A big part of the magic of Second Life involves building and scripting objects in real time and playing with prims. Sandboxes are designated areas for Residents to experiment with the art of building in SL, alone or with friends, in a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of way.

If you don’t own land or your landlord just has a small area restricted to rezzing and finetuning your models, fear not. There are many different sandboxes in SL, and many are attached to helpful groups where experienced builders are at the ready to assist with tips and tricks. 

In the video we see several sandboxes featured, including one of the very first ones in Morris, which has been around since 2003 when the Welcome Area of Ahern came online.

The Ivory Tower of Prims can also be seen in the video. Not only does it have script-enabled sandbox areas with a separate damage-enabled weapons testing area, but The Tower is also an info hub for aspiring builders with lots of tutorials on how to manipulate the basic building block of SL: the almighty prim.

Another friendly sandbox area is the one embedded within the Amsterdam community. Don’t worry, many people in Amsterdam in SL speak English, so don’t hesitate to approach a friendly (flying?) Dutchman or woman if you are stuck with a building challenge.

There are even more places for your imagination to run wild in the sandbox category of the Destination Guide, and for premium Second Life members, there are exclusive members-only sandboxes available as well. If you ever feel stuck, in addition to chatting with members of building groups, please don't forget to check in with the building forums. 

Video Production Credits:

Draxtor Despres

This week we are visiting the Scottish Highlands of Auld Lang Syne.

Creator Elo put enormous effort into this realistic portrayal of the Scottish Isles, where you can get lost on the rolling hills covered in wildflowers and daydream by the stones adorned with moss. Regarding the inspiration behind this region, Elo tells us "I've always adored secluded, rural, hidden places and look at old buildings {and} ruins as a million untold stories of the past, ready to be imagined again with fresh minds. I find a sense of romance in a building once loved, now home to nature and wanted to try and bring that same romance into Second Life."

This region is ripe for storytelling, with ruins that have been reclaimed by nature and time. There are also small cottages and flocks of sheep, connecting the past to the present. Who lives here? Come and find out!

Elo is completely self-taught, making this ornate landscape even more impressive. It is informed by their genuine interest in "great charm in the small details, those wee scenes {and} stories that can often be overlooked or missed by visitors..."

Auld Lang Syne is incredibly detailed and realistic, making visitors feel completely transported. Elo says “I've always been conscious that travel for many is difficult, and now with Covid, for some {it is} impossible. Yet the beauty of SL is that you can visit so many beautiful parts of the world and many not of this realm too. If I can make one explorer smile when they visit, then I feel I have succeeded."

Let this dreamy landscape whisk you away so you can discover the mystery of the past or write your own story. Visit Auld Lang Syne today!

Video Production Credits: Draxtor Despres

Auld Lang Syne - Isles of Scotland

Abandoned dreams, a raven screams. Paths of auld, a history untold. Nature's home in its trailing charm, hidden delights, and creatures free. Visit the Scottish Highlands, take a pause, come see. Fàilte/Welcome to all.

Visit in Second Life

This week we are listening to five inspiring stories as Residents share how they celebrate the holidays in Second Life.

Isabelle Cheren, a video artist and blogger, speaks highly of SL Residents’ adaptability to the current social isolation in the physical world. Given the depth of connections people can have with each other in the virtual world, she thinks people may be more inclined to give it a try. Having grown up in Australia, Cheren says the winter holiday spirit of SL “feels like those films I used to watch when I was a young girl because… we never had any of this, the snow, that Christmas tree, all those things.” She also has the advantage of living with her friend, prominent SL YouTuber Yorkie, so they certainly never run out of ideas for inworld adventures and activities.

Squid and Timberwolf, a couple who met in SL this year, are proof that love can be found even in the darkest of times. Squid is a student in Derry, Northern Ireland, and Timberwolf lives in Central New York. They have been together for 6 months and getting a place together inworld has been a breeze. Squid says that SL has given them “a sort of proximity that we don’t have physically with each other,” which is so valuable in long distance relationships, especially now.

Rosie Gray lives in the Confederation of Democratic Simulators (CDS), one of the oldest communities in SL. It comprises six interconnected sims of varying themes that are governed by one administration. Gray affirms that “snow is greatly anticipated” in the CDS: Residents happily engage with the technical aspects of changing the terrain textures to make way for skiing, ice skating, and the magic of winter. Their commitment truly pays off, with Gray adding, “you can absolutely feel presence here.”

iSkye Silverweb and Slatan Dryke are another long distance couple in SL. With Silverweb in Wisconsin and Dryke in Italy, one look at their avatars shows that their bond is undeniable. They are Dinkies, which is a type of Tiny. Of their anthropomorphic feline figures, Silverweb says “they’re really cute, [with] round tummies,” and like many others, their favorite activity is ice skating. They are also both active in Virtual Ability, a community gateway for Residents with disabilities. Silverweb, who is deaf, says that “in SL there is the freedom of being able to express who you are in the choices you make with your avatar.”

Game Wylder, Todd Squall, and Lain Southpaw from Club Furzona emphasize that the winter holidays in their region are all about uniting different people from different backgrounds. Furzona is a community-based, cyberpunk themed region with a constant rotation of events, music, and  games. The large outdoor area has been transformed into a winter themed space, and Furzona welcomes all, not just furries.

The concert at the end is by Fly Kugin, a violinist from Istanbul, Turkey. It takes place in her region, White Mask. We hope that you all have a safe and relaxing break for the winter holidays, and remember that each season has its ups and downs. Spring will be in the air before we know it, so for now, let’s enjoy our ugly sweaters and unleash our inner snow bunnies upon the gorgeous winter regions forged by the love and creativity of SL Residents.

Video Productions Credits:
Draxtor Despres
 

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Big Sky Over Florence and you may discover pathways to your inner self.

Designed by Ines Shelby and Elvira Kytori, Big Sky Over Florence is peaceful, imaginative, and serene in its simplicity.

Owner of the destination, Gnaaah Xeltentat, tells us what his inspiration for Big Sky is:

“I love traveling and more so being near water. I love that feeling you get when your entire view is filled with sky and water. Just being in awe of the magnitude of something so simple as a vast expanse of sky and the movement of the sea. I wanted that feel at Big Sky and I hoped that would be the primary sense you felt when you teleported in. I wanted to keep it “simple” with places to sit and enjoy the views, so people would feel they are “beside the ocean” and remember the times spent by it. 

I’m Canadian RL so I think the destination is a combination of the Muskoka Lakes in Ontario and the east coast of New Brunswick/Nova Scotia. Less defined by a specific place and more so by the feel those places evoke.”

He enjoys hearing about what visitors think of Big Sky and loves seeing the images that are submitted to the Big Sky Flickr group.
 
Gnaaah also shares how Second Life is the perfect escape for him and why he’s still here 14 years later:

“One of my favorite things about Second Life is the sharing of ideas and the imagination that goes into building someplace special. I look at other creators/builders and I am constantly amazed at the creativity involved in all the work they do. In some regards, it’s almost magical. 
 
