Traveling back to Steelhead Shanghai

If you’re over 18 and looking for an unusual SL site to visit, take a trip to Steelhead Shanghai, an 1890’s Chinatown community located along the Pacific Northwest coast. The notecard describes Steelhead Shanghai as a community “built up by the oriental railroad workers of the old country. The town is darker than the rest of its beautiful neighboring cities, an ever present fog rolls under the streets over the water, junk boats litter the bay as a few merchants with heavily loaded small boats push their way through the water. Some boats are packed with fresh fruit to sell, others have more... nefarious dealings.”

I started my journey at Luminous Designs Gardens, located at Steelhead Shanghai (71, 70, 27). The garden is near a rushing creek, and wind chimes add to the ambiance. Luminous Designs, which can be reached from the gardens by either steep steps or a teleporter, offers interesting clothes and accessories for ladies and gents.

If shopping isn’t on your list of tourist activities, stay on the garden level and walk around the harbor area. Steelhead Shanghai is a mix of a working class Asian, Steampunk fun, and adult amusements. Zoning didn’t exist in the 1890s, which allows for a colorful, eclectic mix of buildings and enterprises on this site.

Near the gardens is the tranquil and sophisticated Tokaido Art Gallery, located at Steelhead Shanghai (42, 75, 29) Currently it is featuring "Bridge from Afar: Images of Old Tokyo and Kyoto", which are images and photographs by Steadman Kondor. In the front of the gallery, you can enjoy a cup of green tea as you listen to the narration. Kondor has also created original art depicting traditional and modern Japan that you can view. In the back room you can relax and watch Japanese dance performances.

From the Gallery, walk back toward the gardens and descend the bridge into Oriental Steampunk to tour the Steelhead Cannery. Hold your nose -- the table of salmon filets smells a bit, but they will taste yummy. Go into the cannery to see the steam driven conveyor belt and stacks of canned salmon. Outside the cannery you can pick up a free cold one, courtesy of Sylva's Animation Factory, to help wash down the fishy odor.

This area is clearly a working man's neighborhood. The streets are narrow and everything looks more than a little sinister. Follow the wooden planks behind the Cannery, and you'll come to a hog pen. Continue around the corner to find more workers housing and machinery. If you’re mechanically inclined, you can work a grinder in one carpenter’s shop. Barges are tied up here, and for $125L you can buy a flatbed barge of your own. But the area isn’t all work. You and your friends can play a game of Mahjong at Steelhead Shanghai (51, 221, 23).

Nearby is Shamian Alley & Shanghai Boardwalk, Steelhead Shanghai (50, 187, 23). This store sells beds, animations, and a most interesting device, Dr. Quicksand's Electro- Massage machine. This shop has adult content, so tourist beware. But for the curious adventurer, Dr. Quicksand’s device is very, shall we say, stimulating. Further down the Alley is the Shanghai Trading Company, where you can find oriental furniture, rugs, and wall hangings.

A large shrine sits in the harbor, reachable by bridges that link the different areas. There are notecards and information about Steelhead Shanghai here. The Shrine can be rented for special events, too. Contact Krystine Qinan for more information. Be sure to ring the Prosperity Bell for good luck!

The Shanghai Free Market is a site for the citizens of Steelhead to sell their wares, located at Shanghai free Market, Steelhead Shanghai (198, 75, 27). Open stalls are set out in rows, and a stage area is off to the side for local musicians to perform. The market looks like a dangerous place to be after dark, and I was glad I visited during the day.

Watch your step around the harbor area of Shanghai. Boards are rotted and the area appears to be a bit on the wild and dangerous side. I nearly turned back when I turned a corner and walked into a beautifully maintained Zen garden. A sweet cat named Beatrice seemed content and happy here. Rows of nicely maintained rooms surround the gardens and a koi pond.

Down on the harbor, I found a 7Seas fishing spot, located at Steelhead Shanghai (196, 132, 21). I wouldn’t want to eat any fish that came from this part of the harbor, but I caught a rare white jellyfish that I’ll keep as a souvenir. Not that I will need a reminder. Steelhead Shanghai is such an unusual concept, and so perfectly implemented, that I will never forget my visit.

Grey Lupindo

Trendone City

Recently I had a chance to meet Xstorm Radek when I visited Trendone City. Trendone is a great town that he and his wife, Patty1 Rosca, created. Trendone (234, 128, 39,). The city has existed for about a year and a half. Xstorm said he has lost track of the number of stores and buildings there now. After walking through it a couple of times, I can understand why. Trendone City is huge. To get around quicker I took a taxi, which really moves and has great sounds, too. But watch out for the curves!

What makes Trendone City unique, besides a lot of very different shops, is its emphasis on helping new residents and new entrepreneurs. Xstorm explained, "My wife and I hope we can help others and make the continent work." To do this, he offers space at free or very low rents so that new people can get started.

Like all great cities, Trendone has its own Chinatown, Little China 1. Trendone (234, 129, 39). A very dramatic entrance sets the tone for a place that is both unique and fun. For me, the most unusual store is the Chinese laundry, Happy Dragon Dry Cleaning. Trendone (245, 87, 32). Owned by Valentine Easterwood, this is the first dry cleaners I have seen in SL. This one is decorated with beautiful Chinese art, too. When you drop off your sweaters and suits, be sure to check out the Lost and Found. You might just find a surprise outfit. Be sure to go behind the counter and check out the hanging suit bags. There are surprises here, too.

Nearby, The Llewellyn Gallery (Trendone 225,87,34), has tank tops that communicate, like the one that says "Many Peoples, Only One Earth". You can find very affordable art there, too. A selection of ladies Victorian gowns is along the back wall.

Another interesting shop, PD, sells Digi Pants, tank tops, leather jackets, and more. Trendone (246, 104, 36). All the outfits a rugged alpha avatar needs.

For the young at heart, a visit to Wolverlís Toybox is a must. Find it just outside of China 1 at Trendone (195, 56, 33). Here you can pick up a Velveteen Rabbit for only $20L. Or buy a bouncy ball that really bounces for an equally great, low price. I bought one in yellow. While I was there I also picked up a free snow family that Wolverlís is giving away. Íll have to find someplace to store it for a few months, but when winter arrives, Íll be ready.

In another part of town, along Triffit Street, there is a large help center where a listing of real estate can be found. Because the emphasis is on helping people get started, some really low rentals are available. An apartment rents for $10L per week. Although you only get 1 prim and there aren't any windows, the price makes it an affordable place to change clothes and rest your tired paws. Large commercial space that comes with 100 prims is available for $140L per week.

Trendone City encourages building, too, with a huge sandbox and a neat contest that both new and older residents can try. "Aunties Building Challenge" is a held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. The challenge is to build an object that fits the theme for the day using 100 prims or less within 30 minutes. Katisha Honi is the Host and organizer of the challenge. When I visited, the winner was a neat pirate boat made by Throatwobbler Colinsgrove. To join up or get more info, search for Aunties Building Challenge under the group tab.

Grey Lupindo