This is the question a lot of SL’ers have been asking themselves over the past week. I jumped into Sansar as soon as they announced it was open to the public, mostly because I’m nosey and wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
As a long time SL resident, I’ve grown used to certain things in my virtual world. I have many things I like to do in-world, including photography and dancing. I’ve invested quite a chunk of change over the years to update/maintain my avatar and have invested a large amount of time in photography as well.
There’s been quite a bit of negativity from some about Sansar – all of which I understand. However, if you enter Sansar with the expectation that it will be ‘like’ SL, you will of course be disappointed. SL has been around for 14 years and has seen many, many changes since its early years.
For me, Sansar is a pretty place to visit and take photos. I can’t manipulate the environment in Sansar as I can in SL, so what you see is what you get with Sansar photos.
That said, the environment in Sansar is gorgeous. The lighting and shadows are amazing and I’ve seen some truly fantastic builds from creators. After just a few visits, the camera controls are becoming more intuitive.
I don’t spend a huge amount of time each time I visit Sansar, because my graphics card is working a bit harder than I would like. Also, Sansar seems to use quite a bit more data than SL, something I unfortunately have to watch now that my lovely ISP has implemented a data cap. 
The main issue with Sansar as it is now is that there isn’t much to do – there’s lots to see, but if you are visiting via PC, as I am, you can’t really interact with anything. Sansar also seems a bit empty (though that often applies to SL as well). Most experiences I visit, I’m the only person there.
For now, if you’re looking to do the same things in Sansar that you do in SL, I’d wait. If you are someone who likes trying new things and experimenting, then I’d encourage you to log in (assuming your computer system is up to Sansar snuff). 😀
This field of flowers stopped me in my tracks – this is something I see regularly here at home (it’s our state flower) and giant fields of sunflowers are awe-inspiring. And the seeds are pretty tasty, too! 😛
I couldn’t resist snapping a pic of this scene – the cat trying to stealthily sneak up on the birds, the birds flying up out of danger, and waiting to see whether the cat will actually snare something or fall ignominiously into the water fountain.
I’m a big fan of the Tuscan look (as are many others, judging from the number of times I see Tuscan decor/landscaping), and this winery/picnic area looks so inviting.
It was still winter when I visited, which was a bit unexpected, since most sims are now decorated for spring. But snow is always gorgeous in SL, so off I went!
It was a bit chilly, since I wasn’t really dressed for the weather, so I was happy to come across this adorable hot cocoa stand – just what I needed to fuel my further explorations. 😀
My fascination with lighthouses is well-known, but my love of windmills is a close second (they remind me of home). I’ve never seen this particular windmill in SL before – I love the look of it.
Speaking of things I’ve never seen – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a birdcage house before. It’s a little too open and airy for me, but it is certainly gorgeous. I love the spiral staircase.
Now, I don’t remember anyone having a home that looked like this, but if I had, I would have been knocking on the door, wondering if there were any kids inside to come out and play. 🙂
I love the placement of the tree here – as if it’s standing behind the windmill, peeking around to see what’s so interesting. Or stretching away, seeking something unknown on the other side.
This angle captures a view nearly every kid I grew up with has had at some point – laying in the tall wheat, playing hide and seek, or just taking a break to enjoy the wonder of the outdoors.
Another angle of the house – it looks so cozy and comfortable, I could move right in! After, of course, I installed some indoor plumbing. 😛
I was wandering around, trying to find interesting angles, and stumbled onto this ruin with a window intact, and the house captured just perfectly through it.
You can find all kinds of places to shelter from the rain, including this adorable dinghy.
Wandering around, I found the Lake House, complete with the tree growing up in the middle. (If you’ve never seen The Lake House, look it up when you’re in the mood for a tearjerker.)
Picking my way carefully through the rain, I discovered this beautiful horse hanging out near this comfortable-looking canopied bed. I’m not sure the flimsy gauze would do much to keep out the rain, but it looks gorgeous. 🙂
The trees and mist give the sim an ethereal quality. There are a lot of little areas tucked in everywhere, so make sure when you visit that you take the time to wander around.
Everything is so calm and serene and peaceful. I discovered these gorgeous bridges, hidden from sight around a bend in the path.
Next to a small hut, I found this beautiful bamboo water well.
There are a couple of dragons to be found around the sim, including this fabulous specimen. The serpentine scales are so rich and detailed, as is the face of the statue.
This pagoda on top of the hill was my favorite area of the sim. The building itself is amazingly well-done, and the sim windlight perfectly complements it. I love all how the purples and pinks blend together.
There are a couple of different areas to explore, starting with this little residential neighborhood. I wish I could shop from a little market stand like this!
I found this little picnic area in a park behind the houses. So picturesque – who wouldn’t want to sit and eat here while they stared out at the gorgeous water?
As I wandered on, I came across this fantastic cafe build. I love the paintings on the exterior. Standing by the rails, letting the salt spray hit your face, smelling the delicious aromas emanating from the cafe – pure heaven.
This gem was perched on top of a hill – another open-air cafe/bar where you can just sit, relax, and enjoy. I love the curves on the tops of the side walls.
Just beyond the open-air cafe, I found this abandoned ruin. The roses growing up over the door just add to the sense of decay, as do the various rusted pieces scattered about.
I would love to live somewhere like this, wouldn’t you?
I can hear the water, the waves lapping gently at the shore while I relax and meditate.
Plus, I found this adorable bicycle – who wouldn’t want to pedal around the island in this little beauty?!
I dubbed this one ‘Pirate Island.’ It doesn’t look as if the pirates had a terrific time here, especially since they appear to have left without their ship. 😛
Nearby is ‘Circus Island,’ which looks like a much more fun place than Pirate Island. There are several old circus cars, some with animals in them.
If you can drag yourself away from the gorgeous unicorns, there is more to explore.
I’m not a huge fan of puppet shows, but I admit this one looked intriguing. Unfortunately, I must have arrived after the show was over, because no one was there.
This is ‘Fairy Tale Island.’ It just seemed a fitting name, given the Rapunzel-like tower that is so prominent.
I love this beach house – it’s so open and airy and exactly the kind of home I’d want if I lived on the beach. My favorite part of the house is that the curtains were blowing in the breeze – it’s those little details that add to the feel of a build.
This little bench underneath the window would be one of my favorite spots. Sitting in the warmth of the sun, a cool breeze blowing, while you listen to the waves crash – pure heaven.
Of course, one of the best parts of living on the beach is that you can spend a great deal of your time outside (something I don’t get to do enough here in the Midwest where I live). These shaggy seats and comfy pillows look so cozy, with snacks and lots of reading material nearby.
I think this was my favorite house on the sim. I don’t know if this house build comes with this photo already on the wall, but I thought it was a such a great idea – I love how she seems to be staring out the window at the waves.
This little fellow was chirping away when I wandered by – I think he was enjoying the breakfast leftovers.
This is such a fabulous vignette – I wish I had enough space in my RL home to have an area like this for all my art supplies. I love the woven rug and the little space heater.
I couldn’t resist the field of daisies in the front yard – and the little chicks wandering around were simply adorable. The cute yellow scooter is so inviting – it was so hard to resist hopping on and going for a quick spin around the beach!
A Kat and A Mouse 