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Champagne weekend Sydney 2008

July 2, 2016 by David Herd

Weekend with Stingy

Champagne weekend Sydney

Champagne weekend Sydney

Champagne weekend Sydney in 2008 was on the menu when I spent a weekend at a friends home in Point Piper. He worries about being seen on the internet, so to protect his privacy we will just call him Stingy. I imagine a whistle-blower will tip him off about this post and he will complain as usual. I would like to stress nothing in this personal photo blog of mine is intended to cause him any discomfort. It is in fact a salute to a very successful businessman.

I would like to emphasise my policy regarding my photo & travel blogs, should any person be offended or concerned by material I have posted, please contact me direct and I will immediately remove it.  

Champagne football Sydney is my personal photo history not part of my travel blog.

Champagne weekend Sydney

I was very lucky when Stingy lent me one of his cars to use, extremely lucky when it turned out to be a Lexus. 🙂

City skyline from Vaucluse

Champagne weekend Sydney

I took advantage of my flash transport and did a little tour around the eastern suburbs.

Coogee Beach

Champagne weekend Sydney

A deserted Coogee beach, I have many memories of the local pubs where I often visited in my 20s.

Stingy is the big guy in the middle

Champagne weekend Sydney

Peter Hobbs and Peter H on the right. Peter H is another guy who is paranoid about his name on the internet. We are at the SCG to see the Sydney Swans play the Richmond Tigers.

 Sydney Cricket Ground

Champagne weekend Sydney

This wonderful sports arena with this beautiful members stand, which was built in 1886, holds countless memories for myself and millions of sports fans all over Australia.

Stingy & friends

Champagne weekend Sydney

John Martin aka Pothole with his Chinese girlfriend and Lee O’mara are here with Stingy at the Woolahra hotel. Pothole lives in the same condo as I do in Pattaya 2 hours south of Bangkok, in fact he accompanied me on a quick trip to Koh Samui only last week on June 20 2016.

Woolahra Hotel

Champagne weekend Sydney

Sadly Pothole lost his best friend John Griffin just a few months after this photo was taken after he lost a long battle with cancer.

For a great hotel rate in Sydney just book through THIS LINK.

Bar Reggio

Champagne weekend Sydney

Friday lunch at Bar Reggio is a long term tradition for Stingy and his friends, located in Crown St Darlinghurst, it is a lively Italian restaurant that serves good food and allows you to bring your own wine.

Back to Stingy’s palace

Champagne weekend Sydney

Every wall upstairs and down is cluttered with paintings.

Running out of wall space

Champagne weekend Sydney

A great example of how to make a terrific home look less attractive. 🙂

A Stingy lookalike

Champagne weekend Sydney

They could be twins. 🙂

Champagne weekend Sydney, I’ll drink to that. 

Champagne weekend Sydney

I’m not generally a champagne drinker however I will make an exception for Dom Perignon. 🙂

Great kitchen

Champagne weekend Sydney

This is certainly one of the nicest homes I have ever stayed in.

 Stingy’s liquor cabinet

Champagne weekend Sydney

There is no shortage of booze in Stingy’s house, as you can clearly see Jim Beam is his preferred poison.

Ten years have flown by & now in 2018 aged 70 Stingy has given up the booze. So many years of heavy drinking have finally caught up with him. The doctors advice was crystal clear, stop drinking or die.

Geriatrics R Us.

Champagne weekend SydneyThat’s Stingy (2nd from the left) in December 2017, he has lost an incredible amount of weight being off the booze.

Naturally living on the waterfront you need a boat

Champagne weekend Sydney

Captain Stingy conducting business on the high seas. 🙂

Stingy = chick magnet

Champagne weekend Sydney

Of course the ladies are attracted by his good looks and animal magnetism, boats, booze & a $6 million dollar house have nothing to do with it.

Champagne weekend Sydney at Stingy’s palace

Champagne weekend Sydney

Three stories and looking over Sydney harbour.

Just a short distance to his great catamaran.

Champagne weekend Sydney

Stingy’s great looking boat.

 Sea Treasure at Crows Nest.

Champagne weekend Sydney

On the right is my cousin Debbie with her South African friend Phyllis, great food at the Sea Treasure.

Crab at the Sea Treasure

Champagne weekend Sydney

Fantastic crab at the Sea Treasure, this reminds me of Boat Quay in Singapore. 🙂

That’s all folks

Thanks for visiting my Champagne weekend Sydney photo blog.


         

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Newport peninsular Sydney 1984

June 30, 2016 by David Herd

Newport peninsular Sydney is my personal photo history not part of my travel blog.

Newport peninsular Sydney

Newport peninsular Sydney

 Newport peninsular Sydney was my home for three years from 1984 to 1987. After becoming engaged to a beautiful Melbourne lady Karen Smith, I purchased a timber home perched on a hill above the Royal Motor Yacht Club. The cost was $128k, and I sold it after our engagement fizzled out 4 years later for $360K. I guess it would be worth nearly 2 million dollars today.

