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Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

June 6, 2017 by David Herd

Bruges is really worth a visit.

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets, in fact I knew very little of this great place until I saw the 2008 movie called “In Bruges” with Colin Farrell, then I knew I just had to visit, I had the same feeling about Versailles after seeing the Woody Allen movie “Midnight in Paris,” so actually this European trip was planned around both those fascinating destinations. I was not disappointed the city is quite special, expensive but really special.  😆

Bruges waterfront homes.

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

Definitely a city that should be on your bucket list.

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

Belgium Chocolates, yum!

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

Now we all know how famous Belgium is for its chocolates however I am willing to bet you don’t always get a warm smile from a lady when you give her some of these.

Coffee in the sunshine

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

Here are my two English friends Bill Austin & Dave Catchpole not looking too happy, maybe it was something they ate.  🙄

In fact they were grumpy most of the trip which caused us to split up once we got back to Brighton on the south coast of England.

Outdoor Cafe in Bruges beautiful Belgium city

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

I have no hesitation in recommending this beautiful place for you to visit,  remember to book your hotel before arriving. Check the weather forecast as well, it is so much nicer walking around the village taking photos with a beautiful blue sky.

Thai Festival

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

What a coincidence, I’m living in Thailand & here when I visit Bruge there is a Thai festival happening. 🙂

Bruge Plaza

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

Interesting sculptures and fountains.

Waterside dining

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

A beautiful sky & French food by the water, what more could you want?

Nice restaurant

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

So many restaurants & such little time. 🙂

Wonderful terrine

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

Always on my list in Belgium or France.

Cruise the canals

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

One of the popular canal tours.

Or take a horse & buggy if you prefer

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

Personally I prefer to walk the city.

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

Lots of shops & restaurants to keep you busy.

The Park hotel is in a perfect location across the road from the above square.

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

There are many good restaurants and bars to choose from, however if I visit again it will be during the week as the weekends are so busy in summer most of the hotels are full. We paid 200 Euros for room at the Park Hotel with 4 single beds. For a good discount on rooms just book through THIS LINK.

Waterfront restaurant.

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

An interesting restaurant beside this wonderful tree.

Please click on Google + to help my page ranking.   

Catch fish from your window.

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

Picture postcard perfect in Bruges beautiful Belgium city.

Red wine & desert.

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

As you would expect there are many nice restaurants in Bruges.

Bruges beautiful Belgium city

Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets

Bruge was a wonderful experience.

Thanks for visiting my Bruges Medieval Buildings Cobblestone Streets photo blog.

                         

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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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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Thanks for visiting my blog on Bruges, and thanks to the movie “In Bruges” for inspiring me to visit this wonderful city. Please send the link to your friends https://fivestarvagabond.com/

 

Click here for my St Tropez post.

 
 

My fabulous world in 2014

 
 

Some Red light action in Bangkok

 

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

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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.

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

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1g Duck

 

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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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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.               

 

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1g Duck

 

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

 

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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.
 

                 

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    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
 
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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 

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

                                     

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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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Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

March 18, 2015 by David Herd

A very interesting city

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina capital is the largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with an estimated population of 369,534. The Sarajevo metropolitan area, including Sarajevo, East Sarajevo and surrounding municipalities, is home to 608,354 people.

The photo above is in the Baščaršija district of the Old Town and is only about 80 meters from my hotel.

Sebilj

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

The Sebilj is a pseudo-Ottoman-style wooden fountain (Sebil) in the centre of Baščaršija square in Sarajevo built by Mehmed Pasha Kukavica in 1753. It was relocated by Austrian architect Alexander Wittek in 1891. It is also frequently called “the pigeon square”.

Painting of The Sebilj

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

I saw this in a coffee shop just near the The Sebilj and thought it looked so good I would include it in this post.

Hotel Kovaci

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

The location is perfect, the rooms are average for the price of $70 aud per night. Breakfast is very average indeed but I would stay there again purely for the location. For a very good room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital, close to Kavaci hotel

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

The tram is right at your doorstep of the Kovaci hotel. You can catch the number 1 tram straight to the Bus & railway station. A word of caution, make sure you validate your ticket inside the tram, I didn’t and had to pay a $20 aud fine to a couple of Bosnian thugs, c’est la vie. 🙂

Avaz Twist Tower

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

The Avaz Twist Tower is a 176 m tall skyscraper,  construction began in 2003 and was finished in 2008.

View from the tower

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

I imagine the snow on the mountains is normal for March.

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

The view from the tower really give you an appreciation of the layout of the city.

