Romance and Entertainment Places to See in Second Life

Second Life (SL) is a virtual platform hosted on the Internet that was created by Linden Labs as a virtual hub where people can recreate themselves as avatars and can meet with other people in social and business settings created by users for other users to share.

In all the hustle and bustle of our sl jobs and money-seek ventures, many of us (read: all of us) forget what drew us into a secondary life - but let's remind ourselves, Second Life was the place that allowed our imaginations to run amok. The best of all, you can go anywhere and travel far and wide at the blink of an eye. It's creativity at its best, all catered for our eyes, ears, and healthy admiration for beauty, awe, and inspiration. Now, finding choice spots take a little time and effort; the best are always diamonds in the rough. Low traffic equals low lag - wonderful, but not easy on the agenda-busy folks who don't have the time to wallow through lists on the search engine.

Luckily, the research has already been done for you. Stayed tuned, you'll find out about five of SL's best must-see places (just don't let your computer fry out). These little picks happen to be subtle surprises, just enough to tickle the tastebuds without becoming too decadent and over-the-top.

First up is a treat for lovers of nature, Tolkien artistry, everything that's fantastical, mythical, and serene. The Hobbit Land's Elven Temple and Healing Hot Spring is a treasure of all treasures. A walk through the elegantly constructed temple is like stepping through a zen-like shrine. The porcelain white columns look so placating against the lush green backdrop. Touring around, you could find draping hammocks to rest on or even meditate to a lulling song (turn up your volume a bit, as the music is soothing and appropriately soft). If you happen to drop into the sea, you might be lucky enough to find their hidden cave and an enchanting sea-dwelling environment. The sim is too magnificently large and diverse not to explore, so be sure to set aside that leisure time to see the whole thing.

For a more romantic experience, the Eternia dance pavilion is a must-see for all couples. Even if you don't yet have a sl soulmate, drop by and see this unearthly ballroom! Isolated high in the sky, it's like a castle in the clouds, decorated in wintry silvers and whites - the very definition of class. You can dance under the chandeliers to a variety of dance forms, and note that you don't risk a chance of haphazardly crashing against a throng of strangers. An even more private experience is offered free of charge by simply hasting yourself up the staggered steps to the miniature pavillions dangling above. And to rest, just sidle on over to an inviting, rich sakura tree and bask under its overhanging blooms.

And this part my require some soaking, but keep an open mind. If you love hosting parties, and you are a club-going type, consider inviting your friends and new acquaintances to The Moulin Rouge, SL's Original. Pan the camera up a bit and, lo and behold is the almighty rouge windmill tower. Consider this both an opportunity for a pizazzy experience and many photo ops. The entire room is a sultry red, save for the warm, brown-clad floors where anyone can enjoy candle-light dinners facing the razzy stage. Either sit yourself on the jutting balconies or come down below to enjoy the show. In the expected fashion of the real Moulin Rouge, there are scheduled events with specific times, all as sexy and edgy as they are meant to be, so come on time and don't miss out! And remember, on SL you don't have to be a bourgeoisie to take in the spectacular festivity of the bold and beautiful Moulin Rouge.

Going on the same line of established RL and SL treasures, Theatro Grecco is also a must-see. This sime offers a very educationally enriching experience while still maintaining the feel of enjoyment and relaxation. It homes a Greek Theatre built very precisely in manner - a mouth-gapingly large rounded stadium looking into a stage area. Those of you who can appreciate architecture will marvel at this the most. The center steps lead into a few cute nooks and crannies. But what I liked best was what I saw when walking out of the theater: a gorgeous vineyard at a winery farmhouse. Greek meets Italy with a divine view that offers a majestic docked ship to the cluster of lambs grazing away on this countryside. There's a dance patio (dance animations included) connected to a tiny bar if you have a moment to walk all the way around this incredible sim.

For any and all ages, this amusement park is by far my favorite landmark, playground, resort, you-name-it-I'll-confirm-it on SL: the Kleio Island Public Amusement Park. There's absolutely no limit on fun and there is no better treat than free amusement at a carnival of wonders. It has everything from rides to swings and a perfect picnic ground. It's family fun, and I can guarantee that you'll enjoy your time here both visually, emotionally, and as a kid-at-heart. At the very least if you can't make too much time here, you have to take a look at the Wonderland gondola ride. Step into the world of Alice in Wonderland and let the gondola guide you through everything from the cute to the bizarre - I laughed towards the end of the ride when my gondola passed over an oversized, magenta-nailed hand. It draws back all of my own childhood memories of miniature roller coaster rides. This gondola gives into every momentum and aspect of a wonderful coast into thrill and fantasy (and be sure to watch for the flying dragons near the roof, they're quite a sight).

So there's not another minute to waste on your haranguing schedules. Set aside quality time to visit these treasure sims, and remember to enjoy SL so as to fulfill one of the most treasured human pleasures: happiness.