Absolutely gorgeous.

Newport peninsular Sydney

 As you can see Karen was a beautiful lady, it took me anther 10 years before I realised I was just not cut out for marriage or long term relationships. There is probably a multitude of reasons why, fear of commitment, too independent etc etc.

Dinner party at Herbert Avenue

Newport peninsular Sydney

We were very happy at Newport 80% of the time, I tried hard to settle down and enjoy life as a couple, every now and then however the “call of the wild” would interrupt our utopia.

Wolf Wottke (with the beard) had been my best friend for a number of years, I left him renting my Drummoyne apartment for a year or so until I got fed up chasing the rent. Consequently I sold it which in hindsight was probably a mistake.

Lots of birds & wildlife

Newport peninsular Sydney

These beautiful Rainbow Lorikeets would visit every day for their snack on the balcony.

Life was very good

Newport peninsular Sydney

I had all the toys, a beautiful Mercedes Sports, a cabin cruiser moored at the yacht club, a liquor store in Sydenham which I was in the process of selling and a good sales job with Canon Australia.

Lion Island

Newport peninsular Sydney

This great photo (excuse the quality) was taken on Lion Island in the Hawksbury River, from left to right we have Graham La Roche aka “Biff”, his girlfriend at the time Mona, Ross Ansell from Melbourne and Karen Smith & I.

Me Tarzan

Newport peninsular Sydney

Ross doing his Tarzan impersonation on Lion Island.

31 Herbert Avenue Newport

Newport peninsular Sydney

About 25 years later around 2012 I paid a visit to Herbert Avenue to see if things had changed. Apart from the colour scheme and far less vegetation nothing much had changed.

 Another day on Pittwater

Newport peninsular Sydney

My good friend Tony Murphy and his beautiful wife Inge join Karen & I on my 26 foot cabin cruiser. After 29 years I caught up with Inge in Melbourne in 2014.

My back veranda overlooked Bayview

Newport peninsular Sydney

Here is my good friend Paul Slaughter with two gorgeous girls, on the left is Trish and on the right an old girlfriend of mine Shirley.

Big Tim Bristow, dinner at Herbert Avenue.

Relocate Sydney Gold Coast

 Tim Bristow was a friend of mine dating back from the time we met in 1971 when he was on my tail to give me a hiding, but that’s another story just follow THIS LINK. In the 70s just the name Tim Bristow struck fear into the heart of all those who knew him, an enforcer with a reputation of being one of the most brutal street fighters in Australia. Put simply he was legend, a bouncer at the Newport Arms hotel, would be contenders for his crown would travel from all over Sydney to try their luck, many came and all of them were sent packing battered and bruised.

 Sydenham Cellars

Newport peninsular Sydney

I sold my liquor store in late 1984 which took the pressure off me. I had been working with Canon for a few months and travelling to Sydenham (a one hour drive each way) at weekends to work in the liquor store. Meanwhile I dug a wine cellar underneath my Newport home and stored a huge amount of wine that I took home from the shop.

Unwins Bridge Road

Newport peninsular Sydney

 That’s Madison my beautiful 4 year old German Shepherd who used to diligently guard the store overnight.

 Newport peninsular Sydney Brian Millard

Relocate Sydney Gold Coast

Brian was a boat broker at Newport and a regular drinker at the Newport Arms hotel. He lived just up the road at Bungan Beach before moving to Noosa where I believe he still resides.

 Richard on the left and Rob Carnahan

Newport peninsular Sydney

Two very nice guys who were customers of mine when I was with Canon. Their office was opposites the Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay so more often than not we would meet in the pub. 🙂

A bunch of my nephews & nieces come to visit.

Newport peninsular Sydney

Amazing seeing these old photos, all of these cute kids now have children of their own.

Sue and John Heatherington

Newport peninsular Sydney

A lovely couple who lived in the next street from us, John also worked at Canon in the computer division.

Malaysia 1985

Newport peninsular Sydney

John & Sue, Karen & I went on a Canon conference to Penang, here we are driving from Penang to Singapore via Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore Xmas 1985

Newport peninsular Sydney

Here we are in Singapore, notice the cigarette. I smoke on and off for most of my life until 2003. Usually 2 or 3 years then I would quit for a similar time before returning to the grip of the nicotine.

 Newport peninsular Sydney with Phil Parkinson 

Newport peninsular Sydney

Phil has lived most of his life on the Newport peninsular Sydney and I believe still does in 2016. He is the brother of my ex girlfriend Di Parkinson.

Melbourne Cup 1985

Newport peninsular Sydney

Karen & I at the cup with friends including another ex girlfriend Helen Burke who is on the left of the photo. Helen has a vineyard at Dromana on the Mornington Peninsular, I spent a few day there in October 2014 drinking wine with her and her partner Jack.

Oscars Coolangatta 1985

Newport peninsular Sydney

I can’t remember the name of the beautiful dark haired princess, she was the girlfriend of my crazy chiropractor from North Sydney.

