The Catacombs of Paris

by Britty Bee

Stop! Here lies the Empire of Death.

Beneath the charming city of Paris lies the dark, petrifying Catacombs of Paris. The Catacombs are an underground ossuaries of Paris, France located in the Mines of Paris tunnel network. These underground tunnels are located just south of the Barrière d’Enfer, the former city gate now given the name “Gates of Hell.”

The Catacombs were founded in the 1700’s when there were cave-ins and overflowing cemeteries. The remains were relocated to the mass graves of the catacombs and then the tunnels were reinforced. This underground necropolis is now a popular tourist destination, open to the public since 1874.

A quick climb down the sewer transports you to a new, grim world. The walls of the Catacombs are piled to the ceiling with the bones of the deceased. As you walk through the fog alongside the sewer, you’ll stumble upon old coffins and skeletons. The Catacombs are made up of winding tunnels, old tombs, and eerie artifacts.

Surprises lurk behind every corner, with secret passages and frightening scenes that would terrify even the most seasoned explorer. The wrong touch of a wall could lead you to a secret room or even a drawbridge. As you descend into the depths of the Catacombs, you can hear the screams of the dead echo throughout the tunnels, ghosts and orbs floating off in the distance. In the heart of this labyrinth sits a small boat that you can take through the entire route of the tunnel complex, where the Paris tour guide will give you an overview of the sites and the history of the Catacombs.
                                  
The final chamber features the most haunted area. This room is full of unhappy haunts and screams from beyond the dead. This includes a dinner setting that’s perfect for a dark evening alongside a piano playing ghost. Get out and explore the Catacombs the next time you’re feeling adventurous!

Paris 1900 (98,26,24)

Britty Bee

Myconos Island: A Greek Island in Second Life

By Bixyl Shuftan

Last month around Christmastime, I came across a resident named Artemis (artemisgreece). It turned out she was the owner of a Greek island sim in Second Life: Myconos. Artemis, whom is Greek herself, invited me to take a look at the place, so I went over.

Myconos, located at the Hellenic Island sim, is based on the real life island of Mykonos, which is a little more than thirty square miles and is in the South Aegean Sea between mainland Greece and Turkey. Second Life's Myconos is smaller, but has much of its Greek charm.

The entrance point takes one next to it's travel agency. At the time, there was a Christmas tree there, but it was removed after the holidays. Artemis showed me around, the two of us going down the town streets. Among one of the first places she showed me was one of the Eastern Orthodox churches, based on a real one on the real life island. "See how peculiar it is?" Artemis asked me, "no corners, no wood. Just plaster." The inside had a number of Christian images.

Our next stop was at a tavern near the ocean. Approaching it, we were greeted, "Welcome to KoutoukiTaverna." The building itself was used to store wine cask with most of the seating outside, reflecting that on the real life island, it doesn't rain much. There were a number of tables set up, each with some food and wine. There was a little space between them for dancing, and a small band area where people could play some instruments, a guitar, an electronic organ, and something native-looking in the middle chair. Artemis pointed to the middle one, "Bouzouki, a Greek instrument." She explained they were first made in ancient times.

We continued to go about the town, walking down it's streets. Artemis commented, "narrow streets with bougamvilleas, all white and blue." She stated this was a common sight on Mykonos in real life, "small houses with teraces." We then came across a tiny church, "and orthodox churches all around." This was the smallest in town, probably designed to seat less than a dozen people.

Going further, we came across an arm wrestling table, then another tavern next to a creek with a recreation area with swings, a volleyball court that could keep score, an outdoor bar, and winsurfers and lounge chairs to sun oneself in.There was also a backgammon game on the beach.

