Hello, there readers of City Zen! As much as we here at CZ hate to announce it, we must – CZ will be no more. After a long and grueling fight to keep going, we know it’s time to call it quits. This blog will be deleted in it’s entirety in about a week. Skim through our small, but great, archives if you’d like.

Haley Hathaway wishes she wouldn’t have taken on such a struggling blog from the start. She certainly put in as much effort as she could into this blog (that she hoped so dearly would grow.) It is time to move on. CZ would like to thank all of the readers, sources, and it’s own staff for everything they may have contributed.

Check out a few of our friend’s on the blogroll. & Just because CZ is out of the loop it doesn’t mean you should be!

Again, thank you and goodbye.
- City Zen

By Dylon Voom

Are you a car enthusiast? Is your partner? Or friend? Second Life residents can now watch vehicles being assembled part by part.

A new system set up by researchers of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA even enables you to try your own hand at producing a quad bike, a four-wheeled motorbike. You have the ability to switch on conveyor belts, program industrial robots, and paint the frame of the vehicle. At the end, you can take your creation out of the factory hall for a joy ride. The best part is you don’t have to pay a single cent!

IPA scientist Stefan Seitz explained that the growth of Second Life in recent years allowed for an introduction to a “modern and technological world, with numerous possibilities.”

Once you get to the factory you must decide what kind of model you would like. More horse power or something that is fuel-efficient? Black, silver or red? What type of wheel rims? You can choose from a variety of models as you please.

After you make your choice, production may begin. The parts list is sent out, and all components are manufactured, assembled and subjected to a quality inspection.

You have the option of watching the production process, in which you can interact at certain stages. There are also several learning platforms in which you can gain background information. In example; How is the production process controlled? How does a press work? Etc.

The factory is still trying to add the finishing touches. It will be revealed to the public in early July on the occasion of the IPA’s 50th anniversary.

Even if you aren’t that mechanically inclined, it is still something interesting to check out. It’s free, informative, and fun!

Information and image courtesy of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Be sure to check out the NOH8 gallery opening which takes place today. Visit the NOH8 Campaign Website for more information on the organization and events.

By Emerald Wynn
Photos by Lizzie Lexington

I logged in one day to find a note from Death in my inventory.

Death is looking for a sidekick — a partner in crime, if you will.

Death is looking for someone to bring a little fun to Life.

Oh blah — ENOUGH! I could go on and on with ominous and ironic Death references, but I’ll just stop there. I’ll admit I was a little nervous about going out on a test-run date with a guy named Death. I expected dark spooky places and possibly creepy fetishes.

And yeah, if you’re new to this column, that’s what I do. I take eligible singles for a test drive so you don’t have to, and then I write about them. If you like the person I’m writing about, drop him/her a note and say something witty, use your best pick-up line, or just say, “Hey, you sound like fun!” Believe me, they’d love to hear from you. That’s why they subject themselves to my column.

So anyway, back to Death. His name is Death Seetan, but if you feel a little weird screaming out, “OH DEATH! DEATH! DEATH!” during the throes of SLexual passion, you can just call him Edward. He’s comfortable with both.

Contrary to my expectations, Death wasn’t spooky at all. He’s a good-natured guy who was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt when I met him at AM Radio’s stunning build The Far Away.

I had to get the obvious and awkwardly asked question out of the way first:

Emerald Wynn: Are you looking for a girl or a guy . . . or a Furry or . . . ?

Death Seetan: A girl, and while I personally find the furry thing … disturbing to a point, I don’t mind the girls walking around with cat tails. I just don’t see myself dating someone who looks like they belong in a zoo.

Ha HAAAAA! Nekos, you’re in! Furries, no offense but you’re out. Don’t worry, Furries. I for one wouldn’t mind cuddling with a big sexy lion. It’s all just a matter of personal preference.

That aside, I like Death already because he too is a fan of ellipses.

