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

Tobacco <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />?

And that's right, it seems I've ended up in India, in the city of Madras, so finding a place to sleep will not be necesary! Hahahahaha dammit you don't speak Swedish so you won't get the point <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ouch.gif" alt="" />. And no, I don't know how I ended up here... I just woke up in an alley, don't know how, really...

[bild]I told him to stay off that weird looking tobacco that he got from that hooligan![/bild]

Madras is on the west coast. I wonder if I'll be able to find the Swedesh embassy... In the meantime I'll just have to enjoy the sights.



I do hope they speak English, cos despite Swedish and Indian being related to eachother, I'm screwed if they don't <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ouch.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />.

Übereil

E-mail to Ubereill
Here is the adress from the Swedish consulate in India
Address:
Consulate of Sweden
6 Cathedral Road
Chennai 600 086
India
Try to find Mrs Stina Östlund Vasu. I hope she can help you get out of there.
Now get your a** back here!! You are missing a lot from my homecountry and you will never be able to learn something there in India anyway. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> You just have to wait untill we get there. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ouch.gif" alt="" /> boys

@ Shan
Well shan, that weren't vitamines you got from that stand. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />
Watch out next time you accept something from a stranger <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />
I'm also very sorry but I couldn't find any gost stories in Ghent. Maybe in the next town?

I hope you guys have packed your bags, we are gonna take a short trip to Oudenaarde. I can't remember who wanted to go there, but I'll see that we can find some nice little places to visit.

Here we can take a peek into the St. Walburga chuch If you use your cursor on the picture you can go in a circle and watch the carpets on the walls. Oudenaarde is known for his walltapestries, the city is nearly 1000 years old and has a very rich artptrimonium. The city lies in an area in Belgium that we call "The Vlaamse Ardennen".
Because of the fact that it looks a bit like the Ardennes, with the hills and the forests.
If you want to see more you can always check this general view but it's all in Dutch. I'm very sorry for that. Here is also a nice picture of the city Hall
I also can't find any gost stories, maybe I'm not good in finding them, but I have enough work looking up stuff as it is. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />
Here is some more stuff about Oudenaarde This site is all in English <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/party.gif" alt="" />
And there is good news for the beer lovers among us!!
There is a little town nearby called Ename, where there is another brewery
"the Roman Brewery"
I hope I did every one a pleasure here, if anyone has anymore suggestions let them hear and show to us!
@Lady Sarah
I hope you have your camper is in good shape, tomorrow we go to Antwerp. (if every one agrees <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> )

Your adress didn't mention what city (unless Chennai is a city), so I'm still kind of lost...

And India has some of the oldest universities in the world, so I might learn somethign after all <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />. If only they could speak English...

Übereil

@Ube
Since you are the foreigner in India, you should try to learn a bit the Indian language instead of searching and hoping for english. That's how it should work and you might not come across such a good occasion to learn it in a while. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> Don't you think so? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin1.gif" alt="" />
Good luck, and try to catch us in Antwerp! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />
But... what's that everybody having memory blanks and getting lost everywhere? Hey, we'll have to slow down a bit on la fiesta and be more careful when tasting all that those street sellers offer to us... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />
Or instead we coud do like the alpinists and fix us all to a long rope to be sure that we're still all togheter when we wake up... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/silly.gif" alt="" />
At least, this will be a trip we'll remember for a long time (euh... or not, it depends <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> )...

So, tomorrow we get to Antwerp. And we'll do some camping, Good! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" />
Do you in Belgium have some camping traditions or specialities?

Ok, see you tomorrow, gang; I'm going to sleep a bit tonight.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

Before I forget... here's some good old Belgian rock music:

“O dierbaar België
O heilig land der vaad’ren

Onze ziel en ons hart zijn u gewijd.

Aanvaard ons hart en het bloed van onze adren,

Wees ons doel in arbeid en in strijd.

Bloei, o land, in eendracht niet te breken;

Wees immer u zelf en ongeknecht,

Het woord getrouw, dat ge onbevreesd moogt spreken:

Voor Vorst, voor Vrijheid en voor Recht.
Voor Vorst, voor Vrijheid en voor Recht.
Voor Vorst, voor Vrijheid en voor Recht.”

That's for the "Belgians".
------------------------------
This one is for the Flemish:

Zij zullen hem niet temmen, de fiere Vlaamse Leeuw.
Al dreigen zij zijn vrijheid, met kluisters en geschreeuw.
Ze zullen hem niet temmen, zolang een Vlaming leeft,
Zolang de Leeuw kan klauwen, zolang hij tanden heeft.

