Category: Exploring Second Life

France Portnawak, Dreamworld Volcano (Flickr) – click any image to enlarge

There are times, no matter how you try, when the words you want to put into an article refuse to either run from fingers through keyboard to screen, or when on the screen, simply don’t want to order themselves in the way you’d like.

When this happens, you can really only do one of two things; wrestle with the words in the hope of getting them to submit and line-up the way you’d like – or go seek respite by doing something else entirely. For me, the latter generally involves a bath full of hot water and bubbles, music and a book (and perhaps a glass of wine on the side). Today however, I decided to find respite from my block by jumping into SL, albeit with no clear idea of where I Might go or what I might do.  Fortunately, there are plenty of places in-world to captivate us and carry us far from the roubles of the physical world – and even the worries of what to do.

France Portnawak, Dreamworld Volcano (Flickr)

Places like Leico Arado’s region of France Portnawak, which has recently undergone one of its regular make-overs, and has been given the theme name of Terracotta.

The last time I visited, autumn was just settling-in for a stay; now it is the turn of a balmy, semi-tropical summer evening, the sun casting a golden glow across the sky and the sea from the west, the haze in the sky all but masking shadows on the ground (see the images that top and tail this article).

The region has been crafted into a west-facing island that is intriguing in its mix of tropical and deciduous flora; groups of palms standing amidst or close to trees from more temperate climates. Scattered around the landscape, which varies from low-lying sands and grass to rocky outcrops, can be found a number of houses and outbuildings, each with its own ambience and story.

France Portnawak, Dreamworld Volcano (Flickr)

One of the houses sits out on the water on stilts, reached by a meandering path of stones which forms something of a breakwater. Within the rough circle formed by the stones, fishing nets awaited attendance, marsh plants float idly and long grass marches out from the shore, claiming a large part of the watery enclosure. Motor boats apparently offer a means to shuffle back and forth between the shore and the house in place of walking; but be warned – the enclosed water is bounded by a number of submerged physical invisiprims which tend to interfere with navigation.

The house on stilts appears to be the lodge of a hunter / fisherman – at least going by the wall decor. The other houses also have a particular character of their own; the one on the coast closest to the stone path, for example, suggests a woman’s touch and the presence of children. Not far from this, behind steep sand dunes, sits what might be a den used by teenagers, sitting under the metal roof of an open-sided hut.

France Portnawak, Dreamworld Volcano (Flickr)

Quite what the stories are to these and the other places to be found on the island is up to you as the visitor to decide – and there’s more than enough scattered around each of them to get the imagination rolling with narratives. But, if dwelling on possible stories isn’t to your mindset, there are also plenty of places to simply sit and while away the time, either on your own or with a friend, while a climb up to the highest point on the island will bring you to a rather interesting little temple.

In its latest iteration, France Portnawak offers a curious juxtaposition of looks and styles which somehow simply works, with everything flowing together to present visitors with a chance to wander, wonder and simply relax.

Which is just what I needed to do.

France Portnawak, Dreamworld Volcano (Flickr)

Related Links

• France Portnawak SLurl (Rated: Moderate)

Windwept (Moderate) May 2015 (Flickr) – click any image for full size

In 2014, Starfall’s Twiight’s Edge proved to be a popular stopover for Second Life travellers. Both a destination and a venue for performance art, it was a captivating place to see; a beautiful use of water on which to build some captivating scenes (my own initial visit is recorded here). So much so, that its closure was met with a fair degree of lamentation.

Such ws the love of the place, that the news that Nezzy (Inez Pennell) and Imp (Cinderr Resident) had created a new location in Second Life filled a fair few people with delight – including myself; although I admit it’s taken me a little time to work my way around to making a  visit. And I have to say, Windwept, the new region, doesn’t disappoint, at all.

Windwept (Moderate) May 2015 (Flickr) – click any image for full size

Windwept provides a watery environment surrounded by gently undulating hills which encompass a place rich in echoes of Starfall while evoking a look and feel entirely of its own. Those familiar with the latter will doubtless recognise some of the art and elements placed within Windwept, all of which helps generate a comforting déjà vu like feeling that while one might well be visiting for the first time, there is something comfortingly familiar about the region.

Scattered across the water are a series of rocky vignettes, each inviting exploration. The largest of these is a high plateau which offers both a commanding view of the region and its surrounding hills, and a cosy little coffee shop in which to relax. Equally cosy, thanks to it being chock full of bric-a-brac, is a converted shipping container, sitting on the water a little apart from everything else; while right across the region are places to sit and be cosy with a friend or friends.

Windwept (Moderate) May 2015 (Flickr) – click any image for full size

But like Starfall, Windwept is a little deceptive in nature; what you see is not necessarily all that there is; towards the centre of the region is a wooden pier with a small stone-walled garden at one end, bounded on three sides by windows floating in the air. Here sits the top of a ladder, descending into a watery hole – the first indicator of hidden delights waiting to be found; in this case, an underwater room, and little hideaway tucked out-of-sight.

