Calas Christmas

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

If you have not been to the spectacular Calas Christmas yet you are missing a must. Those of us who are group members wait with high expectation the opening day of any of Calas Galadhon holiday builds. Join the group for wonderful activities all year long at their many home regions. This is the 17th year of this Christmas installation where special events take place and is also a magical experience every time you visit.

 

Many of the familiar sites are from the very beginning but there are new additions every year to be explored. At the portal pick up the notecard with many landmarks of sites on the regions that you won’t want to miss.

 

But then, enter the portal and move through and follow the peppermint signs and prepare yourself for wonders!

Later you can come back and take a ski tour if you like but this tour is a must especially if you come with a sweetheart or friend or alone. Other modes of transport are a fun reindeer ride that carries you along the snow then into the air . Another great way to see the regions is from the balloon ride. Both are enjoyable.

The principal hangouts are the skating lake always filled with skaters using their own huds or the available skating balls. A group member can receive a set of skates one time .
 

 

Along the edges of the lake one finds many resting opportunities at a fireside seating or a coffee stand. If you love eating in a train dining car you can. Several smaller pavilions are also available for eating or sitting by a fireplace sipping champagne.

 

 

One cannot pass by without stopping to gaze at the tall shining Christmas tree with all the gifts and decorations underneath. Nearby is the Disney island with a castle and Mickey and Minny waving and Cinderella and her prince by the coach. Look closely and see the many other characters in various places on the land. Check the tower.

And now back to the stunning breathtaking Pavilion. Enter and gasp at the scenery from the dance floor to the tree room to the right and the little cafe with bar to the right. Dancers use the floor when there is no party going on at all hours. You will visit often. The notecard in your pocket will give you other options for photos and activities and hints to make your visit pleasurable. Have your cameras ready and prepare by dressing warmly for the outside frost but elegantly for the Pavilion. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MIDWINTER%202/249/13/3001

I had time to stop over to the Lindens Winterwonderland. Don’t forget to make a visit to explore the regions which are filled with gifts , games and so much more.A teleport will take you where you want to go on this region There is a snowflake hunt going on and you will find the necessary hud and information at the entrance. Next to that is the Swaginator hud. This gives an exploration of the Bellisseria public regions to find more gifts . . I love the first one which is a wearable bulldog  that I love.( No more hints!!) Good luck . On the skating pond get the free ice skates with various account types getting different ice skates. They know who we are lol! 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Winter%20Wonderland%204/182/79/46

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

"A Winter Wonderland Christmas" And "Kenzie’s"

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

“A Winter Wonderland Christmas Welcomer whispers: "Welcome to Winter Wonderland Christmas Bazaar! Please consider joining the VIP Group for a 5% Discount on all VENDOR items. ( Kealoha Home Goods VIP )You are welcome to enjoy our winter setting but please be respectful of all other guests on the parcel and surrounding regions. Thank you for stopping in to visit, I hope you have a great time! Feel free to contact Kiki Kealoha for any assistance! Happy Holidays!” Somehow I missed a visit here last year but learned that Kiki moved it to the mainland last year and perhaps that is why.

Of course the first thing I saw when I arrived was a giant snowglobe which made me happy. There are more around the walkway and I am trying to ignore them…. For now. Inside one of the shops though I found some mini globes and I could not ignore them, as usual. 

 

Lots of gnomes and small pieces of décor are on the tables and glistening wreaths up on the wall. Stockings galore on the walls below. If you have your sweetie with you or not look around for the mistletoe.

The site is an easy visit. Some quaint shops hold vendors with indoor and outdoor holiday scenes. Walk the square and stop in each one to check them all out. I loved the carousel with Santa standing by his reindeer and allowing you to ride them. Near by the giant outdoor snow covered tree decorated with glowing candles and red bows a rideable train circles the tree full of gifts. Hop on that too. A skating area allows one to try the ice skates and rezzable sled so have some fun while you visit. Remember to turn on the music to put you in the mood! A few of those cute little shops on the square are for sale too in case you need one.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Eaton/100/200/98

I stopped by Kenzie’s since I know that besides decorating your region or home you would be décor ting yourself too. There is a shop full of Christmas outfits for both men and women. Some are cute skating or dancing outfits and some lovely formal gowns for the many parties that will be going on.

For the men great jackets and sweaters and more.

Outside the shops are kiosks with more holiday outfits to check out and many cute scenes for the your décor. This is the 11th year for this shopping opportunity . Find a teleport to take you to trees,

decorations .and group gifts if you want to find them quickly. More Christmas tunes to put you in the mood are playing.

