Team A photos - Return of the IrishQ

Here a few pics from Team A!!
Many suspicous characters we're caught on film by Ace photographer Gareth. They're currently being used by the Irish police, but we'll post them when they become available.

The Gardens of Babylonia

There is some confusion as to whether these gardens are the inspiration for, the pruposed remians, or were inspired by the Hanging Gardens (one of the 7 wonders of the world) You are left to wonder why there doesn't seem to be much actually gardening going on...

The Roman Senate- The Salt Law...and others

As you walk through the ruins of the Forum, the ancient Roman empire's political hub, you can imagine yourself back in those times, a new member of the Senate, moving about with great anticipation and with grand ideals of the impact you can make on society and the world, delivering to all cititizens the Pax Romana. It becomes all to obvious then why they made a law against cooking bread with salt and another against cooling yourself off at public fountains.

When we break down the salt law we go first to our word 'salary', which has is roots in the Italian 'salare' which means 'salt'. Salt was part of the payment for soldiers in the army, and why...because your need to salt your food because it has no flavor, its really quite ingenius.

I would say that you may be surprised to find that they dont bring you olive oil with your bread either. Here's a tip if you dont' have your own, order a caprese salad (for which they will bust you out some olive oil,salt,pepper..)
Now that you've managed to get bread(Roman bread is stale, Firenze is fresh btw), salt, Olive oil, What will you do about the heat? Why not join everyone else at the local foundtain ! Why? because its illegal....just like salty bread.

The Workshop

You won't find much in the way of Toys-R-Us in Firenze, but if you keep an eye out for wooden puupet boys and their sidekick conscience wielding crickets they may lead you to this place.

Duomo Arigato Mr. Roboto

The top left most picture is the Duomo as it was envisioned by the super group Styx. Just like in the song, it lives on today in Firenze and while the don't allow coughing during religious services ( particulary when near the top of the Duomo where it echos like thunder down below- I think I heard one of the nuns ask 'Is that you God?')
if you make the 400+ step ascent you get a fantastic view of the city and its surroundings.

Ponte Vecchio - Nearly Home to the Italian Waffle

The Ponte Vecchio is an ancient bridge with shops hanging off the sides as if they were put there as part of a seven year olds fort building project. A fort that has lasted since the 1300's. The shops are havens for the daimond and jewelery masters of Firenze, and they are definitely worthy of their reputation.
Just before you reach there is an unobtrusive "gelaterria" housing the prized gift of Italy - the Italian Waffle. Smaller than its Belgian predecessor it also seem to be infinitely more tasty and perfectly crunchy. It can form the foundation for a variety of delicous compositions, "waffle with gelato", "waffle with fruit", and the heavenly "waffle with warm chocolate nutella".
Visit the Piazzo Signoria for its Il David, Perseus (chopping off Medusas cabeza) and other fantasic sculptures on the way to the Uffizi. You could also hang out with the mimes and Spanish guitarist during the day.
Mercato Nuova is a mysterious place, during the day its a busy merchant filled square. Sometime before sundown, all of the kiosks and merchant wares are carted away in some strange procession, like a caravan train to Alibaba's hidden cave.

Firenze (or Florence as you Americans say)

Having journeyed to beautiful & picturesque Firenze, we can now proudly embrace our Italian roots. On a scale of 1 to 10, Firenze is Maximus Kick-Assus!!! The food is molto tasty, the people are relaxed and friendly, and the gelato is Benissimo!!!!!!!!!!! Molto props to Hillary for the hotel & restaurant suggestions -Hotel Abaco was perfect & Trattoria Anita has the best food we've had in Italia (at the best price btw). We even went back for a second dinner there & they remembered us. & Piazza Signoria is the best place to hang out - although there weren't any opera singers...just a great American guy covering all your favorites by Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens (father & son) & the Eagles (hotel california).

The Vatican...the REAL story

I'm sure many of you have read Da Vinci code or Angels and Demons and have many doubts as to the real story of the Vatican. After visiting myself and been taken on an EXCLUSIVE tour into the under belly of St Peters Basilica - known as the Necropolis, I can tell you with great certainty that those books scratch the meer sruface of the true mystery... Exhibit A - photo 1 - The Divine Lady of the Whooping Stick, need I say more. If your answer is YES then look at photo No. 2 ( also known as exhibit B) St. Picius patron Saint of the Chewing Stick!!!!! HA! Explain that away!

& on to Italy...

The beauty of Rome cannot be contained in words...except for the words "stiflingly hot" "burning pit of the underworld". but i guess some of the sites were neat & not to be missed...the pantheon & the coliseum.

Mountain in the Mist

At Connemara National Park

Ireland...famous for its horses

Turns out Irleand is famous for it's horses, and experienced horsewoman, Beth, wanted to see for herself. Is that Terry on a horse?...or a german soldier?
The second photo reads like a "What not to do & what to Do" of horsebackriding.

More Gallavanting at Killarney National Park

Taking a respite from the famous hot Irish sun in Lough Leane surrounded by the beautiful mountains. Gareth found a very intriguing dead fish and also managed to get himself a bit dirty, hence the impromtu wash load :-)

Sorry, we don't have any pictures of the whole family - they're all on Beth's camera & we couldn't upload them - will post when we return :-)

Listening to their request, "Father & Son" at the Quays.

Newgrange pics

Theories abound as to the true meaning of the entrance stone to Newgrange. Some say the three large cricles represent the three phases of life...past,future, and present. Others believe the stone is a map to Newgrange and the other ancient sites in the area, the three main and the smaller satellites and the river flowing at the bottom of the stone.
Whats amazing is the huge number of stones that had to be taken from miles away at the river bed. Bear in mind that at the time, 5000 years ago, it was a vast wilderness and the wheel hadnt been invented.

Hills of Tara

The hills of Tara, which contain the ancient stone of kings. Legend says is screams when the true king places his foot on it...