Virtual reality is when my senses are immersed in a virtual environment. You will need to wear goggles or headphones and have speakers or headphones to hear the incredible sounds. I don't think of a person sitting in front a gaming console and watching as a flat-screen TV warns them that they are about dying. Although I can understand how a gamer may believe that the virtual world they are creating with their controller is real, it's not what my mind thinks about when I think of virtual reality. Virtual reality to me is when your eyes and ears tells you that you're somewhere else. This is not because you're emotionally invested but because your mind is tricked by what you're seeing or hearing.
Recently, I was able to see a virtual reality production in Dublin Ireland. The setting and the focus were both Dublin Ireland. I was able to stroll through Dublin's streets and marvel at its history and beauty. Many people have used Google Maps street view to navigate down one or two streets. The production I saw about Dublin was a complete departure from Google's street view. While I know I can get lost in Google Street Views around the globe, I felt like I was actually there when I viewed this virtual reality production of Dublin.
My wife and I spent around 30 minutes on the couch that day, walking along Dublin's streets. Although we would have liked to spend more time together, our lives were interrupted by the recital of my daughter's piano. It was not my favorite thing in this world so it was not surprising I couldn't get Dublin off my mind. My wife must have been doing the same thing because we returned home hours later with the same idea: let's go on vacation to Ireland. We are leaving in June and I can't wait.
As I was planning my trip, I explored other areas of Dublin from the comfort of my recliner. It was disappointing to not find a video that was as good as the one in Dublin. Google Street View was my next option. It seemed antiquated this time, as if it was looking at old black-and-white photos.
I was intrigued by this. I was curious why not more cities produce virtual reality productions. It could be the cost. Is it the cost? It makes sense for city leaders to demand that tourism officials showcase their city using the most recent virtual reality technology, at a time when many cities are struggling with their budgets.
One might believe that a virtual tour of their city would negate the need to visit. After all, if someone can feel as though they are walking through New York City streets, why would anyone want to go? It's simple. People will visit because they want to feel and touch the beauty of Dublin. Did I mention I cannot wait to visit Dublin?
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