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.

Wanna See My Weapon: LK&M Weapon

And what role play sim wouldn't be complete without an extensive weapon mall next door. LK&M (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nemo/124/32/54) is a weapon shop. Find your own BFS (Big Sword) or BFG (Gun) complete with exotic name. I was almost tempted by the little black wrist crossbow. Brought back memories of David Gemmell's Waylander books. However, mall overload is kicking in again so time to move on.

Help Me Obi Wan: I Have a Role to Play

Travelling east from Freebie Heaven I came across some interesting looking scenery. Popped down to check it out. And yes it's a role play. Dromund Kaas - Massassi Sith / C (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Soye/82/240/50) is a role play sim. So for starters Elvis had to go temporarily and I donned my Jedi cloak. RPers can get awfully upset if you don't play along with the game :). I'm not really into these but there are a ton in SL if you want to dress up and have fun with friends. In essence there's usually a combat system (for example, DCS 2 is a popular one) that lets you see your health and has all those Dungeons and Dragony attributes. To be honest, I've never really seen the point of RPs in SL (I'd be happy for someone to enlighten me in game by the way). I had a serious World of Warcraft addiction so if I'm go to bash your head, it will probably happen in Counter Strike or WoW. Still all good clean fun (at least if it's a Star Wars role play). I once served some time in a Star Wars role play sim but it was too much like being in the territorials/national guard for me. Lots of training etc. But hats off this sim is small but pretty.

Heaven I'm In Heaven: Freebie Heaven

I saw a pile of green dots on the map and though ok that's a sex joint. But no. Pleasant surprise it was Freebie Heaven http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sooseunhwa/55/98/69. Everyone in Second Life loves free stuff and this is a sim full of it. Loads and Loads. Including a free Evil Bunny Avatar, Star Trek stuff, clothing, vehicles, gadgets, avatars, etc, etc, etc. More etc, etc, etc than the King of Siam.

Post Apocalyptic Poser: 5ifth Order

Sometimes Second Life is like a 3d comic book and I've often seen post apocalyptic and dark urban landscapes while travelling. 5ifth Order http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ahndang/94/80/36 has just that look. It's tougher picking through debris than through a conventional mall/shop sim but I saw poses, shapes, etc all in the Reality Under Siege theme of the sim.

Beasty: Ecstacy Island

Couldn't last could it. I knew that diner was going to be an oasis. So next stop I found is sex. But hey combine the mighty creative powers of SL residents and what do you get? Beast sex. It is worth a look, once, but there are some really funny things like dogs, horses, unicorns, gorillas. SL is an experiment so why not experiment with ur sex? Anyway Ectasy Island http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dongmoon/76/68/500 is up in the sky - no wonder.

Play Trivia: Sharon's Diner

Phew. Not everyone is sex obsessed (well not all the time). I found Sharon's diner http://slurl.com/secondlife/Doldari/107/122/67 which was running a 9am trivia event. Nice soundtrack, nice atmosphere, friendly folks. Just well nice. Especially after the run of hot spots that lie to the north and east. A little oasis of nice.