Exploration Assignment

In real life before embarking on a journey, there are many things to consider. For example, having transportation, directions, purpose, and knowledge of the people that will be at the destination. When setting off on a Second Life adventure all the normal thoughts are disregarded. Since I am a new user, I had no idea what to expect. There were no familiar street signs, landmarks, or even roads. Teleporting is the way to get from one place to another. Waiting for images to load is the only delay while traveling.
When I first arrived at Info Island I noticed all the different places that could be explored. There was a wide variety of information located on the island. The four locations I visited on Info Island were; the jazz cat, the art gallery, philosophy and psychology, and the fantasy portal. I met up with Keely and we took pictures in front of all of these. The jazz cat was a place to interact socially with others and be entertained. The art gallery’s objective is to showcase art and provide decorative elements. The objective of the philosophy and psychology is to learn more through a virtual world. Lastly, the objective of the fantasy portal is a way to experience unrealistic sights. The library also has interesting information and events that avatars are able to participate in.
Hoshikuzu is a shopping center different than all the other ones that I experienced on Second Life. The layout is more organized and more futuristic. The items displayed are more interesting. Surely they would make an avatar stand out. The people that I interacted with here seem to be serious shoppers. They were focused on outfits and buying what was necessary to complete the latest virtual world trends. I trust this type of mall with its styles because the others here had very hip apparel. The purpose of this store is to expand wardrobes and influence style.
When my avatar first arrived at Chakryn Forest I was surprised by the beauty. I did not expect an animated place to be so gorgeous. I could almost smell the pine trees. My favorite thing was the birds that I could hear chirping in the background. I did not see many people here. This added to the peaceful experience. Although, when I did finally see someone they were riding a horse. This was appropriate for the nature filled place. Flying around and admiring the landscape I could clearly see the reason for this location. It acts as a way to admire nature through a virtual world. In Second Life it is nice to explore and take in a variety of places that someone might not be able to in the real world.
Apocalypse is another shopping center. However, after going through many stores in the search for free clothes, I can appreciate the set up of this one. The clothes are not free, yet I am still interested. It is set up more like the real world with displays and different images of clothing. The whole area looks entertaining also. This court area in Second Life seems much more tasteful than many outdoor malls in real life. I could easily see my avatar spending the day here. That is exactly what I think the purpose of this place is. An amusing hangout where clothes can be looked at and purchased.
Themiskyra is a very relaxing place and that is its main objective. The real world can be very stressful at times. It is beneficial to those on Second Life to have a place to escape to. It is almost like a rehab center. An environment to meditate and unwind. There are many comfortable places to sit and lounge. The creators are people who want an escape from the fast paced world.