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Saorge beautiful French village

August 15, 2015 by David Herd

This village is spectacular

Saorge beautiful French village

Saorge beautiful French village

 Saorge beautiful French village was classed as one of the “40 most beautiful villages of France”. The main village streets traverse narrowly between the buildings at very different levels, with smaller streets and steps leading up and down between them. The view from anywhere in the village is spectacular, looking outward to snow-capped mountains in the middle distance (into May and June) and the deep gorge and rushing white-water river below.

Road to Saorge

Saorge beautiful French village

The region belonged to the old County of Nice. From 1388 to 1860 Saorge was part of Sardinia-Piedmont when it was ceded to France. In June 1793 the armies of the First French Republic and Sardinia clashed here. In the Battle of Saorgio on 24–28 April 1794, the French wrested the town from the Piedmontese. The town was returned to Sardinia-Piedmont after the overthrow of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Saorge beautiful French village

Saorge beautiful French village

 Saorge is 11 km north of Breil Sur Roya where we were based. There are so many interesting French & Italian villages in this particular area, you can spend weeks exploring these fabulous part of Europe.


Bath house or wash house?

Saorge beautiful French village

Whichever one it is or was I can guarantee it is old, very old. 🙂

Saorge homes

Saorge beautiful French village

The tall solid stone houses date from the 15th-17th centuries and line the narrow steep cobbled street that climb up through the village.

Narrow streets & Alleys

Saorge beautiful French village

 Exploring the village is straightforward as the village mostly follows one long street that climbs the hill through Saorge, with lots of smaller alleys climbing the hill to either side.

My travel buddies

Saorge beautiful French village

 Deborah Holliday and Jodie ONiell from the Gold Coast in Australia spent a couple of weeks with me exploring the French & Italian villages, French Riviera & the Cinque Terre. My best travel tip for this area is to base yourself in the central village of Breil Sur Roya, from here you can easily reach all the wonderful surrounding villages similar to Saorge.

Thanks for visiting my Saorge beautiful French village 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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Airole beautiful Italian village

August 15, 2015 by David Herd

Let the games begin

Airole beautiful Italian village

Airole beautiful Italian village

 Airole beautiful Italian village has a quintessential main town square where everybody gathers to play chess, socialise and relax in the sunshine.

Early evening in Airole

Airole beautiful Italian village

 One of my favourite Italian villages 14 km south of Breil and 14 km north of Ventimiglia on the coast. A beautiful Italian medieval village with a population of 461, it has a delightful town square where the locals meet to chat, play chess & enjoy a vino or an espresso.

Airole beautiful Italian village town square

Airole beautiful Medieval Italian village

Everyone gathers here to chat & socialise.

Discussing serious business

Airole beautiful Italian village

The world cup was being played & I’m guessing these gentlemen were discussing the teams.

Enjoying a cold beer

Airole beautiful Italian village

Well it was a beautiful summers day. 🙂

Deborah & Jodie

 

Australian blonds drinking wine in Italy
 

Homes in Airole

Airole beautiful Medieval Italian village

Very peaceful & quiet.

The quintessential town square

Airole beautiful Medieval Italian village

The local will gather here later to watch the world cup football on TV.

July 2010 and the World Cup is on.

Airole beautiful Italian village

The TV is set up in the village square.

The Roya river

Airole beautiful Italian village

  On the road to Airole just south of Breil Sur Roya.   The Upper Roya Valley begins at the Col de Tende (1871 m) on the French-Italian border. It runs south about 35 km to Breil-sur-Roya and then another 8 km to where it crosses back into Italy. (The Lower Roya Valley flows into the Mediterranean at Ventimiglia.) TheUpper Roya Valley is a region of mountains and valleys, with swift rivers, thick forests, and villages with an Italian flavor.  

Airole beautiful Italian village

Airole beautiful Italian village

Located just beside the French border.

Road to Airole

Airole beautiful Italian village

The road winds up to the village.

Airole beautiful Italian village narrow lanes

Airole beautiful Italian village

   OK, time to find a nice restaurant in Airole beautiful Italian village.

