By: Alex
Blogger mayuri (@mayuri041) recently visited and photographed the famous Tottori Sand Dunes in Tottori Prefecture. With its gentle undulations and a backdrop of blue sky, the landscape irresistibly reminded people of the classic Windows XP wallpaper. However, to her friends, this "wallpaper" symbolized a "dead WinXP."
Here’s the Tottori Sand Dunes, which my friend called “dead WinXP.” pic.twitter.com/SouCaHCQSQ
— mayuri (@mayuri041) June 29, 2020
Microsoft launched the Windows XP operating system on October 25, 2001, and ended support on April 9, 2014. In other words, the WinXP wallpaper accompanied computer users for as long as 12 years. As a result, some netizens commented that they “miss it a lot” or “felt like hearing the Windows XP startup sound.” Unconsciously, WinXP became a shared memory for an entire generation of users.
▲ The Windows XP wallpaper has become a collective memory for a generation of users. (Internet photo)
However, according to comments, some netizens had unpleasant experiences around the time Microsoft was about to end support (XP originally stood for Experience). Netizens pointed out that many users were still reluctant to part with Windows XP and had no intention of upgrading. Later, Windows frequently popped up with reminder messages and the "Assistant," constantly urging users to upgrade quickly, causing significant psychological pressure. As a result, someone created a "burning grassland" wallpaper at the time, seemingly venting their frustration. Now that the WinXP wallpaper is being revisited—and has transformed from the former “burning grassland” into a barren, grassless dune—it seems like a formal farewell to those golden days: “That beautiful green will never come back, will it?” or “All things rise and fall.”
▲ Someone once created a “burning grassland” wallpaper to vent frustration with Microsoft. (Internet photo)
The default Windows XP wallpaper itself is also a classic story. The photo was taken in November 1996 by professional photographer Charles O’Rear while he was driving past. The shooting location (Google Map coordinates) is in Sonoma Valley, California, USA. This area is a famous wine-producing region that originally grew many grapevines, but due to pest infestations, the hillsides were forced to lie fallow, thus turning into a lush green meadow. Microsoft named the photo "Bliss," meaning extreme happiness or paradise. At the time, O’Rear used a Mamiya RZ67 medium-format camera and Fuji Velvia film, known for its high saturation.
▲ The once lush green hillside has now turned into a barren desert. (Photo by Moyashi_Mi @Twitter)
As for the Tottori Sand Dunes, they are located to the north of Tottori City and are part of the Special Protection Area within the San’in Kaigan National Park, making them Japan’s largest sand dunes. The dune area spans approximately 2.4 kilometers from north to south and about 16 kilometers from east to west, with the largest elevation drop reaching up to 90 meters. Standing atop the dunes, you can admire the unique terrain shaped by the wind, including the “wind ripples,” and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan.
▲ Photos of the Tottori Sand Dunes taken by other photographers. (Photo by 1414kwkw @IG)
▲ The wind ripples created by the breeze add texture to the dunes. (Photo by love.iseverythingss @IG)
▲ The maximum elevation drop of the dunes reaches up to 90 meters. (Photo by ayappe324 @IG)
▲ From the dunes, you can gaze out at the Sea of Japan. (Photo by m.shimoshimo @IG)
▲ (Photo by kyuu.1672 @IG)
▲ (Photo by yoshiki_fujiwara @IG)
▲ (Photo by savoy0717 @IG)
Sources:Tottori Prefecture Tourism Bureau, Wikipedia (Bliss photo)