I walked around the stone pathway and they are all within close access. I found brightly blinking lighted trees and next to them trees without the blink in case you prefer them. I came across an Advent calendar set up so will be coming back here I am sure. Oh dear, and more Christmas globes!!!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Paradise%20Skies/132/22/1224

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

Three More Winter Fun Places

By Bixyl Shuftan
 

With Christmas just hours away, many of us will be spending time away from Second Life with friends and family. For those of us sticking around on the holiday, or need a break, there's some places to check out for some winter-themed fun. Gemma Cleanslate's done many articles about locations where one can take part in activities (here), (here), (here), (here), and (here). So was there more? I found a few more places: Linden Lab's Winter Wonderland and Roos Holiday Village. 

Besides the Snowball Fight Area at Winter Wonderland 2 (113/7/31), heading over to  Winter Wonderland 2 (126/40/24) was a snowboarding track. Just touch the rezzer and "sit" on the board. You can then zoom around the track. If there's nobody else to race against, you can see how fast you can make a lap. Or just zoom around for the heck of it.
 

Caledon, Second Life's largest steampunk community, has winterized it's sims and put up the Christmas decorations. Caledon Downs, run by Cynthia Farshore, has brought back it's Christmas Express, which has a train going by several stops, including a "secret" North Pole Village location. 

For details on the location check out the 2018 article. Or just head here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Downs/194/137/50  

Another place is from a noted Relay for Life team, "Roos' Holiday Village for ACS," high above Elite Oasis.

Santa & Grinch Live, Santa & Grinch Photos, Sleigh Rides, Winter Village, Winter Petting Zoo, Christmas Tree Farm, Horse & Buggy Ride, Skiing, Sledding, Snow Mobiles, Train Ride, Children's Rides & Games, Ice Skating, Santa's Workshop, Gingerbread Houses, Picture Poses, Carriage Tour Ride, Ski & Sled Slope, Snowball Fight Area, Ski Lift, Game Area, Dance Area, 30 Item Gift Hunt, 50+ Free Gifts, ....and more

One thing that got my attention was the free skis. And just past the pickup place was a ski course.

The place had much more, including a ski lift to go from one place to another, a Grinch shooting gallery, a skating pond with free skates, and more.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Elite%20Oasis/141/12/23

That's about all for now for Christmas and winter-themed locations. But don't worry too much. Expect a few more reports of winter locations around New Years, and January.

Bixyl Shuftan

Christmas Locations: Part Two

By Gemma Cleanslate

I stopped over at Cocteau at another fair, The Place Plaza Winter Bazaar. The kiosks are filled with more decor to help you get the Christmas spirit into your regions . I took a hot air balloon ride which gives a great overview of the varied places to visit after shopping. Behind the shopping area there is a lovely Winter wonderland with  an ice pond featuring skating balls for couples or singles. Among the trees are areas to sit, rest and talk or around the fire and have a sausage and beer.There are lots of opportunities for shooting photos for Christmas cards.

Over on the other side of the region where the established shops are I ran into one of the owners, Rainie Gates (turainia)  working on the Santa poses at his throne nearby. It is between the established stores and the kiosk area. This is great spot for a Christmas picture with Santa on his throne. Don’t forget to stop by the advent calendar before you leave .Enjoy! http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cocteau/226/54/22 

Christmas Lane is a place to find huge decorations or scenery for your region. Buildings, gazebos, hangouts, Santa chairs with Santa,  little shops, gingerbread houses, trees and so much more. Just moving along the lanes and seeing the lovely scenes I was so tempted even though I have no room for any of them at all. Each lane brings new delights to explore. Just the other day I ran into a sim owner who mentioned he still had to go shopping for winter decor and I told him to make sure to stop in this sim. Stop at all of the sims I write about!

Even if you are not shopping I would recommend you roam through the region trying out some of the interactive decorations. Look up in the sky too! http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Stargazer%20Galaxy/73/69/22 

Winter Holiday Village has been here for  10 years and is celebrating !. I love this region.  Mairead (mairead.fitzgerald) and Preacher (sutra.kish) . the owners , create a place of magical snow filled fun. ... it has shopping rides, daily events, Santa and elves and so much more .Pick up their notecard with all kinds of help for your visit at the entrance . You also find a tp board there if you are looking for a certain shop. 

This year I took a snowy owl flight tour of the whole venue to see the new additions and changes from last year. The  quaint Village shops circle the extensive skating area that winds around and through tunnels and back to the main party area. The Lodge is welcoming with a  constant fire and warm cozy seating for those resting upstairs and down. 

The ballroom is set for dining and for show and for weddings. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sea%20Whispers%20Island/168/171/22  Get all your information here . See you on the ice. 