Ze zullen hem niet temmen, zolang een Vlaming leeft,
Zolang de leeuw kan klauwen, zolang hij tanden heeft.
Zolang de leeuw kan klauwen, zolang hij tanden heeft.

De tijd verslindt de steden, geen tronen blijven staan.
De legerbenden sneven, een volk zal niet vergaan.
De vijand trekt te veld, omringd van doodsgevaar.
Wij lachen met zijn woede, de Vlaamse Leeuw is daar.

Hij strijdt nu duizend jaren, voor vrijheid, land en God.
En nog zijn zijn krachten, in al haar jeugdgenot.
Als ze hem machtloos denken, en tergen met een schop.
Dan richt hij zich bedreigend, en vreeslijk voor hen op.

Wee hem, de onbezonnen', die vals en vol verraad,
de Vlaamse Leeuw komt strelen, en trouweloos hem slaat.
Geen enkle handbeweging, die hij uit 't oog verliest:
en voelt hij zich getroffen, hij stelt zijn maan en briest.

Het waaksein is gegeven, Hij is hun tergen moe;
met vuur in 't oog, met woede, springt hij den vijand toe.
Hij scheurt, vernielt, verplettert, bedekt met bloed en slijk,
en zegepralend grijnst hij, op 's vijands trillend lijk.

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

No fair. No fair. I got left out. Seth, don't play fair.

And what about poor little me. I only speak American. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/disagree.gif" alt="" />

*scream* Gal, Gal, Seth's being mean to me. He knew I wouldn't be able to
read what he posted. *to Seth* <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/silly.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin1.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

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

@ Seth: If you'd like a good Belgian band, I recomend Deus <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />.

And Shan, if you feel left out, think like this: I'm stuck in India.

Übereil

@ Shan
Well, this is you're own fault. I was going to punish Seth for being so mean to you, but you took away my whip, remember?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />
Seth just gave us the honor of our national anthem and because Belgium is actually divided in two different parts. One part speaks Flemmish (the part where Seth, Draghermosan, Viper, Lynn and I live) and then you have the part that speaks French. We have a black lion on a yellow flag and we celebrate our holdiday on the 11th of july. They have a red rooster on a yellow flag and celebrate their holiday on the 27th of september.

But enough of the political chit-chat. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/silly.gif" alt="" /> We are not on this trip to discuss the difference between the Flemmish and the Wallons. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />


I promised we go to Antwerp today. But on our way we find the cutest little camping spot. Camping Vlasaard I suggest we stay here for the night in Lady Sarah's camper. Since I couldn't find any ghost stories I hope Shan is willing to tell us some by the fire. Tomorrow morning we all go to crash at Viper's place. He told me that he would make sure that there is enough food and drinks for all of us!! Woohoo!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/party.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/party.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/party.gif" alt="" />

wellll.... ok then, just because Galadriël asked me. i'm stocking loads of booze right now, but unfortunately it also tastes good so *hips* excuuuuse me for some typoz <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ouch.gif" alt="" />

anyway, you're all welcome, and clothes are prohibited @ the Ham Residence <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

just kidding, come on in, take a drink and anjot the BBQ, i'll have a lot of marinated meat as well <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/XmasJump.gif" alt="" />

Gal, what if I just happen to know where that whip is and go get it, will you
take care of Seth for me then? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I still need American here. I'm only a one
language person. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/disagree.gif" alt="" /> So someone give. I want to know the translation. I need
words you people. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Ube, if this keeps up, I may just join you in India. Thing is I can't speak that
either. We'd be 2 lost people, but hey we'd have each other to be lost with so
maybe between the 2 of us we could find somebody that we could understand. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Ube, what's the food like where you are? We have a great Indian restaurant back
home. Wonder if the one there would be anything like it?

Viper, I don't drink. What else have you got beside booze? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> BBQ sounds good.
I'll have a helping of that. Do you have any dill pickles to go with it? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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

@ Shan
I don't think that I understand what you are talking about. Are you sure you haven't touched Viper's beer already? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />
Can you be more specific about your last post?

I hope everybody had a good time at the camping and at the BBQ at Viper's? But you don't have to mention it everytime that you don't drink, Shan. I think we all got the message. From now on we will get rid of all clothes and other luggage and buy you loads and loads of bottles of water. Just watch out that you don't drown in all that water, Shan!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

Today we go to
visit Antwerp .
If you like a nice stroll by the water to watch some ships, I recomment the Port of Antwerp. It's a very famous port and one of the biggest in the whole world.