Local restaurant

Airole beautiful Italian village

    And here it is. 🙂

Veal scallopini al funghi

Airole beautiful Italian village

  My favourite Italian dish, so far this trip I have had it in Como, Fanghetto & now Airole.  

Airole beautiful Italian village

Airole beautiful Italian village

It’s now July so to warm for firewood.

Nestled in the mountains

Airole beautiful Italian village

The village is sheltered by the mountain range.

Ancient water fountain

Airole beautiful Italian village

  In Airole there are hidden treasures around every corner.  

 Is David Herd in Airole? I’m looking for David Herd.

Airole beautiful Italian village

  A guy can dream can’t he? 🙂  

Airole beautiful Italian village

Airole beautiful Italian village

Thanks for sharing my Airole beautiful Italian village photo blog, I will certainly return one day.

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Milan Limone Monte Carlo

August 14, 2015 by David Herd

Limone Piemonte Italy

Milan Limone Monte Carlo road trip

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Milan Limone Monte Carlo road trip stopping for lunch at Limone Piemonte Italy, one of the oldest ski areas in the country. Driving through the Italian & French mountains south on our way to the French Riviera.

Pizza pasta and wild boar

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

My friends & travelling companions Deborah Holliday and Jodie ONeill from the Gold Coast in Australia.


Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

I had just spent a couple of days in Lake Como waiting for my friends to arrive from Australia before spending 10 days exploring the French Riviera from our apartment in Breil Sur Roya.

Breil Sur Roya was devastated by storm Alex on October 4 2020.

Australian beer in Italy

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Quite a surprise to see large Australian beer sign.

Nestled amongst the forest

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

 The railway reached Limone in 1891, in 1897 the skiers arrived & competitions began in 1907.

Waiting for the snow

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Obviously the village would look quite different in the winter.

Charming stone chalets

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

This was a perfect village to have a break on our Milan Limone Monte Carlo road trip.

Here is where we had lunch

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Very good wine and food at this delightful restaurant.


Main street Limone Piemonte Italy

Milan Limone Monte CarloThe weather was gorgeous as was the village.

The girls are excited 1st day of their holiday

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Deb & Jodie jumping for joy. 

Mountain creek

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

A small mountain stream runs through the village.

Our road rocket

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

This little rocket was perfect for 3 people. Car hire in Europe is rather inn expensive if you shop around for a good deal. Always try to drop the car off in the country you picked it up in. This will save you a relocation fee. 

David Herd & Deborah Holliday

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Thanks for joining us on our Milan Limone Monte Carlo road trip, many more photos and information below.

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This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

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Menton French Italian border

August 11, 2015 by David Herd

Menton shopping

Menton French Italian border

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 Menton French Italian border is certainly one of my favourite towns on the French Riviera, in fact I intend to make it my base the next time I visit this wonderful part of the world.

Side-walk restaurants & galleries

Menton French Italian border

Menton is certainly overlooked by many tourists & travellers, to me it is much nicer than many of the more popular Riviera locations.

Art gallery

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So many interesting shops & restaurants in Menton.

Beautiful restaurant setting

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Of course one of the main pastimes in France is food and there are many good restaurants to choose from here.

While we are on the subject of food

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  Wonderful French Oysters, even though I now live in Thailand I often enjoy these succulent molluscs which are regularly imported fresh from France.
What a magnificent combination of colours in this seafood pasta

Menton French Italian border

  It tasted every bit as good as it looks. 🙂

Creme Brulee to finish

Menton French Italian border

  Now that’s what I call a perfect lunch.

So many restaurants & so little time

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  This is where I enjoyed the wonderful food you see above.

The restaurant was next door to Le Nautic

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It’s very easy to get around Menton by car.

Bastion Museum

Menton French Italian border

    Jean Cocteau, painter and poet, became involved in the restoration and decoration of the Bastion, a small fort of the XVII century, in order to convert it into an exhibition place for his work.

One of the many beaches

Menton French Italian border

One of the most popular coastlines in the world.

Comfortable on the rocks?

Antibes Mediterranean resort

 Probably not too comfortable, however I would be very happy lying beside her, I would gladly put up with the pain from the pebbles. :)

Neil Diamond Love On The Rocks Subtitulado

High density living

Menton French Italian border

  On the left is the Basilique Saint Michel.

City view

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A great view overlooking the harbour and beach.

Harbour view

Menton French Italian border

Some of the thousands of boats on the French Riviera.

Crowded Marina

Menton French Italian border

Sun, sand & boats, however many of the Riviera beaches have pebbles instead of sand.

Breakwater

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It seems to be shaped like a large anchor.

The old cemetery

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  The previous photos have been taken from the Old Cemetery which is worth a visit. Great view of the old city and harbour.

Old Cemetery overlooking Menton

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Some very ancient grave stones here.

The old border checkpoint Menton French Italian border

Menton French Italian border

 Italy is just round the corner from the French Riviera… In fact, if you are in Menton, you can just walk across the border! The Italian town of Ventimiglia is located at the terminus of the coastal railway line that runs between Nice and Monaco. 

Menton is the perfect location

St Tropez to Cinque Terre 2

Menton is the perfect location to stay, 2 hours west to Saint Tropez, 3.5 hours east to the Cinque Terre and 45 minutes north to Breil Sur Roya one of my favourite villages.

                         Aussie girls

Menton French Italian border

Here are my 2 travelling companions from the Gold Coast in Australia, Jodie ONeill & Deborah Holliday. Many thanks for visiting my Menton French Italian border photo blog.

 
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Sing it for me please Edith. 🙂

 

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Antibes Mediterranean resort

August 11, 2015 by David Herd

Spanish Paella in Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Antibes Mediterranean resort

 Antibes Mediterranean resort is on the Côte d’Azur between Cannes and Nice. I enjoyed a nice Spanish Paella for lunch followed by a few hours exploring this delightful seaside resort town.

After the disintegration of the Western Roman Empire, various barbarian tribes seized Antibes. This resulted in destruction and a long period of instability. In the 10th century, Antibes found a protector in Seigneur Rodoart, who built extensive fortified walls around the town and a castle in which to live. For the next 200 years, the town experienced a period of renewal. Prosperity was short-lived, as the whole region fell into disarray for several centuries. The inhabitants of Antibes stayed behind their strong city walls as a succession of wars and epidemics ravaged the countryside. In the 1244, Antibes’s bishop moved his see to Grasse. By the end of the 15th century, the region was under the protection and control of King Louis XI of France. Relative stability returned, but the small port of Antibes fell into obscurity.

From around the middle of the 19th century the Antibes area regained its popularity, as wealthy people from around Europe discovered its natural beauty and built many luxurious homes here.

Stones instead of sand

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Like the majority of Mediterranean beaches you have to tolerate rocks instead of sand unless you are somewhere like Nice where they import sand for some of the private beach areas where you have to pay for the luxury.

This does not look comfortable

Antibes Mediterranean resort

 

 However I would be very happy lying beside her, I would gladly put up with the pain from the pebbles. :)


Warm sun & calm cool water

Antibes Mediterranean resort

No sandcastles here. 🙂

Toys for the boys.

Antibes Mediterranean resort

There are so many beautiful boats on the Riviera all along the coast from St Tropez to Menton. There is only one problem facing many of the owners, no matter how big your boat is soon somebody will arrive with a bigger one, see below. 🙂

The Sultan arrives, chopper on-board of course. 🙂

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Some of the wealth on display is astonishing.

An Aussie in Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Good name for a boat. 🙂

Antibes Mediterranean resort there is No Compromise 

Antibes Mediterranean resort

All you need is money, a lot of money. 🙂

Fort Carré d’Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

The Romans probably built the first fortifications at Antibes. In 1553, a tower called la tour Saint-Florent was built around a preexisting chapel. Henry III had four bastions added in 1565, whereupon it became Fort Carré (the squared fort).