Newport peninsular Sydney

Newport peninsular Sydney

Prior to buying my cabin cruiser I had this little run-about, it was a lot of fun, do you like the name? 🙂

Another guy from my rogues gallery.

Newport peninsular Sydney

Danny Rose one of Adelaide’s true characters, we had a day of the water, you can see “Stamped Urgent” in the background.

Beautiful Karen Smith

Relocate Sydney Gold Coast

Certainly my life on the Newport peninsular Sydney revolved around lots of good friends and my beautiful fiancée Karen. My thanks to her for being the most important part of my life for those great years.

Thanks also to you for visiting my Newport peninsular Sydney photo blog.           

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For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

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New Years Eve Sydney 2012

June 4, 2016 by David Herd

January 1st 2013, please note, this is not part of my Travel Blog. It’s my personal history, check it out if you wish.

New Years Eve Sydney 2012 at Drummoyne

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

 New Years Eve Sydney 2012 from 72 Wrights Road Drummoyne where I lived for six years from 1979 to 1984. This is late afternoon and everybody is getting ready for the fireworks, there are two spectacular shows, one at 9 pm for the children (and me) and one of course at midnight.

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

The apartments you see are in St Georges Crescent where I also owned another 3 bedroom waterfront apartment at Brackley Gardens, this was for investment & rental purposes I never lived there. It is interesting to look at prices way back in the 70s, I purchased Brackley Gardens for $48,000 in 1977 then sold 5 years later for $98,000.

I sold Wrights road for a profit of $100,000 in 1986, I rate this in the top 3 mistakes I have ever made in my life.

Warwick Robinson

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

 I have known Warwick for about 35 years, a nice fellow with a great sense of humour. He and his lovely wife Ady have lived in Cherrybrook for many years. I like standing beside him, he makes me look thin. 🙂

Peter Hesky

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

I have known Peter for a similar amount of time as Warwick, we enjoyed many great time together in the 70s & 80s. He is a great host and organized some terrific dinners at his Freeway Hotel in Artarmon.

Peter & I both love Mud Crabs and have polished off many back in the days I lived at Drummoyne, I must say however the best I have ever had have been in Singapore, follow THIS LINK to see what I mean.

In fact here is an example

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

 These monsters are certainly not cheap, from memory this one set me back about $120. It’s from Sri Lanka and at 3.3 kilo the biggest I have ever eaten.

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

The 9 pm fireworks show at New Years Eve Sydney 2012 gets under way. I must confess I have seen so many fireworks displays over the years they have lost a little of their appeal for me. Certainly the best I have ever seen was in the 80s when I would anchor my boat in the Harbour beside the opera House and be in the middle of the action. Equally as exciting and maybe more so was Rio de Janeiro on NYE 2007 when 2 million people converged on Copacabana beach, just follow THIS LINK to see what I mean.

And the beat goes on

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

I have another confession I was in bed trying to get to sleep at 11 pm. 🙂

I was more impressed by the food

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

Our hosts Peter Hobbs and his lovely Thai girlfriend Pring put on a great spread.

And here she is 🙂

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

All I can say is Peter is punching way above his weight. 🙂

Peter & I the next morning on New Years Day.

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

 Wrights Road in these apartments was my home for 6 years from 1979, some of the best years of my life. In fact check out my 1982 photo blog and see for yourself.

72 Wrights Rd

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

The smaller block in the middle was my home, I was in unit 12 on the top floor, Peter is on the ground floor on the left. Talking about property values again, I purchased in 1979 for $65,000 then sold in 1985 for $165,000. I believe now in 2016 they sell for over a million.

Flashback to 1982

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

One of the greatest eras in my life was living in Drummoyne in the 80s, looking back it was a mistake to move to Newport with my new fiancée thinking I was ready to settle down. How wrong can a man be?

 Not too attractive from the street

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

However it was a great location to live with my white Mercedes Sports in the garage and my Bertram 25 moored right outside.

Robbie Bonnet

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

Robbie live here when I did in the 80s and he is still here now 35 years later. He owns a  Bob Jane T-Marts in Drummoyne however I believe it recently closed and he is moving to a new location.

Farewell to Wrights Road

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

The memories certainly came flooding back after spending New Years Eve Sydney 2012 at my old home in Drummoyne. It was great to catch up with lots of old friends, who say nostalgia is a thing of the past?

Talking about old friends

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

When I left Drummoyne on the morning of January 1st to drive to Port Macquarie I stopped in Dee Why for a coffee with another old friend Paul Slaughter.

Thanks for visiting my New Years Eve Sydney 2012 photo blog.

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Sydney Gold Coast 2013

May 12, 2016 by David Herd

January 1st 2013, please note, Sydney Gold Coast 2013 is not part of my Travel Blog. It’s my personal history, check it out if you wish.