And if you want to learn more about the history of Antwerp you can visit two sides of Antwerp. There is a new side of Antwerp, and an old side.
I prefer the old side just because of the small streets, the cosy pubs, and of course the streetmusicans.
Statue of Brabo, Statue of Lange Wapper and Het Steen etc... If you like to know more about those two statues, I copied that piece of text from another tread where we talked about urban myths and legends.
This is the legend of Brabo: " Untill the 17th century "Antwerpen" was written like "Hantwerpen" (Trhowing hands). No wonder, because according to an old myth a part of the river "De Schelde" was gaurded by a big giant Druoon Antigoon. He claimed a very high toll for every passing ship. Who ever did not pay, the giant simply chop of the hand of the shipper and throw it in the river. One day, a Roman soldier, Silvius Brabo killed the giant in a fight, chopped of his hand and throw in the river. That is how Hantwerpen got her name from. Later they erased the "H" and kept "Antwerpen" "
Lange Wapper was a man that could make himself as tall as a giant and as tiny as a child. He wondered around on the streets and followed drunken man to their homes.
I hope you guys find this a bit interesting? Maybe tomorrow I'll find some more spots in the big city.
bye Gal <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

@ Shan
After some thinking about what you ment <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ouch.gif" alt="" /> I finally found out what it is you wanted. Ok, ok, I got some help from Lafille but since she is as blond as me... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

First song "De Brabançonne" (don't ask me what that means!)

O precious Belgium
O holy land of our fathers
Our soul and our heart are dedicated to you
accept our heart and blood of our vains
be our goal in labour and battle
Blossom, O country, not divided by concord
Be always yourself and free
the word "loyalty" you can speak without fear
For King, for Freedom and for Right! (x3)

"The lion of Flanders" (De Leeuw Van Vlaanderen)

They wont tame him, the proud Lion of Flanders
Even if they treatened his freedom with chains and screams
they wont tame him, as long the Flanders live
as long as the lion can claw, as long as he has his teeth (x2)

Time devour all the cities, not one throne will remain standing
the plunderers may rule, but a nation will never perish
the enemy goes to battle, surrounded by the fear of dead
we laugh with his anger, the lion of Flanders is there!!

they wont thame him, as long the Flanders live
as long as the lion can claw, as long as he has his teeth (x2)

To understand the history of the Lion Of Flanders a bit better, I suggest a small return to Diksmuide. To
The IJzer tower and Dead as a compagnon. In Flanders Fields
Many Flemmish soldiers died in the Trench of Dead but more died because they didn't understand the French orders that the French officers gave them. Most of our boys were only farmersons or simple folk. They didn't go to school for a very long time. So, when the French officer yelled "Démarrez!" (pull back) the Flemmish though he ment "attack". That way they run straight in to German soldiers and weapons. The German also used piosonous gas for the very first time in these trenches. The gouvernement handed out gasmasks to soldiers as well as to civilians.
In those days the cry for more Dutch speaking officers got louder and louder and
eventually some boys got promoted to sergeant.
After this depressing morning I suggest we all go to the coast for the rest of the day and do whatever we like!! Have fun!!
If the weather stays that way we can stay for a bit longer but then we really have to go to Limburg!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

Hahaha! Well done; you secure your back after relying on my interpret talents, naughty girl... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devil.gif" alt="" />

On my side, after that heavy historical visit, I decided to enjoy the beach life a bit. And I've been gifted with a beatiful sunset. Since I'm a nice girl, I took a picture to share the moment with you. Enjoy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />



After this day of walking, I think a bit of sleep is needed. See you all... *yawn* tomorrow... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sleepey.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sleepey.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sleepey.gif" alt="" />

Lafille, you're first?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> The weels of the bus go round and round.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

I thought you were supposed not to tell anyone about my little secret hobby? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devil.gif" alt="" /> But since you did...

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shhh.gif" alt="" /> Hey, everyone, Gal is the fifth one, trying to hide under her hat! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shhh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin1.gif" alt="" />

You're a busdriver???? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

Hail to the busdriver, hail to the busdriver... hail to the busdriver WOman...

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/silly.gif" alt="" />

I told you this would end up pretty bad! Btw, Lafille you look pretty in a red bathing suit!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin1.gif" alt="" />
Lafille, jump!
Never trust a man in a striped bathing suit! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Did you guys had fun @ the beach? I hope so, because tomorrow I want to be packed and ready for the train to Tongeren. I'll meet you all at the station of Oostende .

