Ciao Otium

by Dave (photos by Stormy Seas)

Like many noobs, I visited Otium on my first day in-world - its beaches and sea birds and rustic structures were among my very first impressions of SL.  Unlike most, I stayed.  Otium became the beginning and end of all my explorations in a strange new land called Second Life.  Ultimately I found a home there, a small beach hut where I went to meditate on the challenges I faced as a newbie.

Many of my experiences are recorded in this blog - some are not.  Spanish is my second language, though it has been years since I lived among people who speak it.  While at Otium, I was invited to a Spanish-speaking birthday party in the hilltop bar, where I experienced - for the first time in years - the warm, friendly feeling the language brings to such gatherings.  It’s an experience I will never forget.  Another memorable experience was when I went on a zany sailing spree all over the islands with three friends and two Otium sailboats.

It was my intention to include these and other events among the tales recorded below. Unfortunately, my time has run out.  On June 22nd,  Otium will be no more.

For me it’s just another of many in-world ‘firsts’, this one being the loss of the place that became my refuge in the virtual world when I was having trouble adapting.  What surprised me was the expression of sadness among older SL residents - who have seen a lot of sims come and go - about the end of Otium. Some were actually in tears over it.

There was a special quality to this little string of islands, a spacious peacefulness that even the occasional griefer could not assail.  It was as if our troubles could not be heard over the roar of the surf and the calls of the seagulls.  Those of us who were regulars usually had a favorite spot - a beach chair, a secluded islet, a stretch of sand, or even a rocking chair on the patio - where we liked to go in order to experience the peaceful ambiance of Otium.

Now we must all move on to other sims, places with their own new and interesting attractions. -But I think many of us still feel that that noplace else will ever be like Otium.

Stormy - taking one last look.