Larian Studios Forums General Chat Chat (Anything) Around the World in ??? Days

Gal and I are bored. We need a break from the every day routine at our houses, so
we decided to take a trip around the world. Who knows when we will be back. We are
out to have some fun and visit some places we have never seen. Anyone is welcome
to come along, join us or leave us at any time.

Guidelines are simple: Post pictures of the different scenic attractions (just
make sure you tell what the attraction is and where it is located), fun stuff,
customs, facts about the country, local food, short accounts of what happened to
you at a particuliar location (use your imagination) and whatever else you feel
like as long as it is related to the country we are in.

Please take no offense at anything posted. We mean no offense. We just want to
have some fun.

Now catch a plane, take a train or a bus, drive or walk, we are off to Ireland.

Shan and Gal <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/alien.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Map of Ireland. Looks like some interesting places to visit.


Shan <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/alien.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi!!!
I took the boat to GALway, I'm still wondering why I landed there but anyway, it looks like a nice and quiet little town.
Let's see if I can come up with some very interesting facts: Celtic tribes settled on the island from 600-150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the United Kingdom. In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland, known as the Good Friday Agreement and approved in 1998, is being implemented with some difficulties.
I think that anyone who's interested should take a look here: How Galway got her name
Shan and I are enjoying some oysters at the annual oysterfestival!

If anyone wants to go with us, please join in!! We are gonna stay in Ireland for a while and then we will move on to the next country! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

Hey, Gal. Let's go to the market. I'm still hungry. It is open every Saturday,
remember.




Hey look at the bread I found. Yummmmmm.




Breaking off a piece of the crazy face bread and eating it, Shan looks around
at Gal who is inspecting some of the other market wares and calls "Hey Gal, I'm
stuffed. Let's go have some fun. Think we might run into some old friends along
the way." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Shan <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/alien.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Here is a link to the castles that we will see. Absolutely gorgeous!
Irish castles

I want to go to Scotland too and see the McLeod clan! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Let's all meet at Blarney Castle and see who is brave enough to kiss the Blarney Stone..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

Story of the Blarney Stone

After that, lets go to the pub and get hammerfaced! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

this is among the most creative thread i've seen! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

way to go, Shan & Gal! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />

i recall we have some irish forum members. maybe we can visit them. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />

Lady Sarah, great running into you here in Ireland.

Castles, yes, yes, yes. We have got to visit the castles. Do you know of one
near here that we can visit?

And since Scotland is close by, maybe we can go there next. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


Oh, here is a must see, the Lynch Memorial Window.




The Lynch Memorial Window commemorates one of Galway's most enduring legends.

According to local tradition, the mayor of Galway, James Lynch FitzStephen, hanged
his son from the window of his home in 1493. Lynch's son had murdered a Spainish
man in the care of the family.

Lynch's Window stands in Market Street at the side of St. Nicholas' Church. The
famous window is set in a stone facade.

At the rear of monument, there is a garden of rememberance for the deceased
members of the church.

Shan <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/alien.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Great idea Jurak. We'll all meet up at the castle in a couple of days and watch
Jurak kiss the Blarney Stone. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" /> Wonder if he can do it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Hey, Gal, Lady Sarah, hurry up or you'll miss out. Jurak is going to treat us all
at the pub after he kisses the Blarney Stone. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />


@ Jags -> Why thank you kind sir. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> We are glad that you like our idea. Find
that list of Irish forum members and we will surprise them at dinner time some
night. Hmmmmmm, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" /> wonder how many there are. Could mean a few free meals
while we are here. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Shan <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/alien.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I am Irish, I am also sleep deprived right now.

Yummie, Jurak!! That Guiness is one heck of a strong one!!
But I'll buy you guys the next round!!
In the Athenry Castle (Athenry is one of the most notable medieval walled towns surviving in Ireland, owing its foundation to Meiler de Bermingham who built his Castle there c.1250. The great three-storey tower, surrounded by defensive walls, is entered at first-floor level through an unusual decorated doorway.),
I have made some beds and the owner (a grey and very old baron) said that we can have the ballroom for the rest of the night. So, sirs and ladies, go change and return in your most beautiful suits and dresses. Let's have a medieval ball!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/party.gif" alt="" />
I can play the thin wistle, maybe someone can play the Uilleann Pipes?

