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Secret cities worth visiting

January 29, 2018 by David Herd

Interesting travel suggestions

Secret cities worth visiting

Secret cities worth visitingSecret cities worth visiting, well actually they are not all cities & not all secret, but they are all worth visiting. These are places mostly off the beaten track, places that many people may not have heard of.

Above is The lovely French village of Breil-sur-Roya which is particularly known for trout fishing. The Roya river runs through town and is open to trout anglers from March to September. Located in the mountains near the Italian border just north of the French Riviera.

Breil-sur-Roya

Secret cities worth visiting French and Italian rail lines run through Breil so it is very easy to travel anywhere. There is a great market every Friday at Ventimiglia on the border 30 minutes drive or 20 minutes by train from Breil.

Talking about Italy

Secret cities worth visiting In the Middle Ages and Renaissance era, San Gimignano was a stopping point for Catholic pilgrims on their way to Rome and the Vatican, as it sits on the medieval Via Francigena.  The city’s development was also improved by the trade of agricultural products from the fertile neighbouring hills, in particular saffron, used in both cooking and dyeing cloth and Vernaccia wine, said to inspire popes and poets.

Secret cities worth visiting include San Gimignano

Secret cities worth visiting

San Gimignano is famous for its Medieval village architecture, unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses, which, with its hilltop setting and encircling walls form “an unforgettable skyline”

 Have you ever heard of Florianopolis?

Secret cities worth visitingMost people outside of South America have not heard of this fabulous city which currently has an estimated population of 420,000 people. The Greater Florianopolis Metro area is home to about 1 million people. Florianopolis is a wonderful Brazilian city which should go on the bucket list for anyone intending to visit this wonderful country.

Friendly people who love to party.

Secret cities worth visitingJanuary 11, 2009. Newsweek placed Florianópolis in the “Ten most dynamic cities of the world” list in 2006. Veja magazine, a Brazilian publication, named the city as “the best place to live in Brazil.

 Kagoshima Japan 

290c6fab-610c-4e33-bfce-51e4a16f12cb (1) Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan Sakurajima had been peaceful since 2013 until July 2016, then suddenly plumes of smoke, cracks of lighting and a flow of lava came bellowing out of Japan’s Mount Sakruajima in July 2016. Located in a scenic bay on the southern island of Kyushu, this 1,117 meter high volcano has been a sleeping giant for the past three years prior to this fiery spectacle. The incident took place at 12:02 am on Tuesday at the mountain’s Showa crater, which resulted in a 5,000 meter high column of ash – but officials say no fatalities have been reported. Credit to STACY LIBERATORE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM  Read about it here.

Fabulous food

37214528876_fe8ca2eb4c_cOne of the many reasons I visit Japan often is the fabulous food. A village near the railway station is called Kagomma Furusato Yataimura. There are about 25 small restaurants that seat only 8 or 10 people.

 Forster Tuncurry east coast Australia

51d2bd0e-6c11-4969-a12f-3da1f7c61000 A population of over 18,000 people it is a holiday destination for many Sydney people who are only a 4 hour drive away.

A great area for fishing & boating.

Secret cities worth visiting

At the Northern tip of the Great Lakes, these twin towns are where Wallis Lake meets the ocean. The twin townships are surrounded by National Parks and feature majestic headlands and long secluded beaches. Boating, fishing, diving, paddling, cruises, whale watching and coastal walks combine with galleries, unique shopping and award-winning restaurants to create an experience rich coastal destination.

Mae Pim Gulf of Thailand

Secret cities worth visiting  Thailand Beach Resort Mae Pim on the gulf of Thailand is only ninety minutes by car east of Pattaya, and 2 hours south of Bangkok. Beautiful white sand and clean water, and so quiet and peaceful.

Secret cities worth visiting

Secret cities worth visitingLots of great Thai food & seafood in Mae Pim.

Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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  It’s known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a reconstructed medieval arched bridge. The nearby alleys are full of shops and market stalls, and the Old Bridge Museum explores the bridge’s long history. More on THIS LINK.

Cevapcici, the best I have ever had.

IMG_7624

Cevapi, or Cevapcici, are homemade sausages traditional of the Balkans area.

Thanks for checking out my Secret cities worth visiting photo blog, drop me a line if you need any information.

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.               

 Brazil Hotels 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               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
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Check out these great photo blogs.

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Brisbane City South Bank

August 29, 2016 by David Herd

Brisbane City Hall

Brisbane City South Bank

Brisbane City South Bank

 Brisbane City River South Bank was a pleasant surprise for me, it had been many years since I last visited and the changes were many. Way back in the 90s when I worked for Metway Bank and the NRMA I would travel there regularly for the endless tedious meetings banks & insurance companies were famous for. This trip was purely for pleasure after spending 10 days on the Gold Coast.

