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Ten Years in Thailand

May 14, 2021 by David Herd

Ten Years in Thailand

Ten Years in Thailand

Ten Years in Thailand from 2011 to 2021, including friends & family who have made an impact on my life. The first 9 were great before Covid-19 hit with a vengeance & people could no longer travel freely between countries. 

The photo above was taken in the carpark next to the Sabai Resort in 2011 featuring Tony & Nikki Murphy, my brother Warren & a couple of Thai babes. 🙂

2011 at Rimpa Lapin

Ten Years in Thailand

A terrific restaurant about 30 minutes drive south of Pattaya. A great night with friends & family.

2012 50th birthday for Trevor Loresch

Ten Years in Thailand

Trevor’s son & daughter & Herbie pastor on the right. 

2012 with Nick Partridge & Joergen Ulitza

Ten Years in Thailand

On the way to dinner with Nick from the Gold Coast & Joergen from Melbourne. 

2012 Big Viv Kennelly from western Sydney with two friends

Ten Years in Thailand

They guys had a good time visiting Pattaya.

2013 & the boys from England arrive in Pattaya

Ten Years in Thailand

 They took to Pattaya like moths to a flame. On the left is my good friend Bill Austin, then Simon, yours truly, Chris & Dave Catchpole.

2013 the English boys & Dave Wylie

Ten Years in Thailand

We were dining at Froggies which was a terrific French restaurant until the authorities closed it down because he did not employ enough Thai staff. 

2013 The Beach Club

Ten Years in Thailand

A fabulous of a bunch of Gold Coasters. The big guy 2nd from the left is Nathan Corbett 11 times world champion in Muay Thai boxing.

2014 Xmas Day in Soi 6

Ten Years in Thailand

A bunch of Aussies who love the bars in Soi 6. Either side of me are Geoff & Doug.

2014 on the ferry to Koh Larn

Ten Years in Thailand

Irina from Russia eventually moved to France & got married. More Koh Larn photos here.

2015 at the Mantra for the fabulous Sunday brunch

Ten Years in Thailand

Without a doubt the Mantra has the best buffet I have ever seen. The food came from eight different kitchens.

2015 at the Party bar

Ten Years in Thailand

Lots of terrific girls on opening night, sadly the bar only lasted a couple of years. Check out opening night here.

2016 at Jim’s Burgers

Ten Years in Thailand

From the left, Hamish, Jonathon & Matt.

2016 at Pattaya Beer Garden

Ten Years in Thailand

Father & son, Christopher & David Robertson, aka Chocs.

2017 at the Atlantic Bar

Ten Years in Thailand

From the left we have Joergen Ulitza, Steve Reid, Pothole, aka John Martin & Bill Curtis who sadly passed away in 2020.

2017 A group of his Aussie friends say farewell to Larry Krausz who sadly passed away due to a major stroke.

Ten Years in Thailand

Larry & I travelled to South America, Thailand & London in 2000.

2018, the boys from Port Macquarie

Ten Years in Thailand

Coffee at the Holiday Inn with Chris Lockwood aka Dr Evil on my left & my brother Warren on the right. 

2018 Happy crew at Patrick’s Steakhouse.

Ten Years in Thailand

An excellent restaurant & one of our favourite places. Sally Schmidt & Wayne Schmidt, Patrick, Dan Escamilla & Hamish Elton at the back.

2019 at the Atlantic Bar

Ten Years in Thailand

Tony & Nikki Murphy with Nikki’s Dad & sister + my brother Warren & Pothole aka John Martin. For 20 years of photos at the Atlantic just click on THIS LINK.

2019 final feast at the Mantra

Ten Years in Thailand

Our favourite restaurant for over 10 years has closed permanently. Lots more photos here.

2020 at Holiday Inn with Mark Yagalla

Ten Years in Thailand

 Only 100 meters from my condo on Beach Rd, as you can imagine I’m a regular customer there.

2020 Hamish Elton loves to entertain his friends

Ten Years in Thailand

A Sunday BBQ at his home in Jomtien.

2021 Pothole’s farewell drinks

Ten Years in Thailand

Pothole aka John martin has spent a small fortune in the 12 years he has lived in Pattaya. Consequently he has to spend the next 2 years in Australia to qualify for the aged pension. Predictively he lasted 3 months & returned to the land of smiles. 

How lucky am I?

Ten Years in Thailand

This is the magnificent view from my condo on Beach Road.

Pattaya in all its glory

Unique Pattaya hotel

Home to around 100,000 people. 

Farewell for now

Living with Covid 2021

Thanks for visiting my Ten Years in Thailand photo blog, I look forward to the end of the Covid crisis so we can all enjoy life as we previously knew it.

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Travel tips fabulous countries

August 30, 2015 by David Herd

David Herd is the FiveStarVagabond

Travel tips fabulous countries

Travel tips fabulous countries

Travel tips fabulous countries feature some of my favourite places, many people may think I’m a bit of a dinosaur & perhaps I am, however I don’t know any other person who has travelled more than I during the last 30 years. Therefore I hope can provide you with a few ideas on where to go for your next holiday.

I’ll list the 5 countries in alphabetical order rather than by personal preference.

 Australia

Travel tips fabulous countries

The home of my birth and a country that offers a huge diversification of incredible travel destinations. Most people find it difficult to grasp the size of this great country, don’t make the mistake of trying to cover too much in 3 or 4 weeks, better to come back another time.

Sydney is the most spectacular city but don’t forget Perth and Adelaide both wonderful cities also. Then of course there is the Gold Coast in Queensland with it’s wonderful weather and beautiful beaches.

For a good budget hotel in Sydney just book through this link. Broadbeach is the best place to stay on the Gold Coast, here is a very good value apartment block in a perfect location.

Three suggestions

Sydney                           Great Ocean Rd                            Outback

Travel tips fabulous countries

I drove from Adelaide to Melbourne along the Great Ocean  road Australia in October 2014, I had driven this road once before in  1988.

Brazil Travel tips one of the five fabulous countries

Travel tips fabulous countries

Bigger and more diverse than Australia I have enjoyed 8 visits to the wonderful country. Rio de Janeiro is fabulous however there is so much more to see. Apart from Rio my favourite places are Praia de Pipa, Paraty, Iguazu Falls & Florianoplis.

Check out these Brazilian posts

Camboriu                                 Rio’s beaches                         Fortaleza           

Travel tips fabulous countries

Since 2004, the blocos have exploded and now there are now nearly 300 blocos with over 40 new ones appearing for the 2007 Carnaval.  The first blocos started only a little over ten years ago. This is the heart of theStreet Carnival” which includes the greater likelihood of locals playing percussion instruments with their friends at their favorite hangout as well as  the Bandstands and the many Parades of downtown’s Rio Branco Avenue. These events are inclusive and practice for the musicians begins months before the Carnaval and the parades do not end until Sunday of the following weekend.

Croatia is a must for travellers  here are Travel tips fabulous countries

Travel tips fabulous countries

It was March 2005 before I finally made it to this fascinating country, the photo above is the coastal city of Split. I travelled by bus between the major cities to see more of the actual country. I had a terrific 2 bedroom apartment in a great location for only $50 per night, book through this link.

Next door is Bosnia so make sure you also visit the wonderful city of Mostar.

Split                               Dubrovnik                              Zagreb

Travel tips fabulous countries

In Zagreb I stayed at the excellent hotel Dubrovnik overlooking the Main Square you see above, it was a perfect location with good wifi. Marc van Bloemen owner of Karmen apartments in Dubrovnik was the perfect host, he  a friendly Englishman who will point you in the right direction for restaurants, tours & places of interests, he also has a great knowledge of Dubrovniks history.

United Kingdom

Travel tips fabulous countries

So many places to see & so much history. I travel there most years making London my base, then visit cities & towns all over the country either by train or car. Apart from London some of my favourite places are Brighton, Bath, Glasgow & Bradford on Avon. The photo above is Gold Hill is a steep cobbled street in the town of Shaftesbury in the English county of Dorset.

London pubs                          Lands End                            Hyde Park

Travel tips fabulous countries

Travel tips. Great Britain has an excellent rail service, save up to 80% by booking your ticket before you arrive, just click here. London Underground’s Piccadilly Line provides the most cost-effective rail route between Heathrow Airport and the capital, so look for accommodation around Earl’s CourtGloucester Rd or Knightsbridge. For more information click here.

France

Travel tips fabulous countries

 Where do you start Paris or Monte Carlo, the choices are endless in this wonderful country. One of my favourite holidays was based in Breil Sur Roya a small village in the mountains near the Italian border just north of Menton. From here I was able to explore many medieval French & Italian villages as well as the fabulous French Riviera. The Roya river runs through town and is open to trout anglers from March to September. Part of the trout run is reserved for fly-fishing. Trout anglers share the river with white water rafters, another popular local sport.

Saorge                                  St Tropez                              Versailles

Travel tips fabulous countries

Chateau de Versailles Paris is a  fabulous destination which made my bucket list as soon as I saw the Woody Allen movie “Midnight in Paris”. When the Château was built, Versailles was a country village; today, however, it is a wealthy suburb of Paris, some 20 kilometres southwest of the French capital.

Italy

Travel tips fabulous countries

My favourite European Country by a long shot. The food, the wine, the crazy drivers who park anywhere, there is so much to see & do it’s hard to know where to start. Rome, Florence, Venice there are so many great cities, however if I had to pick two favourites they would be Sam Gimignano and the Cinque Terre.

Florence                              Lake Como                              Portofino

Travel tips fabulous countries

Travel tip, take a wonderful one hour walk from Santa Margherita. The homes are truly magnificent,  prepare yourself for a great experience when you arrive at the beautiful waterfront village of Portofino. The buildings, the boats, the restaurants, it’s all there. Just make sure you have your credit card and a wallet full of Euros. For the budget minded like myself it makes more sense to stay at Santa Margherita and visit Portofino on foot or by ferry. The Lido Palace is on the beach if you want to go upmarket, my hotel was one block back and reasonable priced, with free car parkingThe Mediterraneo.