I logged onto SL 14 years ago for the first time (after seeing a news item about it on television). I thought I’d only be in the game for a day or so and so I picked the goofiest name I could think of at that particular moment. Little did I suspect that over a decade later “Gnaaah” would still be flying into walls and getting stuck in trees.
 
And 14 years later, SL still provides a welcome respite from a sometimes crazy and definitely busy RL. Especially these past two years. After being in “lockdown” the ability to delve into a “second life” and escape the restraints of being stuck at home with limited social connections has been a godsend. 

Friends in game made the “real” world a much less scary place. I’m thankful for being able to log on and escape for a little bit.“

The first day of Autumn is on September 22nd, so take some time to enjoy the last days of summer at white sandy beaches in Big Sky Over Florence.

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Big Sky Over Florence

Enjoy the last days of summer at Big Sky Over Florence. Listen to the calming ocean sounds and relax on the white sand beaches. Hang with friends in any of the island houses or try your hand at some photography. There are plenty of pretty views. Simply enjoy the peace and tranquility of this lovely spot and unwind. Everyone is welcome! Add your images to their Flickr group: flickr.com/groups/florenceatlowtide

Visit in Second Life

Something is amiss at The Endless Graveyard. Explore the tranquil, yet eerie forest and you may stumble upon a doorway to the supernatural.

Creator Lady Death Valknut started with a story, and as this narrative became more elaborate, this vast and mysterious place came together. 

According to Lady Death, 

As you walk around, subtle hints make it increasingly apparent that a macabre otherworldliness has enveloped this place. The dappled light that squeezes in from above is tinged with unnatural hues. Lanterns are shrouded in huge horns from animals that must look terrifying. Or are they carved bones?

Lady Death tells us, “For me, Second Life has always been a creativity outlet. It's the perfect place to combine my love of writing with my love of design. I have hundreds of stories in my head, and worlds to go with each of them. The theme of The Endless Graveyard is just one of those stories, and I chose it because it was one of the environments that best suited my character as Death.” As intricate as this region is, it is actually still being worked on and a full website will be available soon.

With SL, jumping right in and teleporting from place to place is a great way to get your bearings. This approach certainly worked for Lady Death: “I began Second Life by exploring places, getting lost in them, and finding hidden places. That is what made me fall in love with Second Life in the first place, and now I seek to create an environment destined to be explored, with hidden places that can only be found if one looks hard enough. I wish to pass on the joys I experienced in my newer days to the future Residents, something that sparks their imaginations and makes them think deeper about what they see on the surface.”

Do you dare face the dark presence that lurks in The Endless Graveyard? Discover hidden spots off the beaten path today.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

The Endless Graveyard

The Endless Graveyard is a forest in Sweden that exists at the edge of the land of the living. Can you find the hidden doorway to the realm of the dead? Add your images to their Flickr group: flickr.com/groups/legioamorte

Visit in Second Life

Discover Adelia's inspiring journey - a dedicated Second Life Resident from Sweden. Battling Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E) since 2010, her condition has progressively confined her indoors. Yet, her spirit remains unshaken as she spearheads the "Forget ME Not" project in Second Life since May 2023.

What is the purpose of the “Forget ME Not” project here in SL? 

Forget ME not wants to raise awareness about the serious, debilitating, chronic illness Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and to fundraise for the much needed M.E research in support of Open Medicine Foundation. 

It is a disease that has existed for decades but is still poorly understood and neglected.

Can you describe what M.E is in a bit more detail?

M.E is a complex multi-system disease with many symptoms that may change over time and differ from patient to patient. The most common symptoms of M.E are post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms upon even minimal exertion – this is the hallmark symptom that you won’t find in most other diseases), cognitive impairment (such as brain fog, short-term memory loss etc) and severe body pain. 

Due to a symptom set that overlaps with several other diseases, clinical assessment and symptoms and the exclusion of other diseases are necessary for accurate diagnosis. The cause of M.E is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors appear to be relevant. The majority gets sick after a viral infection and they simply never recover. 
Over 20 million people around the world are affected. Nobody is immune. Unfortunately, it also affects children. 

What are you doing to bring awareness to the issue with your SL based project? 

So far we have had several events with live musicians and DJs throughout and raised some money for research. I also arranged a patient exhibit, bringing real-life patient stories into SL and we participated in SL20B in July with an enhanced version. 

The point of the exhibit is to let people who know nothing or very little about M.E get an insight according to those affected. Most of these people are unable to work and live a normal life because their condition is so severe. The city scene symbolizes the many people who are forced to live an isolated life in their homes all around the world, and can't participate in the active life outside anymore, due to M.E.

We also scheduled a shopping event to mark the “Severe M.E Day”, the forget ME not Fair, that will be running from August 8 until August 29.

My future plans are to keep having these events in May and August. We hope to serve as a safe and supportive space where those affected, their loved ones, their carers - can talk about M.E, or just hang out without the judgment we so often have to face from society in general.

What does Second Life mean to you? 

Second Life is in no way a miracle pill for me, but I have to say it has been a life saver many times because it helps me cope with the isolation and limitations this illness so often brings. 

I am still limited in SL. I have to choose my activities wisely. I can’t be socially interactive for very long without draining all of my mental energy.

But the fact that I can visit a beach and go surfing, or go dancing, or have a conversation with a person who is half-way across the globe, or be creative – it's all of these little moments that keep me going and most of these things are impossible for me in real life. 

You could say SL is like a short term painkiller that gets me through another day. It has just opened up a whole new world for me and in these moments I feel free.

I have a tiny Marketplace shop and enjoy creating tattoos. I plan on including shapes at some point since I enjoy styling avatars. I also have many pets! Let’s just say I do a little bit of everything. Why limit myself more than I already am, in a world where I can be anyone and do almost anything?

In your estimation so far as a relative newbie: Is SL for everyone?

I would like to say yes, but no, I have to say that SL is for “most” people. There are many who are too sick and disabled to go online or even look at a screen, like some of the most severely affected by M.E. But I’d say that as long as you have the ability, the time and the willingness/patience to learn (SL does have a slight learning curve) then absolutely it can be for you.

Follow Forget ME Not socials for more info:
Website 
Facebook
YouTube
Flickr

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Forget ME Not

Forget ME Not was created to raise awareness about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, an extremely debilitating, life-changing, and complex chronic disease. Through various events, Forget ME Not aims to raise awareness and serve as a safe space for the affected people. Learn more at forgetmenotsl.com

More Info Teleport

This week we are whisked away to the roleplaying community of the Ancient Order of Centaurs.

For those who may not be familiar, Centaurs are half-human and half-horse, found prominently in Ancient Greek mythology. Centauria was created by Julala Demina, a longtime Resident and aficionado of fantasy roleplay. Her fantasy creature brand Jinx has been active in Second Life for over a decade. Julala states that about two years ago, “I taught myself how to make my own Centaur skeleton rig in Blender and how to animate it,” which sparked the beginning of a region dedicated to this community. The enthusiastic response of Jinx customers inspired Julala to design a space to accommodate Residents “who had chosen to spend their Second Life (at least in part) as Centaurs.”

What makes Centauria such a vibrant place is that the passion Julala brings is equally matched by the Residents who visit. She would like to inform us that in addition to roleplaying, there are “social events, classes, and all sorts of different types of entertainment. It’s not only about Centaurs, we welcome everyone to Centauria and even within the formal roleplay we have a wide variety of allowed species.” 