Artemis and I soon parted, but I went back later. Going about this second time, I noticed other details that added to the atmosphere of the place. There were shops, such as the ice cream place with cookies and cakes as well. There was an occasional "artificial avatar" about to keep the place from looking empty. There were also local stalls where fruits and veggies as well as meat still on the hook and a bit bloody were on display.  Across the island, the radio streams play a mix of rock and Greek music. One can be hearing a man singing in Greek one moment, and a few steps to the left be listening to "Green Day."


The place was well done. A nice tribute to the island it reflects. One can look up information about the real island at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mykonos.

"Thank you soooo much for coming here. you are welcome any time.  After all Greeks are famous for their hospitality."

Hellenic Island (13/202/23)

Bixyl Shuftan

Becky's Top Ten Real Life Locations in Second Life

by Becky "Sha" Shamen

In real life, I have always been a Designer, Artist and Builder. I have also been big on learning and doing new things. I am the same way in Second Life. From the very start, I have tried new occupations, ever seeking the next been there, done that. I began earning Lindens as a Dancer and in a short time, was breaking club tip records. A Dancer, at one club, showed me how she made a Tshirt, with the club logo on it. Within two months, I opened my first clothing store, for ladies with implants. When you strive to be your best, extra impetus comes frome those that would be "king of the mountain" in your place. Eventually, I had a fat account and had been run out of more clubs than I could keep count of, so it was time to move on. These days, you'll find me at the clubs I call home, sometimes furry, sometimes human, always dressed for the theme and entered in the "best of" contests.

One thing has not changed. From the start, I have enjoyed finding and exploring new sims, that are virtual reproductions of adventures in the real world. Face it, if you have a DJ, dancefloor and a friendly crowd, you have a good nightclub, but if you're going to build Rome, we've got to come away wearing a toga and speaking Latin.

For this article, I searched the Destination Guide for a number of sims, based on real life places. Some of them I had seen in real life, but most I only knew from pictures and stories in books and magazines. I compiled a list of 15 sims, several of which I had already seen in SL and several I had seen in RL and the rest I had only seen in print. I visited all 15, but, for various reasons, culled some of them from this report. Here then are my top ten places and their SLURLs that I'd like to share.



Virtual Oval Office
secondlife://SIALIMONUS/189/215/69

This link is a gateway to a number of places, made by the same creators. Use the TP cube to get to the Oval Office. There you'll see a small building that contains one room, the Oval Office. Entering, you discover why it's called Oval.

There is furniture, pictures on the wall, and the chief's desk, all made to look as the room is today, with a few twists thrown in. The table, behind the desk, flanked by two flags, has five photos on it; George, Abe, the face on mars and two SL residents, Freecilla Huhn and Michelle Oxygen. You can sit in the president's chair and get an idea of what it's like, being head of the free world. On the desk, there is a phone and a computer. On the computer screen, it seems the prez is downloading the latest version of SL.

On the wall, to your left, is a bookshelf. On the bottom shelf there is a yellow book, that looks out of place. Zooming in, the title is "How to be President, for DUMMIES." Across the room, we see a grandfather clock. The clock doesn't work. It's not keeping up with the times. In the center of the room is a seating area, with 2 couches and chairs and a coffee table. On the table, there is a bowl with three apples (forbidden fruit?).


The Alamo
secondlife://UTARLINGTON%2520III/161/115/23

Having lived 2/3rds of my life in Texas and visited the real Alamo, this was a must see for me. The sim is produced and maintained by members of the University of Texas at Arlington. I tip my cowboy hat to these guys. It's a perfect reproduction of the real deal. Throughout the exhibit, clicking on signs gives you detailed notecards, about the people, things and history that make the Alamo an unforgetable place. I spent a longer than needed time there, in silence, and signed the guestbook, "I remember, Sha".


St. Paul's Cathedral in London
secondlife://GRACE/73/225/130

I have had a life long love of the design and construction of large cathedrals and temples. When I spotted St. Paul's, in the destination guide, I just had to add it to my list. When I arrived on the steps of the cathedral, I waited a few minutes to fully rez, before entering. Looking around, I noticed a courtyard below, with some shops. A sign indicated that this build is located on a "SL Public Land Preserve." It also informs that the cathedral can be rented for weddings.