Thanks for visiting my Travel tips fabulous countries photo blog.

  Please check out these fabulous posts  
Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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. 

 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
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 

Check out these great photo blogs.

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Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

November 21, 2014 by David Herd

It started in Bangkok

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya 2011 without any doubt was one of the best holidays I have ever had. Good friends & close family made it very special indeed. Here is a whole bunch of Herds plus Bjorn  from Germany who is Michael’s other half, my two lovely nieces Laura & Elyssa and my brother Warren.

Sadly we lost Bjorn early 2016 after he fought a long battle with cancer.

2011  was frantic, two trips to Thailand in January and July before moving there permanently on October 20th. Including visits to Krabi & the River Kwai. A few days in Langkawi Malaysia with my brother Warren. Sydney twice in September and October, then 3 weeks after settling in Thailand I was off to England for 3 weeks which included a road trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow via Fort William in the north of Scotland. All this coupled with clearing out all my worldly possession from my Gold Coast home before settlement on October 11. I am weary just writing about this frantic life changing year.

 

Post by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com".

Nana Plaza Bangkok

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

What sort of uncle would expose his nieces to such a infamous sinful environment? His name is David Herd and I’m guilty as charged. 🙂

Beergarden Soi 7.

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

First night in Bangkok the games begin. 🙂

Massage to star the day

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

One of the great pleasures in Thailand.

MBK shopping mall with Tom.

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

Amazing who you run into in Bangkok. 🙂

LadyBoy delivery

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

We gave this LadyBoy 400 Baht to knock on Don’s hotel room and say “hello baby” when he opened the door. We were all hiding in the hallway trying not to laugh. After I got the photo Don sent her away. 🙂

Don sadly passed away on 30th May, 2016 after a long battle with cancer, RIP buddy.


The gang at the Sabai Resort

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

The girls bought the shirts, they claimed the captions matched our personalities.

Hard Rock hotel

Ten Thailand travellers visit Pattaya

Having fun at Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.

Don, Nok, David and Bill at Sabai Resort

Ten Thailand travellers visit Pattaya

Don Wenham (RIP) from the Gold Coast, Bill Austin from Wiltshire & Nok from Thailand.

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya have dinner at Rimpa Lapin

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

Rimpa Lapin is a terrific beach-side Thai restaurant 30 minutes north of Pattaya.

Amari Hotel

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

A great spot to enjoy a cold beer.

Great photo at the Amari hotel

Ten Thailand travellers visit Pattaya

Bill Austin with Warren & his two daughters Elyssa & Laura.

Sunday lunch at the Mantra

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

I have lost count of the great Sunday lunches I have enjoyed with friends and family at the Mantra.

Alaskan crab at the Mantra

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

It does not get any better than this. 🙂

The fabulous Mantra restaurant, Amari hotel in Pattaya Thailand.

 

Coffee with the boys.

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

Bill Austin from Wiltshire, Denis Freemongrell from Oz, Don Wenham & Tony Murphy from The Gold Coast.

Pattaya Hilton

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

Great food and great friends.

Australia day at LK Metro

Ten Thailand travellers visit Pattaya

Bill with the girls at the Billabong Bar in LK Metro. Owned by an old friend of mine Greg Johnston. Greg actually sold the bar in 2014.

Billabong Dundee no doubt.

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

I have known Greg for over 30 years, he is keen to sell the bar/hotel and move to the country for a quieter life.

Exploitation at the Cherry Bar

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

What sort of uncle would encourage his niece to pole dance at a Thai beer bar? You guessed it, David Herd would. 🙂

Off to Rimpa Lapin

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

One of the terrific Pattaya beach-side restaurants.

Tom Yum soup at Rimpa Lapin

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

A big bowl for a little girl. 🙂

My favourite room 311 at the Sabai Resort.

Sabai Resort Pattaya

This is my favourite pool side room.

Don bought 20 watches to sell in Australia

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

Buying watches at Cosy Beach, genuine copies of course.

Don on the right sadly passed away on 30th May, 2016 after a long battle with cancer, RIP buddy.

Forget the watches I prefer this.

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

You gotta love those hot sexy Russian babes.

Even sexier from behind

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

Words fail me.

The beach club at the Pullman Hotel

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

Wongamat and Cosy beach are two great places to check out the Russian eye candy.

 

Centara Grand at Wongamat

Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya

Thanks for visiting my Ten Thailand travellers Pattaya photo blog.

Here are some more posts on my wild wicked ways. :)                    

   Life 2015                     Family history                   Life 1982

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

  Adelaide 1972                 Iron Bar Freddy               Sydney 2006

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

Thailand 2008                Gold Coast Babes               World trip 2003

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

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

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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


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