The next mornin' (or very late in the afternoon <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> )
Well, Lady Sarah, Janggut, Lews, Jurak and Shan, (I hope I have everyone, it's still early for me too <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> ) seems we overslept us quit a bit!! Let's hurry up to have some "TRADITIONAL IRISH BREAKFAST"

INGREDIENTS
8 slices of Shannon Traditional Irish Bacon (Premium)
4 Shannon Traditional Irish Sausages (Bangers)
4 slices of Shannon Traditional Black Breakfast Pudding
4 slices of Shannon Traditional White Breakfast Pudding
4 eggs
4 Medium size tomatoes
Freshly ground pepper

Method
Over low heat, saute bacon, turning frequently until done to taste. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Keep hot. It is important to note that Irish bacon is not cooked crisp hard. Place sausages in pan and cook until brown on all sides. Cut the tomatoes in half and fry with slices of pudding in the bacon fat. Remove and keep hot. All the above items can also be broiled instead of being fried. Cook eggs to order.

I'm very curious what the day will bring for us!! I hope one of you has a fine suggestion? Don't forget I think it's almost St. Patrick! The History Of St. Patrick

As Spock would say... "fascinating!" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> at that Shan... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

so i guess that's where the term "Lynch mob", and "lynchings" came about...?? ...

....or not! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/stupid.gif" alt="" />

Whew!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ouch.gif" alt="" /> All this talk is making me thirsty .......again! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

@ Jurak -> Interesting thought about lynch mob. I have no idea though, but it
does fit. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Jurak, just remember Gal promised to buy the next round. Don't let her off the
hook. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />


Here is a picture of Athenry Castle that Gal was talking about. What a ball she
had planned. We all had a blast.




And this is Blarney Castle where Jurak just had to take time out to kiss the
Blarney Stone. Seen any results yet Jurak? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />




Trysting Sones



Centuries ago, before wedding ceremonies moved from the bride's house to the
church steps, and finally into the church itself, the joining of a couple was
often conducted in a place of mystical significance. On Cape Clear, Co. Cork,
there is a townland called Comillane where you'll find a pillarstone known as
Cloch na Gealluna - 'The Trysting Stone'. It has a hole right through it and in
pre-Christian times, a couple would join hands through the stone and in the
presence of the local king, they would wed. Similarly, at Kilmaolcheader church
near Dingle, Co. Kerry, stands a pillar with a circular opening near the top.
It's said that a couple is engaged if they join hands through the opening.

Hey girls, watch out for those guys who want to hold you hand through the hole
in the Trysting Stone. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Shan <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/alien.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Well, I think we need to do some shopping while we are here, so I'm off to
see what treasures I can find. Anybody want to come along? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />



Shan <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/alien.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Oops, we lost Jurak along the way. My guess he has slipped off to quinch his
thirst at one of these places.

Old Forge Pub or maybe Clancy's Bar or maybe here at the Thirsty Scholar



Wonder if we will ever see him again? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Gal you didn't slip off and go with him did you? Now I wonder where she could
be.

Shan <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/alien.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />

well it seems i am struck with the beauty of Irish music on the streets of Galway city.

I just love the Irish flag, fresh spring colours and in the middle that little clover for good luck! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/up.gif" alt="" />
Yeah, Shan, we couldn't resist this fine pub here. I promised you the next round, but since I was there alone with Jurak, we drank for you guys instead, hahaha!!
But, Jurak, you couldn't finish that last pint, couldn't you? Oh well, let's see if we can find the others back, Jurak don't tell them that we had just a little to much <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shhh.gif" alt="" />

Look what I got on the Scottish-Irish festival!! Ain't that a nice souvenir?
Ok guys, what's next?

Say guys, I heard about this concert for free in dublin. Apperently The Dubliners are performin'! What do you think??
After the concert we go grab a bite to eat (some DUBLIN CODDLE would be yummie)
and if you like we can continue this trip to another place?

What do you think about going to Great Britain now?


Get on the plane and fly with me to London, the capitol of England.


One of my favoutite places is London is Covent Garden:

There`s always entertainment there:

Have you ever been to Buckingham palace?

Did you see the Changing of the guard?

Another lovely place is Camden lock market:

This is only a very small part of it, Camden lock market is really big, there`s no way to get it all in one picture.

This is London Eye, a giant Wheel.
And this is the Millenium bridge, crossing the river Thames.


I hope you enjoy your London trip. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Bye, Hap <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

Ah, London! Great town, havn't been there for a while. Think I'll join you.

Don't forget to go to Madame Tussaud's! Great place.



Übereil