Residents appear in a variety of forms: some Centaurs look more natural, whereas others have angel wings, ornate horns, brightly colored skin, or even magical sparkles. Here, identity is more than just an aesthetic. You will meet Centaurs who are warriors, farmers, chefs, and sorcerers.

While the overwhelmingly positive feedback of Residents can’t be expressed in one post alone, here are just a few impressions. Marilina Antonioni describes herself as a Mertaur, “a type of Centaur whose top human body is that of a Merfolk with the lower body of a Taur/horse… As a Merfolk I love to swim underwater.” Rayven Firebrand, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis IRL, says that “when for the first time I entered into a trot, then a canter, then a gallop... for the first time in years I actually felt alive.” Pearline Sweetwater, longtime Resident who is retired IRL, feels that “in Centauria I found beauty, friendship, acceptance and almost instantly felt like I belonged.” Many more kind and intriguing folks are waiting inworld!

Julala’s Jinx creations are proof that Second Life is a safe space and blank canvas for anybody who wants to bring their imagination to life. On her background, she says, “I am completely self-taught and learned pretty much everything I know about 3D modelling from Youtube tutorials.” 

For those who can’t wait to explore their inner hybrid, the Jinx Bento Centaur comes in four sizes, as shown below.

Visit Centauria today to immerse yourself in this breathtaking world!

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres
 

Ancient Order of Centaurs

The Ancient Order of Centaurs is a beautiful, and varied region where centaurs and their friends can feel at home. Visitors are very welcome, whether they are centaurs, creatures, and even hoomans. Come explore, join the community, or just take photos of the lovely scenery.

Visit in Second Life

Premier Wrestling is a pro wrestling federation in Second Life, where wrestling fans can be just as much a part of the crowd as the superstars themselves!

Premier Wrestling is shaping a new era of wrestling, by developing compelling characters and weaving them into dynamic storylines that combine physical and emotional sentiments. This is as real as it gets in the virtual world of Second Life! 

According to Premier Wrestling Co Owner Vince Aftermath: 

"Second Life Wrestling is magic, the virtual action element is not supposed to happen but we are doing it. Our athletes are a mixture of veteran wrestlers and rookies both male and female all who want to see Premier Wrestling succeed every week by giving our fans a great experience.

Premier Wrestling in particular has something for everyone. You have the fighting, you have the dancing, you have the voice action, you have the tables, you have the ladders, I could go on! Premier Wrestling is a buffet of entertainment. We hit every mark for you and send you home happy!

Want to see someone lay the smackdown in your own backyard? Well you're in luck! Premier Wrestling travels around the grid to different locations. Going sim to sim with our wrestling crews is a favorite among our sponsors and partners. And we stream our shows on YouTube as well.”

Let's say you don’t want to be a fan and are tired of watching from the sidelines. Let's say you want to jump into the action today. Do you get paid? Is it hard to do? What does getting into the wrestling business look like?

Senior Executive Director at Premiere Wrestling, LG, explains how easy it is to go from fan to pro: 

“Contact us in-world, on Discord or Twitter, fill out the application and someone will contact you almost immediately. We are always hiring. We are the only wrestling federation to this day that pays the staff for their hard work. You can even get a free home to live in. The benefits of being a professional Second Life wrestler in Premier Wrestling is unbelievable.”

Premier Wrestling has over 70 active staff members on the team from all over the world from Brazil, to Canada, to even Egypt. A diverse community of global wrestling fans, who embrace their cultural uniqueness as they only can in a virtual world without borders.

And what does Second Life mean to the folks who run this vibrant wrestling operation?
"Second Life is a gateway to a world with no restrictions. You're not held down by anyone and the opportunities of being a creator or being a performer are endless. Being a Second Life performer has given me a purpose to want to log in every day. I love performing for our fans who may not want to leave their home due to COVID concerns or those who have a SL family and need a different type of entertainment." says Vince Aftermath.

"A chance to be creative, Make the unbelievable happen and help people escape reality even if just for a brief moment. Second Life has no limitations." says LG.

Now’s your chance to get behind the ropes with Premier Wrestling's hard-hitting action!

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Premier Wrestling Studios

Premier Wrestling is an organization based in Second Life. Premier Wrestling has hard-hitting action to voice drama, featuring some of the best virtual wrestlers in the world! Premier Wrestling is a one-stop-shop for all your entertainment needs! They are filmed on location, then later the show is placed on their YouTube page.

Visit in Second Life

This week we are transported back in time to Bellefleurs, an ornately detailed recreation of a High Renaissance English estate.

Creator India Canning has been active in SL almost from its inception, hence her mastery of world building. It runs in the family, as India tells us that in 2006: “my sister and brother-in-law had been contracted to explore the possibilities of using SL to promote Hawai’ian tourism in a seven {region} project based on West Maui.” 

India loved building inworld so much that she also mentored other Residents. Eventually, she decided to take her creations to the next level: “I decided to combine my background as a professional historian and in architectural design and art into storytelling, and conjured Bellefleurs as an evolving platform, and an open home to the community.” This region encapsulates the many possibilities of creating in the virtual world. Part duchy, part museum, with an educational angle and a romantic fountain. It's whatever you want it to be.

This massive property is a wonderful place to get lost in, with so much potential for storytelling in the walls of art and attention to detail in the countless rooms. There is a level of interactivity for those curious about the region’s narrative. India says “Bellefleurs, rooted in the English history I knew, illustrates the life of a mysterious independent Duchy, yet preserves a lived-in home spanning centuries.  It seeks to provoke thoughts about loss, mortality, as well as love and the essentials of life experience. There is an incomplete, written history, and a huge store of clues and evidence about the background of the elusive Canning and von Baerwald families…” For those who would like to know more, join the official group for more information.

Not to mention the weekly Salon music series, fencing, opera, dancing, and more! Visit Bellefleurs today for an immersive cultural experience.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Bellefleurs

The spectacular Bellefleurs has been the seat of the Duchesses of Ominum since the 1590s. Built in the High English Renaissance style, it offers an incredible treasure of artwork and a full historic background of this authentic, highly detailed experience, as well as an active Salon Music series, opera, dances, En Garde, and other daily events.

Visit in Second Life

This week we are visiting Sommergewitter, a rustic German-language island that evokes the peace and beauty of a summer vacation home.

Created by SL and RL couple Seraph and Nida Nirvana, Sommergewitter is a German-language region composed of a rustic island. You can find a few farm animals wandering around and a few cozy homes in various corners. Seraph and Nida are one of the many Second Life love stories we are proud to share: they have both been Residents for over a decade and met in 2014. This eventually led to meeting up in the physical world and they are now in a long-distance relationship.

Seraph and Nida found that their familiarity with hanging out in a virtual realm was advantageous during the pandemic. They tell us “We spend our lives together in one or the other world, but we are together every day. The lockdown during the pandemic was no problem for us. Second Life has kept us close.”

Sommergewitter is based on a Hallig, which Seraph and Nida describe as “a type of small island typically found in the North Sea, and we structured it in such a way as if you were experiencing an oncoming summer storm as you settle into your vacation spot.”