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Sydney Gold Coast 2013 was a trip I did starting from 72 Wrights Road Drummoyne on January 1st after spending a couple of weeks at my cousin’s home in Balgowlah. I spent News Years Eve with Peter Hobbs & friends, left early the next day to meet friends for coffee at Dee Why before calling in to see Sue at Newport. From there I drove to my brothers home in Port Macquarie and finally onto the Gold Coast before flying back home to Thailand.

Over a period of 3 or 4 years I was lucky enough to stay at Deb’s lovely home for which I’m forever grateful. Sadly in the end she kicked me out because I left the house unlocked for an hour when I went for coffee. Us aging geriatrics do become forgetful. 🙂

DAFFY015

Xmas Eve at Deb’s house

Sydney Gold Coast 2013a few days before I was banished,  sadly it seems all good things come to an end.

With Peter Hobbs

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Wrights Road in these apartments was my home for 6 years from 1979, some of the best years of my life. In fact check out my 1982 photo blog and see for yourself.

Middle building, top floor, right side.

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Unit 12 was my home for six very happy years.

Home sweet home 1979 to 1985.

New Years Eve with Warwick Robinson

Sydney Gold Coast 2013 A friend for over 30 years.

Robbie Bonett

Sydney Gold Coast 2013A long time resident of 72 Wrights Rd, way back to when I lived there in the late 70s. He has since married a Russian babe & moved to the Eastern suburbs.

Peter Hesky

Sydney Gold Coast 2013Another longtime friend from the 70s. We used to be in regular contact but I have not heard from him for 5 or 6 years. Maybe he put me on the “black list” in support of cousin Deb. 🙂

Aussie seafood on NYE.

Sydney Gold Coast 2013I really miss the Aussie seafood living in Thailand.

Drinks with John Loch

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

At the famous Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay, John live 5 minutes walk away.

Iconic Oaks hotel

Sydney Gold Coast 2013 It could be Australia’s best pub.

Jill McCrossan

Sydney Gold Coast 2013 I bumped into Jill at Manly, we had lots of great times when we both lived on the Gold Coast.  If you want to see Jilly taking a bath in 1992 just follow THIS LINK.

Lunch at Mr Wongs

Sydney Gold Coast 2013Upmarket Chinese restaurant off Bridge St Sydney. More photos on THIS LINK.

Chinatown

Sydney Gold Coast 2013Yum Cha with Hesco & Al Chiswick.

 Coffee at Dee Why, Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Old friend Paul Slaughter and I enjoying coffee before heading to Newport to see Sue Ellis.

Sue’s home in Crescent Ave Newport

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Tim Bristow’s lovely home in Newport, Tim passed away aged 72 about 10 years ago.  His long time (& long suffering) partner Sue still lives here.

I played tennis here many times in the 80s.

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Sue Ellis was and still is a terrific tennis player, we played many times and to my dismay I never won a single set. Sue just turned 60 this year and is ranked number 7 in the over 60 Tennis Seniors Australia Rankings in Womens Singles.

January 1st 2013

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

After many years I was happy to visit Sue, the home is still as picture perfect as when Big Tim used fuss around keeping everything neat & tidy.

Portrait of the big fellow

Sydney Gold Coast 2013 I wonder if it was ever hung or stored in the basement. 🙂

Next stop Port Macquarie

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Breakfast with Chris Lockwood & my brother Warren.

Kerry, Lynn and Bryan

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Kerry, Lynn & Bryan, another one of the Herd brothers having dinner at the Great Wall of China restaurant in Port Macquarie.

Chris Lockwood aka Dr Evil.

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Chris is a close friend of my brother Warren, they regularly travel the world together.

 The Gold Coast

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Here I am with three good friends in Surfers Paradise. Craig Sulzberger aka Sudzi, Ross Kennedy & Greg “Noodles” Craig.

 Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Bob Martin & I have been friends for over 40 years. We had some great times together in Sydney in the 70s with our other great mate Peter Lewis. Here we are having coffee on Chevron Island.

Last but not least in Sydney Gold Coast 2013

Sydney Gold Coast 2013

My great mate Phil Thomson from Runaway Bay. Phil was to blame for getting me hooked on Japan, he and his wife Junko showed me the ropes in Tokyo in 2007.

Thanks for visiting my Sydney Gold Coast 2013 photo blog.


                   Here are some more posts to check out                            

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Thailand 2008                Gold Coast Babes               World trip 2003

Fun in Pattaya-116         92bfa275-a122-4078-9970-1e24188a5917        CopacabanabeachNov2003-124

             Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
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 That’s all folks
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Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

March 4, 2016 by David Herd

This is not a travel blog just my personal photo collection

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia 

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

 Sydney 2011 farewell Australia is about my life changing event when on October 18 I left my home, friends, relatives and country to live in Thailand. I had two trips to Sydney in September & October and stayed with my cousin Debbie at her home in Balgowlah before jumping on a plane to Bangkok on October 18.