And there is more. Touch the windows (three were active at the time of my visit), and you can be transported to other locations, high overhead, which offer an interesting mix of themes and a touch of whimsy – including one which looks like it may well be intended for live events.

Windwept (General) May 2015 (Flickr) – click any image for full size

It’s good to see Nezzy and Imp open a region like this again; Starfall always had a wonderfully tranquil fee to it, and the skyborne areas for art and contemplation were always a pleasure to visit. Windwept captures so much of Starfall’s spirit, but offer something this is also wonderful in it own right.  The winter’s morning look and feel to the region is ideal for photography, but as can hopefully be seen in the images here, the region offers itself to a range of windlight settings.

But don’t take my work for it – go see for yourself!

Related Links

• Windwept SLurl (Rated: Moderate)
• Windwept Flickr group

Miyagi (General) May 2015 (Flickr) – click any image for full size

It’s Honour’s fault. But then it always is, isn’t it? 😉 .

She recently posted about an oriental region called Miyagi. As regulars here know, anything involving an oriental feel tends to pique my interest. Then Honour mentioned something about racing cars as well, and as I’m currently having Formula 1 withdrawals (hey, three weeks between races this time!), so I had to go take a look…

Miyagi is truly a place with two different faces to present to the world – and with a few secrets waiting to be found as well, making it the ideal place for gentle (in an adrenalin-fuelled way) explorations.

The first face Miyagi offers the world, for those unfamiliar with it at least, is that of a rural Japanese setting with paved footpaths mixing with shrines, little houses, bamboo walks, a castle and even its own Yumedono (hall of dreams). Away from the arrival point with its modern commercial premises and teleport board (which reveals some of Miyagi’s other face), this is an almost tranquil setting. You can wander the footpaths, visits the shrines, wander over bridges crossing the waterways which divide the land and find plenty of opportunities for taking photos.  make your way across the region, beyond the castle, and you can climb torii-spanned steps leading up to a mountain-top shrine.

Miyagi (General), May 2015 (Flickr)

In fact, so picturesque is the the place, it’s easy to forget there’s more here than meets the eye. As noted above, the teleport board gives some of it away – you can use it to reach a number of skyborne raceways – rezzing is permitted, so you can try them for yourself. Or you can test your skills at simball (that’s a kind of full contact football played on hoverboards, for want of a better description), although you will need at least one other player for this to work. The teleport board will also give you access to the local nightclub, Gao (after all every racing driver likes to let-off steam).

But this is far from all Miyagi has to offer. Explore carefully enough, and you might find your way to the river boat tour which will take singles and couples on a ride around and through the region, revealing things you might otherwise miss. Further afield lies a path leading up to an onsen sitting over a lava flow – bringing a whole new meaning to the term hot springs. Higher still, on another peak, sits the hang gliding and bungee jumping platforms (the latter with some delightful animations”) – although you may need a little time to find the elevator up to them! Even the castle offers a rope slide of its own, while closer to the arrival point, there are opportunities to fly a hot air balloon or a wooden helicopter!

Miyagi (General), May 2015 (Flickr)

And the secrets of Miyagi? Well, not everything at ground level is at it seems. Take the little shrines scattered around the place, for example, or the kago you’ll find at the start of the path leading to the Miku shrine. Are they all that they seem? Perhaps you might want to open the doors and find out.

Should you feel particularly daring, look for the trap door in the floor of castle. it’ll reveal a rope ladder leading downwards to a subterranean maze, complete with several traps, hidden passages and more. Just be aware that there’s only one way out (teleporting doesn’t count 🙂 ), and you’ll need the code from a certain nice young lady stuck down there if you’re to get past the final barrier. Then you can take the train car back to safety – well, assuming you find the ladders back up to ground level! And if you find the ladders before going to the castle, do remember that without the code mentioned above, your journey underground will be kept a little short.

Miyagi is a place that manages to cram a lot into itself without feeling the slightest bit overcrowded. With places to wander, rides to enjoy, opportunities to sit and contemplate and the chance for some sporting fun all mixed with a little underground adventure, there is enough on offer to keep almost anyone happy during a visit. Keep an eye out, as well, for the Show Pub Puppet theatre (shows Saturdays / Sundays?) on neighbouring NonStop, where a music store can also be found.

Miyagi (General), May 2015 (Flickr)

The Colder Water, April 2015 (Flickr) – click any image for full size

One of the most hauntingly beautiful regions is Second Life is due to close its doors today, April 30th, 2015, and there are many in Second Life who will miss it.

As I wrote in August 2014, following my first visit there:

The Colder Water, located on the homestead region of Daydreams, is without a doubt one of the most atmospheric and evocative regions I’ve visited.  Both minimalist in one direction, yet rich in content and imagery in another, Jordan Giant’s design has an immersive attractiveness that is quite breathtaking.