Seraph and Nida built Sommergewitter in 2015, and it is of great sentimental importance to them. They explained to us that it has been maintained in its original form, like a moment frozen in time: “For about six years now we have tried to keep the region the way it was originally built. Mostly because that's where our relationship started but we also wanted to create a piece of continuity, something where people know their way around, even if they haven't been inworld for a long time.”

This power couple likes to keep busy. They also make machinima, such as Opera Ball in Vienna, and an ode to Tolkien's elven town of Rivendell is one of their latest projects. Kick off your summer vacation today by dancing in a summer thunderstorm at Sommergewitter.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres
 

Sommergewitter

Sommergewitter is a German-language region that's been open since March 2015. It features a summer thunderstorm, as well as endless photographic opportunities.

Visit in Second Life

This week’s video sheds light on Angels Rest, a uniquely timeless memorial garden for Residents to visit loved ones who are no longer with us.

Creators Fae and Mr. N greet visitors warmly with their group’s message: “Angels Rest is a memorial garden offering space for you to create a focal point for remembrance. The aim is to offer a chance for quiet contemplation and reflection away from daily distractions.” The environment invites one to be vulnerable among the serenity of nature, with an occasional wild animal hopping about to remind you that you’re not alone.

Assembling a sacred virtual space that is accessible 24/7, rain or shine, was an enormously thoughtful endeavor. It is hard enough losing a loved one, and during the added strain of coronavirus tumult, many survivors were not able to honor traditional funeral practices for safety reasons. Fae says, “I have lost people in my life who I wanted a way of memorialising. It seemed to me that there was such a huge need for this, especially this year with the COVID pandemic. I met a couple who had a similar kind of garden but they were not able to maintain it, and it had to close, so I decided I wanted to fill the gap that had been left behind.”

Fae, elaborating further on her vision for Angels Rest, says, “I have seen and felt firsthand the effects that social isolation has had on both myself and my nearest and dearest… We wanted to create a place that people can spend time and have peace and reflection in the virtual ways that we are able to right now. It was very important to us that we be able to provide this free of charge as so many are struggling right now, and so we came up with the idea of the refunded rental.”

The rental options include candles and plots that can be decorated with pictures, messages, flowers, or other meaningful mementos. Many people commemorate their pets as well, as is visible from the glass display case showing a four-legged friend in a perfect slumber. The space makes its inclusive atmosphere clear with its centerpiece, the Ecunemical Chapel bearing objects that represent all major world relations.

For visitors who are struggling with grief, a notecard offers important information such as phone numbers and email addresses of both Bereavement and Mental Health Services. We hope that all those who visit Angels Rest are provided with joyful reminders of loved ones and the strength to carry on.

Note: The poem featured in the video is “Death is Nothing at All” by Henry Scott-Holland.

Video Production Credits:

Draxtor Despres

Angels Rest

Angels Rest is a memorial garden in SL offering space for you to create a focal point for remembrance. Their aim is to offer a chance for quiet contemplation and reflection away from daily distractions.

Visit in Second Life

Dive into a world of new possibilities at Leviathan Bay in Second Life, where a city once thriving, was hit with a mysterious disaster and is now flooded and taken over by sea life!

Ziekling Bunnyhug started this community over 8 years ago and tells us more about it in her own words: 

“Our community can be as hard to define as Second Life itself. It's not exactly a place to role-play, but it has a story. It's not exactly a dance club, but we do have musical events with DJs and live musicians too. 

I've been taking inspiration from RL cities that I've been to, places I would like to see, places I've explored in other games, and mashed it all together. 

We also have a lovely little art gallery in the center of the city, run by one of our own long-term staff members, Apple, showcasing her real-life artwork. 

Meanwhile, our original builder HG will be hosting her own Groovi Movie which is a drive-in theater up the road, with its own sunflower beach and community area. 

Under the water, we have the sunken city and if you explore the subways it will lead you to Leviathan's Lair, sometimes even featuring Cerberus (who owns the region) himself!” 

When asked what Second Life means to her, Ziekling tells us: 

“Second Life is my creative outlet, it's a mirror I look into that reflects my dreams and desires, but the most important thing it has been for me is a home. I've moved a lot IRL, to different cities, states, and even another country. It is hard to make friends just to say goodbye to them shortly after. In SL I am able to keep meaningful relationships close no matter where I end up physically. 

Creativity was always a part of my life. I was into drawing, painting, the typical art forms you learn in school, lots of doodling, and lots of daydreaming. I always had a world inside my head and in SL it's not only a way for me to enter it, but I can bring other people to that world too.” 

Meet the other members of Leviathan Bay that make this community thrive: 

Matti
Shylarei 
Mykie 
Sol 
Amiee 
Maxwell 

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

The Leviathan Bay

The Bay returns in its new form. Jump into the future where a city, once thriving, was hit with a mysterious disaster, flooding the lower half and taken over by the mermaids and sea life nearby. Only a small portion of the city remains, where the people rebuilt. There is an entire area full of life with a thriving art district and many restaurants on the main road, as well as a theatre for special events and many venues for entertainment. Perfect for hanging out, exploring, photography, or on a date with someone special. Casual RP is welcome but not required.

Visit in Second Life

This week we’re jumping to the 25th century to visit Cocoon, an immense cyberpunk region for roleplaying, photography, and exploration.

According to the official website: “...An event referred to as the Transcendence War in the distant past left most of Earth ravaged. Humanity has taken to floating cities and orbital stations to carry on.” An oligopoly of mega corporations has assumed a position of authority, and it is up to you to decide who to align with in the fight to survive.

For roleplaying, you have an extensive array of characters to choose from. The main categories are humans, mutants, cyborgs, synths, and replicants, but each of these have modified subtypes to add specificity. As you become more familiar with Cocoon’s massive geography and its extensive lore, you will come across the various factions that have formed in this society. Be careful, and choose your allies wisely.

There are also publicly available weapons and vehicles, so as not to exclude newcomers. For those who are hooked on the cyber life, check out the private rentals. Admins Cece, Cervantes Rexen, and Kusa are valuable resources in addition to the Cocoon website.

Cocoon is a fantastic place to explore for non-roleplayers as well. The amount of intricate detail in this megalopolis is absolutely stunning, so come check out the future today!

Video Production Credits: Draxtor Despres

Cocoon

It is the year 2488. Enter Cocoon space station, a medium-sized commercial hub that has grown exponentially in the past decade, home to mega-corporations, crime syndicates, and much more. With shady deals taking place in every dark corner, Cocoon is the one stop for commuters or even those who make a home in the station. Come for the neon, stay for the intrigue.

Visit in Second Life

Take a stroll through Le Jardin Des Tuileries, a virtual garden inspired by the Tuileries Garden located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde in Paris. While there, you may want to grab a selfie with the Eiffel Tower for our Famous Landmarks Challenge.

Owner of the Made in Paris region, Morganeparis Parx, is influenced by Paris architecture when creating his place and would love it if Residents found it beautiful enough to make them want to take pictures there. 