I asked Death to take me to a few places where he’d take a date. He likes goofing off and having fun. In fact, he describes himself as “a bit looney.” So we headed over to Iggy’s Fun World to ride some rides. Unfortunately for you, dear readers, you’re not going to see pictures because we both look foolish in them. It’s HARD to get decent pictures when you’re whirling around on a carnival ride. So just use your imaginations, please.

Hey Death, while we’re on this merry-go-round thingy, why don’t you tell me what you’re looking for in a lady?

Death Seetan: Classy. But not really stiff, [and also occasionally] up to being silly, but I don’t want someone who spends 24/7 walking around with an oiled skin and bikini either. Yet I’d like her to be able to feel comfortable randomly throwing on something that looks crazy and go walking around like a fool with me.

*The columnist gives Death bonus points for Just Saying No to oily babes and Just Saying Yes to silly fun.*

As for Death’s appearance, well, he’s got lots of tattoos and piercings, not to mention facial hair. Speaking from the perspective of a woman who has begged men in real life to shave things off, I asked Death if he’d get rid of any of that stuff if a woman asked him nicely.

The answer was no. No, ladies! You’re not going to change Death, and you know what? I don’t blame him. With a nickname like Death, you’ve gotta have a little edge. Plus, Death’s real-life self has tattoos and piercings. So yay for blending the real with the surreal.

He WILL change the hair on his head for you though. So there’s that.

I like to dig deep with my poor helpless subjects, so I asked him the following question:

Emerald Wynn: What’s an important lesson you’ve learned since you’ve been in SL?

Death Seetan: Don’t just befriend anyone who starts giving you freebies out of her store. I got my first crazy woman stalker that way. She would literally be waiting in my skybox for me and get upset if I had other plans or wasn’t inworld for a bit, and I had just met her.

Did you catch that, girls? He’s stalker-worthy! And women throw free things at him! That’s a good sign!

And yeah, don’t take candy from strangers. I couldn’t agree more.

Um, what about age?

Emerald Wynn: Do you mind if I ask how old you are in RL, and would RL age play a factor in your SL dating?

Death Seetan: I’m 26. I’d prefer someone 3 or 4 years either way on the scale, because when people get younger than that, they tend to act like they are young and angst-filled. And someone older than 3 or 4 years than I am might be a little too far away from my mindset.

Let’s pause for a moment while 30-something-year-old angst-filled Emerald punches Death in the face . . . . . . . . . .

HA HA! Just kidding. Sort of. (Yeah, I’m feeling touchy about my age these days. Sorry.)

But enough about me!

After we finished gettin’ all queasy on whirly rides, Death and I went ballroom dancing at Bubbly Nightclub. I was impressed that he had a tux in his inventory. More bonus points!

As I was stepping on poor Death’s feet and dancing out of sync like an idiot, I asked him what his biggest turn-offs were.

Death Seetan: A lack of common sense and education. Well, that and drug use. I like someone who can argue the points of some subjects with me, who has some common sense, and isn’t drugged-out every time I talk to her. Granted, I enjoy a good beer and a cigarette, but I can’t deal with someone who has to be stoned 24/7.

*Emerald Wynn spits out her Xanax and puts down her gin and tonic*

OK, stoner chicks — it looks like you’re out. Actually, Death had a bad previous experience with a stoner chick. I won’t elaborate on it here. Just know that he doesn’t want to re-live it. I don’t blame him.

Death Seetan: I have a hard time finding women that don’t look like prostitutes, or just want to act like one … and I would rather have someone around I can hang out with and talk to intellectually.

*Emerald Wynn tucks her boobs more securely into her top and scoots the slider to the left a little*

OK, so here’s the thing about Death. He’s not really looking for an SL relationship that could transition into a real one. Or so he says. I say that because I firmly believe that love can move mountains and change minds. So I pushed him on this topic a little, about how much he’d discuss real life in Second Life, and REALLY SERIOUSLY if he met an amazing woman in Second Life, wouldn’t he even CONSIDER wanting to meet her in real life?

Death Seetan: Well, since I can’t predict the future, I can’t really say if I would or wouldn’t. I could find someone tomorrow who I connect to on that level, but then again, I might not.