Uniting Church Albert St

Brisbane City South Bank

Across the road from City Hall stands this delightful old church which was originally built in 1888.

From the old to the new

Brisbane City South Bank

Infinity tower is the magnificent tall building (81 floors) on the left and the monster on the far right is 1 William Street which will house only government departments. The photo was taken from the William Jolly Bridge.

The William Jolly Bridge

Brisbane City South Bank

The art deco design bride was built during the depression and opened in March 1932.

 Sunday Suitcase sale August 21st 2016

Brisbane City South Bank

The majority seemed to be backpackers selling their old clothes.

Treasury Casino

Brisbane City South Bank

  Treasury Casino was formerly the Lands Administration Building until it became a casino in 1995.

Many cranes on the skyline

Brisbane City South Bank

There is no doubt Brisbane is in the middle of a building boom, just count the cranes on this small part of the city.

CityHopper is free

Brisbane City South Bank

The CityHopper lets you travel the Brisbane river for free, the ferries run every 30 minutes between 6am and midnight, seven days a week. Follow the link below for all the information.

Simply hop on and hop off and enjoy all the Brisbane River and city sights.

City Cat

Brisbane City South Bank

Another great way to see Brisbane’s city and suburbs. Check out THIS LINK for my photo blog.

A sunny Sunday afternoon at South Bank.

Brisbane City South Bank

Lots of people cross the river to visit South Bank with its many attractions.

South Bank tranquil garden

Brisbane City South Bank

The garden has a genuine rain forest feel.

A beautiful pagoda.

Brisbane City South Bank

This Nepalese Pagoda was originally brought to Brisbane for Expo 88, in fact I actually remember seeing it back then. Incredibly this is one of only three Nepalese peace pagodas in the world to be located outside of Nepal.

As you can see from my Brisbane City South Bank photo blog there is so much to see in this great city.

The Wheel of Brisbane

Brisbane City South Bank

Nowhere near as large as London or Tokyo but it certainly looks very nice at night. ?

 Approaching Equilibrium

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A rather interesting sculpture

Brisbane City South Bank

Brisbane City South Bank

This sculpture in front of the Queensland Art Gallery is named “Approaching Equilibrium”, I guess people with more understanding of art than I possess will appreciate it. In my opinion a better name would be “Big Black Mosquito”. 🙂

The heart of Brisbane

Brisbane City South Bank

The Queen Street Mall is certainly the heart of Brisbane, no traffic, lots of shops & restaurants.

Relax in the Mall

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A great “people watching” place where you can enjoy dinner & a glass of wine.

Lots of colour, lots of shops

Brisbane City South Bank

Day or night the mall is a hive of activity.

Eagle Street pier

Brisbane City South Bank

Eagle Street is Brisbane’s business hub, jump on a City Cat and cruise along the river past many of the cities landmarks.

Huge towers beside Eagle Street wharf.

Brisbane City South Bank

Lots of offices and lots of good bars & restaurants to capture the workers for lunch and dinner.

Brisbane City South Bank

Brisbane City South Bank

Cruise past the wheel on your way to lunch at The Regatta Hotel, you won’t be disappointed. 🙂

The Regatta Hotel

Brisbane City South Bank

The perfect spot for lunch or dinner, great steaks and good service. Check out my photo blog here.

Regatta Hotel

Brisbane City South Bank

Thanks for visiting my Brisbane City South Bank photo blog, this city has improved out of sight in the last 20 years.

Here are some other Brisbane photo blogs to check out.

City Cat cruise                        Hotels                               Restaurants    

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

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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               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
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Check out these great photo blogs.

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Sospel village near Monte Carlo

August 17, 2015 by David Herd

North of Monte Carlo

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

Sospel village near Monte Carlo is a small town situated about 15km inland from the coastal resort of Menton & close to the French border with Italy. We were based in Breil Sur Roya just a short drive through the mountains.

Briel Sur Roya to Sospel & Monte Carlo

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

A short drive to the coast.

Medieval town

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

This small medieval town feels almost Italian in character, maybe because it was part of Italy until 1860.


 

Relaxing in the town square

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

   Sospel became prosperous in the 13th century when an important salt trading route between Nice and Turin passed through the town and those using the route paid tolls to use the bridge across the Bévéra river.  

Houses along the riverbanks

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

    The streets of the old town contain numerous attractive medieval houses, many with decorative painted facades.  

Toll Bridge

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

The tower in the centre of the fortified bridge was originally the toll gate for the mules using the trade route. A bridge has stood here since at least the 13th century, although it is likely the original version was built of wood. In 1522 the wooden bridge was replaced by a stone version, much as we see it today.

