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Antibes Mediterranean resort

August 11, 2015 by David Herd

Spanish Paella in Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Antibes Mediterranean resort

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

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

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

Stones instead of sand

Antibes Mediterranean resort

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

This does not look comfortable

Antibes Mediterranean resort

 

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


Warm sun & calm cool water

Antibes Mediterranean resort

No sandcastles here. 🙂

Toys for the boys.

Antibes Mediterranean resort

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

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

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Some of the wealth on display is astonishing.

An Aussie in Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Good name for a boat. 🙂

Antibes Mediterranean resort there is No Compromise 

Antibes Mediterranean resort

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

Fort Carré d’Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

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

 My two lovely travelling companions

Antibes Mediterranean resort

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

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

                    
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Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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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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A-One hotel on Beach Road

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For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

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Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

June 8, 2015 by David Herd

Ibiza

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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

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

Ibiza beach

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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


 

Valencia

 Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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

David herd in Valencia

  Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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

Better shot of the same place.

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

 Found this on my friends Jean-Paul Facebook page. 

Benidorm, we hated it. 🙂

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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

Cold beers in Benidorm

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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

El Campella near Alicante

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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

This was 1965

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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

Here are the 2 kiwi guys

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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

 Deja vu

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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

La Manga

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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

On to Madrid for a little history

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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

Madrid

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

I really need to visit Madrid again one day.

Palace Hotel

Spanish Coast Ibiza Madrid

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

A-One hotel on Beach Road

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For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

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Prague capital Czech Republic

May 17, 2015 by David Herd

Buskers

Prague capital Czech Republic

Prague capital Czech Republic

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

Wenceslas Square

Prague capital Czech Republic

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

It was very cold

Prague capital Czech Republic

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

 Vaclev at the Clock Tower of Loreta

Prague capital Czech Republic

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


Castle entrance

Prague capital Czech Republic

Apologies for the quality of the photos.

Castle guards

Prague capital Czech Republic

Seems like a very boring job. 🙂

Vaclev’s home

Prague capital Czech Republic

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

Cold night in Prague

Prague capital Czech Republic

Freezing actually. 🙂

Crossing the Charles Bridge

Prague capital Czech Republic

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

Lunch with Oliver

Prague capital Czech Republic

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

Here’s cheers Oliver, nice to meet you.

Prague capital Czech Republic

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

Prague capital Czech Republic

Prague capital Czech Republic

Prague 1993 and McDonald’s had already arrived.

A lasting memory

Prague capital Czech Republic

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

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

I hope to visit again one day.

Prague capital Czech Republic

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

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1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure 2006

April 16, 2015 by David Herd

Another magic world trip

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure 

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure 2006

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure 2006, once again my journey began with a flight from the Gold Coast to Sydney in October 2006,  before arriving in Rio de Janeiro.

I flew to Teresina to meet a friend and her family then continued on to Forteleza and Belem. After Brazil I flew to Italy hired a car and headed for Portofino, San Gimignano, Vinci and Florence.

A friend in Sydney hosted a dinner at his hotel with several friends, great food and 2 very sexy waitresses.

This it not part of my travel blog, just part of my personal photo & travel history from 2006. Mainly revolving around the many people who helped make it another memorable year.

Freeway Hotel Crayfish

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

Crayfish? I can’t see any Crayfish. 🙂

Peter plays it cool

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

The following day I missed my Qantas flight to Rio through a mix up with the airline. I had to purchase another ticket, luckily a couple of months later Qantas reimbursed my original ticket.

A terrific night

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

 

GREAT FOOD, GOOD WINE & HOT BABES, WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?

 Copacabana Beach Rio de Janeiro, say no more.

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

 

These two look like they mean business.

Alan Austin and his wife Renata

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure 2006

Alan & I met in Rio and became very good friends, unfortunately the following year he ran into some problems with the English authorities and I now visit him every year in various English prisons.

Shenanigans Ipanema

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

Monday nights here there are lots of specials and the place gets really crowded. The guy in the red shirt is Alan’s Las Vegas friend Jay.