AH HA! I knew it! Never say “never,” Death! Seize the day! Get the girl! Never say die! Well . . . oops. That’s hard with a name like Death. But you get my drift.

And as for talking about reality?

Death Seetan: I will talk about some aspects of my reality on SL, such as my job, or travel, or my video game affection … or maybe some things about growing up or something stupid I did with my friends, but I rarely reveal anything too private. I’ll mention my birthday, or something I’m asked, if I feel up to telling about it, but that’s about as far as I go. This is meant to be fun, after all, and sometimes reality is anything but fun.

Tell me about it, Death.

OK, here’s where the writer gets even lazier than she already has been. I promised myself when I came up with this column concept that it was going to be more than just a verbatim chat Q&A. But I like this part of my conversation with Death. I think it shows his sweet vulnerable side. So I’m going to break my own rule.

The night was getting late and my brain was getting mushy, so I asked Death if there was anything else he wanted to tell me about himself.

Death Seetan: Well, I prefer rock music, if that matters. I don’t listen to anything but that really. It’d be nice to have a lady that doesn’t listen to Britney Spears or rap all the time. We’d have nothing to talk about musically … which is a big part of what I love in life off and online.

Emerald Wynn: Do you play in a band in RL?

Death Seetan: I have. I don’t do it anymore. Not enough time. I sang when I did.

Emerald Wynn: Oh cool! And have you been to live rock performances here in SL?

Death Seetan: No, I haven’t. I really haven’t done too many things compared to most people. I tend to get to one place and just stay there until I log off. And I can’t actually find the good places for music here…it all seems to be rap and pop.

Emerald Wynn giggles – “I tend to get to one place and just stay there.”

Emerald Wynn: What does that mean?

Emerald Wynn: :)

Emerald Wynn: meaning, you log on with a plan?

Death Seetan: Not really.

Death Seetan chuckles.

(Yeah, there was giggling and chuckling.)

Death Seetan: I just don’t have anywhere to go. I’ll go somewhere and walk around for a while, then idle there and play a video game. I imagine I’d stay around more if I had people to talk with.

Emerald Wynn: awwww :(

Here’s my take on Death, ladies. First of all, he’s totally fine with you calling him Edward. He chose the SL name Death/Edward based on a character in the “Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter” series. So he reads, and that’s a good thing. He seems up for anything. In one night, we went from talking in an artistic installation to riding amusement park rides to ballroom dancing. Very versatile. He didn’t flinch at any of my questions, although I forgot to ask him about sex. *BAD BLOGGER*

He’s open, he’s straightforward and he’s comfortable in the company of women. In fact, he belongs to the freebie-hunting/chair-stalking group Hey Girlfriend! and speaking of, that’s something else I really like about Edward: He likes to hunt! His good SL friend Anarya, in fact, is the amazing woman who almost singlehandedly orchestrated the Through the Looking Glass Hunt.

So ladies, you can drag Death/Edward along with you on your next gridwide hunt and he won’t complain. In fact, he’ll even help you. JACKPOT!

And speaking of Anarya, I hunted her down at her store Anadem Center and asked her about Death because YES, I am an investigative romance journalist like that.

Actually, Anarya is the one who talked Death into volunteering for this column. “He’s looking for someone to share his Second Life with while he tries to figure out the madness in this virtual world, for laughs and talks and whatever things lead to,” she said.

Well said. Laughs and talks usually lead to good things.

My personal prescription for Death: A well-read, down-to-earth chick who isn’t a fashion diva but is savvy enough to delete most of the bling, body oil and hoochwear from her inventory. (I say “most of” because you never know when a romantic night will lead to some hoochie roleplay.) In my humble opinion, I think Death would be great with a witty, vibrant girl who could expand his horizons and show him some new places to hear great music. A spontaneous, energetic woman would be great, but spazzy little angsty airheads need not apply. A girl who loves video games would probably rock Edward’s world. Clingy types, please keep your distance.

But what do I know? I’m just your Love Doctor.

