Natural Wonders Photo Contest this month saw two winners sharing the prize, first time winner Cheri Larnia and three time winner, Dahlia Jayaram. Though I didn't see Miss Larnia at the event, Dahlia was on hand as were many residents who gathered to see the winning photographs and dance away to Miss Ceci Dover as she performed live taking requests.

I had a nice chat with Dahlia about her journey through Second Life® and got a bit of insight. Dahlia enjoys traveling across the grid via hot-air balloon. And along the way she has met some interesting people who have joined her on her voyage.

TK: Have you done that hot air balloon ride recently? I was curious which parts of the grid you've explored so far.

DJ: Yes, I've flown through four continents so far and needing to finish up the fourth. I'm hoping by end of this week. I'm going by the age they were created..oldest to newest. So I started in what I believe to be the oldest sim in Second Life. The continents are Sansara, Heterocera, Jeogeot and Satori so far. I've been grounded in Satori, however, since early June due to an equipment failure that is being repaired.

TK: Oh no! Have you ever done a trip in a balloon in real life?

DJ: No, I've never done a RL hot air balloon. The closest I came was a para-sail pulled by a boat along the beach. That is part of what makes SL so rewarding. You can do things here that you are most likely not ever able to do in real life, like fly a plane.

TK: What kind of people have you met on your journey?

DJ: I have some people who always want to know when I am flying so they can join in the adventure. That's nice to be able to share the experience with others who enjoy it too. I can take up to 4 people total. I've filled the basket a few times with first-timers that really loved it. I even took a guy who wanted to parachute from it once..it was a really great fun for him.

TK: So the balloon flies a preset path or you have to control it?

DJ: I control it. But there is the option to fully steer it or have it be powered by the natural air currents just like in real too.

TK: Where do you get the balloons from?

DJ: The balloon is a Terra brand that you can get in many Terra shops throughout SL. I purchased mine at Abott's Airfield in Sansara. You can rez one and test it out for free before deciding. You can even set it to do automatic tours of a sim, if Costa Rica ever wanted one. LOL!

TK: Hey there's an idea. Can get some great photos from that vantage point.

DJ: And on the sides of the balloon, you can add your own banners. And the skin of the balloon you can choose too. I fly mine with all custom skins and adverts for companies or my adventure.

TK: I understand you've documented your journeys?

DJ: I've written a book for each Sansara and Heterocera. I was in the finishing stages of the Jeogeot book when my laptop failed. Was writing that in the evenings while flying through Satori during the daytime. If interested, you can see the two balloon books, along with the sailing adventure book in my library at www.issuu.com/dahliasweet

TK: Well you have certainly been able to capture some brilliant sights in Costa Rica. Congratulations!

DJ: Thank you :D