Vida Ideal: The Departure

The time has come to say goodbye to the island. Belongings are packed and farewells have been made. As you look back upon Vida Ideal, you come across the realization that perhaps we can make the world a perfect place, even though only time can tell when that could be.

Vida Ideal: Economy

Economies are similar all over the globe, with the exception of certain European countries. But being the perfect life, this little slice of heaven has equality rights of payment. Although employment does differ slightly for each individual. But everyone enjoys their work because the Gods grant their wishes for working hard.

Even though Vida Ideal is quite hidden of the map, they do have an astounding research team. This team consists of the technological geniuses who continue to invent new ideas which would help with keeping the paradise environmentally friendly.

Besides research, Vida Ideal also has unlimited mines. Precious metals are harvested, and can be re-created due to the research team. The newly created metals have the same structure as the originals, so in theory, they're the perfect copy. The metals and rocks are used as energy sources, as well as things such as architecture and jewelry.

Houses still need support beams. That's what the logging is for. Logging provides the structural grounds for any building, as well as serving an artistic purpose. All trees here have a rapid regrowth, and can reach massive sizes. Certain varieties of these trees were used for the sculptures of the Gods found in the temples. The trees are also used for building bridges to reach the temples.

Fishing is an excellent source of fun and profit. The summer region is the source of many varieties of fish including salmon, cod, halibut and trout. People from the different regions always come to enjoy the marvelous cuisine of the fish capital known as Isda. Now, this is a unique capital for the summer region. Besides being heavily involved with the fishing industry, they are also masters of the food industry as well. The majority of Vida Ideal's top restaurants are located in this region.
                                         
Agriculture, farming and ranching is another business. As said, people grow their own food. The economy is a slight barter economy. Fishers trade with farmers, as do the ranchers. This way, nobody goes hungry. Some may think that people would become greedy and decide to riot. But that's not the case. Everyone here accepts their roles, and graciously accepts the food that they've been given.
                                          

 But of course, that's just for food. Currency on the island consists of the Tunai. Everything is quite inexpensive but quality made. Overseas trade is unheard of. The members of Vida Ideal are strong and creative enough to come up with their own concepts for designing new fashions, technology and toys. The toy industry is booming in Vida Idea. Everyone has the chance to relive their childhood. And this time, it's not a phase.

Of course, there are many other employment opportunities. You can follow your dreams. These ones are the ones that make use of the natural resources. The sky is the limit for what you want to do with your life in Vida Ideal.

Vida Ideal: Housing and Life

Among the citizens of Vida Ideal, there is no hatred. Most people are in close knit circles. But no hatred escapes. They have found ways to overcome their differences and work together.

Vida Ideal prefers to stay green to avoid anything damaging their ideal life set-up. So as a law, everyone must recycle. Every home is made of recyclable materials, as with everything consumed. Food is composted and other materials must be recycled or reused.

Wars are another thing that doesn't exist. Lives are spared and man and nature have found a way to live in a perfect relationship with each other. To quote the work of J.K Rowling; "Neither can live while the other survives." But in this case, it is actually applicable.

Vida Ideal: Regions and Climate

This little piece of heaven has a climate suited for everyone. Each quarter of the island represents a different season.

The region of Tagladas has a mild climate, with the fall colours. The leaves remain on the trees at all times for scenery purposes. This region is home to many of the citizens who enjoy the arts. This peaceful place is on the brisk of entering the mountains, but they are just out of reach. The weather is crisp and cool. It's that refreshing moment you dream of after summer ends. But instead, it's like that all year. The creative bunch from Tagladas are usually employed as photographers or will be employed by the high priest to paint or sculpt for him and members of his party. And as always, they are paid a hefty sum.

Tag-init is the summer region. Close to the shore, many people from the surrounding regions visit when life seems to be a bit of a bore. The warm climate is perfect for vineyards and orchards and the occasional ranching. The weather is always sunny and beautiful. Because of the different areas to escape to, cancer doesn't exist in Vida Ideal. It spares the citizens from a life filled with grief.