Dinner at Manly

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

I had many friends to farewell including Paul Slaughter and his lady Clode who was a flight attendant for Air Canada.

Richard aka 003 1/4

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

Richard & I have been friends since 1976 and had many great times together over the years. Obsessed with luxury cars and women on a scale far higher than I.

Richard’s latest jigger

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

From memory he also had a beautiful restored red E-Type jag at his Gold Coast home and a 911 turbo Porsche at his Sydney apartment. The Porsche he has owned since new in about 1977, it was fitted with some unusual modifications similar to some sort of secret agent. 🙂

1999

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

My home in 1999 and our two toys, Rick’s E-Type and my Mercedes Sports.

My brother Bryan

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

Lunch at Mosman with Bryan & Rick a couple of days before flying to Bangkok.

Old friend Peter Hesky

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

Another friend from 1976, (WOW! 40 bloody years) Sadly I don’t hear from Peter anymore, from what I’m told he has turned into quite a recluse and rarely ventures out of his home in Castle Cove.

Some well built lads here

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

Holly, Bolt & Al and not sure of the ladies name. We are at a very good Japanese restaurant opposite the Oaks Hotel.

Talking about the Oaks, here it is.

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

One of Australia’s great pubs, was my local for many years from 1977 to 1987.

My gorgeous niece’s

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

Drinks at my favourite pub with my favourite two girls, Elyssa & Laura.

Sydney Swans V Brisbane Lions.

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

Australian football aka AFL at the Sydney Cricket Ground, watching the game from Peter Hesky’s private box. 

Dinner with friends

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

Fortuna Court Chinese restaurant in Crows Nest has been a favourite restaurant for over 30 years, & I must say it has not changed one bit in that time. The guy I’m about to put to the sword is Warwick Robinson who I have known for over 30 years. He never did pay the ransom to me for not taking his life. 🙂

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

Leaving Australia was a huge decision, two major factors came into play when making the decision. First was purely financial, I had not worked since 1997 instead I travelled the world like a man possessed. Consequently I spent a huge amount of money in the process and I always knew it had to come to an end. My only regret was the timing of the Global Financial Crisis in 2007/8 which coincided with me needing to sell my home to pay off the huge mortgage created by my travels. My home took me 3 years to sell, had I have sold in 2006 I would have realized around $250K more than I finally got in 2011. Oh well them’s the breaks and I have no regrets because those years of travel were wonderful and irreplaceable.

The second reason for my decision to move to Thailand was triggered by the first. I found myself in a position where I could no longer live at the same level in Australia that I was accustomed to. However I could live to that level in Thailand which was only around 1/3 the cost of living in Australia.

It is now 2017 my 6th year living in Thailand and the move has turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I plan to stay another 5 years before moving back to Australia to live out my final days. At the moment that’s the plan but plans can change. 🙂

Here is my view in Pattaya

Sydney 2011 farewell Australia

 

There are many people around the world who regularly criticize Pattaya, my message to them is simple, stay where you are because we don’t want you here.  Our stress free Pattaya life has no time to waste on the knockers and whiners, having said that thanks for visiting my Sydney 2011 farewell Australia photo blog.

           I’ll leave it to the late great Glenn Frey to explain how I feel right now.

     

                     Here are some more posts to check out                            

       

     Life 2015                     Family history                   Life 1982

2835141a-02cf-4cda-a909-2a8408a99f47        6a173a01-9744-404a-a45f-87a975ec90fa          d5436828-abbc-4da1-a638-7f90436c6417

  Adelaide 1972                 Iron Bar Freddy               Sydney 2006

417091_10150704751043594_62315468_n          Susies home Newport 1 (1)        April24FreewayHotel-33 (1)

Thailand 2008                Gold Coast Babes               World trip 2003

Fun in Pattaya-116         92bfa275-a122-4078-9970-1e24188a5917        CopacabanabeachNov2003-124

             Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
                              Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
                         d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037              01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f
 
 That’s all folks
1g Duck
Pattaya live webcam 
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1) 
 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 

 That’s all folks

Thailand Europe Vietnam Japan

Australian adventures

  • Melbourne


Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

September 2, 2015 by David Herd

World famous beach

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney is an iconic landmark known throughout the world & synonymous with the Australian lifestyle. Having said all that to me it’s rather overrated. This great photo was taken by my old friend Barry Madden from Newcastle north of Sydney.

Looking south

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

I think there are many nicer beaches and beach-side suburbs along the Sydney & NSW coast. I certainly prefer Manly on the northside of the harbour.

North end of the beach

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Bondi Beach was a working class suburb all through the twentieth century, migrants from New Zealand were the majority of the population. After World War II, Bondi Beach and the Eastern Suburbs became home for Jewish migrants from Poland, Russia, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Germany. A stream of Jewish immigration continued into the 21st century and the area has a number of synagogues and a kosher butcher. The area today is very multicultural with a lot of new wealthy Asian families and Samoans. The multicultural migration funded and drove the growth of the suburb throughout the 90’s into the turn of the century, moving it steadily from its working class roots towards upper/middle class enclave similar to its neighbours of Rose Bay and Bellevue Hill which was listed as the most expensive postcode in the country in 2003, 2004, 2005.

Coffee at Bondi Beach Sydney

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

While my English friend the intrepid Bill Austin went for a swim, Joan & I enjoyed coffee & cake and watched the passing parade.

Bill at Bondi Beach Sydney 24-2-2010

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Bill works for Trowbridge council in Wiltshire.

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Bondi beach is world famous however I do prefer Manly on the northside of the harbour.

Raining in Bondi

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

The orange building Hotel Bondi is a landmark on Campbell Parade. It was built from 1915-1920s and was designed by E.Lindsay Thompson. It combines Italianate, Federation and Free Classical elements and has been described as an “important landmark building in the Bondi Beach townscape.” and has a state heritage listing.

Use this link for a great deal on Bondi hotel rates.

Super storm

30ab4746-fce9-453d-b9d0-9f709003e5f5

My apologies I don’t know who to credit for this amazing photo of a huge storm closing in over Bondi Beach Sydney.

Photos by Dale Atkins

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

The next 5 photos are Dales.

Looking south

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney That’s Bondi Icebergs club overlooking the beach.

Bondi Icebergs

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney Located at the southern end of Bondi Beach, Bondi Icebergs Club is an international landmark.

Great pool

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney Bondi Icebergs has been the home of Winter swimming since 1929 and our famous pool is open to visitors all year round. 

 

                        What a great year for travel in 2015            

             

   Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants         a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021        IMG_0100

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)         IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)        Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy  

                                     

             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

Chiang Mai with Tone 9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1) 191de3bb-38fc-45cd-bce7-ef24081c554b

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
Pattaya live webcam
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck



Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Food Friends Family Sydney

August 30, 2015 by David Herd

Bill Austin & Joan Baptiste

Food Friends Family Sydney

Food Friends Family Sydney

Food Friends Family Sydney, in 2010 the reason for my visit was to show Joan & Bill, my friends from Wiltshire in the UK, my wonderful home town with the best harbour in the world.

This is not a travel blog just a personal photo collection from 2010.

Overnight at Port Macquarie

Food Friends Family Sydney

We stay at Port Macquarie at my brother’s home on the way to Sydney, there was a vintage car rally with some terrific examples.

On top of the world.

Food Friends Family Sydney

You may be wondering why I didn’t make the climb, well that can be easily narrowed down to one word, FEAR!

Food Friends Family Sydney

Food Friends Family Sydney

Dinner with friends at French’s Forest in Sydney.

Peter Hobbs & Peter Hesky.

Food Friends Family Sydney

A couple of friends I have known since the 70s, Peter Hobbs occasionally visits Pattaya but Peter Hesky never makes contact anymore.

Warwick Robinson, David Herd & Michael Saleh.

Food Friends Family Sydney

It’s always good to catch up with old friends when I’m in Sydney.

Peter Hobbs drinking the good stuff.

Food Friends Family Sydney

Sparkling French Champagne to wash down the pasta. 🙂

Warwick loves his food

Food Friends Family Sydney

However it caught up with him in 2013, he underwent a triple heart bypass, so much for over indulgence. 🙂 Now here is quite a coincidence, his heart surgeon was Dr Alan Farnsworth, he was captain of our rugby team at Homebush High school in Sydney & I was vice captain. From memory he was dux of the school & I struggled to pass my intermediate, however we were both pretty good footballers.

While I’m on the nostalgia kick I fondly remember our football coach Peter Philpott, an Australian leg spinner & a terrific guy.

Manly Wharf Hotel with old friend Paul Slaughter

Food Friends Family Home Town Sydney

Paul & I spent a lot of time together over the years.

Manly Lodge Boutique Hotel

Food Friends Family Sydney

Nice small hotel in a good location, for a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Manly Wharf Hotel

Food Friends Family Sydney

Always lots of eye candy Sunday afternoon at Manly.

Drinks & Dinner at the Oaks

Food Friends Family Sydney

Dinner with Bill & Joan and my lovely niece Elyssa.


Herd family Xmas at cousin Deb’s house.

Food Friends Family Sydney

What a feast, cousin Deb really knows how to entertain.

My other nice Elyssa Xmas 2010

Food Friends Family Sydney

Fast forward to 2018 and Elyssa is the proud mother of a gorgeous little girl.

Main St Auburn NSW

Food Friends Family Sydney

The street really has not changed much in 50 years.

I grew up here at 58 Kihilla Rd Auburn

Food Friends Family Sydney

I took a sentimental journey to Auburn, the Sydney suburb I grew up in. The main st had not changed much except for the Vietnamese & Muslim establishments. My real shock came when I drove past our family home at 58 Kihilla Rd, it was now totally run down, a very heartbreaking sight for me.

