Second Life: Top Ten Places to Visit

Second Life is a great place to visit for a uniqe experience. I wander around and visit different places just for the fun of it, and have been lucky enough to find wonderful places that make the visit worthwhile. I am not an advocate for the porn and wish people would focus more on the positive experiences that are to be found there. Here are my top ten (not in order of importance):

1. Sublime Restaurant - Are you traveling and can't seem to find the time to meet with your spouse for a special one-on-one session of good old fashioned quality time? Then why not meet each other at this restaurant. The service is impeccable, the menu extensive, and the options great. Add to that the wonderful ambiance that it affords. I particularly love their fish tank which helps sooth all your cares away and keeps your mood light and comfortable. They offer live music and great performances, and you feel like you are in a five-star hotel. (Oh, they also offer jobs for waiters and waitresses so those who want to make some Lindens are welcome to apply). Visit http://www.sublimesl.com to make a reservation or find out more about them (Second Life folks, visit them at Sublime Island 125, 114)

2. New York City - Ahhh, New York, New York! This is a beautiful rendition of the actual city. If you cant make it to New York, you can visit it and it's denizens in Second Life, watch a fireworks display at the Statue of Liberty, or just hang out in one of the stores. Second Life coordinates are New New York, 106, 142. It is a very rewarding experience.

3. Amsterdam - Okay, there are some folks who are going for the red-light district life, but the architecture is truly amazing. I loved the cobblestone streets and the bicycles. It is a very popular place for most red-light people, so the lag is a little annoying, but the scenery is breathtaking. I think I will visit Amsterdam in real life now! To experience your virtual tour, go to Amsterdam 136, 233.

4. Blue Moon Jazz Club - Now this is the place to go to listen to great jazz. Twirl around on the dance floor, meet great people, or just sit down and soak in the atmosphere. The ambiance (a big thing with me) is great and the size is wonderful. For your next jazz fix visit Otaki Gorge 147, 196.

5. Abbots Aerodrome - Take a flight around Abbotts island, try your hand at skydiving, walk around the airport, and relish all things about aviation. This is a wonderful place to visit and learn about aviation while you play around. They also provide balloon rides and give you an emergency parachute and a pilot's outfit. Now how much fun is that!!! I plan to be a Second Life pilot for a day (or at least a few minutes). For your flight of fancy, visit Abbotts 160, 152.

6. Virtual Starry Night - Are you a serious art buff? Interested in Van Gogh? Here is a great interactive experience for you. Virtual Starry Night in Second Life offers an opportunity to see Van Gogh's paintings (virtual renditions) up close, take a walk through them and interact with them. That's right, you can walk into the painting and experience it for yourself. That is sure to make the painting mean so much more. I love it! Luctesa 95, 193 is your gateway to an artistic orgy!

7. The Pond - Couldn't leave out the water buffs. If you like diving, scuba diving, swimming, sunbathing, or anything that starts with the word 'aqua', then this is the place in Second Life for you. Your bonus is that it is set up in Australia (virtually of course). Visit the Sydney Opera House, race a motorcyle around a free raceway, or zoom around on a jetski. To get your thrills on, visit The Pond 127, 135.

8. West of Ireland - How would you like to work in traditional Irish style and help a project called Project Children (http://www.projectchildren.org). You can indulge in some sheep raising, go surfing, drink some Irish beer at the pub, and share stories with the 'locals'. If you like events, they have an extensive list --and all this for a really good cause! What a great way to help charity. West of Ireland 215, 36.

9. Spaceport Bravo - This is the International Spaceflight Museum's Second Life spot. You can learn about rockets in their rocket classes, see models of space flight machines, and try your hand at riding in a rocket. For an out of world experience visit Spaceport Bravo 6, 80.

10. Igbo Karting Raceway - If you feel the need for speed, why not try your hand at some go-kart racing. This Second Life Speedway offers the best racing experience there is. Rez a go-kart, put on your helmet and see if you can beat your best time. To feel the wind in your hair go to Igbo 79, 234.

I am actually getting carried away, but will fill you in on the best sports places in Second Life. Keep an eye out for it, sports fans. Second Life has plenty to offer everyone.