Enscharys: Wonderful blend of culture, lighting and romance – ummm, and a game we missed

Devin and I try to set aside at least one night per week to scope out new explore points. We’ve come across some awesome places that people have put much of their minds, hearts and time into. We usually blog the one that really stands out and almost calls our names. Enscharys was exactly that type of build. Devin suggested it and as soon as she TPed me and I rezzed into the center of giant white pillars towering above me, coupled with magical lighting, I got that feeling.

As you all know, and as you’ll see in the photos from this explore, Devin and I decided to theme dress in true world explorer fashion. When we scoped out the sim, it immediately reminded me of like a Gor role playing sim…so I suggested silks to Devin. We did a little shopping and found some not-so-revealing silks. Although Devin is a hottie, we’re professionals here ya know So, I ask her what I should wear because neither of us know a thing about Gor role playing (don’t squint at me…lol). She pointed me to a shirtless gladiator outfit…chuckling. Now I’m not sure how much gladiators and Gor go together, but Devin liked it, so Gavin’s showin’ some skin too in this post.

Since Enscharys is a fairly new build, I IMed one of the owners to see if she wanted to give us some in-sight into the sim. Loulou Riverview sent me a reply back saying:

“…the thing we tried to do at Enscharys was build a place that was great to explore with lots of nooks and crannies to discover. We also added places to chill out with loved ones, whether friends or lovers. It is intended to be an interactive experience, hence the game where you have to find things and then use them for other purposes. There is a storyline that goes along with the game…the instructions are in the library”

I am very glad that Loulou sent this reply because Devin and I totally missed the game…sigh…we were apparently too busy marvelling at the lighting and structures.

This Slurl, http://slurl.com/secondlife/Enscharys/127/149/29, will put you on the steps very near the entrance to the castle. You’ll immediately feel the heat of the fiery forest very near by. As you look around, you may start to feel a culture blend that for me was almost Celtic, meets Mediterranean, meets Asian. I know that sounds a little odd, but it’s so well architected that the blend is beautiful. There are circular elevator tiles in each castle room that take you up higher into the tower. You’ll visit the armory, throne room, spa, to name a few…all complete with nice poses and lighting features. I was amazed at the weapons in the armory and the apparent quality design of each. 

After exploring the castle we took to the ground, finding great little cuddle spots, forested areas, sky archways, fire pits and even a flying sampan that can be rezzed for exploring the skies. The sampan is equipped with a cozy little pose for two to enjoy while flying around the sim. If you like what you see, there is a store at the center of the build, where most of the items you see can be purchased. Be sure to stop by the store and support Loulou and fellow owners. Land in SL isn’t cheap ya know.

So, take my advice on this one and stop by Enscharys. I think you’ll definately be enticed into exploring deeper.

To view the photostream of this explore visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/gavingarfield/sets/72157617361482525/.

Loulou Riverview has many more pics in her Flickr photostream, found here http://www.flickr.com/photos/loulouriverview/.

Watch for another post soon and happy exploring!
-Gavs

Albero: Shopping in a technicolor dream

It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve posted to the World Explorers’ blog, due to taking a little real life exploring trip. With this post however, I plan to kick things back into gear by blogging about Albero, a very cool little build I ran across accidentally.

Sometimes I search for out of the ordinary phrases hoping I might come across the ultimate hidden explore…lol. I can’t even remember what I was searching for the other night, but one of the results led me to a place called Cioccolata shopping mall. As things rezzed around me, I felt a little like I was in a giant nursery rhyme. The giant-sized numbers, storybook characters and stairs leading up to the heavens had a definite Mother Goose-ness about them.

Because my draw distance is set high, I could see what looked like a very cool and colorful build up the hill from Cioccolata. So, like any good explorer I had to check it out. As I walked through the field of blue glow flowers and under the wooden sign with colorful letters reading ALBERO, I knew I’d found an interesting place to explore. At that point, I still hadn’t figured out that it was primarily a girl’s shopping mall…lol. The SLurl to put you in the middle of town is http://slurl.com/secondlife/Chowla/126/99/74.

I’m not an avid shopper by any means, but I found myself walking around the little town and admiring the build, the interesting textures, the dreamy colors and round-topped trees, the clock towers and windmills adorning many of the buildings in Albero. It was a treat to explore this place. I love the plankwood  textures of the walkways with grass growing between, and the street lights that add an extra dimension to the lighting. The colors and shapes are what make Albero so interesting though. It has a very clean technicolor look about it.

In addition to the shops, there are many events promoted throughout the mall including photo contests, painting contests, treasure hunts and music events. It’s definitely a must see, especially for you shopaholics who feel the need to drop some lindens while exploring…chuckling. Speaking of which…I had to take Devin back and show her the sim the next day. She wrote up the comment below for the blog:

Devin says: Albero features so many stores that it’s one of those places you’ll need an  hour or so to just wander. Pack those virtual wallets with some lindens people cuz there is so much to choose from. I chose a dress from the Sea Hole. Whimsical and interesting, their dresses remind me a little of some great 80′s videos but are modern at the same time.  My shoes are from R2 which is another store creating little works of art in the form of shoes for your avatar.  The builders of Albero shopping district, in my opinion, understand that the more interesting and beautiful the shopping environment, the more we’re gonna want to hang around, shop, discover and spend money. Albero is an experience and not just a shopping trip.

When you have a few free minutes, check this place out. You won’t be disappointed.

To view the photostream for this explore, follow http://www.flickr.com/photos/gavingarfield/sets/72157617022127402/.

-Gavs