optional)
1 Large Coffee Mug

Step 1: Put dry ingredients in mug and mix well.
Step 2: Add egg and mix well.
Step 3: Add oil and milk and mix well.
Step 4: Add chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla and mix well.
Step 5: Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Don't worry if it rises above the mug.
Step 6: Cool and Eat.

Here is the finished product...

South Mountain

About an hour and a half or so outside my city is a nice area to relax and get away from city life.

There are mountains...

And trees...

And a waterfall...

And horse carts...

I love watching the water rush over the rock.

I also like to stop and get my picture taken.

The horse cart drivers take good care of their horses.