Thanks for visiting my Food Friends Family Home Town Sydney photo blog.

            Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.         

     Life 2015                     Family history                   Life 1982

2835141a-02cf-4cda-a909-2a8408a99f47        6a173a01-9744-404a-a45f-87a975ec90fa          d5436828-abbc-4da1-a638-7f90436c6417

  Adelaide 1972                 Iron Bar Freddy               Sydney 2006

417091_10150704751043594_62315468_n          Susies home Newport 1 (1)        April24FreewayHotel-33 (1)

Thailand 2008                Gold Coast Babes               World trip 2003

Fun in Pattaya-116         92bfa275-a122-4078-9970-1e24188a5917        CopacabanabeachNov2003-124

             Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
                              Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
                         d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037              01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f
 
 That’s all folks
1g Duck
Pattaya live webcam 
 
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 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

June 24, 2015 by David Herd

Arriving at Manly

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

 Manly Sydney beach-side suburb is one of my favourite places in Australia. Most visitors arrive by ferry from Circular Quay, a 30 minute journey which showcases the best harbour in the world.

Manly Sea life Sanctuary

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

Just to west of Manly wharf is the Sea life Sanctuary.

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

Manly wharf has many cafes and bars, a great place for lunch.

Opposite Manly wharf

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

It is a 5 minute walk from the wharf to the beach.

Manly Corso

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

These shops in Manly have not changes in decades.

Relaxing on the Corso

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

I think Manly is far nicer than Bondi, the world famous beach on the south side of the harbour.

Beautiful Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

Manly beach and Shelly beach in the distance.  Shelly Beach is the only west facing beach on the eastern coast of Australia.

 Manly Wharf Hotel

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

A great place for drinks, food and lots of eye candy.

Cold beer beside the harbour

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

Sunday afternoon is a busy time at the Manly wharf hotel.

Old friend Paul Slaughter

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

We have enjoyed many Sunday afternoons drinking cold beer and watching the young girls pass by. Both of us fully realise at our age we are totally invisible to them.  Ah! I’m so happy to be living in Pattaya. 🙂

Fish & chips at Manly beach

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

I was showing my friend Sue from Shanghai the delights of manly, so naturally we had to sample the famous fish & chips. 🙂

Manly Lodge Boutique Hotel

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

Nice small hotel in a good location, for a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

West of Manly towards Balgowlah.

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

A tranquil swimming pool with a million dollar view.

West of Manly

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

How peaceful is this scene? 🙂

Dee Why beach

Manly Sydney beach-side suburb

Just a few miles north of Manly is Dee Why beach, more peaceful than Manly and some very good cafes & restaurants.

Fabulous breakfast at Dee Why

Food friends Sydney

One of the few things I miss living in Thailand are the fabulous Australian breakfasts.

Bumped into an old friend

8184cb5e-cb60-4058-9c92-b6891664e2b1

 Here is Jill, an old girlfriend from the Gold Coast. We really had some fun back in the 90s.

Thanks for visiting my Manly Sydney beach-side suburb photo blog.

Jump forward to 2014 and check out my life in Thailand.

                        Here are some more posts to check out
 

       

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

June 24, 2015 by David Herd

Our journey starts here

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry is one of the most famous trips in this great city. I remember a slogan from when I was a child, “7 miles from Sydney & 1000 miles from care”.  This was the slogan used by the Port Jackson & Manly Steamship Company in 1940 to describe Manly “Australia’s Premier Seaside Resort”.

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry 

The best way to travel to Manly is take a ferry from Circular Quay which will give you a view of the world’s best harbour.


Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

The Quay apartment tower is one of the most expensive in Australia, what an incredible location and view.

The view from the Quay apartments

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

A million $$$$ view if I ever saw one.

Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

As you leave the Quay the famous bridge is on your left & the Opera House on your right.

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

One of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks.

Busy harbour

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

There is always a hive of activity around Circular Quay.

From the top of the Harbour Bridge

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

Bill Austin my friend from Wiltshire in England did the Bridge walk.

Many spectacular sights along to way.

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

Sydney skyline is quite breathtaking. 

Cruise ship

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

The Sun Princess arrives in Sydney.

Many different boats of the harbour

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

Now here is a yacht with real character. 

Darling Point

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

One of the most expensive harbour side suburbs in Sydney.

Point Piper

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

Probably the most expensive suburb in Sydney, and in fact Australia.

Watsons Bay

Is where you will find the famous Doyle’s restaurant.

Arriving at Manly

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

The “Queenscliff” arrives from Circular Quay.

Manly Lodge Boutique Hotel

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

Nice small hotel in a good location, for a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Docked at Manly wharf.

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

You can sit here and watch the ships roll in.

Lunch at Manly

Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry

Sue & I eating traditional fish & chips at Manly beach, and they said in the 40s, “7 miles from Sydney & 1000 miles from care”. 🙂 Thanks for visiting my Sydney Circular Quay Manly Ferry photo blog.