A Resident since 2008, Morgane shares what Second Life means to him:
“What does Second Life mean to me? A lot! I was born in SL in June, 2008 so I've been on Second Life for 14 years now. If it were boring here, believe me, I wouldn't have stayed.

When I discovered SL, I was playing  “The Sims” game all day, and I didn’t go outside my home a lot. My therapist told me that he heard about Second Life. He didn’t test it, but told me that maybe I could build a house like in The Sims, and create characters, but I’ll be able to have interactions with other people. 

I decided to test Second Life and after learning about moving my avatar and camera, and watching Torley Linden’s videos, I quickly found an area where I was allowed to build. After a while, people in the sandboxes started to talk to me. 

Month after month, I  improved my skills in Photoshop, started to learn Blender, I improved my English, and now I have relationships with people again.

Second Life helped me in so many ways. Being immersed in the world keeps me healthy and allows me to have social interaction with a lot less stress than IRL.

SL changed me a lot, for the better, it helped me to interact with people again, and allowed me to regain my self-confidence, and to develop relationships.

Second Life is what you want it to be: SL will be just a game, if you want it this way. But if you want SL to be a real second life, it will be that too.”

While exploring the region, you may want to grab a bear and take an image similar to those in the "Bears Around The World" contest, which encourages Residents to travel more. Creator Gabryel Lamplight, who held this contest this past summer, shares more about it, “This is a collection of cute bears combined with a photo contest. The bear is for many a symbol of childhood, a period during which everything seems possible. On SL, it seems to me that we come to find a part of this magic or carelessness. That's why through this contest we invite people to travel on SL and bring back beautiful photos with their favorite bears. Although the  contest is now closed, an exhibition will be organized at the Puerto Banana destination during the fall of 2022. The bear collection will still be available after the contest in the B.GAB store.”

Make memorable moments with teddy bear selfies in a virtual Parisian garden!

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Le Jardin des Tuileries

Welcome to "Le Jardin des Tuileriess" a realistic French garden located on the "Made in Paris" region. It is inspired by an authentic French garden you can find in Paris. Enjoy the lush greenery and the romantic atmosphere with a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. Don't forget to capture your memories with snapshots and add them to the Made in paris Flickr group: flickr.com/groups/made-in-paris

Visit in Second Life

This week Asiza Wolf takes us on a tour of her floating Islands of Love, a seamless amalgam of her varying cultural interests that features steampunk ships, meditation areas, a concert stage, and more.
 

Asiza’s real life alter ego, Toni Harper-Dunlap, is a former professional singer and dancer who has graced the stages of The Apollo, Carnegie Hall, and Toast of the Town (later The Ed Sullivan Show), so you’d be lucky to catch her perform some impromptu jazz standards here.

Asiza says of the virtual world, “Second Life tickles me. It is my kind of thing. I am having a natural ball every day!” At the age of 83 Asiza/Toni is as creative as she has ever been, with Second Life her playground of infinite imagination.

Asiza turns the stereotype of the lonely old technophobe on its head, proclaiming “I am not afraid of technology. A busy mind is a good thing when the body can’t be that busy anymore. I am the happiest person that I have SL. It is a wonderful something to have in one's life. I have a new life here now and I do intend to truly enjoy it for as long as I am able to.” Her independent and robust spirit continues to thrive inworld and out; proving age is not a thing to be pitied but a badge of honor.

Asiza also refutes the misconception that people who are passionate about virtual realms don’t have a fulfilling experience of the real world: “I have a beautiful family, I love them to pieces. I’m busy doing my thing and they are busy doing their thing… They’re breathing their own air, I’m breathing mine.”

As Asiza/Toni is a practicing Buddhist, she has placed a replica of her home altar on the islands for anyone in search of quiet contemplation under the soft cosmic glow. This region is a visual representation of her dreams, character, and hobbies. There are a few hidden gems here too, like Asiza’s favorite room, which is a serene lounge with a purple (her favorite color) piano surrounded by flowers, as well as a salsa club located inside an active volcano.

To get the full schedule of regular performers, join Asiza’s group: SL’s top jazz and soul singers such as Scorpio Aeon and Tony Slade do regular shows here and weekly DJ events happen down in the fiery depths of the VolcanSiza Club. Asiza’s Islands of Love truly welcomes everyone, so visit today to see the spectrum of vibes.

The three songs Drax and Asiza/Toni recorded in Palm Springs in 2019 & the two tunes Scorpio Aeon performed in the video are available for download here.

Asiza’s Islands of Love

Asiza’s Islands of Love is longtime SL Resident Asiza Wolf’s latest project: a series of floating islands, connected by bridges, featuring flyable dragons and steampunk ships, areas for quiet contemplation and meditation, a concert stage, and possibly the hottest Salsa Club in SL located inside an active volcano!

Visit in Second Life

Video Production Credits:

Draxtor Despres

Find inspiration at Artsville, a thriving community of both emerging and established artists in Second Life.

The Artsville Galleries are co-owned by Frank Atisso and Jerzzie Reece Redstar.
 
Apart from three traditional gallery spaces on the ground, Artsville also has platforms in the sky, where artists are able to create their own immersive art installations. The half region of Artsville has been completely designed by Megan Prumier.

Frank shares how they’ve built an art-loving community: 

“Second Life is a rich medium for creativity of all forms and our objective at Artsville is just to encourage that. Both newer as well as well-established artists in Second Life are welcomed here. We encourage artists to come to us with ideas about any exhibits and installations they may have and our mission is to always support them in bringing their ideas to life as well as making the larger Second Life world aware of their creativity.

Apart from 2D and 3D art, we also support music, dance, and poetry. Every Tuesday at 1 pm SLT the International Poetic Friends organize an Open Mic Poetry session at Artsville which all are welcome to attend. We have also had three performances of Milena Carbone's ballet - PARALLELS.

Community building has been our focus since we started. Through photo contests and themed events, we attempt to make Artsville a bustling place for people to meet other like-minded individuals and encourage collaborations between artists, photographers, and galleries while also having fun at the same time.”

Current Exhibitions at Artsville are:
Gallery 1 - SOLITUDE by Banagher Crisp
Gallery 2 - THE ART OF MADNESS by Shane Spero
Gallery 3 - BOLD ABSTRACTS by Pagan Lane

Current Installations - which can be accessed through TP boards opposite the cafe - are as follows: 
1. CAGES by Ava Darkheart
2. THE BOOK OF CALIGULA by Chuck Clip

And a brand new installation is coming on Feb 24th: "The Magical Forest - A Cautionary Tale" by Harry Cover and Jaz

If you’re looking for like-minded art lovers, teleport over to the Artsville community today!

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Artsville Galleries & Community

Artsville is a place for all art lovers to enjoy outstanding artwork by some of the most talented artists, both emerging and established. One can also rent a beautiful home and experience what the luxury life feels like. Designed by Megan Prumier, this incredible destination for art is sure to leave you amazed.

Visit in Second Life

This week we are visiting a region inspired by the sumptuous beaches of Bali and the tranquility of Japanese zen gardens.

