Destinations: Time for Quiet Reflection

Rest, relaxation. Sometimes we just want to get away from it all. A little space to unwind, and just detach from the busy day for a while. Let's face it, the constant updates from favourite designers and new ones through Fashcon, the juggling of IM's from friends, customers, and perfect strangers, the little things you simply HAVE to do inworld, meetings, building, scripting, testing designs, it all builds up and before you know it logging in one morning becomes a chore. A holiday spot would be nice, even just somewhere pretty to go where there's no death metal or Kenny G making your ears bleed and you can just cruise.

I have a little place for you. I was looking around, sightseeing, and came across the Virgin Islands. More specifically, Hosoi Ichiba. When you land you will notice the Japanese architecture, of an old-style market built within luscious gardens, and itself surrounding a peace garden. In the mood for some relaxation, I at first turned around and walked through the gorgeous wooden roofed bridge to investigate a village I could see not too far away.



Walking through the village, I admired the huts and purchased one of the sweet chimes hanging from the gate. Blowing gently in the breeze, the soft chimes were soothing and I figured I could use some soothing at home. Backtracking down the path I took a turn and spotted a Samurai house. What attracted my attention was not the house itself but the onsen, a hot spa, right on the water. Perfect for some time to pause and think.



After a soak, I headed down another path, and after passing by some scenic lookouts decorated with meditation pillows, came across a clearing. There was a fishing village here, complete with a few boats, and some of the latest catch hanging outside one of the huts. I sat on the bank, watching the sun sparkle on the water, and after a pause, decided to see what was inside the market.

What is great about the market is that it incorporates itself into the garden, and the overall atmosphere of the place. Surrounded by garden, and in turn surrounding a small peace garden, the markets do not interrupt the calmness, the buildings themselves are well crafted which only enhances the atmosphere. I headed back to the main entrance and walked inside. Straight ahead I noticed a tea room, and sat down for a humble drink. Glancing around I noticed a few people were actually doing Tai Chi just outside, and decided to give it a try. No-one spoke, and before long I saw a stunning red tower I had to investigate.



A cute surprise was the Japanese rock garden I happened through on my way, perfect to sit by and reflect on, if they work for you. I headed through and over to the tower, which was in fact some kind of temple, complete with shrine and tools for worship. Browsing around I saw some well crafted rickshaws, and took a look at the homewares available in the market. If I'd been a little less poor after emptying PC yesterdayI would've bought a lot more.

I still haven't finished exploring properly, but around each corner I found something else to enjoy, a quiet spot to sit, a small garden, or a beautiful decor piece I wanted to buy. The construction and layout of the sim is wonderful, the texturing colours are bright and beautiful but not garish, and the design looks well thought out and built, but still keeps an element of wilderness and a root to nature with it. Hosoi Ichiba is a tranquil haven to relax and take a break, and I thoroughly enjoyed my all too short visit.