The girl from Copacabana

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

  I was relaxing on the beach when this vision appeared in front of me. I have never been one to let a golden opportunity pass so I brushed up on my social skills and introduced myself. Her name was Mel and she came from neighbouring Niteroi. Lo & behold within an hour we were in my apartment making mad passionate love. This certainly was one on the best days of my trip. 🙂  

Mel from Niteroi

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure   

Mel is around 6′ tall with amazing green eyes, a total knock out. It is 2015 and I still have her photo on a shelf in my condo. 🙂  

John, an Aussie guy who owned “The Office” restaurant.

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

John was an Aussie guy from Sydney and we swapped many stories about people we knew and knew of, mainly well known Sydney gangsters. 🙂   The following year John in fact was abducted by Brazilian gangsters who forced him to go to his home in Angra Dos Rios and pen his safe which they cleaned out.  

Cabo Frio

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

Here is my friend Renilda, she lives at Cabo Frio near Buzios with her son and lots of pet dogs. We met in 1999 on Copacabana beach and have had a lot of fun together. I have not seen her since I took this photo in 2006 but I hope we meet again one day.

Sueli and Silmarinha Oliveira

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

I actually met Sueli online so on my way to Fortaleza I decided to stop at Teresina to meet her and her lovely family.

The whole family in Terisina

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure 2006  

Here is the lovely family.

Fortaleza on the north Coast

  Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

Fortaleza is in the state capital of Ceará, located in Northeastern Brazil. With a population close to 2.3 million (metropolitan region over 3.4 million), Fortaleza is the 5th largest city in Brazil.  Fortaleza is one of the three leading cities in the Northeast region together with Recife and Salvador. The city will be one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, for which Brazil is the host nation.  

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

164 kilometers from Fortaleza is Canoa Quebrada.

Canoa Quebrada

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

 

We rode in a beach buggy  along the beautiful long beaches and wandered through the amazing coloured sands of  Canoa Quebrada.  

Belem at the mouth of the mighty Amazon

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure 2006

Such a beautiful face, (of course I mean the girl) these two were dancers on a cruise I took on the Amazon.  

The catch of the day

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

Belem is at the mouth of the Amazon river which represents more than half the planet’s remaining rainforests and comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rainforest in the world. Founded in 1616 by the Kingdom of Portugal, Belém was the first European colony on the Amazon but did not become part of Brazil until 1775. The newer part of the city has modern buildings and skyscrapers. The colonial portion retains the charm of tree-filled squares, churches and traditional blue tiles. The city has a rich history and architecture from colonial times. Recently it witnessed a skyscraper boom.  

Old man of the sea

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

 

By now his skin must be like leather.

2.30 am flight Belem to Rio

 Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

Ah! Copacabana I have missed you so much. 🙂  

Lets not forget Ipanema.

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

 

Ipanema is even more beautiful than Copacabana.

Lets have one last look at Mel

  Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

This is the photo I still have in my room today in 2016.  

Transit at Madrid

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

 

Changing planes in Madrid on my my to Italy.

Francesca in Florence

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

  Here is my friend Francesca, I was lucky enough to be able to crash on her couch for a few days.  

The Old Bridge Florence

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

  Certainly one of the most famous landmarks in this great city.  

Great Pizza in Florence

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure 2006

People queue every night to get into this tiny restaurant in Florence, the chef is from Naples and only has 3 choices on the menu, all magnificent.

Ines from Rio de Janeiro

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

Ines is the daughter of my friend Reni from Cabo Frio, she was in Florence at the same time as I was. Francesca cooked dinner while we chatted about old times in Rio.

 Beautiful San Gimignano

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

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

 San Gimignano

  Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

What a wonderful Italian village.

Lunch in Portofino

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

  When you visit Portofino make sure you have your credit card, seafood soup 26 Euros.  Maybe they charged me extra because I was dressed so upmarket. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Fabulous cheeky Portofino

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

    If you own a nice boat the babes will come. 🙂

Club Med yacht.

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

Club Med 2 is a five-masted computer-controlled sailing ship owned and operated by Club Med and operated as a cruise ship. It combines the power of seven computer-operated sails with more traditional diesel-electric power, having four diesel generators that power two electric motors.  

 Arriving in Bangkok

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure 2006

  My gorgeous friend Cleo who I catch up with every time I am in Bangkok.  

