World Aids Day 2008 Karuna

This blog entry is out of sequence and not part of my continent tour. Today is World Aids Day and it is the day that a site in SL at Karuna opens. (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Karuna/180/149/23 ). Words don't do this justice. It combines memorials, education, place to be with many many features including very discrete but touching stories. A must visit and today a must remember.

This is the dawning of the age : Club Aquarius

Ok nice to see some diversity :) As usual clubs are closed when I visit but the schedule gives clues ... Tuesday Furry and Neko night ... Wednesday ... Futa and Shemale night (what is a Futa ... and do I really want to know?) .. Thursday ... Female Muscle Body Night. Welcome to Club Aquarius (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Baechu/193/167/79). And it is nice to see places that welcome other forms. In SL the beautiful model like human form dominates and some places even exercise a kind of discrimination by banning those that choose non human avi forms. Lol maybe one day we will see a Neko president ;)

Awed again: Lilipily

I keep getting awed by the care and love that has gone into some builds and it's a little sad that I'm here on a UK Saturday evening and they are deserted. There is a complex of really nice dance places, romantic settings, jewelry shops in the Lilypily complex (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Omurice/94/202/46) It's just so sad that it's so quiet. Must have been a helluva place in its heyday

Welcome to our world : Starshine Dance and Gardens

Next stop was a sim where an SL couple have apparently opened up their house and gardens for visitors to enjoy, Starshine Dance and Gardens Ballroom (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Gimchi/230/158/28). I must admit I like the music I heard played but then I'm ancient ;) Felt a bit strange being in someone's house though even if they put signs up saying "won't you come on in". It's a shame the hosts weren't around for a chat.

Widdle Twains and Cute Stuff: Doobie Doobie Doo

Next a shop selling stuff for kids (and parents). Maybe I dont understand mainstream SL but I thought all the real kids were away on Teen SL so who the heck is in mainland SL as a kid? Anyway if you have a happy little family with your little role playing kids then you can buy them jolly things to play with. Alternately you can buy yourself some toys at Doobie Doobie Doo (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caeshu/220/54/42).

Lord won't you give me .... : Lord CHurch land

Ok it takes all kinds and the world is a wondrous and diverse place. So if you want to make your own virtual place of worship hey why not. I have to admit to not being totally comfortable. It's a while since I stepped into a RL chapel but they have always been either quiet places of contemplation or full of friendly welcoming people. I don't get what Lord CHurch land (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caeshu/38/3/53) is all about and I have to admit being too chicken to ask. I sat in quiet contemplation for a little while then made the sign of the cross and left. Finally had a look at the box thing. Holy camping? Blessed are the patient for they shall make $2L per 15 minutes.

Hearts, Hearts Glorious Hearts: realMoM Usenet Jungle

You know once in a while in SL you have one of those random encounters that turns out to be truly magical. And it is never where you expect it. So I spotted an event marker nearby on the map with a couple of green dots nearby. This led me to drop into realMom Usenet Jungle (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Moolbora/36/215/57). Taking a quick look there was a lot of information in German. I later found that this sim is sponsored by realmom a usenet site. I'm kind of learning though to say hi to people even when the surroundings are maybe not what you would normally choose and even if their avatars look different from yours. I'm really glad I did. I had a wonderful blether with a really friendly German guy who explained what the sim was all about. But the thing that was magical was that when I told him I was from near Edinburgh he started typing in lyrics to Heart of Midlothian Football Club (soccer team) supporter songs. This really cracked me up. Go to a virtual world, find a German by accident and he's into the football team I grew up with (I'm originally from Edinburgh). Anyway great chat and I'm going back when they build their aquarium. Total recommend this for a random visit to try something different and meet the friendliest staff so far in the continent.