The region of Tagsibol is the climate most people prefer. It's the spring region. Flowers bloom, gardens are planted and everyone is in a bright mood. This is the region where most of the agriculture takes place. There is some ranching, but not too much. The majority of the logging industry takes place here, because of the rapid regrowth of trees.
                                       

And in the final quarter, the region of Taglamig is found. A chilly climate, this isn't the preferred location to settle unless you're the adventurous type. However, the region is good for ice fishing. Because of the permanently cold climate the fish are enormous and nobody goes hungry. Taglamig trades with Tagsibol for fresh fruits and vegetables. Also located in Taglamig is the majority of the temples. Because there are so many mountains, the first settlers decided that it would be the perfect location.

Vida Ideal: Social Standings

The society of Vida Ideal is a bit of a monarchy. The ruler is the high priest of Sora. He is in command of all laws for the community. As stated in the customs, literature is taken into account fully. One man who had supposedly witnessed the arrival of Sora wrote a book containing commands from the God himself. This book is relied on for the creation of new laws.

To become a member of the high priest's party, you must first complete certain tasks written for you by the high priest. These tasks are for the good of the society and everyone will benefit from it. whether it be spreading the words of Sora and Aiko, or teaching the meaning of farming to an unwilling youngster. The society gradually accepts you as a messenger of Sora and thus, you are accepted.

There are three main societal groups in Vida Ideal. The first one is the laborers. These are the people who farm continuously for the priest and his party. But they enjoy farming. They also receive a hefty amount of payment, which helps with paying for new equipment and supplies. Besides being hard workers, the laborers are also heavily into religion. This usually means that every temple visit is made to pray for a good harvest and good meat.

The second group is known as the averages. These are your middle class folk who work for society as a whole. The averages fend for themselves. That means they grow their own food and trade amongst other averages. Some ideas for trading have been scrapped, because the averages realized that it would only benefit individuals rather than all of them

Now for the finale, the grand schemers of Vida Ideal. Introducing: The priest's party. Now, this holy group truly believes that they've received the word of Aiko and Sora. These and the holy book drive the members to ask the high priest to consider that new laws be made into effect. Certain laws may be taken into effect regarding circumstances, such as criminal behavior or anti-god actions.

Viva Ideal: Religion and Customs

The religion and customs are a bit different than the religions we have. There are two main beings of worship. The first being Sora, the God of dreams. Legends say he once touched down to Vida Ideal, and granted the hopes and dreams of many citizens. But that was in a time long ago.

The other being of worship is Aiko, the Goddess of love and protection. As with Sora, legends tell of when she too touched down on Vida Ideal. There was once a time of war, but because of Aiko, the war is no more. She taught the soldiers the art of peace.

Temples for these high powers are located on the highest accessible peaks on the island. The citizens believe that the higher they are strengthens their bond and relationship with either Sora or Aiko. The temples are made of fine marble, and the architecture is stunning. Beautiful statues carved of wood and bound with ivy serve as a idea of what the Gods look like.

Diving further within the temples, you will discover that there are two sections. One section is for wishes and prayers. This section is filled with "wishing trees". You write down your hopes, prayers and wishes and tie the paper onto one of the branches. Once your prayer has been answered, you burn the paper. The second section is one of forgiveness. This section is filled of sorrow and dread, for there are monuments erected for the dead. Shades of grey somber the mood as you release your sins off of your chest. The majority of citizens will go to the forgiveness chamber and then the wishing chamber, as they prey for forgiveness.

The customs are quite normal. Language and literature are praised as messages from the Gods. The only unusual custom is the eve of sacrifice. On the first eve of every year, a sacrifice must be made. Just one. The sacrifices can either be human or animal. If the sacrifice is human, it is because they are dying and feel that being a sacrifice to the Gods would guarantee a strong bond. After the sacrifice is complete, a tree must be planted in lieu of the life taken. From this, we learn that when one life disappears, another must take its place.

Vida Ideal: The Arrival

You've washed up along the shores of a new island. Noticeably large, you start to walk towards the edge of the shore. Many people have been concerned for your safety. But alas, you have no sense of direction. Where have you landed? What is this undiscovered land? This land is named Vida Ideal; and it is a utopia.

The waves crash along the shore and seagulls cry in the distance. Closing your eyes and smiling, you become immersed in the soothing and float away into your own paradise.