The Chemist, the Cat and the Time Machine: Stop #5

It's time to time travel again, and with the Mad Chemist and Lab Assistant nicely tanned from their visit to Ancient Egypt, they're feeling revitalised and ready to cause another rupture in the space-time continuum. With a rumble and a loud crack (some of which was provided by the newest crew member, the Island Drummer) the Time Machine was on its way.

Dizzy from the journey, our pioneers found the scene awaiting them at the latest stop to be the perfect sight for sore eyes. With a focus on peacefulness and serenity, our crew had arrived in Ancient Asia!

Overview of Stop #5: Ancient Asia

Looking around carefully and thoughtfully, the Chemist quickly deduced that this quiet place almost covered an entire continent - with Japan, China and South Korea all represented it appeared that in centuries past Asia was a much smaller land.

Japan was best exemplified in the most peaceful area of all, with a Bamboo flooring in place for a spot of meditation.

Meditation area

Each participant is given a Meditation Seat to sit on while they listen and watch as Hanbok Phoebe (from South Korea!) takes them on a journey of the mind. With Beach Bonfires glowing around a border of Zen Sand, there's no doubt that anyone getting involved will have their heads cleared out and will feel a new lease of life.

That's certainly what the Lounge Lizard is hoping for! He has no problems lazing around, but needs to focus his mind if he is to finally give up the bottle. However he does appear to still be clutching a glass of wine so Hanbok Phoebe may have her work cut out!

After having his soul replenished, the Chemist moved out into the gardens, where there was further opportunity to be at one with himself and the world.

Gardens

Strolling under the Garden Archways laced with ivy, he crossed paths with the Playful Parasol while also taking in the formidable sight of the Jade Dragon. This really was a beautiful place to be, with refined greenery all around, whether it be the Chinese Lantern Plants, Round Hedges or Dandelion Fields.

Then there were the Harmony Tiles which flowed alongside the Stone trail. These featured some pretty fish gliding through the clear water, and only served to add to the beauty of the gardens. On a larger scale the Lemon Grove mountains could be seen standing proudly in the distance, with the forest of lemons gleaming invitingly in the foreground.

And this paradise of nature was also encapsulated with the Panda Pen. Here the Chemist could see a family of three pandas relaxing and chomping among the bamboo. It was a marvellous sight in a marvellous surrounding. And it's worth noting that the Cat was reliably informed that the pandas were not 'caged' in this pen - they had constructed it themselves as a little hangout. No need to get mankind involved!

But the work of humans could be seen at the end of the path.

Korean Garden and Rockets

The Korean Garden was a huge and homely structure, built over a long period and intended to stand the test of time. With a shallow stream enclosing the temple a small bridge had been erected to reach the impressive building. More shrubbery could be seen around it, meaning that any passers-by who plan to stay the night would have some wonderful views over the balconies at dawn and dusk.

And tearing through the tranquillity are some Rockets. The Chinese invented fireworks, and it appears that the travellers have timed their appearance just right to play the role of excitable observers to the very first rockets. They're all lined up either side of the Korean Garden, and although one or two are not exactly standing up perfectly straight, there's sure to be plenty of sparks and bangs.

After a successful fireworks display our party were invited to... well... er... party!

Dragon Dance party section

To celebrate the lighting up of the skies with lots of vibrant colours the locals are putting on something of a show. On a plethora of Good Fortune Floor Tiles there is much to cheer as the Dragon Dance is performed. Two sets of robed performers are bringing the mythological creature to life, with its yellow scales striking against a blood red skin and pale underbelly.

With a chain of Chinese Lanterns spread across the Red Pattern wall, this area provides a stark contrast to the sedate environments before it. There's a carnival atmosphere as the travellers settle down for a bite to eat courtesy of Action Chef Lee's ancestor. Those who have followed my restaurant prior to this tale will be well aware that Lee calls the shots in the kitchen in the present day, so this must be a relative from well up his family tree!

After getting their fill of Salmon Makki the troop return to the Time Machine with their stomachs packed.

Time Machine including addition of Egg Drop Soup

And waiting there is a gift from the folks of Ancient Asia. A large bowl of Egg Drop Soup has been deposited on one of the remaining counters, thus ensuring that the Chemist and the Cat have another delicacy they can bring back to The Garlic Tree. The menu is going to be getting a major overhaul when they return, but their appetite is still keen for more - roll on the next stop!

---

I have to say, I have been amazed and even a little humbled by the response to this latest stop. Ancient Asia was one of the later destinations to be added to the agenda, and yet quite a few neighbours seem to think it's the best yet! I had reservations right up until the decorating stage, but found that the wealth of Asian themed content in the market allowed me to work everything together well.

The only issue I had was more on the engineering side of things, with the two clear seating sections intertwined. What I mean by this is that often bots would enter through one of the doors but then snake their way through the meditation zone or walk on water to reach a chair closer to the other door! My solution was to discretely move the Chinese Lantern Plants and Round Hedges to prevent any unwanted travels. Even this wasn't enough though and the Autumn Welcome Mat had to be called into action along with a couple of Pizzeria Stools - have you spotted them? Well done if you have!

 The Chemist, the Cat and the Time Machine

 18/04/16 Stop #4 - Ancient Egypt
 11/04/16 Stop #3 - Ice Age
 04/04/16 Stop #2 - Animal Kingdom
 28/03/16 Stop #1 - Dawn of Time
 19/03/16 Introduction

On the gem front this was a light stop, with the Korean Garden being the only premium purchase. There's actually quite a high proportion of the décor on show which came from goals, be it Chinese New Year or a general Asian quest. And the Rockets are from the Independence Day goals - who'd have thought we'd see them in this set-up?!

In Dinosaur Nugget news my supplies are slowly dwindling. Having the Spanish goals to work on this week has had a negative effect, with a lot of time spent with nothing cooking due to the need to construct cookers. This in turn means I don't always have all the counters occupied (unlike in these images I tend to allow the latest food to stretch across multiple counters to spread the loss of portions around). And the goals have also meant less Egg Drop Soup has been made than hoped - I'll be keeping a close eye on it too!

Next: Stop #6 - Middle Ages