Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Welcome to 700 travel blogs, to access a full index on your mobile please scroll to the bottom & choose from 700 locations. Email is [email protected]

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

April 9, 2017 by David Herd

Playground for the Rich & Famous

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

 Bellagio Lake Como Italy with it’s cobblestone lanes and elegant buildings with beautiful views over the famous lake. The village is characterized by century-old buildings & interesting stone lanes & steps.

 Cobblestone steps

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

Climbing all the Bellagio stairs is an excellent way to work up an appetite. 🙂

View from the top of the steps.

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

Every time you turn around there is another great photo opportunity.

Narrow lanes

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

I used to wonder why so many European towns & villages had such narrow streets & lanes. Then a friend of mine Riny Doyle, from Breil Sur Roya in the south of France, explained it was simple to control the temperature. Narrow lanes meant a much cooler environment, & lets face it in those ancient times there were no air conditioned shopping malls where you could get relief from the heat. 🙂

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

Delightful little cafes & restaurants

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

Around every corner there is a little cafe or restaurant.

If you prefer a water view

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

Here is a perfecy spot to soak up the view of Bellagio Lake Como Italy. Perhaps if you hang around long enough you may see George Clooney wander in with his beautiful bride. 🙂

Sadly I don’t have the time.

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

 

I don’t have the time to wait for George as I’m about to catch the car ferry to the other side of the lake.

Bit of a rust bucket

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

At least I don’t have far to travel.  

Lets explore a little more before I leave.

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

More stairs and more shops.

And another little hidden restaurant.

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

A surprise around every corner.

 Hotel Metropole

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

Right in the heart of town, just book through THIS LINK for a great discount on the room rate.

Or Hotel Splendide

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

Has views of the lake which is even better, just book through THIS LINK.

The crowd builds up

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

Lunch is over, now for some serious shopping.

Farewell to beautiful Bellagio

Bellagio Lake Como Italy

Just a wonderful Italian village.

As Andrea Bocelli would say……

Time to say goodbye. (lets not forget Sarah Brightman)

Ferry across Lake Como

Beautiful Bellagio Lake Como Italy

The views from the ferry are absolutely stunning. 

Thanks for visiting my Beautiful Bellagio Lake Como Italy 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

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

May 24, 2016 by David Herd

Lake St Moritz

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland was the first stop on my road trip from Pejo in the Italian alps Salzburg. This was certainly my best ever European trip which started in Lake Como then on to the French Riviera, a few days in the Cinque Terre  before heading for Milan,  Verona and Lake Garda.

I spent 10 days in a beautiful little French village north of Menton called Breil Sur Roya is known for trout fishing.

St Moritz Switzerland

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

A perfect summer day in St Moritz, check out some great hotel deals HERE.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

 Any hotel name with Palace in it you can bet you will need your black Amex. 🙂 Just use THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.

St Moritz

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

The streets were very quiet.

St Moritz in summer.

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

The whole city has an expensive feel about it.

St Moritz

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

Those mountains would be an amazing sight in the winter.

Here comes the snow

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

That’s the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel  with snow on the roof.

Fast asleep in St Moritz

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

Get a suntan on a beautiful summers day in St Moritz.

St Moritz

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

A family picnic by Lake St Moritz.

Picnic at Saint Moritz

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

Every January or early February, Polo matches are held on the lake.

Beautiful St Moritz

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

If you book a hotel using THIS LINK you will receive an excellent discounted rate.

I bet that water is cold

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

Even though it’s summer I’m sure that water would be freezing. 🙂

Breathtaking

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

If you would like the get a huge discount here just use THIS LINK to book.

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland, I must say farewell.

Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland

After a pleasant couple of hours in St Moritz I’m back on the road again heading for Germany.

 Thanks for visiting my Beautiful St Moritz Switzerland photo blog.

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

 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

 

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

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
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

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Magic Marble Mountain Vietnam

July 24, 2015 by David Herd

Marble Mountain Vietnam

Marble Mountain Vietnam

 Marble Mountain Vietnam where the statues are hand carved by certified and regulated stone mason artists. These artist begin a lifelong apprenticeship from a very young age and spend their life learning the trade.

