Virtual Visits (4 hours)

Arrived back in Second Life.  First, got insulted by a bunch of people who were hanging around in the spot I logged-off.  Feeling very self-concious.  It’s particularly bad when you can hear people using ‘voice’ chat about you.  More bad language.  Whilst I was feeling more self-conscious, generally in this virtual world people behave more freely. 

Changed my appearance again and edited some of the preferences such as removing the typing animation. Doing anything to get accustomed to the user interface so that I don’t look such a novice.

Teleported to Jade’s Jazz Lounge, not very densely populated.  Played the grand piano in the club (see picture) had a drink at the bar.

Went to another popular chat spot - Degrand.  Actually had some meaningful conversations about music. 

Visited another place but there was no one around.  Difficult to imagine why anyone would want to navigate to some of the places in Second Life merely to experience the environment without socializing.  In a strange way the chat is what makes it appealing.

Went dancing at the Beachwood club.  Less conversation here, more dancing.  Couldn’t get my dance moves to activate without the programme crashing.

Newbie Still (3 hours)

Downloaded new viewer (that’s going to make life easier!?).  Returned to Waterhead point.  Again, there were quite a few avatars present – more gathered around, enjoying each other’s company, but without the same level of conversation as last time.  Chilled dance music playing. Took some photos for posterity.  Hung with a strange bunch.  Conversation started flowing when an obnoxious teenager arrived - 'French Tophat'.  He was quite vulgar.  Begging the question as to whether I should have challenged his behaviour or not.  (Perhaps I should next time).  Still showing my inexperience, probably not ready to be out in public yet.  Teleported back home to Korea (help island).  Had a conversation with a newbie, ‘Aqua Moonwinder’.  I asked to be her friend, but she refused.  The duality between the real and the virtual fluctuates. People are cautious or curious about the person behind the avatar.  I heard many people talking about this Saturday night as if they were actually out 'drinking' and socializing.