GeoGuessr is a website where you are thrown into a random spot in the world on Google Maps streetview, and you have to try and guess where you are.
It’s fun to play just by itself, to see how close you can get, but it’s even more fun when you put a spin on it: writing a description of each random area you’re given.
During the last stream, chat and I played a game of GeoGuessr. Just like when we’ve done this before, we were given five random locations anywhere in the world, and we had to guess where they were.
And for each one, we had to write a short description of the area, trying to make it as vivid and detailed as possible.
AND! We also got a random mood to set the tone of the description, something like: cheerful, depressed, anxious, or excited.
Here’s some highlights of what me/chat came up with for each location, with some of my favorite phrases bolded.
Location #1: Yunnan, China
Random Mood: Romantic
The brushland valley of pink flowers was pruned to be perfect for a first date excursion. All the little tufts of color popped out from the ground like nervous kids dressed up at the middle school dance, staring at each other from a safe yet tantalizing distance. Couples wove between them, slowly pushed closer together by the strategically planted posies, until they simply had no choice but to hold hands, squat down for a photo, and kiss, tasting each other’s lips with a dash of fragrant, sweetened air.
—MeIt’s that time of the year again. People bunch up at the Valley of Love, attracted by the blossom of flushed gardenias between tufts of delicate green. The mountains gaze from their intimate blanketed panorama, almost envious of the unusual mirage in the otherwise arid terrain.
—NihamThe wind that blew through the valley connected the passing visitors with the land they so sought and cherished. Petals from the pink flowers that dotted the landscape swirled up to greet them, caressing them in silky kisses. Lush and green may be the distant mountains, but this arid land held the secret of something far more enticing: a valley lying in wait for your sensual touch to awaken it to new life.
—EricaDeelFolks walked hand-in-hand through a field of pink flowers. Enough space here for a perfect spot to relax on a blanket. Out here where it’s hot, there’s peace between lovers and chatter amongst close friends. The large mountains breathe in the distance, voluptuous and curvy. But those aren’t the curves you want right now.
—joe_g89The weft and weave of fate guide villagers to this hillside. Gentle breeze caresses, skirts and jackets glide, this treasured land. By furtive steps do strangers brush blushing roots, a festive mood abound, with love to be found. Airy plains and azure hue, beckon cupid’s cue, his arrows firm and pure. That couples rest upon these green pastures, when sky and light depart, the shining star’s encroach the dark.
—RealSayakaMaizono
Location #2: Guatemala
Random Mood: Terrifying
You only see what the river wants you to see. Its shimmering jade surface, the trees bending along its bank. The darker, hidden things only come as ripples and rustles within. A slither here, a slimy step there, what’s a little swim between friends? The panting, sweaty jungle promises a refreshing drink the same way a craze-starved man, overgrown with ticks and fleas, promises the fish a juicy worm.
—MeThe towering mass of tangled trees enveloped the river, their roots sucking in water like entrails to blood. The water eroded in some spots, leaving desiccated mud holes behind to wither and die in the harsh sunlight. Beneath the surface of water, the trees roots took hold, creeping, crawling towards the family that swam nearly, unknowingly caught in nature’s claw.
—EricaDeelA small clearing gave way to a river valley, open to the bright morning sky; one tiny light amid a dark, unending canopy. A single breath of hope, wrapped in deceit and quickly strangled in one’s throat. For what help is it, in the end, to see in infinite clarity how lost and alone one really is? But perhaps, in its own way, the rushing water offers a quick and painless mercy.
—cozyrogersDon’t let the bright, merry colours fool you. One misplaced step and the crystalline emerald water will swallow you miles deep, the ferns will billow at your feet and mark flesh like a lump of burning coal. And if you blink, thick vines will creep on you, wrap their icy fingers around your limbs and plough where your skin is soft and pliable and the river shall run red once again.
—NihamThat river, plain and blue, hidden past subdued; of a time undue. Cobalt turned Crimson, a tainted vision. Judicial zeal left slaughtered corpses still, rendered still by steel. These jungles offered trust, yet hatred and rope left corpses thrust, by villain’s bloodlust. Ironic as today, young children come to play, their precious stay at costs untold, history serves their slaughter cold.
—RealSayakaMaizono
Location #3: Greenland
Random Mood: Mellow
The red and blue farmhouses squatted close enough to hang out as friends, but kept enough distance to let the other vibe and do their thing. Blue lazily watched the laundry dry on the lines, and Red gazed out quietly over the icy lake. Chilly air billowed down from the nearby hills, bumpy with rocks, gently swaying the elder Brown and Gray houses on stilts as they sang old creaky whispers to the breeze.
—MeNo trees. Hardly any grass. Just a couple of farmhouses and a fridge full of home brew, all of ’em on ice.
—cozyrogersIt’s cool here. Some of the old-fashioned houses are still being worked on by construction workers. They like to take their time because we have lots of time here. There’s white puffs that grow from the grass. We call these sacred plants “milky dreams.”
—joe_g89The yellow sun, diffused into soft rays by wispy clouds, brush upon the miniature icebergs that dot the cerulean sea. The bergs themselves bob along in the gentle current past the sleepy town where craggy rocks are the main inhabitant. White flowers yawn at daylight’s break, spreading their petals wide as they stretch and awaken.
—EricaDeelWaves wash and crash, softest splash, in this home away from home. A village, torn from frantic life ashore, proffers peace, this place apart, abhors galore. Modesty measured, they live with bare essentials – that man may appreciate the soul, the body, plain and whole. Quiet, sirene, a postcard scene. Polished ice drifts slow, still waters serve life’s ebb and flow, the fishers surely know.
—RealSayakaMaizono
Location #4: Guizhou, China
Random Mood: Giddy
The air intoxicates. Crisp roast duck, sizzling at a vendor’s stand. Sweet fruits in boxes spritzing their citrusy allure, watched over by smiling old men. Red lanterns clack clack clacking as they bang over open entrances to wooden shops, each one promising new wonders and wares. The only problem is choosing just one at a time.
—MeThe bright red lanterns perk up the gray drab of the streets, lighting the walk row after row after row. All around, people in colorful garb breathe life into the street, walking, talking, running, cycling. The zest of the fruit cart’s oranges is nothing compared to the visitors’ zest for for life in this lush cityscape.
—EricaDeelDarkened cloud’s betray this town’s display, awaiting swell soirees. Lanterns ablaze dazzle – delight, moonlit twilight gives life to partygoer’s plight. Baijiu simmers within, as travellers fresh from the inn, invite the night, expend their sin. Lacquered wood bakes aglow, as energy flows below, bottle clinks cue sorrows sink, friendships stay in sync. The eastern spirit shows, dragon blood flows; man’s confidence exposed.
—RealSayakaMaizono
Location #5: Cote D’Ivoire
Random Moon: Flirty
The palm trees shake in the warm wind around the tropical hotel, enticing you out with their playful dance. Sitting at the beach, the ocean laps against your toes. It wants to get to know you more, maybe even all the way up to your knees. But you only have eyes for one, so hot you need sunglasses. The sun is so excited to see you, it tickles all over your skin. Oh, that will leave some spicy marks to wake up to tomorrow morning.
—MeThe craggy natural jetty reached out to touch the approaching sea. The waves crashed upon it, white foam cascading over the rock-hard shores. As the ocean coyly retreated from their first meeting, pools of wet spots remained on the rough surface. An empty package of cigarettes lay as forgotten trash in the smoking friction between sand and sea.
—EricaDeelOn equatorial islands like these, the locals tend to take their tropical beaches for granted. They leave them empty and neglected, all night long. Boring people might think of that as a shame. Craftier ones, an opportunity. Care to prove which sort you are?
—cozyrogersA place of dreams, of wallets bursting at the seams, replete with paradise. Deckchairs lie in rows, scantily summer clothes expose, the young excitement shows. Couple’s cuddle and caress, invite finesse, to part with stress. Impassioned oceans greet the tide like ancient friends and make amends. Palm trees sway invitingly, as the prison box offers adventure only to the foolhardy. A luxury few can afford, but lust is lover’s prime reward.
—RealSayakaMaizono
If you want to join us and help write a story by trolling in chat, or share your own writing for feedback, then we’d love to have you join us on Twitch.
And you missed the stream, you can still watch them on the YouTube channel or watch the full stream reruns.
Hope to see you next time, friend!
Featured image: Pakutaso