Creator Rosie Helendale has been a Second Life Resident for 13 years and says that for her, SL has been both a vital social network as well as a creative outlet “to turn my imagination into some form of virtual visualization.” Rosie tells us that she has met some of her closest friends in SL, and is an active participant in art and recreation. “From photography, creating content, choreographing my own dance routines, performing in dance shows, creating regions with friends, to memorializing it all on my own personal YouTube channel.”

After some experiences helping her friends build regions in SL, a few months ago Rosie was finally able to accomplish her dream of creating her own. While Rosie has a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, she says that her friend Guy Bagshawe “has in-depth firsthand experience and knowledge of everything Bali, and his enthusiasm for the place got me totally hooked on it.  From those two things sprang my inspiration to create an interpretation and representation of Bali and Japan.”

The Bali portion is drenched in the rosy glow of a beachside sunset. Enjoy a meal or a cocktail in the open air restaurant a few paces from the shore. A bit of exploration will lead you to a chicken coop and an open courtyard with baboons grooming each other all around you.

In case that wasn’t relaxing enough, the Japanese side of the region has tai chi poseballs in the zen garden, and make sure to look for the adorable baby panda.

Rosie tells us “one of my favorite content creators is Skye for landscaping: their content is high quality with attention to detail.” However, some of the items found here were crafted by Rosie herself. “The items in the souvenir kiosks at the tai chi garden and monkey forest I made myself using full perm items from the marketplace. You can even click the postcard rack and send a postcard to friends inworld just like you would if you were on a visit in real life!”

Rosie would like us to know that “the best way to see all the attractions is to hop on the balloon tour. It takes you to every part of the island and gives out real life information about each area in local chat.” See the deep blue waters for yourself by visiting A Taste of Bali and Japan today.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres
 

A Taste Of Bali & Japan

Take a relaxing vacation in a region that blends the atmospheres of Bali and Japan. Rent a luxury Bali style hut ideal for romance and a honeymoon. Enjoy many activities including tai chi, onsen spa, surfing, fishing, Bali restaurant, and more! Open to all.

Visit in Second Life

Hang out at Jet No Mori, a gothic-themed garden, complete with monsters and a vampire princess at the top of a tower!

Created by Miss Jetcat Despres for a gothic-themed photo session with friends, Jet No Mori was made public for all to enjoy.

Jetcat hails from Japan and joined Second Life when she saw coverage of SL on Japanese TV in 2007. She says, “Back then, they presented it as a game where you could fly and swim, and they called it the Metaverse.”

Jetcat did step away from the OG Metaverse for almost 10 years as she got busy in the physical world, but she says she just could not forget about Second Life and became more active again about two years ago.

Jetcat now runs a blog and has a little plot in-world which she calls her garden. In fact, she herself identifies as a gardener, changing up the looks of her public land to go with the seasons. 

Jetcat shares how she feels about Second Life and what her future plans are in this virtual world:
“Second Life is a place where anything is possible and anything can be created. This world is full of beautiful things, all created by people with their own ideas. There are many ways to enjoy this world, to explore it, to play in it, to be what you want to be. I'm going to keep enjoying it! It is after all a game where you can fly and swim! And it's still very very meta today.
It's like the times are repeating themselves, aren’t they?”

Jetcat’s friends who participated in this video include:
SaraUsami
Ruby O'Kelly
Noa Cloud

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Jet No Mori

Jet No Mori is a gothic party that was created for you to have a great time. Now it is a garden with monsters who enjoy the gothic atmosphere and party every night. Watch out for the vampire princess on top of the tower!

Visit in Second Life

Love knows no boundaries, and neither does Second Life! Your dream virtual wedding awaits at Costa Bella Weddings. 

Costa Bella Weddings is a full-service wedding provider with four beautiful and very different venues to choose from: Country, Winter, The Beach, and Black Tie Affair. You also get a choice of three full-region honeymoon locations: Brampton Island, Las Brisas Island, and Isola Dell Amore. With a capacity of 100 guests and an average of 30, celebrate big or small. At the bigger end of the spectrum, the wedding of Kacee and Fang featured at the start of the video had 75 people attending. 

Longtime resident JenJen Sommerfleck, a photographer for 14 years, has been working at Costa Bella for the last 2 years. She and her team provide all planning services, including rehearsal, ceremony, photography, officiant service, DJ, and more.

Jen shares her personal story in the video with us - as someone who can not have children in real life, she adopted kids in SL over the years and even had a pregnancy and is now caring for a Zooby baby.  

In regards to her job and the history of the wedding business in SL, Jen adds: 
“In my 14 years of experience, I have seen the industry grow and evolve in many ways. From simplistic, rudimentary setups of yesteryear to the complex, gorgeous productions of today. While still enjoying the hands-on of the wedding process in many aspects, my most enjoyable role is as manager here at Costa Bella. I have the great privilege of working closely with our amazing owners, Robin and Ian Moonkill. They operate Costa Bella on the premise of seeing people happy and in love, not as a money-making venture. That is something that is rare in the wedding industry. I love what I do here and I love how it ties into the most important part of my SL: family.”

Celebrate now, with loved ones near and far. There are no post-party regrets in the virtual world!

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Costa Bella Weddings

Costa Bella Weddings is a full-service wedding provider. They walk you through the wedding process from beginning to end. They provide planning services, pre-ceremony coordination, rehearsal, in-ceremony coordination, photography, officiant service, DJ, and Venue choice of one of their beautifully decorated locations along with a choice of three full region honeymoon locations. Their services are provided from the heart because weddings are their passion. They look forward to creating the wedding of your dreams!

Visit in Second Life

Inspired by Hashima Island in Japan, discover the strange world of Hashima in Second Life, once a coal mine community, prison, and film set.

Creator Titus Palmira shares the background behind Hashima Island.

What does Second Life mean to you?
I have been in SL for 13 years and have done many things, each adding to the overall experience, but it really boils down to this: SL is a place where I can do what I want, be what I want, how I want, and all done within a shared experience with interesting people from all over the (real) world.

What is the background of Hashima Island? Is there a story in your head that you wanted expressed in this form?
I have always been interested in ghost towns. I feel they have a poignancy about them, the life that resided there once removed leaves a trace that soaks into the fabric of the abandoned buildings. There are government facilities here in the UK that have taken over entire villages, mining ghost towns in Australia, empty towns in Spain due to the greed of property developers, or ex-Soviet era towns in Eastern Europe. I found the Latvian town of Skrunda. It was used by the USSR army as a radar facility and also hosted the soldiers' families. The melancholy of it all struck me as being very profound. That gave me the idea of replicating this somehow in Second Life and the sim "Skrunda 2" was created, this was repeated the year with "Skrunda 3". We took the ideas and concepts behind Skrunda and moved the whole thing to Japan. Hashima island is almost the perfect real-life destination to be converted into a Second Life / Skrunda sim. It's small, has a defined identity, and has been abandoned, so a great ghost town. It has a rich history, it was a coal mine, a camp for POWs, and was a set for one of the scenes in the James Bond movie Skyfall which I thought people would find interesting.

How would you explain SL or what you do to a “skeptic” among friends and family?
That's a tough question, how do you describe something with almost endless possibilities? It's not a video game, so it has no beginning, middle, or end, but it sort of looks like one. I would say it's a virtual world, which in part you create yourself, a world where you get out, what you put in. If you don't socialize and make an effort to be involved, you will spend it alone and you will probably leave SL soon after, there is only so much shopping one can do before it gets tiring. 

