Barcelona Plaza Real

Barcelona Plaza Real_005

Greetings from Barcelona.  Having a great time – wish you were here!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tumotiko%20East/69/136/0

I’ve not been to the real Barcelona, so I can’t say if this sim is similar to the real deal or not, but I can tell you that it’s gorgeous, very well designed, appealing to the eye, and a great place to hang out in general and meet folks.  It’s good if you know a bit of Spanish as there are many Spanish-speaking people around.  It offers a cozy cafe to share a latte with friends or to have a dance.  There are assorted shops and art galleries.  And in addition to the city feel, the edges are beach covered and offer sights to see, boating interactive activities, and more hang out spaces.  The music is a soothing Latin station, good for chatting with friends or dancing.

Here’s a tip…do visit sims that have a majority of non-English speaking residents.  Don’t be afraid!  It’s a wonderful way to experience another culture without a passport or even leaving your home.  There are translation devices easily found in SL, many of them free.  There is a bit of a learning curve, but it’s well worth it.  Its a terrific way to learn a foreign language or practice your rusty skills in a language you are semi-literate in.  I’ve had many non-English speaking friends do this very thing in order to practice their English and I’ve seen them become remarkably proficient by the exercise and rather quickly too!  Overall, it’s a great way to expand your world and your skills while having a great time.

Freestar Bay Isle

Freestar Bay crowd_001

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Freestar%20Bay%20Isle/74/128/501

Freestar Bay is a definite must if you want to know whats up in the music scene in the virtual world.  The best way to do this is to take the surl above, wait for it to rez, then grab the notecards that the greeter gives.  There are regular events and live music gigs so you will always have something to look forward to.  The pic above was taken at a Noma Falta concert.  She and other great musicians perform there regularly and with the enthusiastic fans that come with them, you’ll have a great time!

If you are a real world musician looking for a virtual world audience, then you should come to Freestar Bay and contact Freestar Tammas.  See you there!

Ministry of Motion

Ministry of Motion_002

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nomasha%20Syaka/114/119/21

So….you think you can dance?  If the answer is no, or if the only dance moves you have are freebie and, ahem, inferior quality dance moves, then perhaps you should TP over to the Ministry of Motion!  They have Jamiroquai (YAY!), Beyonce, John Travolta, Michael Jackson, and other well known dancer moves as well as acid/jazz/funk/soul/disco, chilled/freestylin, street/hip hop, contemporary, 60’s/20’s, metal, and more.  Not only that, but you’ll find the right animation for your stage moves too!  Do you wail on the electric guitar?  Play a mean jazz piano?  Or just rock the house with your amazing stage presence?  You’ll find the right move for your groove here at the Ministry of Motion.  The sim is a whimsical and fun place to just peek around while trying all the dances.  More than dances are sold here…I saw a mean attack shark.  Beware!  You may even meet an interesting character like I did.  Meet Neo in the pic above.  Don’t judge!  I’ve found the most interesting folks in SL masquerade behind the most unusual avatars.  Come over, bring friends…and some lindens.  Some funky fresh moves here.

Unintended Water

Unintended Water_001

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Unintended%20Water/116/117/23

“Tis a gift to be simple, ’tis a gift to be free…”   I love how each sim has it’s own feel…at least when well done.  In my opinion, the best creators don’t just build a space, but also build a mood.  The one at Unintended Water is one of peace and beauty.  Not alot of  commerce here.  Just sweet, sweet…..space.  And serenity.  There are secluded areas to have a chat or a beautiful moment with another as well as dancing in the gazebo.  Off to the side on the water is an understated mod art gallery.  Amazing photo art there.  They’re for sale, but at great prices…and again, not any in-your-face marketing or sales of products.  Wouldn’t even know the art was for sale except if you cursor over the pieces.  Definitely a DO if you are in a more contemplative and mellow mood.