 My two lovely travelling companions

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Deborah Holiday & Jodie ONeill from the Gold Coast in Australia travelled with me through the French & Italian Riviera. We were based in Breil Sur Roya a delightful  French village north of Monte Carlo.

Thanks for visiting my Antibes Mediterranean resort photo blog. Hotel Ibis Styles is a reasonable price, just book through THIS LINK.

                    
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Beach Babes French Riviera

August 10, 2015 by David Herd

Pebbles on the beach

Beach Babes French Riviera

Beach Babes French Riviera

Beach Babes French Riviera the very cosmopolitan city of Nice was originally founded by the Greeks & later became a retreat for 19th-century Europe’s elite. The lackluster port area is rapidly filling up with the city’s coolest restaurants and bars.

July 2010 marked 150 years since the Mediterranean city was ceded to France as a reward for French help in the second Italian war of independence against Austria. The locally born Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi was irate about the handover, knowing well – as generations of film stars, millionaires, princes, Mafiosi and tourists would later come to realize – that France had quite a trophy on its hands.

Iconic sea-blue chairs

Beach Babes French Riviera

While away the hours on one of its iconic sea-blue chairs rather than lay on the uncomfortable pebbles.

 36 Hours in Nice

36 Hours in Nice, France | The New York Times

A very nice You Tube video courtesy of The New York Times. 

 Private beach area

Beach Babes French Riviera

 The private beaches offer very comfortable sun chairs, umbrellas, and full service to their very EXPENSIVE bars. It’s a nice get away from the hordes of people on the public beaches, and the chairs are much more comfortable than the rocks.

Beach resort French Riviera Nice

Beach Babes French Riviera

Many of these private areas actually have sand instead of pebbles.

This can’t be comfortable

Antibes Mediterranean resort

However I would be very happy lying beside her, I would gladly put up with the pain from the pebbles. 🙂

The very congested boat harbour

Beach Babes French Riviera

I bet there is a long waiting list for a berth.

Toys and Condominiums

Beach Babes French Riviera

As in many other cities on the French Riviera you can really smell the money here. 🙂

Church Maria Sine Labe Concepta

Beach Babes French Riviera

This rather impressive church overlook the harbour in Nice.

Blue Vision 44m Benetti

Beach Babes French Riviera

‘BLUE VISION’ was built in 2007 by Benetti and last refitted in 2012. The yacht’s interior has been designed by Zuretti and her exterior styling is by Stefano Righini. Blue Vision’s interior layout sleeps up to 10 guests in 5 staterooms, including a master suite, 2 double cabins, 2 twin cabins and 2 pullman beds. She is also capable of carrying up to 9 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience. Timeless styling, beautiful furnishings and sumptuous seating feature throughout her living areas to create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere. With a cruising speed of 12 knots, a maximum speed of 15 knots and a range of 4606nm from her 63000 litre fuel tanks, she is the perfect combination of performance and luxury.

Beach resort French Riviera Nice

Beach Babes French Riviera

Sometimes written off as staid and sleepy, France’s fifth city is is thriving, tourism is a huge business in Nice, but the city also has one of Europe’s biggest technology parks, hosting 1,200 international companies.

Strolling along the promenade.

Beach Babes French Riviera

Nice’s Promenade des Anglais is part of the heart of this seaside French city. Nice’s Promenade des Anglais is lined with cafes situated directly on the beach, and it’s a bustling area active with cyclists, runners, walkers and roller bladers.

At this very spot in 2016 there was a shocking “terrorist” attack on revelers enjoying a Bastille Day fireworks display. Sadly 84 innocent people perished.

Hmm, which way to go?

Beach Babes French Riviera

Well I’m heading for Menton.

Beach Babes French Riviera  

Beach Babes French Riviera

Look closely you may see some rocks instead of sand. Rocks, what rocks? I don’t see any rocks. 🙂

Strolling along the esplanade in Nice.
Beach Babes French Riviera

Nice has a very good feel to it, I really should have stayed longer.

Fabulous boats in the harbour

Beach Babes French Riviera

 In fact there are thousands of luxury cruisers all along the Riviera.

Where there are boats…

Beach Babes French Riviera

 You are going to find the babes. 🙂

On the way to Nice.

Beach Babes French Riviera

This was only a few miles from Nice, I had driven from St Tropez and after Nice I headed for Monte Carlo.

Thanks for visiting my Beach Babes French Riviera photo blog.

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     Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837        IMG_7425    Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam       Main Square (3)     Vung Tau statue (6)

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

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.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
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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

 

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

June 8, 2015 by David Herd

Ibiza

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

 Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid was a shock to me when I returned after 36 years since my last visit. I couldn’t believe the number of condominiums along the Costa Brava.

Please forgive the photo quality, my 1.2 mega pixel Canon was my first ancient digital camera.

Ibiza beach

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

It was the off season in April so the people were few and far between, consequently I thought Ibiza was fairly overrated.


 

Valencia

 Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

This trip was part of an around the world journey starting in Bangkok before moving to Spain then on to Venezuela, Cuba and Los Angeles.  

David herd in Valencia

  Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

Valencia was founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC. The city is situated on the banks of the Turia, on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, fronting the Gulf of Valencia on the Mediterranean Sea. Its historic centre is one of the largest in Spain.

Better shot of the same place.

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

 Found this on my friends Jean-Paul Facebook page. 

Benidorm, we hated it. 🙂

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

I think the average age of the English and German tourists was mid 70s, there were walking frames everywhere. We went to a couple of bars and restaurants that were copies of similar places in Blackpool.

Cold beers in Benidorm

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

  I was travelling with Les who was a friend from the Gold Coast.  

El Campella near Alicante

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

Revisiting this seaside village was full of nostalgia for me. I had great memories from way back in the late 60s when I was travelling around Europe in a VW Kombi with 2 Kiwi guys. Campella was one of our favourite places where we ate Paellas and washed them down with gallons of Sangria. In those days the men would go fishing off the African coast and the women would sit on the beach making and repairing the huge fishing nets. It was a different world then.

This was 1965

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

 This was Rosemary & Mary, two American girls we met in Campella all those years ago. 🙂

Here are the 2 kiwi guys

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

 Keith Wagstaff & Dick, the photo was taker in Konstanz in Switzerland.

 Deja vu

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

So here I am again 36 years later eating Paella and drinking red wine, the more things change the more they stay the same.

La Manga

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

  We stayed one night in La Manga, who knows why? Certainly nothing to write about here.  

On to Madrid for a little history

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

It was nice to leave behind the walking frames and pommies (Englishmen) drinking pints and singing songs from WW2.  

Madrid

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

I really need to visit Madrid again one day.

Palace Hotel

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

Thanks for visiting my very ordinary post  on Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid with poor quality photos, please have a look at some better efforts in the section below.

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.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
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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
 
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Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Prague capital Czech Republic

May 17, 2015 by David Herd

Buskers

Prague capital Czech Republic

Prague capital Czech Republic

Prague capital Czech Republic, in 1993 I travelled by train through unspoiled mountainous landscape from Berlin to this fascinating eastern European city.

Wenceslas Square

Prague capital Czech Republic

 Many historical events occurred there, and it is a traditional setting for demonstrations, celebrations, and other public gatherings. I borrowed this photo from Wikipedia, there was no blue sky when I was there. 🙂

It was very cold

Prague capital Czech Republic

It was February or March and very cold, here I am outside Outside St. Vitus Cathedral.

 Vaclev at the Clock Tower of Loreta

Prague capital Czech Republic

At the Prague railway station I was approached by a well dressed elderly man asking if I had accommodation. He took me to his home where he and his wife rented a couple of rooms. It was a lucky break for me, the room was comfortable and cheap ($23 aud) with an excellent breakfast. Vaclev was a university professor and told me a lot about the history of Prague. On his day off he kindly gave me a tour of this wonderful city which was extremely kind of him.


Castle entrance

Prague capital Czech Republic

Apologies for the quality of the photos.

Castle guards

Prague capital Czech Republic

Seems like a very boring job. 🙂

Vaclev’s home

Prague capital Czech Republic

Here is where I stayed about 3 stations from the centre of Prague.

Cold night in Prague

Prague capital Czech Republic

Freezing actually. 🙂

Crossing the Charles Bridge

Prague capital Czech Republic

The historic bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century.

Lunch with Oliver

Prague capital Czech Republic

Oliver is a good friend of Andre Buzek (the crazy dentist) who was also from Prague. We spent some time together drinking beer and discussing Andre’s crazy antics. 🙂

Here’s cheers Oliver, nice to meet you.

Prague capital Czech Republic

Sadly our friend Andre lost his life in a car accident in Cub a, RIP.

Prague capital Czech Republic

Prague capital Czech Republic

Prague 1993 and McDonald’s had already arrived.

A lasting memory

Prague capital Czech Republic

It was quite late one evening and I was the only one in the Old Town square. Suddenly I was hearing trumpets playing in the deserted snow covered square in the heart of Prague. It was a fantastic mystical moment I will never forget. I borrowed the above photo from Wikipedia.

In the fourteenth century the city built around the Prague Castle expanded to the right bank. The history of the square goes back even further: as early as in 1091 a market existed at the site of the Old Town Square.

I hope to visit again one day.

Prague capital Czech Republic

My apologies for the quality of the photos, they will certainly improve on my next visit.

 Here are some more posts to check out       
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.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
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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 June 16 2020.

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Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

May 10, 2015 by David Herd

Leaving Split

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

 Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast, five hours hugging the coast by bus. You must cross Bosnia around the coastal town of Neum just north of Dubrovnik.

The fleet

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

The coastal route takes a little longer but I’m guessing it is more interesting.

Mountains hug the coast

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

I’m certainly glad I decided on the coast road to Dubrovnik, the scenery is excellent.

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

Lots of small villages squeezed between the mountains and the sea.

Halfway between Split and Dubrovnik

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

So far no traffic problems and the bus driver seems quite competent. 🙂

Small rail big drop

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

That safety rail does nit seem high enough for my liking.

Neum in Bosnia

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

 Neum is the only coastal town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It comprises 24.5 km of coastline, the country’s only access to the Adriatic Sea. In 2009 the municipal population was 4,605 and in 1991 the population of Neum town was 4,268.


Neum

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

Neum has steep hills, sandy beaches, and several large tourist hotels. Prices tend to be lower than in neighboring Croatia, making it popular with shoppers. Tourism, and the commerce it brings, is the leading contributor to the economy of the area. Border formalities with Croatia are relaxed at peak times. Neum has around 5,000 beds for tourists, 1,810 in hotels with the remaining capacity in motels, villas, and in private accommodation. Tourism in Neum is active only in the coastal region. The inland area behind Neum has a rich archaeological history and untouched wilderness and is starting to develop agricultural tourism.

Lunch break in Nuem

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

Time for a sandwich and a coffee before the final leg to Dubrovnik.

Neum in Bosnia

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

The scenery so far has not varied too much at all.  It seems like a nice quiet place to live.

Franjo Tuđman Bridge

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

On the edge of Dubrovnik is this wonderful structure. The original bridge design was developed in 1989, however construction was stopped at the onset of the Croatian War of Independence.

Franjo Tuđman Bridge

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

This bus trip will finish a couple of kms over the bridge.

Dubrovnik

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

My first glimpse of this ancient city, I’m getting excited.

Pile gate Dubrovnik

Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast

                       Well here I am, now if I can only find my apartment. Many thanks for visiting my Split Dubrovnik Croatian coast photo blog.
 

