This past week I traveled northwest of where I live to visit a friend. Out in the middle of no where surround by desert plains that look much like western Texas and eastern New Mexico, there is a city of 260,000 people. This small town would not be here if it weren't for two things- oil and water, both of which the government has helped to bring in.
Here is the man made river that runs through this desert town. It brings water in from far away mountains in the North. 
If you turn around from looking out at the man made river, a waterfall is behind you.
This man made waterfall is called the nine dragon waterfall and is a prized posession in this town.
You can walk around all sides of it and in the summer you can even walk behind it. It was too cold for that when we were there.
To match it's name there are nine dragon heads where the water comes shooting out. 
The top of the waterfall is decorated with classical Chinese style pagodas.
Down below the waterfall are several rows of lions carved along the railings.
Every lion must have been carved by hand because no two were alike.
I found them quite comical with their different facial expressions.
It made we wonder if it was some art classes project and everyone had to carve a lion!
If you turn around from looking out at the man made river, a waterfall is behind you.This man made waterfall is called the nine dragon waterfall and is a prized posession in this town.You can walk around all sides of it and in the summer you can even walk behind it. It was too cold for that when we were there.To match it's name there are nine dragon heads where the water comes shooting out. The top of the waterfall is decorated with classical Chinese style pagodas.Down below the waterfall are several rows of lions carved along the railings.
Every lion must have been carved by hand because no two were alike.
I found them quite comical with their different facial expressions.
It made we wonder if it was some art classes project and everyone had to carve a lion! 
