Category: Reviews

When exploring Second Life, it is very easy to focus on spaces encompassing entire regions (be they Homestead or Full regions), and at one time there was a perception that holding an entire region was the only way to have the capacity to do something worthwhile. Mesh  – and considered use of the convex physic hull when it comes to basic prim shapes and careful cutting – has helped dispel some of the latter. Even so, it is still very easy to overlook spaces offered for public appreciation simply because the vast majority of public locations do tend to be based on entire regions (or perhaps half or a quarter region).

Hence why I always enjoy discovering little corners of Second Life like Scoglioro, a charming setting put together by Gabriel Oakley (Aaron Barony). Occupying just 5104 sq metres within a Full region, Scoglioro presents an imaginary setting tucked somewhere along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, a little village tucked into a shallow cove the sea once cut into the land prior to retreating once more, leaving behind a space cosily in the arms of surrounding cliffs to offer a protected and somewhat hidden place in which to settle.

I’ve no idea if the beach resort of La Scogliera on that same Italian coast influenced Gabriel in any way. For my part, I prefer to think not; for one thing, La Scogliera seems far more commercialised than this quaint little setting, and for another, Gabriel has imbued his setting with a rich history, which I’ll come to in a moment.

Whilst occupying a small parcel, the sitting is given a sense of place as it appears to sit just off what might be a coastal through route in the form of a major road barrelling out of one tunnel to pass the cobblestone turn-off winding down to the village, before vanishing into the maw of another tunnel.

By doing so, this main road gives the impression that Scoglioro is a place road travellers might easily miss in their rush to get from A to B and back, much to their misfortune, as a turn turn off the road to park on the cobbles would allow them to discover a corner of tranquillity and calm.

The Landing Point for the setting is at the top of this turn-off, the cobble road curling around and down to reach the village, passing by way of an information board as it does so.  It is here, among a series of carefully placed leaflets and pinned pages all worth reading in their own right due to the little twist of life they also give to the setting, visitors can obtain a notecard on the village’s rich history and the local traditions; it’s a card I thoroughly recommend reading, as a lot of care has gone into it, and it further helps bring the setting to life.

The village itself is mostly shells and façade in terms of the buildings, rather than offering a wealth of interiors – but the fact that this is the case matters little (it’s also entirely understandable, given the capacity of the parcel); Scoglioro has more than enough outdoor décor and detail to keep visitors occupied, with the buildings and narrow streets and alleys serve as an excellent backdrop for photography. Boats sit outside of houses, hulls upturned and awaiting the next time they might be rolled down to the water’s edge; the local waterfront bar offers seating in a courtyard behind it and  above the water before it, together with an eclectic mix of meals  – tacos, fish and chips, tapas! – and the opportunity to admire the local street art.

The waterfront is also where  a furnished home can be found, its three floors overlooking the ocean, the taverna right next door, whilst above some of the terracotta tiles of roofs sits a small café, offers an open-air space to relax and chat, the steps leading up to it blending with the surrounding rocks.

The way up to this café passes by a couple of touches that give the setting a curious (and not entirely out of place) touches of Americana in the form of a old tram converted into a diner (albeit one which has seen better days) and a US Mail box (where visitors can drop a note to Gabriel). Further into the village can be found a US-style landline public telephone; again, at first sight it appears slightly anachronistic – but it actually fits the setting well, offering  a twist of interest that keeps the eyes alert for more.

Another interesting twist to the setting can be found underground; here, in what appears to be some form of underpass, one that looks to have been lifted from a more urban setting. It exudes a completely different atmosphere compared to the village, presenting a retreat unique to itself both in content and visually, thanks to the graffiti on the walls – and yet it is not at all jarring in its degree of difference; it just works.

It is also a place hiding a secret; whilst it might be the light leaking around doors at one end of the tunnel, it is in the other direction that the secret might be uncovered, an intimate space for quiet conversations over a glass or two of perfectly aged wine. But I’ll leave it to you to find it.

Small, with plenty of opportunities for photography (with limited opportunities for rezzing props under the local group – but as ever, do pick things up again rather than leaving them for Auto Return to take care of it!), Scoglioro is a charming little visit.

SLurl Details

• Scoglioro (Faithaven, rated Adult)

Given that as I write this, February 14th is but a small handful of days away – and despite the fact I’m generally about as romantic as a cup of coffee – I thought I’d poke the Destination Guide to see what was going on by way of photogenic spots leaning towards the romantic. Among them I found Island of Kalokairi, a name that for some reason rang a bell, although I wasn’t entirely sure why, so off I hopped on what turned out to be a pleasing series of visits.

Of course, those who are fans of the film Mama Mia, the name is likely familiar as having temporarily been bestowed onto the very real Greek islands of Skopelos and Skiathos so that between them, they might represent the film’s major setting. This is probably why the region’s name rang a bell for me; I’d endured a portion of that film over Christmas (and still shudder at the thought of Pierce Brosnan’s brutal slaying of Abba’s SOS). However, for those – like me – who shudder at the thought of that film, fear not; kalokairi here is used as intended, being the Greek for “summer” (as in “island of summer”).

The work of Ella.Marie (0o0EllaMarie0o0), the region is – in keeping with its name – a summertime haven and a place where romance might flow and where those already involved with one another can express themselves over champagne or by sitting by peaceful waters. For explorers and photographers, meanwhile, it is a place for wandering, taking pictures and for appreciating its natural beauty, with the hills of offshore islands and the nearby region of Prem, also held by Ella.Marie and her SL partner, Mike Chandra (MauiMike). A private setting on the ground level, this is also home to their art galleries and businesses, of which more anon.

Island of Kalokairi is itself split into two low-lying isles linked by a single bridge spanning the water channel between them. The northern isle is home the the region’s Landing Point, located within a large greenhouse-like structure. From here, a sea of flowers flows over the grasslands, encouraging visits to drift out into the open and start their explorations. This greenhouse is balanced by circular one on the southern island, the home to dancing and music. Between them, the these two greenhouses form the only enclosed structures within the region.

Between these two greenhouses is a richness of pastoral and natural beauty awaiting discovery. Sheep and deer wander and graze, rabbits play and butterflies weave and fly, whilst cranes and herons keep an eye on the channel’s water, awaiting an unwary fish swimming out from under the water lilies, possibly disturbed by frogs or swans. All of this makes for peaceful wandering and well and multiple opportunities for photography.

Whilst the greenhouses are only two enclosed structures on the land, they are not alone; close to the circular greenhouse is an open-air deck dancing and event space. A further place for dancing can be found on the northern island, a short walk from the Landing Point and surrounded by the poles of a large tent. In addition, white pianos scattered around the landscape further the sense that this is a centre of music as well as romance.

Four decks can be found stretching out over the the surrounding waters. Three offer places to sit and socialise, the fourth is screened by trees and offers a place of meditative retreat for those seeking peace and an sense of tranquillity. A large barge is additionally moored close to south isle’s round greenhouse; it forms a wedding venue, with details provided by the sign alongside the boarding ramp.

Kalokairi Where the sun always shines the blue sea glitters and nature blooms, capture its vibrant sunsets whilst dancing in the Ancient Ballroom or the outdoor Venue under the stars, Life is always better on the Island.

Kalokairi About Land

Throughout all of this are scattered places to sit in addition to the decks noted above; from metal chairs with side tables offering pink champagne to cosy sofas and floating basket seats and benches and rocking chairs. All are just a short and pleasant walk away – or, for those with a wearable horse – a little ride away.

Earlier I mentioned the businesses over the neighbouring region. One of these is Simcaster, the couple’s streaming service – complete with plenty of advice for those wishing to stream audio and / or video in-world. A demonstration  – if that’s the right word – of the streaming capabilities Mike offers can be heard within Island of Kalokairi, which has a custom audio stream very much in keeping with the ideas of love and romance for those who wish to listen.

Rounded out by a natural sound scape for those who like to explore without music, Island of Kalokairi lends itself to personal EEP settings for those who prefer (I used one of my own fixed skies for the photos here) and makes for a rewarding visit. And don’t forget the neighbouring sky galleries, featuring art by both Ella and Mike.

SLurl Details

• Island of Kalokairi (Prema, rated Moderate)