The boys at Honey pot in Pattaya

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

  Let the games begin, I’m back in Pattaya. 🙂  

Brazil Italy Thailand

Brazil Italy Thailand Adventure

Thanks for visiting my Brazil Italy Thailand post, it really was another incredible around the world trip.

                           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

 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Salvador North Coast Brazil

February 21, 2015 by David Herd

Fascinating & Unique

Salvador North Coast Brazil

Salvador North Coast Brazil

Salvador North Coast Brazil is Brazil’s 3rd largest city. Most of the population is in part descended from African slaves, who were mainly from Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Benin.

Praia do Porto da Barra

Salvador North Coast Brazil

We stayed in a hotel opposite this beach which is is only 5 kms from the historic centre Pelourinho.

Fort de Santa Maria

Salvador North Coast Brazil

Logo Nassau organized civil guards of Recife, Paraíba and Itamaracá to reinforce the troops and set off on April 8 1638, at the head of a naval fleet of 36 units at 3,600  Europeans and Indians.  He began the assault on Salvador in April 16, landing and gaining the surrender of the strong St. Albert, St. Philip and St. Bartholomew. But as Bagnuolo and the Governor-General had overcome their differences, Pernambuco army and the local garrison were united against the invasion consequently on the night of May 17 & 18 Nassau lost 300 men.


 I met Monica on the beach

Salvador North Coast Brazil

Mark it down as a big mistake, everything was ok for the first 2 days then she went kind of crazy. I actually cut my trip short by two days and flew back to Rio de Janeiro to catch up with Renilda, a gorgeous lady I  met there the previous week.

Crazy Monica 🙂

Salvador North Coast Brazil

Crazy is an understatement, anyhow after a brief fling I got out of Dodge. 🙂

Pelourinho

Salvador North Coast Brazil

The Historic Centre known as The Pelourinho is located in the western zone of the city’s centre, and was named for the whipping post (Pelourinho means Pillory) in its central plaza where African slaves received punishment for various infractions and disciplinary purposes.

The Pelourinho, is extremely rich in historical monuments dating from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Salvador was the first colonial capital of Brazil and the city is one of the oldest in the New World (founded in 1549 by Portuguese settlers). It was also the first slave market on the continent, with slaves arriving to work on the sugar plantations.

Salvador Bahia Brazil

Salvador North Coast Brazil

Once the capital city of Brazil from 1549 up until 1763 when it was succeeded by Rio de Jeneiro, Salvador da Bahia is considered to be the happiest place in the country. The city is best known for its food, music and general party atmosphere due to the numerous parties that now take place there.

Pellourinho

Salvador North Coast Brazil

Salvador is the second most popular tourism destination in Brazil, after Rio de Janeiro. Tourism and cultural activity are important generators of employment and income, boosting the arts and the preservation of artistic and cultural heritage.

Chief among the points of interest are its famous Pelourinho (named after the colonial pillories that once stood there) district, its historic churches, and its beaches.

Elevador Lacerda

Salvador North Coast Brazil

Elevator Lacerda is the first elevator Urban World. In December 1873 , when it opened, it was the highest in the world, about 63 meters.

Elevador Lacerda

Salvador North Coast Brazil

This is the best way to get up to the old city and for 15 Reals (each way) 

Salvador North Coast Brazil

Salvador North Coast Brazil

At the beginning of the 17th century, a  crane was used to transport goods from the port to the upper city.

Monica in front of Sousa Palace

Salvador North Coast Brazil

Sousa Square (also known as City Square) is a square located in the historic centre of Salvador , where there is a lot of public buildings in the city, such as Sousa Palace (now city hall).

Pothole has a way with children

Salvador North Coast Brazil Pothole aka John Martin certainly has a way with children. A grown up family in Australia & 2 young boys in Thailand.

The rest of the team

Salvado North Coast BrazilPothole aka John Martin & Tony Murphy.

Thanks for visiting Salvador Bahia Brazil

Salvador North Coast Brazil

Thats all from Salvador North Coast Brazil, bye for now from David and crazy Monica. 🙂

 Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

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

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                     43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837IMG_7425Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                    

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

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

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
 
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1g Duck

Holiday Inn

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

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

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Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

February 13, 2015 by David Herd

A wonderful unique experience

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve and the cruise ships are arriving. Nine huge floating palaces drop anchor to watch tonight’s spectacle. Music fireworks & noise.