Viaduct beside the village

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

You can spend many days exploring the beautiful part of France.

Coffee with Deborah

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

  Thanks for sharing my Sospel village near Monte Carlo photo blog, lots more links below.                  

  Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links 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

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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    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
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 


Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

 

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La Brigue ancient French village

August 16, 2015 by David Herd

La Brigue

La Brigue ancient French village

La Brigue ancient French village

La Brigue ancient French village north of Menton was originally part of Italy, the village was annexed to France as part of the Treaty of Paris in 1947.

Donjon tower

La Brigue ancient French village

 The village is both pretty and interesting, with colourful buildings, ancient churches, arcades, vaulted passages, streets to explore, and the pleasure of a fast-flowing river that’s joined by a mountain stream in the centre. The stream is called “Rio Sec”, or dry river, but was full of spring water when we were there. Many of the buildings are of natural stone and many are nicely renovated with pastel facades and green doorways and steps. The 14th-c medieval Chateau des Lascaris perched above the village is in ruins, with only some walls and a tall, round donjon tower remaining. Partial reconstruction, however, has been started, and the castle is used for medieval festival weekends. Reconstruction will be followed by archaeological digs on the site.

 Medieval stone structures

La Brigue ancient French village

 La Brigue is very attractive with steep rocky hills rising either side, also there are several important monuments.

ANCIENT STONE FOUNTAIN

La Brigue ancient French village

This fountain is dated 1741.

The water tastes so pure & cold

La Brigue ancient French village

This water is worth bottling.

Homes in La Brigue

La Brigue ancient French village

Wonderful ancient stone buildings.

La Brigue French village

La Brigue ancient French village
As you can imagine there are not too many hotels in La Brigue, Hotel Le Terminus is a good choice, excellent rates if you book through this link.

St Martin collegiate church

La Brigue ancient French village

I rarely enter a church however in La Brique I made an exception.

St Martin collegiate church

La Brigue ancient French village

A great shot of the local church.

Ancient buildings & narrow lanes

La Brigue ancient French village

One of the fascinating cobblestone lanes.

La Brigue ancient French village

La Brigue ancient French village

La Brique is a great example of a typical French mountain village.

La Brigue is on the Roya river

La Brigue ancient French village

Perched on the banks of the Sur Roya.

Looks like it will last 1000 years

La Brigue ancient French village

I’m guessing it has been there 1000 years already.

Deborah Holliday & Jodie ONiell

La Brigue ancient French village

These lovely ladies from the Gold Coast were my travelling companions. We were based at Breil Sur Roya between Saorge & Airole.

David Herd at La Brigue

La Brigue ancient French village

Thanks for joining me at my La Brigue ancient French village photo blog. Lots more photo links below.

   Please check out these fabulous posts   
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
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    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
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

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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.

Please check out these fabulous posts   
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

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    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.

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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

5315b942-fcf3-4cec-98e6-099dabb14fd9_2

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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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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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.

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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.

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Surfers Paradise life 1991

June 15, 2014 by David Herd

This photos defines 1991, this post is part of my personal online photo albums, as opposed to my FiveStarVagabond travel blog.

Surfers Paradise life 1991

Surfers Paradise life

Surfers Paradise life 1991 was as good as it gets, a new house, a nice car, a good job and a gorgeous girlfriend, a kiwi named Karen Greenwood. Karen was the main interest in my life for over a year. The relationship could safely be described as reasonably volatile. 🙂 It took me 2 or 3 more relationships over the next 4 or 5 years before I finally realised I was just not good at them. Consequently here I am happily alone 37 years later living in Thailand.

Above is one of my all time favourite photos, one of the many dinners parties at my new home at 106 Upton St Bundall, Surfers Paradise. My great buddy Harley Bradstreet used to love dressing up in his military gear, the other guy on the left was Harley’s gay flatmate. If Harley wore his Military gear he would do the same. The girls from the left were Leanne Sanderson, Mary Simpson, Kandice Aldington & Nicola Botica.

Kandice & Nicola wash the dishes.

Surfers Paradise life

These two lovely girls were always a great asset to any dinner party, an example of Surfers Paradise life 1991.

Another night another party with the usual suspects.

Surfers Paradise life

And the beat goes on, I think Kandice was feeling no pain on this particular evening. 🙂

Kandice was feeling no pain at all.

Surfers Paradise life

As I said before, another night another party with the usual suspects.

Here is another great kitchen shot. 🙂

  Jill

I think Jill is about to cook breakfast, or pour us another drink perhaps. 🙂

New fence at 106 Upton St

Surfers Paradise life

I moved into my new home July 1st 1990 but my huge fence was not built until early 1991.