 Huge statue

Marble Mountain Vietnam

 Mined from the famous Marble Mountain, in Vietnam, the premium marble offers quality and colours that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Plus the skill of the Vietnamese ensures a wonderful product.


 

Many beautiful statues

Marble Mountain Vietnam

I had to stop myself from sending a whole container home. TripAdvisor rate Marble Mountain 2nd out of 97 things to do in Danang.

Marble Mountain Vietnam

Marble Mountain Vietnam

 The stone carving village of Dong Hai, located next to the Marble Mountains in Vietnam is famous for traditional stone engraving and stone-cutting craft.

 

A Vietnamese Venus de Milo

Marble Mountain Vietnam

The statues here are rather extraordinary, all shapes and sizes. 

Bangkok to Danang

Marble Mountain Vietnam

There are about seven low cost flights per week from Bangkok to Danang, it only takes around 90 minutes.

Tiger on the prowl

Marble Mountain Vietnam

This guy is a rather mean looking beast. It reminds me of a funny story of my brush with a tiger in Chiang Mai, check out THIS LINK for the full story.

David Herd at Marble Mountain

Marble Mountain Vietnam

Thanks for visiting my Marble Mountain Vietnam post, please have a look at some more posts if you have the time. For great hotel rates simply use this link.    

         Hoi An, midway between Hanoi & HCMC, fly into Danang take a taxi south, on the way make sure you visit Marble mountain.

 

               

                      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
 

Slide show here.

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck


  • Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

July 24, 2015 by David Herd

White sand & a bright blue ocean

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 Beautiful China Beach Vietnam is in Da Nang, a port city along the coast of the South China Sea. While there is not a great deal in the city in terms of restaurants and bars at the moment, Da Nang has been targeted for massive investment by both the government and private companies alike, and is tipped to be a major destination for both tourism and commerce.

Beach Vendors

Beautiful China Beach VietnamAlthough I was last there in 2003 I’m sure nothing has changed with the persistent beach vendors. They do not like taking no for an answer and there is really no escape from them.


Everything is for sale

Beautiful China Beach VietnamJohn Martin aka Pothole examining the merchandise.

 

Two Americans

Beautiful China Beach VietnamWe met two nice Americans on the beach and had lunch together washed down with some cold beers. Notice my Lee Child novel close by. 🙂

For a great hotel rate just book through THIS LINK.

Shelter from the sun.

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 In more recent history, Danang is best-known for its role in the American Vietnam War. The Danang Airbase was a major American airbase, used both by the Americans and the South Vietnamese. Nearby China Beach, named after its beautiful china-white sand, was home to the 510th Evacuation Hospital, where wounded American soldiers would come to recover. China Beach itself was an American in-country R&R spot, nicknamed the “Five and Dime”. The Vietcong, meanwhile, had their own hospital surprisingly close by in the caves of the Marble Mountains.

 Beautiful Vietnamese face

Beautiful China Beach VietnamMy travelling partner John Martin aka “Pothole” was a bit of a lunatic, he is an excellent reason for travelling alone. 🙂

I forget what the young girl was selling however I just had to capture that beautiful face.

Marble Mountain

Beautiful China Beach VietnamIf you find yourself travelling from Da nang to Hoi An make sure you visit Marble Mountain.

China Beach Vietnam

Beautiful China Beach VietnamChina Beach Vietnam is a great place to relax however I would suggest you stay at Hoi An which is only 45 minutes away by taxi.

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 


Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 Who needs people when you have beautiful white sand & a bright blue ocean. 🙂

David Herd at China beach.

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

Thanks for visiting my Beautiful China Beach Vietnam travel page, one of my favorite places in Vietnam, however the image that sticks in my mind most of all are the beautiful faces of the people and their children in this amazing country. Have a look at some of my other Vietnam posts.

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

                    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
 

Slide show here.

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

                            

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Road Trip Nha Trang

May 25, 2015 by David Herd

Leaving HCMC

Road Trip Nha Trang

Road Trip Nha Trang

Road Trip Nha Trang via Dalat by mini bus with a one night stopover in Dalat. We travelled through some very interesting countryside stopping often for food and drinks.

Riding to school

Road Trip Nha Trang

 Young girl wearing the traditional ao dai. The name “ao dai” was originally applied to the outfit worn at the court of the Nguyễn Lords at Huế in the 18th century.

A tip for the boys

Road Trip Nha TrangI gave these boys a tip which made them very happy indeed.

 

Another happy face in Vietnam.

Road Trip Nha Trang

So many happy faces in Vietnam.

Beautiful country heading north

Road Trip Nha TrangRice terraces from the highway.

Village on the river

Road Trip Nha Trang

A whole town sits on the water.

What more could you want?

Road Trip Nha Trang

Vietnam’s version of waterfront homes.

HCMC Nha Trang Dalat Vietnam

Road Trip Nha Trang

  Compare the above and below photo and see if you can spot the difference.  

Looks the same doesn’t it?

Road Trip Nha Trang

  Of course you picked it, the mother is rocking the baby. 🙂 🙂 🙂  

Paddling by foot

Road Trip Nha Trang via Dalat

That’s a new technique.

Dalat market

Road Trip Nha Trang

Night market in Dalat.

Fresh fish at Dalat

Road Trip Nha Trang

     Đà Lạt, the capital of Lâm Đồng Province in southern Vietnam’s Central Highlands, is centred around a lake and golf course, and surrounded by hills, pine forests, lakes and waterfalls. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its distinctive temperate climate, Đà Lạt was developed as a resort by the French in the early 1900s, and many reminders of its colonial heritage remain.

Off to training

Road Trip Nha Trang via Dalat

    The kids are looking good in their karate outfits.

Lovely smile in Dalat

Road Trip Nha Trang

    So many smiling faces in this great country.

HCMC Nha Trang

Road Trip Nha Trang

Thanks for visiting my HCMC Nha Trang Dalat Vietnam post, this is really a worthwhile adventure if you want to see life in the countryside, this was 2003, check out some more recent Vietnam posts below.                       

                   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
 

Slide show here.

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

May 24, 2015 by David Herd

Japanese Covered Bridge

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Ancient Town Vietnam Central Coast is Hoi-An featuring wonderful French colonial buildings including this beautiful Japanese covered bridge which dates back to the 18th century. Probably the most photographed place in Hoi-An.

Crossing the bridge

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

I’m not sure what the ladies are selling.

For a great hotel rate just book through THIS LINK.

This is my favourite photo.

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

The culture & heritage is mostly from the Cham people whose kingdom originally stretched from Hue South to Phan Thiet (South of Nha Trang) – the Champa’s most likely originally from Java. The original Cham political capital was Tra Kieu, the commercial capital was Hoi An and the spiritual capital was My Son (Hindu). The Cham people were Hindu, and by the 10th century the influence of Arab traders to Hoi An resulted in some converting to become Muslims.

The second major influence was from the Chinese, firstly from traders but especially the escaping Ming Dynasty armies who after settling in Hoi An for some years moved further south and created Saigon as a major trading port.

Beautiful faces

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Hoi An is midway between Hanoi & HCMC, you can fly into Danang then take a taxi south, on the way make sure you visit Marble mountain where you can watch beautiful statues being made and perhaps even order one to be shipped home.

 

Here I am at Marble Mountain just north of Hoi-An.

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Marble Mountain Vietnam where the statues are hand carved by certified and regulated stone mason artists. These artist begin a lifelong apprenticeship from a very young age and spend their life learning the trade.

Travel Tip. Hoi-An has the reputation as the place to go to have clothes made, I think one of the best strategies is to take some of your favourite items and have them copied at a fraction of the price you would pay at home.

 Hoi-An French colonial buildings

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

One of the many Hoi-An French colonial buildings.

Please click on Google + to help my ranking.

Fu kien restaurant

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

A typical Hoi-Ann street scene.

 Beautiful buildings

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

There are so many wonderful buildings.

 Lanterns

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

There is a photo opportunity around every corner.

We asked where he was taking the duck?

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

He said I am taking it home to eat it.

Hoi Ann timber delivery

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Firewood for cooking I imagine.

Ancient Town Vietnam Central Coast Hoi Ann market

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Morning gossip at the market.

Banana anyone?

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

It is a hive of activity on the waterfront.

Happy faces

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Non la (palm-leaf conical hat) is a traditional symbol of Vietnamese people.

Great looking kids in Hoi Ann.

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Another couple of great Vietnamese smiles.

China Beach

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

During the war the Americans used the name China Beach to refer to the beautiful 30 km sweep of fine white sand that starts at Monkey Mountain and ends near Hoi An. Soldiers would be sent here for some R&R from bases all over the country.

Pothole shopping for art

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

 Pothole aka John Martin shopping for some genuine reproductions. 🙂

For a great hotel rate just book through THIS LINK.

Hanoi to Bangkok

 Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

It was the start of the Sars problem.

Thanks for visiting my Hoi-An French colonial buildings photo blog, one of my favourite places in Vietnam, however the image that sticks in my mind most of all are the beautiful faces of the people and their children in this amazing country. Have a look at some of my other Vietnam posts.

                         
 

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

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
 

Slide show here.

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Here are some of my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Copacabana beautiful beach babes

Nana Plaza Bangkok sex sin sleaze

Sexy Cherry Bar babes Pattaya Thailand

Tim Bristow Iron-Bar Freddy Tropical Joe

Atlantic Bar North Pattaya

Sexy Soi Cowboy Bangkok 

Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 6 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.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

January 12, 2014 by David Herd

Copacabana

Brazilian beach babes

bbdcf917-3c45-4c14-9135-d298e16d8c99

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes are a major reason us guys absolutely love this country. If you appreciate beautiful women there is no place on earth like Copacabana or Ipanema in Rio De Janeiro.

Beautiful girls on Copacabana

CopacabanabeachNov2003-117

I could publish a whole post on these two beautiful girls, the most magnificent skin colour I have ever seen.

Her name is Carla

CopacabanabeachNov2003-124

I first met beautiful Carla at Copacabana in November 2003 then again in 2005, a beautiful lady with a sparkling personality.

Happy faces at Copacabana

RioFeb2005145 (2)

In Rio De Janeiro 20% of the people live in the favelas where there is no luxury and no room to play. So naturally they come to the beach and worship the sun.

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

Covered in coconut oil.

39b55de3-e888-4c76-8829-da12c2bb80e5

Most of the Beautiful Brazilian beach babes  are Covered in coconut oil to accelerate their suntan. You will get no complaints from me.  😆

Busy day at Copacabana

a3492ddb-8605-4bce-b4d5-03c940163643

Some days it is hard to find a free spot on the sand and the beach is 4 km long.

  • On December 31, 1994, the New Year’s Eve celebrations featured a Rod Stewart concert with an attendance of 3.5 million, making it the largest concert crowd ever.  More recently, the beach has been a site for huge free concerts unrelated to the year-end festivities. On March 21, 2005, Lenny Kravitz performed there in front of 300,000 people, on a Monday night. On February 18, 2006, a Saturday, The Rolling Stones surpassed that mark by far, attracting over 1.5 million people to the beach.

Beautiful Mel from Nitoroi.

 

0b4ecd47-57a9-4dce-8f74-5cc86d784112

Mel is another beautiful girl I met on Copacabana, almost 6 feet tall with green eyes.

Another shot of Mel.

8367319e-0eca-4e2a-bc1e-0f357c74f219

Six feet tall with green eyes, such a beautiful girl.

Orange may now be my favourite colour.

4db02999-c943-4f02-8a1c-8d1431b90cfd

Such beautiful colour skin.

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

Hey! Are you taking our photo?

a3b36f81-170e-4e52-9e80-1a24502fd67d

I was caught in the act of taking their photo, my reward was this wonderful smile.  😳

My good friend Simone

c13928ba-1017-4927-99de-b04c838ff01a

We originally met on the internet, then in person in 2000. In 2005 we traveled together to Praia Da Pipa & Recife in north east Brazil. Simone now works in a bank in Sao Paulo and we stay in touch through Facebook.

Simone in Ponte Negra in 2005.

9e1751eb-8dc9-4b00-822c-cfd18f3076bd

The last time I saw Simone was in Rio in October 2009.

Without a doubt AGODA is the best online Hotel booking site.

Look closely & you may see some fish.

3598f1a3-d6c4-434b-888d-e19c820fd6cc

Fish, what fish? I don’t see any fish.  😆

Ipanema beach in Rio.

54ca9f1b-5376-40c0-ad6a-04ef34df8f04 (1)

Ipanema is absolutely breathtaking.

Brazilian beach babes & Silicone city

67cc44ee-2108-4fe2-9718-9b19df48b996

A little silicone never hurt anybody.

Rio Orthon a perfect location.

 

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK, book now & pay later, includes free cancellation.

Beautiful bodies everywhere

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

I wish I could shoot the other side.

Does my bum look big in this?

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

 Are you kidding, it’s perfect.

 Strolling along Avenue Atlantica.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

This is certainly one of the world’s great streets.

Pretty face on Copacabana

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Great smile on Copacabana.

Can I help you with that oil?

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Preparing for a day in the sun.

No way Jose, & put that camera away.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

The Beautiful Brazilian beach babes really do like to have there photo taken. 🙂

Do you know any good diets?

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Is coconut milk good for losing weight? I am a couple of kilos overweight.

Please click on Google + to help my page ranking.

 

Blue bikini goes well with brown skin.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

There is always something to see on Copacabana.

Look closely you may see a tattoo.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Tattoo, what tattoo? I don’t see a tattoo.

Brazilian beach babes, Ah! Say no more.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Those orange bikinis are very popular indeed.

Lookout! here they come

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

More beautiful Brazilian beach babes.

1999 in Copacabana

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

This is the lovely beach babe in the posts header.

Copacabana at 2pm on New Years Eve.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

The crowd is building up for NYE, tonight there will be 2 million people on the beach all wearing white.

A selfie at Balneario Camboriu

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Belneario Camboriu is between Florianopolis and Curitiba.

A lonely nudist near Balneario Camboriu

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Back to nature.  

Tall & tanned & young & lovely at Florianopolis

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Now that’s a girl worth following. 🙂

Does my bum look big in this?

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Most women have asked this question at some stage in their life.  😳

I would like to inspect the end of that tattoo.

 Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

This lovely lady worked on the beach at Barra da Lagoa in Florianopolis

Next generation beach babes.

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

As I pointed my camera without being asked  they all struck this pose. For me it captured the essence of Rio Di Janeiro. 

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

Brazilians don’t need a visa to visit Thailand. Please check out my webcam.      

Pattaya Beach live webcam

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

To receive my latest posts please follow me on Twitter          

                      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
 

Slide show here.

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen. 

That’s all folks

1g Duck

                     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                    
         Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                                                through these links below. 
Book now & pay later.
                                                Plus free cancellation .
                                               

                                                       Brazil Hotels

                                                      photo bfa98fd5-e449-4b91-856e-05a516d82239.jpg

 

That’s all folks

Beckington Trowbridge

Rio Orthon a perfect location.

 photo bfa98fd5-e449-4b91-856e-05a516d82239.jpg

 

For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK, book now & pay later, includes free cancellation.

 

Check out life on the other side of the world, just click here.

 

For a taste of the Italian Alps click here.

 

Lisbon is a great city for food and music.

 

One of my favourite posts.

 

Check out this Brazilian seaside city

 

 
Counter only started June 16 2020.

 

This gallery contains 2 photos