Gemma Cleanslate

Christmas Locations

By Gemma Cleanslate

 
It seems so early to start visiting venues all ready for both winter  activities. sports and/ or Christmas. The problem is most of the sparkling winter areas disappear so soon after the Christmas season and I don’t want you to miss any opportunities. Those sites that will stay around for your winter pleasures I will save for later articles. I have already seen Santa sitting in on his throne, and in another sim standing with his reindeer, not sure which one.

Let’s start with shopping fairs and bazaars. We are all thinking decor for either our home and yards , clubs, or regions. Now it the time to go looking without angst. Why wait til the last minute?

“Hello there and Welcome to Winter Wonderland Christmas Bazaar!  You are welcome to enjoy our winter setting by skating on our lake, playing on the rides or hang out in general just to shop but please be respectful of all other guests in the sim. Enjoy your visit and Happy Holidays!" 

That says it all! This is another delightful winter bazaar. I like the decor here which is a winter scene with charming little shops spread around the area. I love the large  Snow globes that dot the landscape. If you are looking for skating snowmen I saw them there on the skating pond for sale. I found some sweet gift boxes to fill with gifts.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Andarah%20Island/213/105/22 

 The Christmas Fair is decorated,  many village  shops open, trolley running and so much to see. Not all the shops and kiosks are filled yet but they will be. The skating pond is open with some smooth skate balls for your use. As soon as you land the tree catches your eye. The shops I stopped in had so many decorative items for sale.It was hard to resist.

Join the groups and get notices of the daily activities going on at the stage area. I saw some wonderful outfits in the shops and so many lovely trees , garlands, Christmas balls and other decor. I am glad I left my purse at home! But this is a good place to start if you are looking for goods.  

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lions%20Hill/133/130/27

I love going to the markets that have kiosks because there is so much more there to look at and buy. At this Christmas Market 2017 the place is loaded with temptations! It is a nice compact place to shop and visit Santa  in his gazebo where you can sit and rest , or rezz a sled if you dare!

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Clothing/207/68/37

Magic Christmas Winter Wonderland was my next stop . There is a free saucer sled at the entrance and also free skates to grab. The little village is a good place to roam and listen to the music. The skating pond is set up with skate balls and I found a sled for one or three persons there too. This is a good stop to pick up some skis, skates, eggnog,,chocolate and just have fun. I rezzed a Santa saucer which took me down the hill. Enjoy the shopping break!

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/World%20Paradise/164/108/27

Gemma Cleanslate

Winter Wonderland

By Gemma Cleanslate

Finally, now that the Christmas Expo is over I was able to get to the Winter Wonderland that the Lindens put up for lots of winter fun. To get there, you must start at the Portal Park which is in its wintery Christmas décor. Walk down the path leading to the portal itself and just jump on in. You will be transported to the lovely whimsical village. 

A big red gift box awaits you in the gazebo in the village square. In the box is a cute snow globe with snowflakes and a howling wind when you click it created by Garden Mole. Take a look at the signage in the village to guide you to the various sites you will want to visit. The snowball arena is sometimes busy with avatars hiding among the rocks and waiting for unsuspecting newcomers or having a full blown snowball fight with the weapons you will find there. At the ice skate arena you will find several pairs of skates of different sizes from which to choose. The Ferris Wheel is very popular with couples and gives a terrific view of the entire land, and the huge snowman that watches over all. 

Another favorite area is the Winter snow track that winds in and out and around the hills and arenas and offer a great track for those who love speeding over the snow on a snowboard that you rezz.  It looks like something left over from construction).  The region windlight offers a glow to everything around and a pleasant environment for your visit. I wonder if the Lindens will be in for a snowball fight? I have to check into that! I did! There will be a gigantic snow ball fight on December 21, Monday, between 10am slt and noon!! Oh I hope I can make it!!!

Before you leave the portal park look around at the other offerings ther . This is where you can start many adventures. Each path from the center leads to some different activity: The Linden Realms, Paleoquest, a social place and more. There are free gifts by several of the paths so look for the boxes. 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Portal%20Park%201/126/139/23 

Gemma Cleanslate

Winter Wonderland: Four Sims Full of Fun

By Gemma Cleanslate

I just happened to give a call to my friend Marianne Mccann to ask a question. Where was she? Having a great time in Winter Wonderland 2015! I rushed right over . The Linden Lab opened these four sims on Thursday January 29 and I am glad I found out. I have been looking for more winter sport places lately and this is an ultimate  that you won’t want to miss. When I arrived I was invited to accept an experience and you will have to do that to enjoy all the gadgets in the sims. Patch Linden was hanging out there and so was Keira Linden acting as a greeter, checking to see if I had accepted the experience. 