Since my “date” with Death, we’ve chatted a little and I really like him. He’s friendly and nice and gets excited about simple things, like his new skybox. He doesn’t seem like a high-maintenance guy. In terms of my own IMs with him, he usually makes the first move. I like a man who’s proactive like that. He has a blog, which is always a plus in my book, and you can get a great feel for his personality over there.

Ladies, if he sounds like your type, I think you should give him a whirl.

OK, that was a cheesy ending. And I lied: There’s a picture of us on a ride for you. Along that line, much thanks to guest photographer Lizzie Lexington.

VITAL STATS
Name: Death (aka Edward) Seetan
Rez Date: June 7, 2008
Interested in: Women
Inworld: Mostly at night
Relationship Goal: For the moment, only Second Life
Turn-Ons: Brains, good conversation, sense of humor, rock music
Turn-Offs: Dense floozies, body oil, drugs, Britney Spears
Blog: Edward’s Blog O’ Freebies
How to contact him: Drop him a note or send him an IM

DISCLAIMER: Date at your own risk! Emerald Wynn is not responsible for the behavior or non-behavior of any subjects featured in her column, nor can she guarantee the validity of any facts expressed by her sources. Be smart! Be safe! If necessary, hire a private detective!

HOW TO PLAY: If you’re an eligible bachelor or bachelorette who’d like to be featured in a future “Date with Emerald” column, please drop a notecard inworld to Emerald Wynn. If you’d like to be a guest photographer for an upcoming column, PLEASE do not hesitate to contact non-photographer Emerald Wynn as well.

When you sign up and join the City Zen email subscription list you will be notified when we have new posts,  when we are throwing event parties, and so much more! Also, you will be automatically entered to win cash prizes and boutique gift cards! These drawings are 100% random. Sign up today for a chance to win $L2500*!

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* Must be submitted into the mailing list by 05/29/09 to be qualified

By Haley Hathaway

Facebook is a social networking Web site that started in 2004 at Harvard University and limited its membership to college students until 2006, when it opened its virtual doors to anyone with internet access to join its online society. I recently created one after some friends, begged me to (I still haven’t logged onto it since). 

On April 9, Facebook announced its 200 millionth member, making it the United States’ sixth most trafficked Web site.  Its growth has been rapid—membership has doubled in the past eight months.  If the Facebook community was a nation, its population would dwarf that of Brazil and Japan. 

For me, it is hard to think of anyone that doesn’t have a Facebook.

A demographic and statistics report by iStrategyLabs in early 2009 revealed that Facebook’s largest demographic concentration, just over 41 percent, is the college age group of 18-24 year olds.  Users aged 18 and under make up a smaller slice of the Facebook demographic pie, roughly 14 percent of users. 

Vicki Rideout, vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation and director of its program for the study of media and health, attributes Facebook’s growing popularity to the inescapable nature of social media.

“New media are inextricably woven into young peoples’ lives,” she reported to the New York Times.

What these studies are showing, according to Rideout, is that online socializing is “ubiquitous,” and “young adults usually have a ‘full-time intimate community’ with whom they communicate in an always-on mode.”

For many, it is a great way of staying informed on what their friends may be doing.  Because, I really appreciate when people update their status every three minutes to tell me they are blowing their nose or something.

Lee Rainie, director of the Pew Internet and American Life Project, reported to the Associated Press how “striking [it is to him the way] Facebook has become a kind of dashboard for Internet users.”

“If I go longer than a day and a half without logging onto Facebook, I start to experience withdrawal,” my friend Amber Griffin told me.  “I just know the list of notifications is building up.”

For Griffin, Facebook is conducive to keeping in touch with friends who live far away, “especially those in foreign countries.”  For friends she sees on a daily basis, Griffin said, “Facebook has increased the amount of casual banter between my usual friends and I.”

Second Life resident John Hudson also uses Facebook, though much less frequently.  He said he spends “no more than five minutes a day” on Facebook and he “doesn’t bother with applications.”