Lovely hostess

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

I paid $400 for a ticket to a cocktail party on the 12th floor overlooking Copacabana beach. The lovely lady above let me visit the venue mid afternoon to take some photos.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

Mid afternoon and you can see the crowd building up. Two million people are expected to gather tonight at Copacabana most of whom will be wearing white.

Around 4 pm the crowd builds up

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

Through the afternoon the crowd starts to build.

More ships arrive

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

Nine huge ships arrived for the show.

A burning question

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

Sergio, we are in Copacabana Beach New Years Eve, do you think our ship will ever come in?

Now here is how we are going to handle troublemakers

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

Final instruction at 5.30 pm, the Rio cops are a very mean bunch.

The shadows cover the beach

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

The anticipation is building, you can fell the excitement in the air.


 

Going home to freshen up

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve an d as far as I’m concerned she is dressed perfectly.

The party begins

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

  Here is where I am watching the celebration, lots of food and booze, after all we did pay $400. 🙂  

Here they come

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

I have never seen a crowd this big anywhere before.

More and more all dressed in white

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve and millions come to celebrate.

 The excitement is building & more people arrive

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

I was in the perfect spot to see everything.

Standing room only

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

What a night it was, worth every cent.

In the top right hand corner you can see the Sofitel hotel, the location is perfect between Copacabana & Ipanema. For an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK.

I’m happy to be above the crowd

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

Let the games begin.

KERBOOM!!!!!!

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

  The fireworks begins, 2 million people onshore and nine cruise ships anchored off the beach.  

 Spectacular fireworks

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

 You can see five of the nine cruise ships here in this photo.  

Lots of noise

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

  Noise from the Fireworks and the amplified music that is blasting out from huge speakers along the beach.  

Here is the live action

 

Copacabana Rio Di Janeiro in Brazil, NYE, an awesome experience
 

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve and the beat goes on

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

The noise was quite incredible. 

The show went on for hours

NewYearsEveinRio59

I left around 1 am knowing I had seen the most spectacular NYE celebration in my life. The Sydney fireworks is certainly superior however when you add two million screaming people into the mix at one of the world’s great beaches it is game over.

I hope you enjoyed my NYE experience

Copacabana Beach New Years Eve

Of course for sheer drama and chaos check out Sydney New Year’s Eve 1981. 

 

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

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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                            through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

Pattaya live webcam
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Check out these great photo blogs.

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Pipa Beach North Brazil

December 4, 2014 by David Herd

Pipa Beach brazil

Pipa Beach North Coast Brazil

Travelled Natal Recife via Pipa

Pipa Beach North Coast Brazil, I remember sitting in a bar in Rio Di Janeiro with two friends Dave Wylie & Doug Roarke, (RIP) and when I asked what was their favorite place in Brazil, Doug briefly considered the question before saying “Praia de Pipa”. Until that moment I had never heard of the place, but on Doug’s recommendation I planned my trip. Pipa Beach Brazil quickly became one of my favorite places in the world.

Simone Cristina Oliveira

Pipa Beach North Brazil

 

I traveled 300 kilometers by taxi from with my friend Simone from Natal to Recife, we stopped in Pipa for a few days along the way.

Low tide in Pipa

Pipa Beach North Brazil

I’m sitting on the dock of the bay……..

 landua pousada Praia da Pipa

Pipa Beach North Coast Brazil

Only 30 meters to the water, in fact the photo at the top is right in front of the hotel.

View from landua pousada

Pipa Beach North Brazil

A wonderful location in this beach paradise.

Great bar close to our hotel

Pipa Beach North Brazil

Bar, what bar? I don’t see a bar. 🙂

The ice cream man.

Pipa Beach North BrazilSorry, I prefer a cold beer. 🙂

 

Eye candy at Pipa beach

Pipa Beach North BrazilA little eye candy never goes astray. 🙂

Don’t walk away Jose

Pipa Beach North Brazil

Great beach view here, this guy is certainly punching above his weight. 🙂

What! No water…..

Pipa Beach North BrazilBut who cares?

Low tide at Pipa

Pipa Beach North Brazil No fishing for these guys until the tide comes in.