 

The little village is a delightful build and you will find many presents there in the gazebo. Heading out into the country side I followed the signs to the skating arena first and took some spins around the ice. At the end of a road in the village I noticed that there are fireworks on the hour every hour . Then I headed over to the snowmobile  rezzer and accidently hopped on one being driven by Kono Mole who took me for a wild ride on the slopes and then abandoned me in a snow pile to move on. I rezzed one myself to try it out and it is really a wild ride. There is a snowboard rezzer if you want that experience instead. The track is long and harrowing. 

 

I ran into a snowball fight going on in that area and rezzed a weapon to get in on the action. Great fun! It reminded me of the vigorous snowball fights we used to have with the Lindens every year and hopes I can be there when they are in that area. I made my way back into the village where Abnor Mole was entertaining every one with violin solos . Lovely music for a lovely setting. Jo Yardley also played some flute solos before she left to go back to Berlin. The place was full of Moles and Lindens checking out everything and having fun trying out the vehicles . There is a huge snowman standing watch over the sims.  The winter ferris  wheel nearby  is a ride not to be missed! Solo and couple seats raise you high into the air where you get a terrific view of the sims.  

 

For premium members, before you go to the wonderland stop over at a premium kiosk and pick up the big gift box there . Inside with other goodies you will find a hud and a token. Wear both when you are on the sims and you will be offered chances for premium choices.  Everyone is invited to vist and enjoy the winter fun! So glad the Lindens did this to round out the winter season! Many of the gorgeous places I wrote about in December have closed for the season . I have not finished the complete tour of the sims yet and will be revisiting. 

Begin your adventure here:   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Winter%20Wonderland%202/192/138/38

 

Gemma Cleanslate

Skiing! More Winter Fun!

It has been such a busy season getting lovely Christmas items in the advent calendar and all the hunts I have been negligent finding the winter sports for you! But, winter is just beginning and there will be lots of time to participate. You already have a list of slurls to visit for skating.

How about skiing? There are some great places where you can go skiing, sledding, skateboarding and the sports gear is provided for you. One of my very favorites is at Wolf Mountain. That is on the skating list but you walk over to the tram and take it to the top of the mountain and there you will find everything you need. A spectacular view and a wonderful ski run. You can bring your own and not use the pose balls to flash down the mountain. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wolf%20Creek/248/44/35. You will love it! You can warm up in the Lodge after your last downhill trek.

Now, if you love cross country skiing, one of my other favorites is the place to go. Aero Pines has 8 sims open for you with skis, poles, and auto cross country poses all set up! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Equus/18/180/22. That makes it easy to view the sims too. There is so much to do in both these sims. We have been going to both places for 4 years now.

Another place we have frequented for a couple of years is Chamonix City where you will find so many winter activities to either participate in or watch.They have a terrific ski jump! If you want to learn to play hockey this is the place to go. Freebies and information are available at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cross%20Check/146/99/62.

In Wengen there are great ski runs off the ONSR Railway, one of the private rails off of the SL Railway. . There is a ski lift right across the tracks from the station. This will take you on a memorable ride up the mountain to the runs. Enjoy the view! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wengen/71/204/92 .

One more for you to take a look at is the French Ski Resort in Jura .It has a nice steep downhill and for a change, try the Snowmobile ! Wow! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Jura/238/96/116. That is a good start for skiing.

I will be looking for more fun places for you and I know they are there!

Gemma Cleanslate

Tis the Season

Yes, it is the winter sport season. Second Life has many wonderful places to participate in more than one sport. My favorite has always been ice skating. Skiing is fun too, and sledding.

I took a tour of the quite a few sims that already have skating ponds and rinks set up for you. At most you will find free skates, male, female and unisex available. At some you will also find some couples skating poses, and also snowball throwing prims to pick up. I sat on a reindeer at one.

Some of these slurls will take you directly to the skating area, but there are a few that you will have to search around a bit. That is ok too since the sims have other interesting things going on besides skating.

I will have some more for you as we get further into the season. It will be a long winter in Second Life so take advantage of it, (with apologies to our Aussie friends). I will also keep an eye out for some cheap vacations to tropical islands.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Misty%20Acres/181/102/21

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Freyr/201/46/54

Chamonix City
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cross%20Check/138/95/62

Christmas Island rink
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Cape%20Wrath/192/207/21

Snowflake Island - Oopsy!!! Watch out, snowball thrower also and place for snowball fights set up
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hydra%20Isles/126/104/22

Christmas at Winter Holiday village
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Prohibition/130/157/31

Snow falls Island- have to tp from entrance, look on the board
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Requiem/40/139/22

Christmas Enchantment
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Torn/101/133/22

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Vine/110/180/112

http://slurl.com/secondlife/WolfMountainResort/53/44/33

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Gilmour/95/113/21

Aero Pines - (free winter outfits here too).

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Equus/42/204/22

Have a great time! See you somewhere!

Gemma Cleanslate