Hudson’s main focus on Facebook is “to stay in contact with old friends, and friends and family far away,” and he typically does not contact people he sees on a daily basis in Second Life.

“Facebook is very impersonal,” he said.  “I do not see the point in talking to someone [on Facebook] that you are able go see [in person/Second Life].”

Facebook has infiltrated its way into everyday, face-to-face conversations. 

“It’s funny to hear people talk about Facebook all the time,” Griffin said.  “It’s like posting something on someone’s wall isn’t good enough.  You have to talk about it again with that person the next day.”

Photo courtesy of Zimbio

For Columbia College freshman Ben McQueen, the ever-blurring line between Facebook and real life motivated him to deactivate his Facebook account, an experience he described as “liberating.”

The Events application on Facebook has given young people a new way to arrange social gatherings.  Members can send virtual invitations to their friends, who are able to RSVP, view a list of confirmed guests and read event information, all online. 

“It’s a great way to organize plans with friends, or parties,” Griffin said.  “More people are aware [of an event] if it is posted on Facebook.”

Griffin also sees dating advantages to using Facebook.  For instance, “it’s easy to find out when guys become single,” she said.  “[Changing your relationship status] is also a good way to let the guy you’re [casually] dating know that it’s official.” 

Not all teens agree that internet profiles should be used to classify romantic endeavors. 

“Electronic communication defines modern relationships,” Second Life resident Taryn Blinker said. “It’s sad and unromantic.”   

The popularity of Facebook has put another frequently used social networking site, MySpace (who just reached its five year anniversary), on the back-burner.  According to comSure Inc., MySpace has approximately 130 million active members, 70 million less than Facebook.  Griffin and Hudson both have MySpace accounts and agreed that the website is used much less than Facebook.   

Seeing the downfall of MySpace and the imminent threat of Twitter (another emerging social site) to Facebook’s  popularity has some contemplating the longevity of Facebook use. 

Griffin feels that Facebook “will be useful regardless of its popularity.  I don’t think it will fade away until there is a replacement.” 

I, however, will stick with email.

By Krissy Muggleston

Bord Du Lac is a stunning little private residential estate community, designed after a french village tucked away in the mountains of Dans les Montagnes.  Bord Du Lac, and the neighboring Dans Les Montagnes comprise this two sim community.  And the mountains really add a spectacular horizon and ambiance.  This little village surrounds a 7Seas stocked fishing lake, with rowboats available to visit neighbors or just to relax on the lake.  The parcel division is perfect; the mountains and fields and streams are situated to allow privacy for each homeowner, while maintaining a cohesive, village feeling.  On the day of my visit there was just one vacancy.  It was a 1650 prim, 8096 sqm parcel for $L3712 per week.  As I explored Bord Du Lac, I was keenly aware that privacy is highly valued here.   The owner, Zasa Rossini, introduced herself and welcomed me.  She was at that moment keeping watch over some wandering visitors.   She is a self-described pitbull at protecting her estate residents.  After enjoying the vista of lake and mountains in Bord Du Lac, I went on a tour of Dans les Montagnes, the adjoining shopping village.   I picked a busy day, the place was swarming with hunters.  The landscape is charming and the village is packed with unique shops.   I love it when a community is so well-built that one can feel the ambiance of the real life place it was designed to emulate.  This is one of those places. 

