RFL: Pyramid at Giza

The Pyramid of Giza (Teleport Point) is sponsored by Chop Zuey Couture and Jewelry.

As the oldest and largest pyramid, the Great Pyramid at Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops, is also the oldest of the Wonders of the Ancient world, created in ten to twenty years around 2500 B.C.E. At almost 150 meters, it was also the tallest man-made structure until the Lincoln Cathedral in England was finished in 1311 C.E. While now we can see the mottled limestone which makes up the bulk of the pyramid, but when it was initially built it was covered with smooth casing stones - some of which can still be seen around the base. There are three chambers inside of the pyramid, a Queen chamber, a King chamber, and an unfinished chamber cut into the bedrock. The pyramid was designed so that the ratio of the perimeter to the height of the pyramid - 1760/280 cubits - equates to 2π to an accuracy of better than 0.05%. There are arguments about whether this was deliberate or chance, though, as anthropologists are unsure the Egyptians had the concept of π at the time of this pyramid's construction. Likewise, arguments about how the pyramid was built rage on to today, though the latest evidence at the worker's camps indicate the builders were likely not slaves. There are many mysteries still contained beneath the surface of the pyramid, and astonishingly robotics have become central to further explorations of various passages off of the King and Queen's chambers.

The Relay for Life Pyramid echoes the ancient one in shape, but not in look or style, instead jumping enthusiastically into the modern era with a rainbow pyramid made of hexagons, containing a wide variety of moving shapes which - if your video feed is on - reflects whatever videos are playing at a given time. This is actually a staple of the artist's work; Thoth Jantzen was one of the first people I met in Second Life, and my early days were spent playing in his Egyptian-inspired areas. While I was at the Pyramid, the video was a streaming loop of transforming colors, but in the past I've seen a wide variety of videos from YouTube bent, twisted, and moving on elaborately arranged surfaces. The stores are in an easy to navigate square, though occasionally one of the graphical interfaces will block your view; just keep walking forward and you'll get where you want to go. One interesting trick of the design is that often I found myself unsure if I was moving because I could perceive no change in the landmarks in the room, so don't be fooled!

The no demo trend restarted in this sim, which ended up being a real shame because there were three dresses I was interested in, but for 800$L a pop I wanted to try a demo first! Luckily, when I finally saw a dress I completely fell in love with, this ballgown from Snowpaws, it not only had a demo but it fit me like a glove. I love the sleeves on this, with the curve smoothly across the front and the back, and the length is simply perfect. The hint of gold at the hem echoes the gold elsewhere in the dress, and while the length of the dress is rigged mesh, the ruffles around the hips are flexi, which allows for some movement and interest. I love it when designers combine the best of two different styles of clothing, and this dress really highlights that.I felt the dress really set a tone of sleek and fashionable, so I paired it with some contrasting colored jewelry from Designs by Sebastian. The curves of the jewelry set are really lovely, and it fit me well with only a little adjustment. I also really liked the subtle purples and pinks mixed in with the rich teal base tone. The final touch was a beautiful cosmetics set by Madrid Solo which seemed as if it was made to go with this dress, the rich purple and clean gold leaf around the eyes absolutely stunning. It would probably stand out even more on a darker toned skin. I think I ended up with a truly elegant look which stood in fine contrast to the eclectic effects of the Pyramids at Giza on Second Life.

( More pictures here. )

Credits: 

Skin: De La Soul, Aestali - Cream Rose
Eyes: De La Soul, RooMee Eyes - Rainbow
Eyelashes: SLink, Mesh Lashes
Cosmetics: Madrid Solo, Siobhan (RFL Donation)
Hair: Alice Project, Lana Bangless
Wings: Fancy Fairy, Azarelle
Jewelry: Designs by Sebastian, Babylon Set (RFL Donation)
Dress: Snowpaws, Royale Gown (RFL Donation)
Shoes: G Field, Ribbon Slingback

Poses: Glitterati

Location: RFL: Pyramid of Giza
Light Settings: Places Midian
Water Settings: Phototools Ship Light

Photographed by Deoridhe Quandry
Post processing: Cropping, only