                 

                Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
 497d0b6e-c0bd-4ba2-86be-c02100f050a8        65470622-d17a-4b90-bf97-2574df4c412d        1a2160c1-41f7-465a-954c-631e083eb229
          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
f59e958e-8eaf-48b4-8e96-c291a0c13d1a        f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4        a6a948cd-f30a-49ea-a905-82be4d202cc9
           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
2246c6cf-5fa6-4fbe-ac30-b569253ad2a6        f65d714b-f44c-4b2e-9505-3511ebecbb80        4e82052a-24d0-41e1-ab84-10e8f27634d1

 

         

    Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
 
                                               Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
                                            d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037            01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Budapest beautiful river Danube

March 21, 2015 by David Herd

Budapest beautiful city

Budapest beautiful river Danube

Budapest beautiful river Danube

Budapest beautiful river Danube bridges on show in eastern Europe, in fact rarely has the first 24 hours in any city had such an impact on me. The lights, the beautiful buildings and bridges on the Danube are breathtaking. Buda Castle dominates the skyline near my hotel, certainly it’s more spectacular at night. The castle is the historical complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest, and was first completed in 1265.

Little Princess

Budapest beautiful river Danube

The original 50 cm statuette of the Little Princess (Kiskirálylány) statue sitting on the railings of the Danube promenade in Budapest.

Hungarian Parliament building

Budapest beautiful river Danube

 Budapest was united from three cities in 1873 and seven years later the Diet resolved to establish a new, representative Parliament Building, expressing the sovereignty of the nation.

A short video of the Parliament

Hungarian Parliament

Matthias Church and Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Budapest beautiful river Danube

Matthias Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Budapest, Hungary, in front of the Fisherman’s Bastion at the heart of Buda’s Castle District.

Budapest beautiful river Danube

Budapest beautiful river Danube

On their website they say “The AmaBella offers the ultimate in custom-designed luxury. This 161-passenger vessel features a combination of amenities and design details never before seen on the great waterways of Europe. Featuring an impressive range of stateroom categories, dining options and public lounges, AmaBella will transport you on the river cruise of a lifetime.”

This should be called the rainbow boat

Budapest beautiful river Danube

Cruising along the river was one of the highlights for me.

100 year old restaurant Budapest

Budapest beautiful river Danube

That is the actual name of the restaurant, I had dinner there on my first night in Budapest. It’s only 80 meters from my hotel, I was very tired after a long day travelling from Zagreb so perhaps I was not in the right mood.

100 year Old restaurant

Budapest beautiful river Danube

 I found the music was good but too loud and the Hungarian Goulash was ok, but I didn’t like the pasta that came with it.

Margaret Bridge

Budapest beautiful river Danube

  It is the second northernmost and second oldest public bridge in Budapest.  

Szeacutechenyi Chain Bridge Budapest beautiful river Danube

Budapest beautiful river Danube

One of Budapest’s famous bridges.

The Kiosk is my favourite bar

Budapest beautiful river Danube

  Just around the corner from my hotel this terrific bar shows old movies on the wall.  

Some like it hot

Budapest beautiful river Danube

One of the best comedy movies ever made was playing the other night, I had forgotten just how good it was.

Bar staff at the kiosk

Budapest beautiful river Danube

The guys behind the bar were very friendly.

Pretty face at the Kiosk

Budapest beautiful river Danube

That beautiful smile was certainly worth a photo.

The Buddha Bar

Budapest beautiful river Danube

This is the Budapest Buddha bar, I was in the Paris Buddha bar exactly 10 years ago in February 2005, have a look at my Paris post.                         

Museum of Fine Arts

Budapest beautiful river Danube

  I took this photo from the “hop on hop off” bus. These tours are a great way to get a feel of the city.  

Heroes’ Square

Budapest beautiful river Danube

Heroes’ Square or Hősök tere is one of the major squares in Budapest, Hungary, noted for its iconic statue complex featuring the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important national leaders, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

New York Cafe

Budapest beautiful river Danube

While riding on the “hop on hop off” bus I heard about the New York Cafe, I immediately got off and had lunch in this fabulous establishment.

New York Cafe lunch

Budapest beautiful river Danube

  Delicious food and not overly expensive give the venue.  

Piano man at the New York Cafe

Budapest beautiful river Danube

    Budapest’s answer to Billy Joel.