Foyer of Avaz Twist Tower

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

This huge interesting sculpture dominates the foyer of the Avaz Twist Tower.

 Cevapcici

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

Ćevapi has its origins in the Balkans during the Ottoman period, and represents a regional specialty similar to the kofte kebab. I had one in Dudbovnik and was rather disappointed, however in Bosnia they were perfect, in fact I ate them three days in a row, twice for lunch and once for breakfast.

Donner Kebab

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

Another specialty is the Donner Kebab originally from Turkey, delicious but for me the Cevapcici wins hands-down. 🙂

Every day they play

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

They also debate every move in loud voices while playing, the onlookers shout advice to the opponents.

Chess in Sarayevo

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

I think I have got you now.

Orthodox Church

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

By now you can probably see there are many photo opportunities in Sarajevo.

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital, Taslihan

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

Taslihan was built in 1543 as the Ghazi Husrev-Bey’s waqf. It had a fountain, mosque, yard, shops and storage rooms.It was severely damaged in several fires that struck Sarajevo.

Favorite pastime is drinking coffee

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

No different to most other European cities, drinking coffee on the side-walk while being bought up to date with the latest gossip.

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

During the Siege of Sarajevo, Serbian forces purposely targeted many centers of the city’s culture, having suffered a significant amount of destruction, the reconstruction of the Mosque started with foreign help in 1996, right after the war.

Bascarsija Sarajevo

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

Baščaršija was built in 1462 when Isa-Beg Isaković built the Ishaković han, in addition to its many shops. At that time, most of the inhabitants of Sarajevo lived in the vicinity of the Emperor’s Mosque. Therefore, Isa-Beg Isaković built a bridge across the Miljacka to focus the main Sarajevo suburb and a new economic center of the city, Baščaršija.

Sarajevo tram

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

The trams are not too flash, they can also be expensive if you don’t validate your ticket on board. I was lazy and paid a $20 fine when two Bosnian thugs checked my 50 cent ticket and found I had not validated it, c’est la vie. 🙂

 Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital Dveri restaurant in

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

I had dinner at this highly rated restaurant two nights in a row, it was very close to my hotel and quite unique. The veal soup was sensational, I returned the 2nd night just to have it again.

Dveri veal soup

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

Tripadvisor rate Dveri 9th out of 339 restaurants in Sarayevo.

Dveri is quite unique

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

Many thanks to TripAdvisor once again for helping me find another terrific restaurant.

Farewell from Sarajevo

Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital

Thanks for visiting my Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina Capital photo blog, I’m heading back to Zagreb for one night before taking a train to Budapest.

Please check out these fabulous posts
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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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                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 

Mostar in Herzegovina was a real surprise packet.

 

After Sarajevo I went back to Zagreb.

 

My journey began in Istanbul

 

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

March 10, 2015 by David Herd

Split is ancient & modern

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city impressed me from my first glimpse, even more impressed when I got to my apartment. Two bedrooms and a good kitchen in a great location for $70 aud per night. Also the landlord Neven, could not be more helpful.

Harbourside Boulevard

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

A beautiful boulevard with no traffic,

Spectacular at dusk

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Lots of cafes & restaurants to relax & watch the passing parade.

No cars in the middle of town.

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

This nice street leads to my apartment.

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city sunset

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

  My favorite time of the day and a great time to take photos.  

Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

    The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, consecrated at the turn of the 7th century AD, is regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure. 

Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

The structure itself, built in AD 305 as the Mausoleum of Diocletian, is the second oldest structure used by any Christian Cathedral.  

Cathedral of Saint Domnius

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, consecrated at the turn of the 7th century AD, is regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure.

Bokeria restaurant

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

  Rated 25 from 219 restaurants by TripAdvisor.  

Bokeria restaurant

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

  I ordered Ribs and potato salad and I must say they were the best ribs I have had in many years.  

Inside the Golden Gate

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

The northern gate of the Palace (called the Golden Gate) had been conceived as the main entrance to the Palace and so it had been elaborately decorated with statues of the Emperor Diocletian and his co-regent Maximilian.  

The Golden Gate

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

Emperor Diocletian walked through them as he entered the Palace on the 1st of June 305. They were built in the shape of a rectangle, with double doors, as part of the defensive military tactics (propugnaculum).

The facade was decorated with niches containing figure sculptures of the four tetrarchs (Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius and Constantius Chlorus). Wikipedia.

Croatian National Theatre

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

Originally opened in 1893, the theatre is owned and operated by the City of Split and is one of the oldest surviving theatres in Dalmatia.

