Places to go before I die

November 5th, 2009

So I’m walking down the street one day on my way to the supermarket to buy some washing detergent. I see the local convenience store, the aquarium, the lane where my aunt lives. I pass the spice shop on the right next to that clothes store where the assistants look at me all funny. And I realize something – I’ve seen this all before! I’ve known this life for as long as I can remember, and sure it’s had its ups and downs but it’s pretty much been on the same plane for the past few years – no twists or turns or summersaults.

It’s kind of made me think that I’d like a change. It may not be today or tomorrow or even next year, but I’ve decided that soon I’d like to step out of my comfort zone and out into the wider world. After all, there’s so much out there I haven’t already seen that it would be a shame not to try, so I made a list of all the places I want to see (or even live in) before I die. The list is longer than the distance between my fridge and Istanbul, so I’ve just included just a few here, but I hope all the same that I get my message across that the world is a wonderful place and you’ll never know what’s out there unless you get out there yourself.

Vienna, Austria

What first got me thinking about Vienna was Billy Joel’s song of the same name. It’s just nice to think that whatever happens in life, “Vienna waits for you.” There’s just something so peaceful about the place. Sure the taxes are through the roof, but as far as I know the healthcare’s good, people have jobs and the violins in the song sound mighty nice, and any place that’s associated with violins must be awesome.

Tuscany, Italy

To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t mind going anywhere in Italy. The place just sounds so gorgeously welcoming! The cobbled footpaths, the beaches, the Mediterranean weather, the soccer…the FOOD!! It sounds like a real dream location! Why I picked Tuscany is that my high school friend and I made an agreement to retire there together when the time came. Just imagine that – two elderly crones playing soccer at the beach…Under the Tuscan Sun.

Tavira, Portugal

Sure it’s not as famous as Lisbon or any of those big cities in neighbouring Spain, but that’s why I like it. Tavira in South Portugal is one of the few places that actually IS one of the country’s best-kept secrets (and doesn’t just CLAIM to be so). Tavira Portugal has got some beautiful architecture and natural surroundings that are interwoven into the perfect setting for anyone who wants to get away for while. Plus the culture has been influenced by both the Christians and the Moors, so the sites are guaranteed to look interesting.

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

I’ve actually already been here before, but I liked it so much that I really wouldn’t mind going there again. Sigiriya is actually this giant rock in Central Sri Lanka that was once this giant fortress of an ancient Ceylonese Kingdom. You can still see the rock shelters at the base and the wall frescos higher up, and the view from the top is positively breathtaking. The ascent is made on a flight of stairs, carved into the rock at some points and fitted in at others. I didn’t quite enjoy having the circulation in my hand cut off by my dear friend’s death grip as she made her tremulous way up the steps, but even so, climbing this rock is a great way for all those acrophobics out there to conquer their fears.

Hawaii, America

America would never be the place I’d want to live in, unless it was to get a higher education and get the hell out of there, but two names have constantly come up as the best places to live in the entire country, and they are San Francisco California and Honolulu Hawaii. I’m more garlands, dolphins and volcanoes than night clubs, private cars and handy cams, so I pick Hawaii!

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Thinking of being a CPA

October 11th, 2009

Ever think of being a Certified Public Accountant. Its not something which I can do now, as I am in someother field. Perhaps will be one in Second Life. If so the first thing I will do is go through accountancy books, read and learn and perhaps do some cpa exam reviews before the exam. mmm cool, lets learn to be a CPA!!

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Entering the world of Second Life Vs Real

September 7th, 2009

If I was to come up with a virtual world as interactive and involved as Second Life, I would never be able to think of a more appropriate name. It’s an escape, really. You come home from your boring job or your mind-numbing calculus class, the last words of your boss or your professor still ringing in your ears, doing summersaults in your head. You wonder why you bother while you grab a packet of Doritos from the pantry and head upstairs. You turn on the computer, tap a few keys and WHAMMO! Virtual world here I am! Don’t get me wrong – I’d much rather go to the park, lie in the grass and contemplate the meaning of life, but with the closest park being a cesspit of dog do and litter, I’ve comfortably resigned myself to spending my free time in front of the screen to trade my motorbike for the latest racer model.

