Of hidden treasure and a Monkey Island in Second Life

Gian (GiaArt Clip) is an artist, photographer and region designer whose work – in the form of Buddha Garden – I’ve covered twice within this blog (in February and December 2022, so is itself overdue for a return visit on my part!) and who has now presented us with a new setting to explore and enjoy in the form of Monkey Island, which I was recently able to visit.

Described as “an island in the Caribbean”, Monkey Island offers opportunities for exploration – including a treasure hunt -, photography, relaxing, and simply enjoying the setting with its mix of major and minor islands as they edge towards a theme of pirates whilst also offer a number of potential twists which take the mind in other directions.

The Landing Point is located on the largest of the islands, upon which sit a little village presenting an interesting mix of themes and places to visit. There is a small house, for example, which is neatly kept and carries with it a sense of refinement one might not usually associate with piratical leanings; paintings apparently from the European Renaissance period adorn the walls along with framed wooden fretwork; the kitchen area is well-cared for and the bed made with comfortable sheets, while behind a screen and offering a further twist, sits a bath complete with plumbing and shower head!

Meanwhile, the smithy next door harkens back more towards medieval times in terms of the majority of the weaponry and protection being made (although admittedly, there are canon and shot on the upper floor); and while the tavern has a look suited to almost any period, medieval, renaissance or the “golden age” of piracy (mid-17th through early 18th centuries), the meals being served would not necessarily look out-of-place in a modern gastro-pub.

This is not to criticise in any way; the mixing of themes and ideas works very well, serving to give the setting a sense of history and mystery. This continues up to the rocky nub forming the highest point on this island, where sits a little art gallery selling pieces by Gian, several of which offer a glimpse of the pirate era and one of its most famous sons – Edward Teach.

More direct hints that this is an enclave for pirates can also be found scattered around the place, both indoors and out, whilst those interested in the treasure hunt can obtain their first clue from the proprietress of the tavern (be sure to give the chimp playing outside a little pet). She’ll set hunters on a route of exploration through the village and elsewhere – but to succeed, patience and a code will be required – I will say no more!

A sandbar curls out from the village island, pointing towards the second of the setting’s large islands; a place which is probably going to attract the eye anyway. given its most obvious feature. Apparently carved our of the peak’s rock, this feature might will put some in mind of an island with another name; a place if not associated with monkeys, then certainly known for being the home of one titan of an ape.

The sandbar doesn’t actually connect to this second island, but it does offer protection for a small bay and wharves where a boat might be found to carry you across the water. But don’t be in a hurry to find the boat rezzer and set off over the water – there is much to find around and below the village; and a walk out along the sandbar (where many of the monkey that presumably give the islands their name also roam) is worth it, if only to better appreciate what lay its its far end.

Sitting on the rocks which mark the end of the sandy finger at the end of the sand sits an oversized chimp atop of a pile of books. He appears to have been cast from bronze or similar, rather than being carved from the rock and is quite a striking figure as he holds in one hand a human skull he appears to be thoughtfully pondering. Looking at him, I was instantly put in mind of two things: the famous speech from Act 5, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, and the infinite monkey theorem – and I’m sure I’ve not been alone in reacting this way!

Whether the placement of the chimp is intended to set thoughts wandering along such paths or not, I’ve no idea; but certainly the Hamlet-esque element is not entirely out-of-place, with its themes of death and burial: the pirate’s life tended to have violent ways and ends whilst including the idea of buried treasures; and it is fair to say that Edward Teach saw he head and body part ways following his death, so perhaps the chimp is contemplating the skull of a pirate more than a court jester…

As to the tall island itself, this offers much to explore and discover, with paths, wooden stairways, climbing ropes and zip lines presenting the means of getting around. One of the latter in fact crosses the water to one of the smaller islands as it sits in the lee of the mountain, a pirate ship anchored in its shallows, and if you seek the hidden treasure, you’ll need to take the ride down it to the little island as it holds the key (figuratively speaking) to the final part of the hunt – but again, I’ll leave you to find that out for yourself. All I will say here is that even if you’re not interested in unlocking the treasure, you will still most likely want to visit this little island and take the plunge to find its secrets.

One other thing I would note as a well in talking about the smaller islands, is that there is one is home to a small stone cottage with a round tower at one end. This might well look inviting to the curious, but it is in fact a private residence and not open to uninvited guests or wanderers, so do please keep that in mind when visiting.

Richly detailed, fun to explore and finished with a subtle, natural sound scape, Monkey Island is a fun place to visit with much to discover (I’ve not even mentioned the hidden grotto with its upright piano within until now, for example!). Recommended.

SLurl Details

• Monkey Island (rated: Moderate)