Do you think avatar expression is a vital part of SL or are the experiences and places more important?
I think the two things go hand in hand. As in real-life our "look" is the outer manifestation of who we want to be seen as and the message(s) we want to give out, but there is no point in having an amazing looking avatar, if there is no one to show it off to or great places for it to be seen in. Interesting sims of any kind, shopping experiences, clubs, photographic sims, role-play worlds, adventures, etc.. require effort and money to create. Not all sims are created to create a return on investment. I think what we try to do, is to offer something to the communal "pot" for everyone in SL to enjoy with no expectation of anything back. This is my way of paying it forward. 

How would you recommend folks who are new to SL and feel they have no building skills become creative residents that contribute to the wonderful mosaic that is SL?
Youtube is your friend, failing that, have some real friends who are experts in this area. My good friend Sofie Janic (an accomplished SL builder of multiple sims) introduced me to Megan Prumier, another amazing builder. Like most things in life, it's best to just "give it a go", it might seem a bit fiddly at first, but you will be surprised at the things you can create quite quickly. There are so many great stores that sell such great components for sims, buildings, vehicles, plants and trees, assorted bits, and pieces, etc. Start off with a small Homestead, rez a shack, create a garden or a beach, add some waves and a deck chair, and you are there! 

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

Hashima Island

Welcome to Hashima Island, a new destination from the Skrunda team. Take your first step onto the island from the rickety old ferry and be transported into the strange world of Hashima, an ex coal mine community, prison, and film set. The people have gone but the feeling of their humanity remains. Inspired by Hashima Island in Japan.

Visit in Second Life

Feel the thrill of exploring an abandoned theme park on a rainy night at The Lost Wonderland.

This region is an ode to a nostalgia that many Residents may relate to. Creator Litani Istmal was having a conversation with some friends, reminiscing about “our years of meeting up at the small arcade in our mall before it shut down. It was our favorite meet up spot, the spot to meet someone new, and to just relax after a long week stuck in classes. For me, the whole experience is like going back in time to a place where happy memories were created.” The theme of the arcade is both literal and meta here; while you explore the grounds, given the the element of roleplay, it can also feel like you are inside of a game.

The landing point gives you the option of going in two directions, towards the outdoors portion with rides, or a covered area that bears similarities to the urban underground of an Asian neighborhood. Empty shops, a laundromat, and bright lights add an air of playful mystery.

The outdoor area is a dilapidated theme park with a ferris wheel, game booths, and other rides in a rusty state of decay. The once bright colors have now faded into garish shades under the dim light. Remnants of a wooden roller coaster sit at the edge, where riders once enjoyed a panoramic view of the surroundings. Walk into a dark cave and you’ll be teleported to another location, so visitors should be up for anything.

Since SL has been around for so long, Litani’s relationship to SL had time to grow and evolve. This might be encouraging for newer Residents or for those who are ready to try something new but don’t know where to start. Litani actually went through a creative block for a period, but tells us, “When the pandemic hit and the lockdowns followed, I found myself signing into SL again. I started exploring a bustling neighborhood style community and there I rediscovered my love for roleplay while COVID continued to turn every place in the real world into a ghost town.” 

Following this renewed interest in virtual creation and connection, Litani adds, “The pandemic definitely changed Second Life for me. I became more social and also made new friends that introduced me to activities like the weekly grid drives. That’s when I started to really explore and discover what all the Mainland had to offer.”

For those unfamiliar with the Mainland, Litani says “Mainland is a vital artery of SL. It offers plenty of amazing places created by Residents to explore and discover. Some of these amazing experiences include working railroads, subway stations, airports, and my favorite, sailing the open seas.  To the new explorer who may feel overwhelmed, there are pod stations that take you on tours. There are also great groups like Passengers of SL, where you can catch multiple plane rides and Drivers of SL, with their weekly guided grid drives.”

Visit The Lost Wonderland today to get your fix of good-natured mischief. Who knows where it will lead?

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

The Lost Wonderland

Magic exists within this abandoned theme park. Find the lost wonderland and get transported back to an era where arcades ruled the social scene. Climb to the rooftop to kick back and relax or try some competitive paintball and bumper cars. There's plenty to do with an amusement park right outside the doors. Grab some friends, meet someone new, and most important of all... have fun!

Visit in Second Life

This week we are transported to the surreal landscape of Alpha Tribe Tomorrow.

Creator Alpha Auer made Tomorrow a very large and immersive exhibit with a premise that is open to interpretation. If you think the attention to detail looks like that of an experienced professional, you are correct! Alpha is known as Elif Ayiter IRL and works as a designer and educator in Turkey.

She has co-authored the LPDT2/3 series of {region} wide installations based on Roy Ascott's concept of distributed authorship and La Plissure du Texte. These works were featured in international art exhibitions such as ISEA2011 and the 2010 multimedia festival at Incheon, Korea’s Tomorrow City.

The Tomorrow installation at Alpha Tribe has a surreal environment, with a unifying theme that Alpha describes as “an entropic world in which nothing is expected to ever change.” This appears to defy time, which is also a prominent element here: Alpha tells us “The landing point is 'Yesterday,' where all sorts of people are frolicking in an old garden. As for the narrow valley ahead of you, that is 'Today,' where the two hapless boys have just found a mysterious smartphone…”

Tomorrow is a mesmerizing blend of grey dystopia and childlike whimsy. The static characters include literal fat cats, humanoid sculptures, pigs, and even what Alpha describes as “The trickster god Kokopelli and his merry tribesmen... embodying the essence of 'Tomorrow’: blind belief. 

The notion of surveillance society is implied by watchtowers and drones, with Alpha saying “The {region} is an allegory. I am actually telling a pretty serious story, but I wanted to tell it in a humorous way, not get all miserable and dark about it.” The cartoonish tone is on purpose. Alpha says there is “a retro element to the figures, which is quite intentional since I love that mid-20th century period in design.”

For those curious about Alpha’s technique, she says “I made the mesh in Zbrush Core, and then took it to Blender for the final output. I spent most of my time with the textures which I made in Photoshop and then applied in Zbrush.”

There are too many details in this creation to mention, so we suggest just hopping over to Alpha Tribe Tomorrow to see for yourself. After your visit, don’t forget to check out Alpha’s store. It’s like a trip to the gift shop after a day at the museum.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Alpha Tribe Tomorrow

An allegorical world and its inhabitants: A tribe of fat cats, robotic administrators, poker-playing cats, philosopher cats, teddy bears having a picnic, flute players, and many others which are placed as the protagonists of a progression that starts from the region entrance and unfolds as you move into the ground level that is an archipelago of many islands upon which these characters are placed.

Visit in Second Life

Enjoy the last days of Autumn in a fall-themed café with a pumpkin spice brew as you listen to the soothing sounds of November Rain.

November Rain was built by SEMINΛ, a live musician who has been playing gigs around the grid since 2016. 