Very low tide at Pipa

Pipa Beach North BrazilWho cares about the tide? 🙂

Enjoying low tide at Pipa

Pipa Beach North Brazil Back it comes.

Pipa Beach North Coast Brazil

Pipa Beach North BrazilA great day for a swim before lunch on the beach.

Look closely you may see some fish.

Pipa Beach North Brazil

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

Fresh for dinner tonight

Pipa Beach North BrazilI’m looking forward to dinner.

 

Fresh fish for dinner

Pipa Beach North Brazil Huge servings in Brazil.

 Caipirinha before dinner

Pipa Beach North BrazilIt’s got a kick like a mule. 🙂

 

Lovely Simone, what magnificent skin colour.

Pipa Beach North BrazilPlus she is one of the nicest ladies I have eve known.

Surfs up

Pipa Beach North Brazil

Very small waves here I’m afraid. 🙂

Local artist

Pipa Beach North Brazil Lot’s of colour here.

Didgeridoo

Pipa Beach North Brazil

Half a world away from Australia we came across these Scandinavian guys playing Didgeridoos, amazing.

Where does that tattoo end?

Pipa Beach North Brazil Would be a lot of fun finding out. 🙂

A perfect day.

Pipa Beach North Brazil Most days in Pipa are perfect. 🙂

 

Sand hills all along the coast

Pipa Beach North Brazil The sand hills stretch for miles.

Thanks for visiting my Pipa Beach brazil post

Pipa Beach North Brazil

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.

At the bottom of the page there are many more posts to check out.

 
 
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         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

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             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

Chiang Mai with Tone        9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)   191de3bb-38fc-45cd-bce7-ef24081c554b

Pattaya live webcam
 
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Samba Schools street parades

September 22, 2014 by David Herd

Carnival parade on Avenue Atlantica

Samba Schools street parades

Samba Schools street parades

Samba Schools street parades are called blocos in Rio, Carnival time in 2005 was just one huge non stop party. The excitement generated is absolutely electric.

Blocos are the street bands and groups

Samba Schools street parades
Blocos are the street bands and groups that are the main popular expression in Carnival of Pernambuco in Brazil. These celebrations are mixed under the term “street carnival”, a term that still includes the bandstands and parades at streets of Olinda and Recife, and happen during a period of about two months (beginning before and finishing after Carnival).

The biggest bloco is the Galo da Madrugada that attracts more than 2,000,000 people to downtown Recife.

Bloco on Avenue Atlantica Copacabana

Samba Schools street parades

The biggest bloco in Brazil is the Galo da Madrugada that attracts more than 2,000,000 people to downtown Recife.

Bloco truck in Copacabana

Samba Schools street parades

Never a dull moment in Copacabana.

Samba Schools street parades

Samba Schools street parades

You really almost need earplugs the music is so load. 🙂

Check out the speakers in the truck below

Samba Schools street parades

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 the “Street 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.

Same corner later that night

Samba Schools street parades

My apologies for the out of focus photo.

Full house on Copacabana beach

Samba Schools street parades

Of course it is almost shoulder to shoulder on the beach.

Samba Schools street parades Avenue Atlantica Copacabana

Samba Schools street parades

The noise, the people, the music is fantastic.

Samba vs Marchinhas

“If they have brass, they’ll usually call themselves a “banda”. Either way, they’ll rehearse for a month or two, or maybe not rehearse at all, and then they rent a sound truck for the singers and guitarists to ride on, and have a big parade. It’s sort of a “Let’s have a party!” down-home approach to Carnaval. It’s actually the way the escolas-de-samba used to be, way back in the old days…… Most blocos play samba or, if they have a brass band, they might play marchinhas, the peppy European polka-type music of old-school Carnaval. Carnaval music used to all be marchinhas, back in the 30’s, before samba was brought to Rio by immigrants from Bahia.”

Bloco in Copacabana

Samba Schools street parades

Carnival time in Rio is something everybody should try to experience at least once in their life.

One of the Blocos in Rio

Samba Schools street parades

The crowd at Copacabana is building.