Harly & Madison guarding the house

  Surfers Paradise life

Before I had the fence I needed an armed guard to keep my screaming fans at bay. 🙂 OK, I am joking, it is only my old buddy Harley dressing up again.

Roger Williams surrounded by special forces.

Surfers Paradise life

On the right is my old friend Harley Bradstreet who loved dressing up in his military outfit, he had a gay flatmate the guy on the left. This particular night they came to my home for dinner & you could have knocked me over with a feather when the flatmate was also dressed in military fashion. 🙂

Old friend Ian Rich

Surfers Paradise life

Ian was from Newport in Sydney, we met around 1968.

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Claudia Scrupin & Tony Murphy

  Surfers Paradise life

Another old friend is Tony Murphy who I  see regularly when he visits Thailand, plus I often stay at his home on the Gold Coast when I am there every 18 months or so.

Robyn Aylwood & Tony Murphy at Palm Meadows.

Surfers Paradise life

Robyn was a lovely lady who was the PR girl at Gold Coast international hotel, she moved to Melbourne Married & sadly passed away October 2010, RIP. Strangely enough her husband David Austin also passed away shortly after in July 2011.

A rose between two thorns

Surfers Paradise life

I don’t think so, two lovely ladies Kim English & Sharon Lee at Mariners Cove.

Dianne Bryce & Larry Wilson.

Surfers Paradise life

Larry was a terrific humour, he is the on coin coined the phrase about our mutual friend Harley Bradstreet “ANYONE CAN HAVE A BAD DECADE”. I often told people “if you need a good solicitor on the Gold Coast avoid Larry.” (only joking) Dianne was a fun lady who I took out a few times in the previous year or two. Ah Surfers Paradise life 1991 was very good indeed.

Two more old friends

Surfers Paradise life

I used to have regular drinks at the Avenue in Orchard Avenue with Len Jones & David Robertson. This was Surfers Paradise life 1991 and the Avenue is still there now in 2018 but it moved across the road.

Porsche, what Porsche? I can’t see a Porsche.

Surfers Paradise life

Two lovey ladies posing outside my home. Sharon Lee is on the right, I forget her girlfriend’s name.

Beautiful Karen Greenwood.

Surfers Paradise life 

I had such a good year with Karen however I have no allusions why she stuck around for so long. She was surviving on a pension raising a young child so money was very tight. The week before we met her car gave up the ghost which obviously curtailed her ability to get around. Along comes the white knight, aka David Herd who just happened to have a spare car which he generously provided as her much needed transport.  During our time together each time there was a major disagreement I would repossess the vehicle & poor Karen was grounded. Upon making up the car would be returned and things would be back to normal, so folks therein lies the major reason this super hot babe stuck around for so long.  🙂

Xmas day in Auckland

Surfers Paradise life

We spent Xmas & New Year in Auckland with Karen’s parents, towards the end of the holiday we were desperate for some time away from each other.

In the Bay of Islands

Surfers Paradise life

A gorgeous lady who smoked like a burning brake drum. 🙂

Happy times in Port Douglas

Surfers Paradise life

A nice trip to Port Douglas & Airlie Beach, little did we know (well I didn’t) there was only a week or so left in our volatile relationship. 🙂

 Whitehaven Beach Whitsundays

Surfers Paradise life

Is that the definition of sexy or what?

Perhaps one of the sexiest girlfriends I ever had

Surfers Paradise life

I took this photo 5 minutes after making love to this sexy lady.

This will amaze you…..

Surfers Paradise life

This was taken 26 years later in March 2017, she still looks fantastic.

Alan Pearson in Airlie Beach

Surfers Paradise life

I have known Alan for nearly 20 years, we knocked around in the same group when I lived in Adelaide in the 70s.

Surfers Paradise life

 

Mum & Dad’s 50th wedding anniversary.

Surfers Paradise life

My wonderful Mum & Dad celebrated their 50th with close friends at my brother Bryan’s Home in Leppington south west of Sydney.

Roberta at the Gold Coast Indy.

Surfers Paradise life 

Roberta Aitchison in her sexy Meter Maid outfit at the Gold Coast Indy. Shortly after she took over the Meter Maid company and still runs it today. Another example of my Surfers Paradise life 1991′

Surfers Paradise life 1991 & here is Harley laying it on thick, 

Surfers Paradise life

Yes ladies, I am a well known chick magnet.

Susan Hutton & her niece

Surfers Paradise life

Susan was a friend from Brisbane who would come to the coast and spend the weekend with me.

Another great photo to finish which shows  Surfers Paradise life 1991

Surfers Paradise life

Surfers Paradise life 1991 as you can see was fantastic mainly due to some very interesting people.

Life was just one big party in the 90s, thanks for visiting my post.

My favourite song from 1991.

 

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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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Just click on the photo for a flashback to 1982

 

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