By Krissy Muggleston

Having written and reviewed numerous residential sims on both City Zen and my own blog,  I’ve seen some really amazing places that took my breath away.  (For me that’s what it’s all about)  But as I was thinking about living in SL and having a home, I remembered that not everyone wants a $L7700 monthly tier.  So what about those people who wish to live a more modest life in SL?  Many people like a place to call ‘Home’ if only to change clothes, unpack boxes and try demo’s.  Or what of those people who are in transit?  Between homes?  Back in August of 2008, I was between homes and wanted a temporary “landing pad”.  This is when I discovered Reddevil Rentals for L$250 per week for 80 prims.  I felt like a squatter, the rent was so cheap.  But it was great and the owner, Linda Reddevil was awesome.   What else is out there for the frugal SL resident?  For starters, check out Virtual Reality Skybox Rentals where the theme is:   Cheap Rent, Amazing Views!   Alrighty then.  Let’s see about that.  Virtual Reality Skybox Rentals consumes six sims.  The standard skybox comes furnished for $295 per week and 50 prims, while the Deluxe comes furnished for $395 per week.  If the typical house doesn’t suit you, maybe a japanese garden, waterbox, or sweetheart suite will.  So ‘Cheap Rent’ is true, how about ‘Amazing Views’?  I took the teleport to a vacant rental to have a look.  At first glance, wow!  I’m in a house that sits right in front of the Louvre!  Talk about living a fantasy.  There are 20 different scene-scapes to choose from, all of which surround the house for a really immersive effect.  It’s really cool.  The furniture is not super great, but for all you residents who can’t be bothered with furniture and decorating, you’ll be pleased.  These skyboxes are a great option if you are looking for ‘hotel accomodations’ while you relocate, or if you like to live frugal in SL.  Enjoy!

By Elizabeth Hallstrom

Ms. Hallstrom here pondering a few things about love, sex and relationships in second life, something a bit different than what I have talked about in the past LOL.  For some reason I am having a hard time thinking of the right words and theme for this post.  I guess I am suffering from a bit of writers block, haha.  Sex has been on my mind as of late I hate to admit and not necessarily in the way you may be thinking.  And where else can a sex intrigued avatar go to think even deeper about the subject of sex than the brand, spankin’ new Sexy2nd sim that opened over the weekend!  And while roaming about the lovely new sim with its Miami Beach look and feel, I couldn’t help but think “what defines sexy in second life.”

Hubba Hubba, Sexy2nd – a magazine, blog and sim devoted to defining Second Life sexiness.  Helmed by the very smexy Belle LaFavre, Jackson Vantelli and Anessa Stein the goal of the Sxy2nd sim along with the revamped Sexy2nd blog and magazine of the same name is to pull together “all that is sexy in second life.”   And at first glance the sim itself encompasses this idea all on its own:  The Sexy2nd team have assembled some best lingerie/bourdoir shops in SL including Insolence and Black Lace.  Ooh La La, Ms. Hallstrom does love her lingerie! But as an added bonus, included are the stores Sysy (super sexified I should point out) and the shape store, Noon to help make your avatar super slinkeee.   Hey, I was a stripper for a few months in my early days in SL – I ain’t no prude haha.

Of course no proper Elizabeth Hallstrom post would be complete without some reference regarding her SLove Life, LOL.  While strolling through the sim my mind turned to a certain male resident that I had the pleasure of getting to know over the last couple of weeks.  My conversations with this  man really got me to think about what is beautiful and sexy in second life and in real life.  He has some unusual ideas about sex, love and devotion that are very different from my own inclinations and proclivities.  But, that’s the beauty of getting to know people in a virtual world where things are still safe and distant and exploration into subcultures and alternative lifestyles can easily be accomplished without too much effort.  My interactions with this man have also inspired me to start creating images and pictures in second life that are very different from what I have done in the past as well.  For me and where I am right now, the Sexy2nd sim for this particular shoot was fitting in many ways I believe.

But alas, my friends my interactions with the lovely man came to a screeching halt. It really bites when you realize no matter how wonderful a man is or how sexy he may be, compatibility is very important, ha!  But, what can you do.  You move on and hope at some point you will be friends again.  Ms. Hallstrom seems to piss off a lot of men in second life.  God, am I bit of a flake?  I hope not!

So now I am sure you are asking “what is your point with this post Ms. Hallstrom.”  Where is all the hate and drama, emo angst and tears.  My point my dear friends is to pose the question what do you find sexy in second life.  Is it just the images one can snap of lovely avatars or is it the character they created in SL.  Or, does it go beyond that – perhaps to the person behind the avatar and the images one can create in their mind while interacting with him or her in a virtual world.   There is a lot think about and consider when examining what is sexy in a virtual world.

