AVATARS UNDER THE STARS AT SBCC EVENT (Mick Brady)

Our second official open house event was held on the Serious Game Design Institute island campus on Thursday, May 1st, and by all accounts (at least those heard by the author) it was not only a success, but seemed to provide the perfect opportunity for new friendships to be formed; some guests even speaking in glowing terms about what may arise in the future from these virtual, but very real, bonds. That, of course, is what happens when a group of like-minded avatars get together in the New World and begin to share their passions.

The afternoon began with a stroll along a path lined with kiosks, each presenting a clear and simple tutorial on an aspect of functioning in Second Life - practical knowledge crucial to any new resident. That was soon followed by a series of magic carpet tours of the entire island (our plush oriental carpet seats six), and finally, a walking tour of some of the nearby buildings and classrooms. We all ended up at the outdoor photo exhibit, where my in-world representative, Chrome Underwood, gave an artist’s talk on his latest body of work, New Images of Second Life.

As afternoon faded into evening, many of us began to sit on the stone steps leading down to the glowing firepit in the center of the circle, surrounded by a wall of giant luminous photos in the background, with nothing but the stars and moon above. It proved to be a heady mixture, and as often happens around a campfire, we all drew a bit closer, and the conversation began to lift off nicely, soon to be sparkling in the air around us. We were off on another magic carpet ride, fueled only by the energy of our combined imaginations. It was a memorable evening; one which won’t soon be forgotten around these parts.

Author’s Note: You may also want to check out another recent account of this event at Happiness Merryman’s blogsite within the Gaia Community.

Photo credits: Top photo by Happiness Merryman; remaining photos by Chrome Underwood