Monday, January 20, 2025

Hazbin Hotel

 
 
 There's an animated series (not for kids) on the Internet that a few of my friends have been watching, "Hazbin Hotel," by the cartoonist Vivienne "VivziePop" Medrano. Not long ago, I heard there was a sim based on the show, and went to check it out. On arriving, you find yourself at the pearly gates. 


Going through you're in a room with some information about the place, along with a clerk behind a desk and a couple angel guards. Avatars need to be at least 30 days old to progress.

Greetings to new souls! My name is Michael! And here are news for you. Bad – you died. Good – you can complete the sorting and choose yourself an afterlife. Are you worthy of Heaven? Or condemned to Hell? The Eye of God will choose for you in any way. Behind me are rules regarding our home and I suggest you acquaint yourself with them to avoid problems.


There are gates to the left and right, the one to the left having a pentagram, and the one to the right looking more heavenly. Going to the one on the right, I heard Michael say, "Aren’t you optimistic! You sure this is the way for you?" Then the floor went out from under me and I plummeted through some weird darkness ...


For those unfamiliar with the show, the condemned souls rejected by Heaven don't live in fire and brimstone, but a dingy-looking urban setting. 

That looks more than a little surreal. Some of the characters aren't exactly heartwarming, "I love watching you suffer! The faces you make when you realize where you ended up. Ha-ha-ha-ha!"


But others such as this street musician can make you momentarily forget you're supposed to be in Hell. 


The products in the corner mart didn't look bad. They even had ice cream. But the prices and service were ... well, you know. 


The place was generally odd and weird.

Some of the place was a bit run down.

I'd call it the bad part of town, but well, in Hell is there a good part?


Not being a follower of the show, I had to do some reading up on it. It seems the really bad part about ending up in Hell besides the shortage of nice people is that every year angels from Heaven do a "Cleansing," and kill off many of the souls there to prevent the place from being too populated.


And among the places in the sim was Hazbin Hotel itself.

Sadly, one of the co-owners of this place had gone on to his reward, Urtm/Urtmiles/Vox.


There was a memorial up for him.


It should be noted when I dropped by, the place was due for a change soon. "Our sim is going through the stage of complete reconstruction. We fully remade the main buildings, the hotel, and build new locations." So the place may look a little different from when I stopped by to take pictures. 
 
 
Bixyl Shuftan
 

Friday, January 17, 2025

Adagio Winterland

 
By Gemma Cleanslate
 

Winter time is a great time to visit the beautiful and fun regions that feature winter as an “art “and ‘sport” in Second Life. One of my favorite sites is Adagio Winterland. Though Adagio is multifaceted with several locations reached by a teleport board, I love this one. One thing I love about it is that it is here all year long so if you get the yen to ice skate in May or September you can. If you just yearn to see snowflakes they are falling all the time. I know some Aussies who love it for the weather and snow during their winter in real-life and want them here too. They also have “almost Karaoke” three times every week. 
 
A small skating area is near the entrance but there is also a huge skating rink over behind the train. Couples and singles can enjoy the skate balls on free skates or bring your own skates or AO . One can also purchase some fancy skates near the entrance too.


I advise if you have time take the balloon ride first. You get a wonderful overview of all the relaxing spots and places to stop while exploring on horseback or foot. There is a horse rezzer near the entrance on the ice near the free skates and also next to the train. The balloon ride gives a little history of the winter region.

“Winterland began when Bekks - a photographer and scene designer in SL - set up a patch of snow, gazebo, a snowman and a log for a winter scene. Loving the idea of a peaceful winter area, it expanded over time with a skating rink and a stage for our weekly karaoke. Homes were added joined by a snowy path, and Winterland became a destination for explorers and photographers. With the Surround and Bekks' meticulous eye for detail, the illusion of a real-life snowy village in the mountains is nearly perfect.” All true.


Little winter cottages dot the area if you would like to rent for a vacation, long or short. Christmas in July can be all year long if you like. There are beautiful snowflakes drifting down enhancing your visit. On the nearby ice families with kiddies will love the three carousels to ride. 

A little farther along in the woods stands a small church. Thinking about getting married in the snow? Here is your chance. There is a lovely Cinderella coach on the lane that I assume is to take the bride to the church. I will bet Adagio has the perfect spot for the reception on another region.


There are more sports opportunities besides skating and horseback riding. Try the sledding , or snowmoble riding, and look for the bungee jumping and zip line. If you visit with friends check out the snowball fight game near the balloon ride too .Lots of fun! 
 
Bekks Heartsong is the owner of this fantastic region. There is information on the rental information card. Pick that up at the entrance. Group members have lots of advantage, You will love this place.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Adagio%20Gardens/167/98/1202

Gemma Cleanslate