The Prokurative

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

  Prokurative, or officially the Republic Square, the famed Mediterranean Square in the center of the city.  

Marmont Hotel

Snap 2017-06-16 at 11.05.33

Enjoy some luxury in a great location, for a discount book with THIS LINK.

Coffee by the harbour

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

A perfect place for a morning coffee before exploring Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city.

Model of the city

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

  This model of the city gives you a very good idea of the layout.  

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

 Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

One of the many stunning ancient alleys.

My apartment, a great location

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

  Called the Apartments Marmont it is the yellow building on the left. Two bedrooms and a good kitchen in a great location for $70 aud per night. The friendly landlord Neven could not be more helpful. Book it through Agoda as I do for a terrific rate.  

My apartment is on the first floor.

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

The location is perfect just a short walk to all the shops and attractions.

View from my apartment

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

From my balcony you look down on some of the cafes and restaurants. 

Street art

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

One man’s street art is another man’s graffiti. 🙂

Morning coffee and a cigarette

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

  My biggest and only complaint in Croatia is they smoke everywhere, worst of all inside restaurants.

 “No Stress” cafe

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I love the name of this cafe, it really sums up my main goal in life.

Best breakfast

79dff95b-291c-4be4-926e-8960c4c99fbc

Easily the best breakfast I have had in Croatia, very good food, service and coffee.

Croatian Cevapcici

Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city

One of my favorite European dishes.

Fresh seafood

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Early morning and the market is buzzing.

How European is this?

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It has to be a quintessential European snapshot.

Overlooking the harbor

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I hope you enjoyed my post on Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city, I’m taking a 4’5 hour bus trip to Dubrovnik tomorrow.

Split is a very nice city, put it on your bucket list.

5ad151aa-7d32-44bb-83d7-460a103b9d29

                      Thanks for visiting my Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city photo blog.    
 
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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

Before you leave have a look at my Zagreb post

 

Have a look at Dubrovnik

 

Dubrovnik is a magic city, check out my travel blog for lots more great photos. https://fivestarvagabond.com/dubrovnik-medieval-croatian-city/

Posted by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com” on Tuesday, March 17, 2015

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

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

February 28, 2015 by David Herd

Istanbul is a super city

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul is a must for your bucket list, I took the long cruise to Anadolu Kavağı, departing 10.30 from Galata Bridge with a 3 hour break for lunch and returning at 4.30.

Bosphorus bridge connecting Europe and Asia was completed in 1973,  it is the 22nd longest suspension bridge span in the world.

The trip starts here

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

The ferry leaves from the Galata bridge for the 1.5 hour cruise to Anadolu Kavağı.

Rumeli Hisarı Fortress

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

At the narrowest part of the Bosphorus, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror ordered the great fortress of Rumeli Hisarı to be built on the European shore in order to control commercial and military traffic in preparation for the siege of Constantinople.


 

Homes on the Bosphorus

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

You really get an appreciation of the sheer size of the city when you take the Bosphorus Cruise Istanbul. Anadolu Kavağı is about 25 kms towards the Black sea and on both sides of the river there are thousands and thousands of homes.

Luxury home on the Bosphorus

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

Looking back I realise I should have allocated at least a few more days to explore this interesting part of the world.

Up market Istanbul

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

There are many upmarket areas in Istanbul.

We have arrived at Anadolu Kavağı.

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

Time to leave the Bosphorus river Cruise and have some lunch.

 The restaurants wait for customers

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

It must be the off season as there are not many people in the restaurants.

Many restaurants to choose from

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

They all compete aggressively for customers, each guy seems to use the same spiel, they say the price of this fish is 20, but for you 16, and so on.

Street cooking

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

  This is a good way to sample the food which is very reasonably priced.  

Two very friendly guys

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

These happy fellows really made you welcome.

 The seafood here was reasonably priced

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

  Except the large king prawns were very expensive.  

Decision has been made

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

The fish was quite good, the salad average, with a small bottle of sparkling water & a basket of nice fresh bread the cost was only $12 AUD.

Waterfront homes

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

  Right beside the wharf with the waves splashing on their doorsteps.


 

Bosphorus river Cruise, now will this rust bucket get us home?

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

Thanks for visiting my Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul photo blog, please add this city to your bucket list.

Fabulous photo

Bosphorus river Cruise Istanbul

 I found this on the internet & decided to add it to my blog.

That’s all folks

1aaa Duck 2

                            Here are some more posts to check out     
Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
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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

 

 

                        Here is a short video of the riverside

Istanbul river cruise Part 1
 

Here is my post on Istanbul city.