The cathedral is a large stone building on the outside, but it's real beauty awaited me inside. Inside the doors, to the right, is a sign which provides a notecard which lists SL Sacred Places. The list is huge and covers many denominations. If I ever run out of places to explore, this list could keep me going for years. All of the interior surfaces are covered with colorful mosaic tile artworks of Christian themes. If you are planning a wedding in SL or just like visiting ornate churches, by all means give this place a look.


The Statue of Liberty
secondlife://LE%2520DOME/26/38/22

If I've seen one, I've seen a million pictures and small copies of the Lady Liberty. This was my chance to see a full size 3D replication of it. Alas, the statue was there, but without the island which the real one stands on. The TP landing put me under water, with my cam above the surface.

Before hitting the Home Key, to fly out of the water, I was panning my cam around to see in which direction I would find it and suddenly, in local chat, comes the message, "A fox in water???". Adjusting my cam to see who was chatting me up, I found myself face to face with a cute merman. I have several tails and have explored some of the mermaid hangouts, so took the encounter as a way of learning more about their culture. We chatted for about a half hour and I told him of my previous article about the Blake Sea and gave him a link to the SL Newser. He said he hadn't been there, but the article inspired him to go explore it for himself.

When it was time for him to leave, I flew up to explore the statue. It looked OK from a distance, but, up close it was a bit off. It was like a SimCity avatar, compared to ones in SL. Up close, the size was correct and it did not bother me that it is smaller than it looks in photos, since I already knew that. It might not have made the final cut for this article on it's own, had I not made a new friend there. To quote the Rolling Stones, "You can't always get what you want....."


Acropolis in Athens
secondlife://GREECE/68/81/36

Unless you live under a rock, you have probably seen pictures of the Parthenon. Next to the great pyramid, it is likely one of the best known ancient structures on earth. It and the Erehthion sit atop a flat topped hill, in Athens Greece, known as the Acropolis. The Acropolis is the centerpiece of a sim named Greece, which is connected to three other sims, Macedonia, Aegean Sea and Hellas. After inspecting the Acropolis, I did a quick flight around the other sims. They all appeared to have a modern setting, although I could see many avatars on my radar, located at skybox elevations, in Macedonia. I suspect they might be in ancient RP mode. Perhaps one day I'll put my toga on and go have a look. This time, I was only there to see the Acropolis. The rest is, as they say, all Greek to me.


Machu Picchu
secondlife://USMP%25203D/160/53/22

I have had the LM for Machu Picchu for years, but returned to take notes for this article. This sim is the work of the Universidad de San Martin de Porres. Since my previous visit, they have added an information center, conference seating, an outdoor  movie theater and a gift shop, with lots of freebies. I suspect the school uses the sim for online classes. Near the landing, you find a box of free helpful stuff, including a panoramic view picture, an area map and interactive HUD, all in Spanish. All the photos that take in the whole site seem to have been taken from the same hilltop location. Flying is allowed, which makes it easier to see it from other angles and check out individual areas.



RMS Titanic (semi formal dress code)
secondlife://TITANIC/128/191/34

This is another LM that I've had for some time. When I mention the Titanic, I often hear, "Is that sim still going?", to which I reply, yes and as impressive as ever. And guys, if you, like Mick Jagger, can't get no satisfaction, let me give you a valuable tip. Nothing will impress her more than buying her a formal gown and taking her ballroom dancing at the RMS Titanic. This ship is the length of the whole sim and, if you saw the movie, you know, the decor is as fancy as it comes. Signs in a dozen languages announce that the dress code in the ballroom and stern is "strictly formal". Looking for the latest tux or gown, there are pleanty of shops on the dock and on board.

There are other things to see as well. There is a swimming pool, dinning hall, suites to rent and a tour of the ship. The one thing they didn't include? You won't find any pesky icebergs here. And, if fancy cars are a turn on, be sure to take a look at the 1912 Renault CB, on the dock, for a mere $600. I have boats, motorcycles and aircraft by the dozen, in my inventory, but no cars yet. If I decide to go on a continental automobile tour, THAT car will be my choice.




Eiffel Tower and other tourist spots in Paris
secondlife://PARIS%2520EIFFEL/7/163/24

This is one of the first adventure LMs I ever added to my collection. Unlike the Statue of Liberty, this structure is WAY bigger than any photograph makes it look. The top level is 247 meters high and the tower is located in the middle of a 4 sim collective of Paris 1900. You can dress the part, but there is no dress code other than no nudity. At the SE leg of the tower, you'll find an elevator TP to take you up to the three levels of the tower.

On level 1 you can find manikins, dressed in 1900 attire, to customize your home or sim, or a scale model of the Eiffel tower, in 6 sizes, 10,20,30 40,50 and 100 meters tall. On level 2, you can read the history of the tower, but only if you read French. From there, there is a spiral stair that leads to another floor where there is clothing for sale and free. On level 3, the top, there is a plank that sticks out, from which you are encouraged to jump off. Free parachutes are given, for those that want a slower descent. I don't think that feature can be found on the real tower, so the SL one is even better than the real thing.


Sistine Chapel
secondlife://VASSAR/166/88/25 (inactive)

This LM has also been a long time favorite of mine. It is, without a doubt, the best thing I have ever seen in SL. Searching for more information, on the net, showed that many others agree. Years ago, National Geographic featured a great article on the real chapel, complete with a fold-out photo of the ceiling. Visiting it in SL is even better, because you don't have to deal with crowds of other tourists. Each time I went, I was the only one on the whole sim. The other advantage of seeing it in SL is that you can fly up to the ceiling and see it as only Michelangelo could.

In preperation for this article, I attempted a TP for another look, to get additional inspiration. SL would not allow the TP, the first few times, which is not unusual, so I tried for a few more days, but got the same result, so I looked for it on the map. The sim was totally gone. Normally, as this kind of thing happens all the time in SL, I would just say, c'est la vie, but not this time. I was so outraged, I wanted to join a protest group, carry signs, wear an "Occupy SL" Tshirt (I actually have one), and roll around, kicking and screeming on the floor. That gives you an idea of just how great this sim is, or was.

We can only hope that the problem is temporary, a hardware problem that they are trying to fix, or a financial problem that donations will soon remedy. If it doesn't come back, perhaps we should all bow our heads and say a silent prayer, then go tar and feather those responsible. But, by all means, if you can't see it in SL, Google it and see what you missed.


Mont Saint Michel in France
secondlife://MONT%2520SAINT%2520MICHEL/104/29/21

When I found this location in the destination guide, it went to the top of my "must see" list. I also knew, intuitively, that I should save it for the last place to research. I could, easily, spend as much time exploring this one sim as I did the entire Blake Sea. The first time I went there, my first impression was, "OMG, this is like a 3D puzzle with a million pieces." It took a long time for my surroundings to rez and I could barely move and checking the stats, found I was dealing with .4 FPS. My normal reaction to this kind of sim is to click my heels three times and go back home, but this place had me hooked, before I ever got there. I was on some kind of grail quest. I adjusted the rabbit ears on my wi-fi antenna, did housekeeping in my inventory, deactivated all my gestures, went only between midnight and dawn, and anything else I could think of to improve my laptop's performance.

I was possessed with getting from the landing to the Chapel at the top of the hill, without flying. I even searched the net for street maps of the real place, to assist my journey. I learned that the road to the top is called Grande Rue, but it's more of a foot path than a street. The rue is narrow, has places on it that climb stairs and is lined with interesting shops. One of the first shops that captured my attention, and, eventually, a good chunk of my change, sells knight's armor, for male and female, that is the best I've seen in SL. I don't do medieval RP, so it's hard to explain why I have a collection of armor.

Lord knows how many hours, nay, days it took, but I did get to the top and made a composite photo to celebrate my victory, showing me at the altar in the chapel and it's location on the mont. However, that's not the end of my exploration. I've still only seen a small portion of the sim. If you go, keep an eye out for the cute girl in shining armor, still searching for the Holy Grail.

Becky "Sha" Shamen

Grand Canyon National Park

             If you’re looking for a great summer get-away, check out the Second Life Grand Canyon National Park at Grand Canyon (98, 187, 110).  This site has all the fun of the real-life canyon without the heat and crowds.   

               Like its real-life counterpart, SL Grand Canyon National Park is huge.  The best way to see it all is to take advantage of the free hot air balloon tours.  The hot air balloon is great fun as it rises up and down to give you a better view of the activities.  The balloons come in a variety of styles and colors for couples, groups, or solos.  The tour is a great way to get an overview of the area and all of the activities that are available.  You can hop off at any time, of course, or take the entire tour.      

I met Kystalrose, a SL resident who visits the Grand Canyon often.  Since she told me this was her fifth or sixth visit, I consider her an expert on the site.  She also recommends the balloon ride for new visitors.  Another of her favorite activities are the jeeps.  When I asked if she had any tips for residents, she laughed and said “Stay out of the water!” Apparently the jeeps have a mind of their own at times. 

In addition to the rapids, there are other dangers at SL Grand Canyon.  While Kystalrose and I were talking, a huge boulder rolled down the mountain very close to where we were standing.   Warning signs tell residents to not climb on the rocks to yodel, but apparently some tourists don’t heed the sign.  Fortunately Kystalrose and I were unharmed. 

In addition to the balloons and jeeps, there are helicopters to fly and rafts to float on the Colorado River.  You can try out a hovercraft, too, at Grand Canyon (24, 247, 21).  Be sure to check out the menu options.  Hovercrafts are available in a variety of colors and come with other options, too.    

Some of the activities, like the hiking and rafting, are found at the real-life Canyon.   Others are pure SL fantasy.  The Enchanted Forest, monkeys, and tropical beach are definitely not part of the real-life canyon experience.  But they are not to be missed.  You may even find an underwater surprise.      

The skywalk is one of the features that may seem like Second Life fantasy, but it’s a replica of the real skywalk located at the real-life Grand Canyon.  Find it in SL at Grand Canyon (195, 211, 110).  Voice information is available at this location that tells about the geology and early inhabitants of the Canyon.

Hiking and horse trails are also available in some areas.  I hiked up one trail and found a mountain sheep.  There’s also a stable where you can rez a free horse, or you can bring your own to ride.    

There are a few zip lines you can use to go quickly from one area to another.    The one near the gift shop, located at Grand Canyon (128, 123, 22), goes to Crater Lake.    Or you can teleport to Crater Lake at Grand Canyon North (119, 59, 22). 

If you join the group (no cost), you’ll become a Grand Canyon Scout.  You’ll get a free t-shirt and cap, a map, and a snake bite kit.    I spotted one rattler in time to avoid needing to use the kit, so watch out.  Additional canyon clothes are available for very reasonable prices.  I bought new pair of jeans for only $70L.  There’s also an explorer belt for $70L that holds survival tools.  This item just might save your  life.  Not only will you support the Canyon, you’ll have some great souvenirs to take back home.    

Grey Lupindo

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

UWA's Winthrop Hall is Back

There is a marvelous re-creation of Winthrop Hall at the University of Western Australia resurrected from 2009 that you may like to visit if you missed it. The UWA is the virtual presence of the university located in Crawley, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. 

Jayjay Zifanwe (Jay Jay Jegathesan) is  leader of the UWA virtual presence in Second Life. Of the re-creation he says, “FreeWee Ling, the UWA Curator of Virtual Arts has done a remarkable job in bringing this space to life. I graduated in Winthrop Hall, as did many thousands throughout UWA's 100 year history. This brings full circle the efforts to recreate Winthrop Hall in Second life. The facade and atrium were created by Dr Chris Thorne & David Gaze in 2009, and in May 2012, thanks to FreeWee Ling, the full creation is realized!“ 

The entrance is on the ground at http://slurl.com/secondlife/University%20of%20WA/89/182/24 .

The facade of the building is on the ground and to visit the interior click the cone inside the entrance  and it will take you to the interior where you can view the magnificent organ. To read more about the building and see photos of the real Hall you may like to visit the website http://uwainsl.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/uwas-treasure-chest-winthrop-hall-comes.html
 
While I was visiting the building  Jay Jay told me of the UWA  machinima challenge that is going on now.  The theme is 'Seek Wisdom'. Sponsored by UWA, AviewTV, Philip Vought, Freemason Magic, Virtlantis & the Tornado Gallery the prize pool is sits at L$725,000 (approx USD 3,200). You can read more about the challange and the rules on their  website above, under the topic ‘Seek Wisdom’

Gemma Cleanslate

Castle Blarney

For those who haven't had enough of St. Patrick's Day, or feel like a trip to see something Irish, one place to go to is Castle Blarney. And yes, the place is home to Second Life's own Blarney Stone. The build is located at O'Hare's Gap in the Wilde sim at (150, 110, 33).

For those who don't know, Castle Blarney, about five miles from the town of Cork Ireland, is a popular tourist destination. People go there to kiss the Blarney Stone. Legend has it whomever kisses the stone will be granted the gift of gab (or be "full of blarney"). A scroll near the stone (and the teleport point to upstairs) states the following from Irish bard Francis Sylvester Mahony:


"Tis there's the stone that whomever kisses
he never misses to become eloquent.
Tis he may clamber to a lady's chamber,
or become o member of Parliament.
A noble spouter he'll sure turn out, or
an out and outer to be let alone.
Don't try to hinder him, or to bewilder him,
for he is a pilgrim of the Blarney Stone."


Getting to the Stone is simple enough. One takes a teleport to the top of the castle, walk over to the stone, and clicking on it to lower one's avatar to bend down and kiss the Stone. If one teleports back down and exits the building on foot, one gets a reminder that a certificate of one kissing the stone is available. One clicks on a sign near the doorway.

The real Blarney Stone besides being a popular tourist attraction is the subject of legends and even modern fiction. Wikipedia mentions one legend of the builder of the castle being involved in a lawsuit appealing to the queen of the fairies for help, and is told to kiss the first stone he sees in the morning. He does, and wins his case. He then takes the stone and makes it part of the parapet of his castle. Another legend holds the Blarney Stone is actually part of the Stone of Scone or Coronation Stone used in the coronation of monarchs in Scotland and later Great Britain. Another was of Queen Elizabeth requesting an oath of loyalty to retain the land, and the castle's owner responded with subtle diplomacy and promises. Elizabeth proclaimed he was giving her "a lot of Blarney."

The ritual of kissing the stone once needed assistance from someone to hold the kisser's legs while he or she lowered himself, as it was possible to fall from the height. A "Sherlock Holmes" radio program had the sleuth investigate a death in which a man fell while trying to kiss the stone. It turned out his boots had been greased and he slipped from the assistant's hands. Today, hand rails and protective bars make kissing the Stone much safer.

For anyone going on a date for two to the castle, there is a nearby village to stroll about in as well as the countryside. Or one can teleport to Dublin and head to the Blarney Stone pub. Whether or not kissing the stone can make one better at talking up to making a casual date to a hot one has yet to be determined.

Special thanks to Jasmine Dawn/Orasine.

Bixyl Shuftan