Dancing in the street

Samba Schools street parades

The Rio de Janeiro street carnival begins in November. The street carnival are structured in groups named: bloco, cordon, band or rancho but they are really about simple fun with others. If you wander in the zona sul districts of Gávea, Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana and Botafogo during the Carnaval you will often find them hanging out prior to parading. This is known as the period of Concentration.

 

Most bands also have official T-shirts for sale on the spot for about US$10, to help with the costs. They make great souvenirs, as they are sold only on Rio Carnival days.
Samba Schools street parades dancing with chairs

Samba Schools street parades

Not too sure why the chairs play a part, tradition I guess.

This is Dave Sommer & his girlfriend

Samba Schools street parades

Dave lived & worked in Sao Paulo in the insurance industry, he & his girl both danced in the parade at the Sambadrome. I was lucky to have them take me to their Samba school to see everyone preparing the costumes & the instruments.

Sadly Dave was brutally murdered in Sao Paula January 29 2015, RIP buddy.

Trying on her Samba hat.

Samba Schools street parades

With some help from her excited Mum. 🙂

Here I am with mother & daughter.

Samba Schools street parades

What a lovely two Brazilian ladies, it was such a pleasure being invited into their home.

And here she is in the parade

Samba Schools street parades

Can you imagine my joy & happiness when I spotted my friend in the parade and was able to get this great shot. Before I left Rio I had it framed as a present for her. Sambadrome is the name given to an exhibition place for the Samba Schools in Brazil. It generally consists of spectator viewing areas surrounding a long alley for the schools to parade down.

Here is the Mocidade Samba school

Samba Schools street parades

The Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel Samba School, commonly known as Mocidade, formed out of a local football (soccer) club from the favela of Padre Miguel in Vila Vintém, a neighborhood located on the western side of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Known for its unique and unparalleled style of dance and its excellence in teaching its members the steps of the samba, Mocidade competed in its first Rio Carnival parade in 1955. 

Competing in Group B, by 1958 Mocidade won its first Group title, which bumped the Samba School up to the higher tiered Access Group. In 1976, Mocidade placed fifth in the Special Group and were the Rio Carnival runners-up in 1976. Finally, in 1979 the Mocidade Samba School won its first overall Rio Carnival title with a spectacular interpretation of its theme, “The Discovery of Brazil”.

Ever since, Mocidade has been known for the the unity and synchronicity in its performances, tying together the various aspects of plot with an innovative use of dance, music, costumes and floats. Known for its futuristic design concepts, Mocidade shocked the audience, judges, and other parading Samba Schools with a miraculous flying parader — a first in Rio Carnival history!

Mocidade Samba School

Samba Schools street parades

Do you hear the drums Fernando?

Dave has got his hat & instructions.

Samba Schools street parades

I think Dave had to pay the school about $400 to participate in the parade. Dave Sommer lived & worked in Sao Paulo,  Sadly he was brutally murdered on January 11 2015. 

It all leads up to Carnival, the greatest show on Earth.

Samba Schools street parades

Many thanks for visiting my Samba Schools street parades photo blog.
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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Magnificent Brazilian girls dancing Samba in Parity.

 

 

 

Sexy Brazilian blond dancing the Samba

 

 

A little further north is a real surprise

 

They speak the same language in Portugal

 

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Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

September 18, 2014 by David Herd

 Two fantastic looking ladies

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach
Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach in 2005 and I was there to help them have a great time. Probably one of my best trips to Rio, in fact it may have been the best. Good friends, beautiful women & lots of fun.

Above is a perfect example of the beautiful sexy Brazilian girls who flock to Rio from all over Brazil at Carnival time. On the left is Samantha with one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen. I was lucky enough to spend some time with her.

Samantha, oh what a smile.

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Samantha came from the country outside of Rio, I tried to contact her again when I returned in 2007 but the language barrier made it just too difficult to speak on the phone. I should have tried harder.

Haniball Lector lookalike

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Carnival is party time, there are so many wonderful characters, no wonder they call it the greatest show on Earth.

Another beautiful face in Copacabana

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Her name is Sylvia, a friend of Dave Wylie.

Tall & tanned & young & lovely

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

During the day the beach is the place to be and to be seen.

Back to Samantha at Copacabana.

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Yes, the more I think about it the more I think this was my best Rio trip.