                  Here are some more posts to check out 

         

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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Counter only started February 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

September 25, 2014 by David Herd

Beautiful day on Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

Sydney Harbour magnificent city with the best harbour in the world. We spell it harbour & Americans spell it harbour, wonderful if you have a good boat.

City of Sydney

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

Such a breathtaking skyline from the harbour.

 Mr Stingy

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

I have know Richard for over 30 years & I’m pleased to say I gave him his nickname when we were in Thailand in 2004. He is quite a character & loves to brag about how much money he is worth, which is considerable. He lives in a beautiful home in one of Sydney’s premier harbour front suburbs, Point Piper.  Richard had the unfortunate habit of drinking & eating twice as much as his friends then splitting the bill equally.

When travelling with his buddy Ken Shelly in Thailand he would show off & buy countless drinks for the girls in the bar then expect poor Ken to share equally when the bill came. Sitting on the beach at Koh Samui one day a Thai lady was reading his palm, she looked him in the eye & said “Oh I see you have a lot of money, but sadly you are very stingy”. Well that was perfect I thought so from that day one I Christened  him “Mr Stingy”.

Ken & I on Stingy’s boat

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

Stingy’s long suffering friend Ken Shelly & I enjoying a few cold beers at Darling Harbour.

Stingy’s boat

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

A terrific boat for exploring Sydney Harbour, lots of room and very stable if seas are rough.

 Centrepoint tower from Darling Harbour

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

In my book Sydney certainly ranks in the top 10 cities in the world.

Western Sydney skyline

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

That’s Centre-point tower dominating the skyline.

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

A great view of Sydney Harbour magnificent city, if you don’t have the luxury of a boat just catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly for an amazing view of this great city.

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the facility formally opened on 20 October 1973  after a gestation beginning with Utzon’s 1957 selection as winner of an international design competition. The NSW Government, led by Premier Joseph Cahill, authorised work to begin in 1958, with Utzon directing construction. The government’s decision to build Utzon’s design is often overshadowed by circumstances that followed, including cost and scheduling overruns as well as the architect’s ultimate resignation.

View from the front

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

Though its name suggests a single venue, the project comprises multiple performance venues which together are among the busiest performing arts centres in the world — hosting over 1,500 performances each year attended by some 1.2 million people.

Point Piper apartments

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

What a perfect place foe an apartment.

Royal Motor Yacht Club Point Piper.

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

You can just see a corner of Stingy’s home on the left of the club.

Stingy’s $6 million home

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

Richard designed & built his lovely home, he is an experienced builder who made most of his fortune by building most of the Red Rooster outlets in Australia.

The incredible view from Stingy’s home

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

A sensational view of Rose Bay.

Luna Park at Milsons Point north of the harbour

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

The park was constructed at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during 1935, and ran for nine-month seasons until 1972, when it was opened year-round. Luna Park was closed in mid-1979, immediately following the Ghost Train fire, which killed six children and one adult. Most of the park was demolished, and a new amusement park was constructed; this originally operated under the name of Harbourside Amusement Park before resuming the Luna Park name. The park was closed again in 1988 as an independent engineering inspection determined that several rides needed urgent repair. The owners failed to repair and reopen the park before a New South Wales government deadline, and ownership was passed to a new body. Reopening in 1995, Luna Park closed again after thirteen months because of the Big Dipper roller coaster noise pollution complaints from residents on the clifftop above the park caused the ride’s operating hours to be heavily restricted, and the drop in attendance made the park unprofitable. After another redevelopment, Luna Park reopened in 2004 and has continued operating since.

Richard, Ken Shelly & Peter Hobbs.

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

Here we are at Bar Reggio in Crown St Darlinghurst, a very popular Italian restaurant.

My new second hand Lexus.

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

I have Stingy to thank for finding my beautiful Lexus, I have owned many luxury vehicles including Jaguars, Mercedes & Porsche’s but $ for $ this is the best car I have ever driven.  Japanese technology at its best.

Watching Australian Football

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

Watching my team the Sydney Swans at the SCG in Peter Hesky’s private box.

Old friend Rob Symonds & son visit from Hobart.

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

Rob and I first met in Adelaide in 1972.

Anne Lacey & Ruth Vincent with our host Peter Hesky

Sydney Harbour magnificent city

Sydney City has a special place in my heart, I was born & grew up in the western suburbs. There is no doubt the harbour is the best in the world & each time I fly in my excitement & anticipation is electric.

Thanks for visiting my Sydney Harbour magnificent city photo blog.


A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

                     Here are some more posts to check out

         Life 2015                     Family history                   Life 1982

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  Adelaide 1972                 Iron Bar Freddy               Sydney 2006

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Thailand 2008                Gold Coast Babes               World trip 2003

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             Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
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 That’s all folks
Surfers Paradise Party Animals
 
 
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More Sydney photos from 2009 in the slideshow as well as some from the Gold Coast.

Check out these great photo blogs.


Counter only started June 16 2020.

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