@ Shan
Stop pretending to be a piece of art and get your suitcase, you don't think we are gonna carry this heavy thing for you?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />


Please leave the sand on the beach, make sure your shoes are empty. Because every summer they have to carry loads of sand from the other side of the country to fill up the beach. So, actually the sand you played in today is mostly from Mol, wich is very close to Limburg. There is a small lake called "Het Zilvermeer" (lake of silver) and there should be enough sand to fill up the emty spots here.
Ok, that will be enough!
How could you bring so much sand here? Your suitcases must be empty now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

Have a good night sleep and hope to see you all tomorrow here at the station! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

Everybody ready and packed? Throw those big suitcases in the train and let's go!
Kede kedeng kede kedeng kede kedeng kede kedeng (sound of the train, at least in Belgium they make that kind of noise <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> )


Tongeren; Welcome to the oldest city of Belgium!

Origin/Meaning :

The arms were granted on October 20, 1818 and again on May 25, 1838. The complete arms show a crown and as a crest a crowned swan.
Tongeren is the oldest city in Belgium, already an important town in Roman times. The oldest seal of the city of Tongeren dates from the 13th century and shows a fortified city. Later the seals showed a shield with (variations) of the arms of the Van Elderen family. In the 15th century the Van Elderen family acted as vassals of the Bishops of Liège, to which the city belonged. In 1496 the arms of Arnold van Elderen were described as a shield of vair, with a bar. Later images changed the components to the above arms, in which the vair has been replaced by 9 pieces of vair and the bar reduced to a smaller bar placed in the upper half of the shield.

Let's go see the statue of Ambiorix
The statue of Ambiorix takes a predominant place on the Main Square of Tongeren. Ambiorix was a Gallic chieftain of the Eburones tribe who had settled in the area of Tongeren. He had been favorably treated by the Romans, but he joined another tribe in attacking Julius Caesar's legates. When he heard of Caesar's approach, he fled across the Rhine. The statue was made in 1866 by sculptor Jules Bertin.
Don't forget to see the Basilica of our Lady with her 64-meter-high bell tower.
I supoose we can leave Jurak here?

I'm sure he don't mind? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />
But if your belly is full, maybe you still can join us? Remember, this is the OLDEST city of Belgium. Hihi, I hope we find a place to stay here. I'm exhausted from playing a guide for so many days. I hope someone else take over because I think Germany is next!
Btw, I take tips in any form, € or $ or Swedish Kronen. Anything goes as long as it is money, it's for charity <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin1.gif" alt="" />

Of course not, I'm no bus driver; and it is a chance for you, guys! Remember what happened to me right when I joined the trip... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ouch.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/silly.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" />


<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" /> It seems to me that I slightly changed in two days... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/think.gif" alt="" />
Now you can always wait, galadriel, revealing all my dark sides to everybody; I'll catch you up at the corner and you won't even see me coming... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/badsmile2.gif" alt="" />


I think we lost a lot of people along the way again. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> And, I don't know why but, I have the feeling that my suggestion to Ubereil to learn the Hindi language got him into trouble... I hope he didn't end up lost in some other far away place again? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />
Where are you all, guys? Have you made some interesting discoveries?

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

@Gal
You forgot to mention:

Becouse Ambiorix and his tribe continued to refuse to surender to the Roman legions, Caesar said the words that still have worldwide fame... in Belgium <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/delight.gif" alt="" /> :
"Of all Gallic tribes, the Belgian are the bravest".
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />

And maybe it's not so safe to leave Jurak there. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
In Tongeren it sometimes happens that parts of the market square or streets just crumble and disapear into the earth. And you find yourself in a big hole. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
That's becouse the city is so old. And people kept building the "new city" on top of the "old cities". From Gallic settlement to the city it is today. It's not so long ago that in a spot near the market square, again, a part of street "fell" a few meters. Just when a car was driving over it (no one in the car was hurt). And yet another archeologic site was found. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
At that one they found remains of mideavel square and a well...IIRC.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
So you all better watch your step in Tongeren. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/delight.gif" alt="" />

Till not long ago a good freind/colleague of mine lived just outside Tongeren. But like it often is... she met a male human and moved way up north to Maaseik, where they live together now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />
So... can't help you with a place to stay I'm afraid.

Don't forget to visit the Gallo-Roman museum.
Maybe you guys can solve "the mystery of the dodecaëder" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />



After the first one, about 90 more ware found.

These pentagon-dodecaëders (the name is derived from the strange shape of the object) are all made out of bronze.
And since the first one was discovered scientist are breaking their heads over it.
No one can figure out the purpose of this strange object.
Some say it was used to hold candles, others say it was used to roll dice, others say it was a toy for children, others say it was part of a bigger item, like a scepter, others say it was an ingenious metric instrument used for building (but they can't explain how <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />), others say... the list is endless. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
It's not so much in the news these days. But regularly it returns in the news when yet another scientist comes up with a new use for them. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> At the museum everyone can leave a sugestion for wat he/she thinks it was used. And there's even a comic book about it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />