A Tuscan Summer

         If you’re looking for a romantic vacation at an Italian villa, visit “A Tuscan Summer” at Cap Estel (13, 16, 28).   This site is another wonderful creation by Maurice Messmer, who is known for his beautiful landscape destinations.     His other creations include Cap Estel Goes Safari, reviewed on February 21, 2011, and Cap Estel Natural Lake Park, reviewed on November 24, 2010.   This time he has re-created the Tuscany region of Italy, a RL area known for its beautiful landscapes, villas, and artistic history.

At the SL entry point, a meandering path leads you past golden grasses and grazing Blackface sheep.   Be careful where you walk--the sheep and donkeys use the path, too.     Where the path split, I chose to follow it up the hill.   Either way makes for a beautiful journey since the path loops around the site.

Take your time at this destination because a Tuscan summer is made for strolling.   The lush landscape is filled with wildflowers, lavender, poppies, and a vineyard.   Bales of hay dot the hillside.  In fact, the bales are so big you can sit, lean, and even hide behind them.    Mountains with fog covered valleys are visible on the horizon.     You can hear the sounds of summer birds and insects, too.  

The highlight of the site is the grand Tuscan villa at the top of the hill.  Polished marble and Italian art combine to create the perfect ambiance.   Messmer has provided every comfort for his guests.   Inside are complimentary appetizers and drinks, including fine wines.     Chairs surround the fireplace, and there’s a grand piano to play.    Three terraces extend off of the main villa, all of which have great views of the countryside.  One terrace has chairs and a table where you can relax with a friend.  

At the doorway there is a guest book that you can sign as you enter or leave.  On the day I visited, over 168 residents had already left comments about the villa.  Many residents thanked Messmer for creating and opening the site to all of SL.      

RL Italy is known for its fountains, and SL Tuscany has two.   The formal one contains a reflecting pool, stately topiary, and the Sacred Sisters Wishing Well Fountain.   On the other side of the villa is the Gargoyle Wishing Well.   This informal area has a picnic blanket and goodie basket available for couples who want to linger.              

Another romantic area can be found at the bottom of the hill behind the villa.   There is a patio for dancing and a nearby stone ruin to explore and enjoy.   The ruin is situated on the coast so watch out for the sea gulls.   The sounds of the crashing surf, however, are wonderfully relaxing.  

            A Tuscan Summer feels so real I expect to meet Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci on my next visit.

Grey Lupindo

Cap Estel Goes Safari

Maurice Messmer’s latest SL work is wild. Really wild. He has turned Cap Estel into the Serengeti. Start your adventure at Cap Estel Goes Safari, Cap Estel (229, 223, 53).

You can tour this Serengeti by giraffe or by horse. Hop on the giraffe or use the saddle rez station to get your pick of one of the four horses. They’re temporary, but they will last as long as you ride them. I picked the giraffe tour since I have horses at home, but I’d never ridden a giraffe. Their gait is surprisingly smooth.

As you ride into the Serengeti, you hear its sounds: beating drums, roaring waterfalls, and snarling wild animals. Cap Estel Safari is teeming with giraffe, zebra, Oryx, hyena, sable antelope, and even a rhino. Messmer is known for his realistic scenery, and he has outdone himself here. I felt like I was in Africa as I walked on the cracked, dry earth, crept past the animals, and peered over steep gorges filled with rushing water.

Near an old VW bus I met resident Melanie774 Kidd. She had just finished making a video of her giraffe ride around the site. The video is posted on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSSPa8rQ5rQ.

We chatted about how much we both enjoyed Messmer’s work. Kidd said this was the first time she had seen one of his sims. She learned about it from another SL resident, Shoji Kumaki, who displays photos of Messmer’s work in his gallery. “I love his photos,” she said, “so I had to come see for myself.”

After our chat I continued my tour of the Serengeti. I walked across the rickety rope bridge that spans one of the gorges. On the other side I found a tall observation tower and complimentary sweat towels and water. After that hike, I needed them. In keeping with making his places special, Messmer has even made the water bottles special here. All of the SL bottles and cups that I’ve seen are scripted to automatically give you a drink, whether you want a sip or not. But with this water bottle, you are in control. You only sip when you touch the bottle.

After you hydrate, climb up the tower. It’s a tall one. But you’ll be aptly rewarded by a great view and a cold bottle of Beck’s Beer at the top. Rest up in one of the Adirondack chairs to enjoy the brew and catch your breath. If you’re in the mood for some authentic African music, touch the drum.

When you go down the tower, walk toward the middle of the area, away from the rocks, to find a zebra herd. But be careful. Danger lurks in this jungle! I saw a number of slithering creatures.

As interesting as the Serengeti is, it’s only half of the Cap Estel Safari experience. A tropical jungle waits below, and you can reach it by grabbing onto a rope swing that is near the trail. Hold on tight to descend into the heart of the jungle. You’ll land at a platform that has security screening around it for your safety. Immediately you’ll see and hear the richness of the jungle -parrots, hummingbirds, moneys, and insects of all kinds live here.

Follow the torch lit path around the lake. Here the landscape is lush and beautiful, a treat for the senses. Take your time and linger. There is much to see. Colorful butterflies flutter from flower to flower, and a baby chimp plays on a swing. Hippos lumber in the shimmering water, but a small pile of bones reminds you to keep alert.

When you reach the cafe, you can pick up one of their yummy blueberry crumb muffins. Take a moment to sign the guest book, too, and drop a few Lindens in the tip jar if you can. All those hippos probably eat a lot. Then relax in one of the chairs on the deck. The pesky dragonfly will hover around you, but he won’t bite. Look for shadows on the water while you’re resting. Messmer has thought of everything.

When you’re finished feasting your eyes and your sweet tooth, you can find a quick TP behind the fan. It will zip you back up to the Serengeti. I’ve already been to Cap Estel Safari three times, but I’ll be back again soon. I always see something new each trip.

Grey Lupindo

Cap Estel Natural Lake Park

Recently I visited Cap Estel Natural Lake Park, one of the most beautiful places I have found in SL. If you haven't been there yet, treat yourself to a visit. Cap Estel - natural lake park, Cap Estel (64, 85, 22).

The park is the creation of resident Maurice Messmer, a RL resident of northern Germany. Messmer told me that he initially came into SL in 2007, but he left after a short time due to technical issues. About six months later, on a rainy Sunday afternoon, he decided to return. Second Life should be very grateful for that rainy day! Messmer’s first creation was a small home for himself, and he has progressed from there. In addition to Cap Estel, he has created other wonderful places, including a tropical rain forest at Geko Stoops Memorial Forest, located at Costa Rica. Geko Stoop's Memori, Puntarenas 1 (15, 21, 31).

Messmer specializes in creating scenic locations of places he would like to live. Cap Estel is his creative imagination at work, not a reproduction of a RL park. It was created in July, 2009, and he frequently changes the scenery. Some residents may have visited it during the summer when Messmer turned it into a dune park. Currently Cap Estel is an autumn mountain lake park, complete with walking trails and wildlife. Messmer said it makes him very happy when residents compare his park to their RL homes in Norway, Canada, and the northern Rocky Mountain region in the U.S.

I visited here twice, and I am sure I haven’t seen everything. There are miles of hiking trails that go around the lake as well as up into the mountains. Before starting such a rigorous adventure, I knew I would need a snack. At the landing spot, I crossed over the bridge to begin at the Park Cafe. The deli has pancakes, donuts, and Blueberry Crumb Muffins. And of course there’s espresso to go with them. All of the items are affordable (free), and you can take them to go or dine in. There’s a cozy front room with a fireplace and small tables, but I went out on the back deck. There are tables for larger groups here. The day I chatted with Messmer, I sat here and enjoyed the amazing view.

After your refreshments you can hike the Park. Along the lake front you will hear birds chirping, watch eagles soar, and enjoy the relaxing sounds of the water. Wildlife is scattered along the trail, too. The most amazing part of the sim, however, is the detailed foliage and terrain. I felt I was hiking in the RL Rockies. There are private areas, too, where you can sit to enjoy the scenery or chat with a friend. I especially liked the Adirondack-style chairs at one spot by the lake.

If you take the mountain trail, be sure to wear your mittens. At the higher elevations you’ll find snow has already arrived. But if you make it up to the top you’ll find a snack wagon! Yummy!

Messmer told me that winter will be arriving at the lake within the next few weeks. The lake will freeze over, and ice skating will be available. He also plans to have a Christmas village with little shops and festive decorations. I’m going to sharpen my skates and return soon.

Grey Lupindo