Oinos Restaurant

Budapest beautiful river Danube

A terrific restaurant which was recommended by Attila from the KIOSK. TripAdvisor rate Oinos 15 out of 1942 restaurants in Budapest. Their sweet Pea soup was as good as I have ever tasted anywhere. I also enjoyed the Lasagna but I wish I had ordered the ribs instead. A nice touch was a champagne welcome drink plus a liquor to finish.

Buda Castle

Budapest beautiful river Danube

  I really like this statue at the castle.  

Buda Castle

Budapest beautiful river Danube

Certainly one of the major attractions in Budapest.

Buda Castle

Budapest beautiful river Danube

The Buda castle is certainly a highlight in the city.

Hot rods at Buda Castle

Budapest beautiful river Danube

Wonderful vintage cars waiting for customers.

Budapest beautiful river Danube”

Budapest beautiful river Danube

Budapest beautiful city, Parliament house viewed from Buda castle.

Another short video of the Parliament  

Hungarian Parliament

On guard at Buda Castle

Budapest beautiful river Danube

    This guy reminded me of similar guards on duty when I was in Prague in the 90s.

Matthias Church

Budapest beautiful river Danube

Matthias Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Budapest, Hungary, in front of the Fisherman’s Bastion at the heart of Buda’s Castle District.  

Inner City Parish Church.

Budapest beautiful river Danube

  The oldest church in Pest still stands by this spot : the Inner City Parish Church. Originally built in Romanesque style, it was later rebuilt in Gothic style. It stands in part on the foundations of the Roman castrum.

German occupation Memorial

Budapest beautiful river Danube

The memorial to the victims of the German occupation in Budapest. Liberty Square statue erected composition, which is intended to restore the memory of the people who are directly linked to the death of Hungarians in 1944 the German occupation.

Shoes on the Danube Bank

Budapest beautiful river Danube

This is to honor the Jews who were killed by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen in Budapest during World War II. They were ordered to take off their shoes, and were shot at the edge of the water so that their bodies fell into the river and were carried away. This memorial represents their shoes they left behind. 

St. Stephen’s Basilica

It is named in honor of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (c 975–1038), whose right hand is housed in the reliquary. It was the sixth largest church building in Hungary before 1920. Today, it is the third largest church building in present-day Hungary.

Buda Castle

Budapest beautiful river Danube

The castle at night is one of the greatest sights I have seen anywhere in the world.

I hope you enjoyed my post on this wonderful city.

Budapest beautiful river Danube

Here are three bits of advice for you when Budapest, for a reasonably priced hotel in the very best location book the Promenade City hotel. Secondly, spend around $25 on the “hop on hop off” bus which will give you two days on the bus and also a very good river tour.

Live webcam here.

Finally stay away from this bar in Vaci St,  it is a shocking rip off joint, 2 girls struck up a conversation with me on the way in, we sat together and I had one beer, they were drinking like crazy. The bill came to 99,000 or $350 USD, I refused to pay it then they wanted 1/3. The waitress was in on the scam siding with the two blonds, she knew very well I only ordered and drank one beer. Just to get out of there I decided to pay 10,000, or $35 USD and left. Avoid this place at all costs. It’s such a shame they let this happen in this great city.

I hope this warning may save some people the cost and embarrassment.  Of course I should have realized as soon as these two young women started to chat me up there was  scam involved. Which only reminds me when travelling in strange cities you must always be on your guard. 🙂

       Budapest beautiful river Danube     Budapest beautiful river Danube

Thanks for visiting my Budapest beautiful river Danube bridges photo blog.
 Here are some more posts to check out 

          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

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

 Take a look at Budapest from the air.

 

Airshow Budapest 2014 Highlights

 

Sarajevo was one of my stops on the way to Budapest

 

Dubrovnik is a fabulous city

 

Mostar in Bosnia was a real surprise

 

Here is the entire trip

 

A stand out feature of this trip was my selection of hotels and apartments, everyone of them was in a perfect location…

Posted by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com” on Thursday, March 26, 2015

 

Check out these great photo blogs.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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