So anyway, about my ensemble.  The dress is from Kuri Style and yes I am a bit obsessed with this store at the moment LOL.  The fan is the latest creation of my lovely second life friend Morgan Kincess and her store Digital Eyes.  For me, fans are oh so sexy.  You see Morgan comes from the Land of Love and City of Lights and that influence is clearly found in the art she creates in second life.  Morgan, in my eyes, is very smexy sexy!

So, with that image I leave you to it.  Ensemble Details can be found below.  In the next few weeks, some of my new images will be found on my personal blog, Virtual Fashion Rebel. But, maybe our esteemed editor Haley will let me slip a few of these in from time, *wink. So Ciao and Hugs my friends. And as always, Love You, Call Me, Mean It.

• Hair:  >TRUTH< - Natasha in walnut

• Skin:  Laqroki ~ Cleo 04 Fair

• Dress:  Kuri Style K*S ONE-PIECE170trick(R)

• Shoes:  J’s -  Real Toe Cross Belt Pumps in Silver

• Earrings:  Paper Couture -  Bent Metal Hoops

• Fan:  Digital Eyes - Animated Fan – Invaded v3

By Kelley Babeli

Has spring fever got you jonesing for a getaway but your wallet’s screaming, “no can do?”  Never fear!  Kelley Babeli, your Second Life travel guide is here to save the day!  Did you know that in Second Life you can virtually visit nearly any major city on the globe?  If a jaunt to Africa or Morocco doesn’t do it for you, you can always go deep sea diving, spend time with fairies, dragons and elves on a medieval/fantasy sim or take a trip to outer space.  There are sims where you can be shrunken down to miniature size then drive a toy car, tour a dollhouse and run along a kitchen counter like you’re one of the Borrowers.  You can go bowling, skydiving and so much more – if you’d like to experience it, chances are that it can be done somewhere in Second Life.  Over the next several months, we’ll explore many of these places.  Today, we’ll visit the City of Lights – Paris, France!  Paris is beloved by world travelers for a good reason:  its streets look as if they’ve been taken straight from a story book; and Second Life’s versions don’t disappoint!

There are several French parcels that can be visited around the grid; however, I’m going to focus on two of my favorites – Paris and the Second Louvre (both are conveniently located on sims by the same names).  When I visited Paris (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Paris%20Eiffel/9/200/23/), I was teleported right to the foot of the magnificent Eiffel Tower!  At the base of the tower, as one might expect, there are advertisements, café tables and, naturally, a souvenir shop where a variety of tchotchkes can be yours to the tune of a mere L$10!  As I ascended to the top of the tower (a cinch in Second Life, since flying is an option), I was delighted to see that, instead of only being able to take the traditional way back down, I had the opportunity to hand glide if I wished.  And hand glide I did – too fun!  Although the Eiffel Tower is definitely the main attraction, make sure you give Paris the full tour.  This sim has obviously been created with love and a great eye for details – believe me, you don’t want to miss the Moulin Rouge in all its glory or the spectacular Arc de Triomphe!

Speaking of spectacular, my next stop was breathtaking – the Second Louvre Museum (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tompson/153/96/100/).  The first thing I noticed was that the place is MASSIVE.  The Second Louvre Museum is an amazing replica of the traditional real life museum that displays both classic and modern works of art. The exterior of the building is superbly detailed and includes well-crafted statues, highly detailed fountains, and other items that have been meticulously designed to replicate the feeling of reverence one feels when experiencing the Louvre in the real world.  The pixilated version is every bit as awe inspiring.  Once inside, visitors will want to be sure to fly slowly; this museum’s galleries are packed with a stunning array of art.

Grab yourself a cup of coffee, order something good to eat and enjoy a decadent visit to these sims – it won’t take you long to discover that Paris is enchanting everywhere, at any time, even in Second Life.  Join me next time as I follow the yellow brick road to munchkinland and the Emerald City in the magical Land of Oz.

If you would like me to visit your sim for possible inclusion in a future travel review, please drop a note card to Kelley Babeli with your request and any pertinent information – see you in world!