Well, maybe that’s a little extreme. I guess I just have a knack for sounding like a loser. But I must admit that Second Life is more than what it seems to the presumptuous first-timer (a.k.a. me). those who have played similar role-playing games like The Sims probably have the impression that Second Life must be a similar experience of debauchery and unholiness. The truth is that that Second Life, while being largely for entertainment purposes, has a lot more to offer its so-called residents. People in the virtual world can go to school, learn languages and even improve their driving skills if they feel the need to. Although, for now, I’d much rather stick to buying clothes and racing speedy vehicles.

Speaking of racing, I’m proud to say I just recently won my first speed race! Sure, the prize money wasn’t that great, and one of the few vehicles worth competing with was a broken down Suzuki Maruti that resembled the one that my (real-life) high school art teacher used to drive around, but it was more than I expected. Of course, I was only driving on the amateur circuit so I knew I couldn’t expect much in the first place. The races do get more challenging though, with some even containing obstacles that the drivers must overcome to even complete the race. The great scenery on the circuit is something to look at as well, and is more realistic than you’d think.

What’s next for me in the world of Second Life? Well, I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to land a job spying at the new Embassy of Malta. After all, freelancing is allowed. Or maybe I could try my luck at one of those mini-MMORPGS role playing games they’ve got going on. I could even chill out with a good old game of chess if I wanted to. I don’t know about you but most of what I mentioned are not opportunities I can get every day in the real world. Until next time, take care. This is Ember Jackson, signing out.

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Birth of a Second Life Genius

August 11th, 2009

Well, here I am. I have just signed up for Second Life and I am quite literally a virtual noob in this 2-D world. Then again, I can’t complain. Finally! Long brown hair that doesn’t look like the product of a Van der Graaf machine, green eyes, great skin taken right out of a CGI film; I almost feel like one of those unattainable anime babes that litter the screens with sparkles and cute giggles, among goodness knows what else. Yep, my avatar is everything I’m not, and I couldn’t be happier. World, meet the new figment of my imagination, Ember Jackson.

So anyway, back to (virtual) reality, I’m wandering the streets of Second Life with nothing but a few unfashionable rags on and a measly L$250 (L$ = Linden Dollars) in my pocket. What do I do first? Well, I’m not the most affluent resident out there at the moment, so my best option would be…the junkyard! Oh don’t get me wrong – it’s nothing near as unappealing as it sounds; in fact, it contains heaps of cool clothes and accessories. And the best part – very often they’re free of charge! Any exceptions would only cost a Linden dollar or two. Of course, you can’t expect them to be entirely in-season. Most of the items will look quite old in comparison to what the residents usually wear, but just think of them as vintage fashions. Newcomers to Second Life should probably try out the aptly named “Newbie Paradise,” which has a host of things that you would want to get a hold of. Wagaland (111, 123, 30) also exists as a useful junkyard for new residents that are strapped for cash. Another great place to scavenge around for valuable junk is YadNi’s (Leda, 210, 28, 54). Keep in mind, though, that just like in any other large complex, desirable items will run out fast, so after taking a minute or two to get your bearings (junkyards can be unimaginably massive), shop ‘til you drop or you’ll end up regretting it!

Also keep in mind that clothes are nowhere near the only things you’ll be able to find in the junkyards. All you’ll ever need to start your new life and Second Life, including furniture, vehicles, appliances and even weapons. A vehicle shouldn’t be that important to you in Second Life, seeing as how you can immediately teleport to your destination, so unless you think it will help you establish your identity or something similar, you might as well spend your time deciding on buying something more useful. Weapons won’t be much of a help either, seeing as how you won’t be able to use them on other avatars unless you take part in one of the numerous fighting games they have going on. On the streets of Second Life, though, they wont have any effect on other residents, and much of the area is designated as a safe zone anyway, so once again, unless it helps with the identity you’re going for, don’t bother.

So, I’ve finally got myself a nice wardrobe and a great selection of furniture and accessories, and I can’t wait ‘til next time to test out my new self!

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