SEMINΛ has an interesting way for the virtual world to boost her creative output in the physical world: as she works on new music in the physical world, she finds it comfortable to "park" her avatar at a Second Life destination that's inspiring. It helps spark creativity to surround herself with a certain environment. She says, “Pre-COVID meant visiting a lot of places and traveling in RL so it was quite comforting to find a little part of what was missing in RL at the moment, right in front of you, on the screen.”

SEMINΛ explains that November Rain actually came about on a warm midsummer night: 
“I was tired of the heat and couldn't wait for pumpkin spice season so I thought, let's create it then! Me and my bestie Aurelia von Troubles wanted to open a little place of our own for the longest time where we could host different types of events. Our friend Ƶąȼƙ happened to have some leftover land so we thought, why not? I wanted to create a poetic place with some of my favorite things. Autumn, cozy cafés, the forest, gloomy indie music, sprinkled with a little bit of rock n roll (Guns’N Roses - November Rain), and of course: the sound of the pouring rain.”

SEMINΛ says to her there is a lot of beauty to be found in the gloomy darkness of things: 
“It doesn't always have to be sunshine and rainbows for something to thrive in a good or positive way. I do read a lot of books and while building November Rain, I imagined this to be a place where a modern Jane Austen would come to relax. I'd sit in the corner of the café, secretly looking up at her from the lyrics in my notebook. She wouldn't notice me though…I'm a typical extroverted introvert and as much as I love the social part of SL, I also like to curl up alone with a hot drink at an autumn café in the woods, listen to music and the sound of … November Rain.”

Teleport now and find your inspiration at November Rain.

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

November Rain

Explore the autumn-themed café: November Rain. Grab an umbrella, take lots of pictures and meet new friends. Curl up with a hot drink in the Café and listen to live music and the sound of autumn rain.

Visit in Second Life

Swim among Jurassic era dinosaurs and plant life dappled with hints of fantasy at Isla del Mar.

It’s time for your avatar to see what’s happening below the surface: the water is a surreal cyan body that feels very much alive, filled with glowing seaweed and moving with gusto.

Creator Saer Genosse is a 3D modeling aficionado, saying it all started when “I became obsessed with building and doing terrain work back in ActiveWorlds in 1995…” Saer tells us that eight years later, “a coworker showed me Second Life and it was like starting all over again! The SL terrain program is sooo much faster than it was in AW, and it is my favorite thing to do in 3D!”

Fly over an active volcano to see a thick river of magma, one of many terrifying yet beautiful natural phenomena that Residents get to experience in SL. For Saer, “a world build is like a painting. I pick the color scheme, decide on the theme, and it becomes a process of creation. The fun part about SL is you can tinker with it endlessly, and that is where I am today.” Isla del Mar blends the past and present to make a magical paradise featuring orcas, sharks, and many other majestic creatures that we know only from what they left behind. 

Building in Second Life is engaging, fulfilling, and sometimes delightfully unpredictable. Saer shares, “Creating an environment that avatars enjoy has just been icing on the cake. Sometimes the theme of a world doesn't hit me until I start throwing terrain around. Some builds have even come to me in dreams! In the case of our newest {region} Isla del Mer, my RL husband and SL partner asked me a few years ago to build a volcano, so I finally have!”

The majority of the region is aquatic, and underwater exploration has a special way of providing the illusion of infinity. While all avatars are welcome to explore Isla del Mar, there is something spectacular about being able to glide through water with a fin. According to Saer, “We discovered Mer bodies a few years ago, and can't seem to go back to being 'leggers.' The fluidity and relaxing nature of swimming underwater is the most satisfying way I have found to spend my time online. Everyone should at least try it!”

Sears admits “I'm officially retired in RL and SL, but world building is in my blood and I can't imagine not doing it. I guess when I finally fall off the computer chair I'll quit.” Well, they say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Sounds like Saer has really gotten that figured out.

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

Isla del Mer

Isla del Mer is a land of volcanoes - home to Dinosaurs and an Underwater world full of sea creatures! Whales, sharks, fish and beautiful corals, caves and crater gardens offer places for calm reflection. They are Mer, and invite all Aquatic enthusiasts to visit this Moderate destination.

Visit in Second Life

The Desire Realm pays homage to Roro Jonggrang, a Javanese fairy tale of love and betrayal, set in a gorgeous Hindu temple with a tropical monsoon climate.

Creator Aryluke tells us that this region was originally something else, and over time evolved into Candi Roro Jonggrang - Prambanan. Prambanan is an 8th-century Hindu temple compound in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, that is dedicated to the Trimūrti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu), and the Destroyer (Shiva).

Aryluke explains, “I love building in Second Life, so my {region} and its concept will most likely always change a lot. However, it will still be about my home here in Central Java, Indonesia and all the monuments and temples we have here in {the physical world}. I will keep them rezzed to share with everyone all over the world.”

The sky and water bear an interesting palette of sepia and taupe; this shields visitors from the harsh tropical sun while giving the region a peaceful golden hour tone. It also makes the green of the palm trees and plant life pop. This is a tranquil region untouched by industrialization, made in honor of natural beauty and its sacred soundscape.

The setting has great spiritual value, as Aryluke tells us, “The Desire Realm or Karma Vhibangga Level as it stands now on my {region} is the lowest level of The Borobudur, which features 160 relief panels all telling stories about moral and ethical questions and interactions between people in a variety of social settings, so they - as Buddhists - can become better humans, while in the physical realm.” Perfectly preserved ancient structures provide a sense of timelessness, and sculptures of Hindu deities are immensely humbling. If you are lucky enough to find a horse, riding it over the water is pure magic, imbuing visitors with a profound sense of gratitude. 

Aryluke’s creative process involved the following: “I used some pictures from the museum in Borobudur and textured them on those giant prims surrounding the top level of the Borobudur. This way people who visit can actually view them, which they could not do in RL because they are too high up.”

Aryluke’s approach to SL is multifaceted, illustrating the numerous ways that Residents can find fulfillment here: “I joined SL to have more creativity, friends, and fun. It has been a wonderful world for me, {I’m} so glad to see what people build here from all over the world. A lot is about nature, education, art, culture, etc. I spend my time in SL exploring places. There is a lot to learn here, if you want to.”

Regarding what sets Second Life apart from other virtual worlds, Aryluke tells us, “Considering everything we have in SL: the variety of {regions}, quality of avatars, business/marketplace, virtual currency, land/property, and social life… SL is still the best metaverse for me.”

We each have a unique perspective on the culture we grew up in, and experiencing different cultures with the guidance of someone within the community provides invaluable authenticity, with little details you can’t always find through your own research. Like many others, Aryluke explains, “I have been a heritage enthusiast since I was very young, and so when I discovered SL and had a chance to build things we have here in Indonesia, it became very interesting for me.”

Immerse yourself in ancient history and international culture the Second Life way, and visit The Desire Realm today.

Aryluke's Flickr

Video Production Credits:
Draxtor Despres

The Desire Realm

The Desire Realm brings the beauty of a tropical landscape surrounded by temples and monuments. Offering some interesting gifts, free for visitors and newbies. It's a great place to hang out, meditate, and take some water reflection photography. Everyone is welcome!

Visit in Second Life