 Sensational bikini babe at Copacabana

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

This beautiful girl in the orange bikini has the most wonderful skin colour, among everything else of course. 🙂


 

 I really had to look twice to be sure she was real 🙂

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

That is what I call a very healthy well built girl, her name is Irene, you gotta love Rio.

Doug, & two Daves at Copacabana.

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Doug is the guy kissing the lady, he sadly passed away a year or two after this photo was taken. A very nice man who’s company is missed by all his friends. Dave Sommer is in the middle, he lived & worked in Sao Paulo,  Sadly he was brutally murdered on January 11 2015. Dave Wylie is now in Crescent City and thinking about returning to Thailand in 2015.

OK, back to the babes

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Not too much has to be said about this photo, it seems to speak for itself. I must point out however that sexy topless girls are rare in Rio de Janeiro, one of the few locations is on Copacabana Beach in front of the Orthon Hotel.

Talking about hotels in Rio, if you want a very good discount just book through THIS LINK.

Copacabana is packed at Carnival

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Naturally the beaches are very crowded around Carnival & the weather in February is usually magnificent.

Tatiane & Marcelli, gorgeous girls.

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

My friend Dave Wylie introduced me to Tatiane & Marcelli, two absolutely gorgeous Brazilian girls.

What was her name?

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

I forget her name, but I spent some time with her after meeting her on the beach. 🙂

Surfs up at Copacabana

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Quite unusual to see such a rough surf here, usually the waves are quite gentle compared to other Brazilian & Australian beaches, especially Sydney at Bondi.

Another beautiful face

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

My favourite spot of an evening was the side-walk restaurant outside HELP nightclub. It was such a great scene, quite a large rectangular area and dozens of beautiful girls would circle it hoping for an invitation to sit down and have a drink with you. It was a little like the wild west days when the Indians would surround the wagons. 🙂

Evening wear Copacabana style.

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

 

At carnival time anything goes in the fashion stakes as you can plainly see. 🙂

I’ll try anything to attract a lady

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

There is no trick I won’t try to attract a ladies attention. Do you think this strategy is sending the right message?

Age is no barrier

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

An 85 yo American guy having a ball, age is no barrier in Copacabana at Carnival.

I keep coming back to Samantha

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Her lovely smile would light up a room, I’m just thankful it was my room. 🙂

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

160,000 people live in Copacabana and 44,000 or 27.5% of them are 60 years old or older. Copacabana covers an area of 7.84 km which gives the borough a population density of 20,400 people per km². Residential buildings eleven to thirteen stories high built right next to each other dominate the borough. Houses and two-story buildings are rare. When Rio was the capital of Brazil this was considered one of the best neighbourhoods in the country if not the best. Therefore the sea front apartments are extremely luxurious and classical. In the 1970s the neighbourhood descended in the social scales and now is one of the most overcrowded in the planet.


Dave Wylie in his element.

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

 One of the sexy babes with my good friend Dave who lived in Rio for around 10 years & speaks fluent Portuguese. He was the motivation for me to start my travel blog in June 2013.

My lovely friend Jackie

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

We met on the internet 3 years ago and have been friends ever since. Jackie has two children & speaks 3 languages, Italian, English & Portuguese. We are dining at Milano Doc between Copacabana & Ipanema in Rio De Janeiro

What about those beautiful eyes?

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

This is beautiful Diana, all 39 kilos of her. 🙂

The girl with the fluffy tail

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Here is Leila, as I said before anything goes in fashion when Carnival is on.

These sexy babes caught me with the camera.

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Sprung again, this is one of my favourite photos, I love the look on her face when she caught me taking the photo.

Sugarloaf mountain

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Sugarloaf mountain Rio De Janeiro  dominates the Copacabana skyline, take the cable car to the top for one of the greatest views in the world.


Street parade on Avenue Atlantica

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

Thousands of party animals follow the trucks which have music blaring and people cheering & having fun. I plan to write another post just on the street Blocos & the Carnival preparations, stay tuned. 🙂

Beautiful Carla

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

I met this beautiful lady 2 years ago in 2003 and I really must show you a photo from then.

Carla in 2003

Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach

 

Carla has the most magnificent skin colour I have ever seen.

Many thanks for visiting my Sexy Babes Copacabana Beach photo blog.

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