Category: Reviews

Occupying just under an eighth of a full region (which itself leverages the additional land capacity bonus available to private regions) sits Sakura Cranes, as attractive, Japanese / oriental themed setting created by Brian Ravenhurst, and which I recently visited by way of the Second Life Destination Guide. It is actually one of three parcels within the region Brian has designed, but will be the focus of this article – the other two can be reached via the raised walkway which wends its way through a part of Sakura Cranes.

The setting has – according to its About Land description – been inspired by the Takedera Temple, which I believe is a reference / alternate name for the Hôkoku-ji Temple (although the date given in the About Land description differs to that for Hôkoku-ji) – and additionally known as the Bamboo Temple, on account of its position deep within a bamboo garden. Like Hôkoku-ji, Sakura Cranes has its own bamboo feature – a curtain of tall trees which act as a curtain of green running west-to-east between the rocks and walls forming the north-south borders of the parcel.

South of this curtain and sitting high on the cliffs, sits an ancient pavilion guarded by two kitsune foxes as steps climb gracefully down along the instep of the long foot of rock extending northwards from the pavilion’s perch. Torii gates mark the stairway as reaches a raised wooden walkway set over mist-shrouded ground, the mist broken in several places by fingers of rock pointing to the sky. The bell towers of a shine sit either side of the walkway as it reaches another pavilion, this one set between the arms of the bamboo curtain, offering a view over a large body of water fed by dragon fountains and partially shaded by Sakura blossoms.

A second walkway winds through the bamboo trees, this one splitting so that one arm forms the connection to the neighbouring parcels, and the other to span – by way of a slightly off-centre bridge – the water and descend to the lowlands bordering the water on the far side. This northern half of the region presents a rich, calming garden. Gravel and cobble paths wind their way over the grass and down over the rocks and under the boughs of bamboo, Sakura and other trees as then pass between an assortment of buildings.

The garden is reached by another walkway and wooden steps descending from the bridge, a pair of open gates to one side provide access to a small market area, a further gateway providing the means to loop back along the path paralleling the fountain-fed waters, passing under the bridge as it does so.  At the far end of the this path is a shaded place in which to spend time, whilst mid-way along the path stepping-stones pass over the water to reach another place to pass the time playing a Chinese gu zheng within an open-sided pagoda rising from the rippling waters.

Mirroring the stepping stones crossing the water is a second set, these passing over the grass of the gardens to reach a teahouse where another gu zheng sits, together with the opportunity to enjoy some tea and appreciate the artist’s studio on the upper floor.

The tea-house is one of four structures within the low gardens, excluding the little market. Of the remaining three, one is a small shrine sitting next to the teahouse, around which a gravel path loops on its way north. The remaining two, located at the northern extreme of the setting and separated by another curtain of bamboo and a further body of water, are two rental homes. Both were available at the time of my visit, but this might not always be the case, so do please be careful about trespassing on people’s privacy. The waters between these two houses forms a home for a small boat, open to the public and offering another place to pass the time – possibly in contemplation of Buddha as he watches over the water.

With lanterns together with kites floating overhead, Japanese cranes dancing and nesting in or near the waters, and with enough paths winding through the landscape, Sakura Cranes offers a lot to appreciate within its comfortable, small space – and does so without ever feeling overcrowded for its size or in any way enclosed. In other words, it makes for a perfect and relaxing visit.

Recommended!

SLurl Details

• Sakura Cranes (Soundstation, rated Moderate)

LeLooUlf is back with another setting for the end-of-year holiday season, Leloo’s Jingle Bells Trails. This delightful sky platform setting is probably best described using LeLoo’s own words:

An enchanting outdoor Holiday Season festival that promises a magical experience for all! Bring your skates and get ready to glide around the frozen pond using the skating system for singles and couples. You can also skate along the beautiful icy paths with the soft glow of twinkling lights. Then take a well-deserved break and visit the outdoor café for some hot cocoa or a cup of mulled wine … Everyone is Welcome to this PG event!

–  Jingle Bells Trails

This is a place that is unabashed in its celebration of the modern spirit of Christmas; there’s a Christmas market, ice skating, snow, reindeer, snowmen, decorated trees, baubles, a mistletoe kissing booth, hot chocolate – the list goes on.

Two paths lead away from the landing point. One is signposted the Skating Path, and the reason becomes clear as to why after travelling along it for a short distance visitors will find it turns to ice and a skate giver and sign where it does – allowing them to continue along the path on foot or by skating along it, passing under a pair of trestle tunnels with glittering lights as the path meanders onwards to reach a junction.

Here the main path turns to the right, whilst a short stretch continued onwards into the Playful Pond, where a little skating can be had (if the pond is not too crowded for you!). Passing onwards, however, the main path allows visitors to reach a little chapel which, in keeping with the Christmas theme, has a little nativity scene and a decorated tree within.

From here the way loops back towards the landing point once more, a small junction and a footpath enticing visitors to drop in on the setting’s one house, a cosy little place with a fire in the hearth and goodies to be enjoyed in the kitchen. Meanwhile, running westwards, the skating path once again slips under a couple of light-festooned trestle tunnels, one with another path leading away from it to offer a further little diversion – this to visit the setting’s horses.

Prior to getting back to the landing point, this arm of the path provides access to the main skating pond (around which it largely loops) where among other things, you can join a slightly odd-looking but fun-filled snowman in a dance (or several!) if the skating doesn’t appeal; and he certainly knows his dances (up to and including David Brent’s spectacularly weird dance from The Office – that’s the original UK version, not the US remake). That said, the skating options displayed under the tree occupying the middle of the pond offer an extensive range of opportunities for having a little icy fun.

Just beyond the entrance to the pond, the icy surface of the path gives way to snow, and that to cobbles and the setting’s café, where hot drinks and suchlike are on offer. From here, it is a short walk back to LeLoo’s little market and the landing point. But there is also much more the see and enjoy as you wander: there are little comic vignettes to cause a smile, polar bears who seem to be making the most of the wintery setting, LeLoo’s art to be enjoyed and lots of little photo opportunities. All of which makes for an engaging visit in preparation for the upcoming holidays.

SLurl Details

• Jingle Bells Trails (Friends, rated Moderate)