The news of the closure came via a message Jordan posted in Flickr earlier in April, to to which Ziki Questi alerted me. Truth be told, I had hoped to get an article out on the closure a lot earlier than now to give people time to pay a visit. Unfortunately, I’ve been going in several directions are once of late, both SL-wise and in the physical world, and haven’t had the time I would have liked to devote to writing something sooner.

Instead, I offer a new video of The Colder Water, and hope that it helps us all remember the land of Daydreams and the Lighthouses Three.

Thank you, Jordan, for sharing your vision and your creation with us.

221B Baker Street, circa 2012-2015, as seen in the BBC’s series Sherlock – and in Second Life (Flickr) – click any image for full size

“Come at once if convenient. SH.” So reads the text message on the ‘phone. A few seconds later it is followed by, “if inconvenient, come anyway. SH.”

Thus, Doctor John Watson finds himself being summoned by his new flatmate, the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes, in the opening episode of Sherlock, the BBC’s re-imagining of Conan Doyle’s famous duo The show sees the pair transplanted to London in the 21st Century, getting a suitably modern make-over in the process, whilst still remaining true to their roots (Watson, for example, sustained a wound during the recent conflict in Afghanistan, just as the original Watson received his wound during the Second Anglo-Afghan War).

The series has aired around the world to much acclaim, each episode retelling one of Conan Doyle’s famous cases, again cleverly updated for modern times. And if you haven’t guessed already, I’m quite a fan – just as much as I enjoy Conan Doyle’s original short stories and novels.

A certain website recording, among other things, 43 different types of tobacco … (Flickr)

So when Strawberry Singh IM’d me about a place in Second Life which apparently recreates the flat at 221B Baker Street as seen in the BBC’s series, it was something I had to see for myself. And I have to say, it really is the most remarkable reproduction.

Almost everything that anyone familiar with the show would expect to find in Holmes’ flat is here. The same untidy mess, the same flock wallpaper and poster on the wall, the kitchen-converted-into-a-lab; there’s even the expected severed head in the fridge and the hand-drawn target on the wall, complete with bullet holes, put their by a “bored” Holmes…

“The wall had it coming…” What happens when a certain S. Holmes, Esq., gets bored … (Flickr)

The flat is the work of Darius Godric, who is clearly an aficionado of the show; not only has he recreated 221B Baker Street in extraordinary detail (as shown in the top image, it even sits above Speedy’s Sandwich Bar!), he has incorporated many touches from various episodes of the show.

Fore example, on the table sits a laptop displaying Holmes’ website, The Science of Deduction. Close by, on a chair, sits a pink travel case, taken from A Study in Pink (a play on A Study in Scarlet, the novel by Doyle which introduced Holmes and Watson). Between the two lies a page of ciphers, alluding to the episode The Blind Banker, which in turn draws on The Valley of Fear and The Adventure of the Dancing Men.

The pink travel case at the heart of A Study In Pink, which introduces audiences to the BBC’s Holmes and Watson (Flickr)

While visiting 221B Baker Street, Berry and I had a little fun dressing-up in a Sherlock style (we actually debated going for the complete look and male avatars, but while there is a lot of stuff for Sherlock to be found, John Watson seems to be less well catered for), and you can see the results of our fun over on Berry’s blog, as a part of her Monday Memes series.

Darius has also gone to great lengths to recreate Sherlock’s looks with his avatar, and the results are stunning.  I had the opportunity to chat with him when he dropped by the flat after Berry and I had finished shooting (literally and figuratively, as you’ll see on her blog!).

“I made the avatar, then I got bored, so I built the flat,” he said as we sat by the fireplace, Darius in Sherlock’s trademark coat and gloves. “I suppose it’s for fans of the show, and homage,” he added.

He’s hesitant to suggest it could be used for role-play, as it retains the dimensions of the original, and thus is on the cosy side when it comes to having too many avatars present, and he’s understandably concerned that visitors popping in and out might spoil the atmosphere. The flat is, however, open to any and all who wish to visit.

Anyone who has enjoyed Sherlock’s three (thus far) seasons via the BBC (and their world-wide partners) is going to love the version of 221B Baker Street Darius has created in Second Life; it really is a marvel to visit. The many touches within it will have fans of the show smiling happily (I know I was).

And if you need reminding of the appearance of the flat in the show, check the video at the end of this piece, courtesy of the BBC.

Watson: “There’s a head in the ‘fridge!” Holmes: “Yessss…” Watson: “A bloody head!” Holmes: “Well, where else was I supposed to put it?” … what you might find in the kitchen-turned-Lab at 221B Baker Street (Flickr)

Related Links

• Flat 221B Baker Street SLurl (Rated: Moderate)
• Strawberry’s Monday Meme: TV shows

Special update: It appears that Holmes and Watson, as portrayed by Benedict Cummerbatch and Martin Freeman in the BBC series will next be appearing in  … 1895! To find out more, and to understand the layered significance of this date, read the news on the BBC website!

With thanks to Darius Godric for his time, and to Berry for the invitation!