 

Head west for a while and you will arrive in Budapest.

 

Budapest was united from three cities in 1873 and seven years later the Diet resolved to establish a new, representative…

Posted by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com” on Monday, March 23, 2015

Take a look at 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

Dubrovnik was fascinating,

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

December 23, 2013 by David Herd

La Rambla

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city is one of my favourite places in Europe, architecture, food people pigeons, Ok forget the pigeons.  😆

La Rambla is a street  popular with tourists and locals alike. A tree-lined pedestrian mall, it stretches for 1.2 kilometres connecting Plaça de Catalunya in the centre with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell.

Plaça de Catalunya

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

Plaça de Catalunya is a large square in central Barcelona that is generally considered to be both its city centre and the place where the old city and the 19th century-built Eixample meet. The Eixample is a district of Barcelona between the old city and what were once surrounding small towns, constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Plaza de Cataluña

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

The open top bus in the background is by far the best way to see the city, buy a 24 hour pass and jump on and off as you wish.

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

Casa Milà

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

Casa Milà, better known as La Pedrera, is one of Gaudí’s main residential buildings and one of the most imaginative houses in the history of architecture.  This building is more a sculpture than a building.  The façade is a varied and harmonious mass of undulating stone that, along with its forged iron balconies, explores the irregularities of the natural world.  UNESCO recognised this building as World Heritage in 1984.

 Old Customs building.

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

Port Vell  literally in English ‘Old Harbour’ is a waterfront harbour in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, It was built as part of an urban renewal program prior to the 1992  Olympics. Before this, it was a run-down area of empty warehouses, railroad yards, and factories. 16 million people visit the complex each year.


 

Columbus monument

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

The Monument a Columbus was established in honour of the discoverer of America, Christopher Columbus. In 1493 Columbus was received in Barcelona after his return from America by King Ferdinand II. The monument is opened since June 1st, 1888.

In the background is Arenas de Barcelona

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

 Arenas de Barcelona, with its beautiful neo-mujedar architecture, used to be a bullfighting arena but has now been converted into a shopping plaza which houses an excellent Desigual store.

Gothic Quarter in Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

The Gothic Quarter is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. It stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to Ronda de Sant Pere. This is where my hotel was, in fact I took the photo from the hotel window.

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

The Gothic Quarter  is the centre of the old city. It stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to Ronda de Sant Pere.

Despite several changes undergone in the 19th and early 20th century, many of the buildings date from Medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona. Remains of the squared Roman Wall can be seen around Tapineria and Sots-Tinent Navarro to the north, Avinguda de la Catedral and Plaça Nova to the west and Carrer de la Palla to the south. El Call, the medieval Jewish quarter, is located within this area also.

The Barri Gòtic retains a labyrinthine street plan, with many small streets opening out into squares. Most of the quarter is closed to regular traffic although open to service vehicles and taxis.

Here is a link to book a popular two star hotel for around $90 per night.

Another link for a 2 star in a very good location.

Best food market I have ever seen.

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, often simply referred to as La Boqueria , is a large public market in the Ciutat Vella district, and one of the city’s foremost tourist landmarks, with an entrance from La Rambla, not far from the Liceu, the cities opera house. The market has a very diverse selection of goods.

Do you like lollies?

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

Make sure Barcelona’s market is on your bucket list.

Sagrada Família

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família  Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family), is a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, Spain, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926). Although incomplete, the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in November 2010 Pope Benedict XVI consecrated and proclaimed it a minor basilica, as distinct from a cathedral which must be the seat of a bishop. Construction of Sagrada Família had commenced in 1882, Gaudí became involved in 1883, taking over the project and transforming it with his architectural and engineering style, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. Gaudí devoted his last years to the project, and at the time of his death at age 73 in 1926 less than a quarter of the project was complete. Sagrada Família’s construction progressed slowly, as it relied on private donations and was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War, only to resume intermittent progress in the 1950s. Construction passed the midpoint in 2010 with some of the project’s greatest challenges remaining and an anticipated completion date of 2026, the centenary of Gaudí’s death.

Sagrada Família

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

Is there any other architect in the world who has a more recognisable style than Gaudí?

Super yacht really doesn’t do it justice.

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

What an unbelievable amazing example of wealth.

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city

Barcelona exciting Mediterranean cityBarcelona is certainly one of my favourite European cities. Thanks for visiting my Barcelona exciting Mediterranean city photo blog.

 
 
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          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

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Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Counter only started February 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos