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Bangkok-restaurant-shopping

June 10, 2020
by David Herd
Comments Off on Bangkok restaurants shopping 2020

Bangkok restaurants shopping 2020

Bangkok between Nana & Asoke   Bangkok restaurants shopping during the Covid-19 lock-down was still an enjoyable weekend, I really needed to get away from my home in Pattaya for a welcome change of scenery. This photo was taken from … Continue reading

Bangkok river buildings

December 3, 2019 by David Herd

Bangkok river buildings

Bangkok river buildings

Bangkok river buildings photographed from the Iconsiam free ferry shuttle on the Chao Phraya River. Everything from tall modern skyscrapers to ancient waterfront homes. The photo above is the State Tower which was built in 2001, it is the largest building in Southeast Asia, with 300,000 m² floor area. The building on the right is the Shangri-La hotel.

Shangri-La hotel

Bangkok river buildingsOne of the best locations in Bangkok, 5 minutes walk to the sky train. On the right is Centre Point hotel. For a discount at the Shangri-la just use THIS LINK. The rooms in Center Point are excellent, for a discounted room rate just use THIS LINK. 

Long-tail boat looking for customers.

Bangkok river buildings

These boats are very good for exploring the Bangkok canals. See more on THIS LINK. 

The old & the new.

Bangkok river buildings

 What a contrast we see along the Chao Phraya river, modern skyscrapers & wonderful old buildings.

The ghost building.

Bangkok river buildings

Often referred to as the Ghost Tower, the Sathorn Unique is an abandoned Bangkok skyscraper. Not only is it illegal to enter but it’s also in a state of dangerous disrepair. Where there’s a will there’s often a way, however, and many daring souls have slipped a “tip” to the security guards and made their way through the debris to experience an exhilarating adventure with glorious views over Sathorn’s towering buildings. 

CAT Telecom Tower

Bangkok river buildings

 This impressive office building is owned and operated by the Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT). Consisting of 30 floors.

View from Iconsiam shopping mall

Bangkok river buildings

 Great view of the CAT building with the State Tower featuring Sirocco restaurant on the far right with the gold dome.

Bangkok River Park condominium

Bangkok river buildings

 Bangkok River Park is  located at Trok Saphan Yao, Chakkrawat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100. Construction was completed in 1994. The condominium comprises of a single building, having 36 floors and includes 97 units.

Old waterfront homes 

Bangkok river buildings

 Such a contrast compared to the the modern high-rise buildings along this great river.

River City Bangkok shopping complex

Bangkok river buildings

River City opened in l984 and was the first riverside shopping complex of its kind in Bangkok. With over 47,000 sqm of space and a couple hundred retail spaces, the mall offers a wide selection of shopping choices. Its main focus is on Thai cultural articles and antiques. It does offer standard retail shopping as well. The mall also hosts a number of exhibitions, events, festivals and auctions throughout the year.

To the right is the Royal Orchard Sheraton, for an excellent room discount just book through THIS LINK.

Bangkok river buildings

Bangkok river buildings

 Icon Siam Mall is called the “Mother of All Malls”, with 500 shops and 100 restaurants from more than 30 different countries. Developed by the same tycoons behind Siam Paragon and EmQuartier, Icon Siam offers high-end brands, an indoor floating market, an art gallery, exhibition space, and a beautiful riverside location with views of downtown Bangkok.

Thanks for visiting my Bangkok river buildings photo blog, this great city is forever changing, put it on your bucket list.

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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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1g Duck

 

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Iconsiam Bangkok great food

December 1, 2019 by David Herd

Iconsiam Bangkok great food

Iconsiam Bangkok great food

Iconsiam Bangkok great food, however there is a problem, there are so many great places to eat it is difficult to make a decision. There is a selection of over a hundred famous restaurants from all over the world in seven different zones, each of them catering to diverse culinary tastes. The incredible choice of dishes available come from venues ranging from Michelin starred restaurants to famous Thai street food stalls.

Excellent Japanese food

Iconsiam Bangkok great foodVery authentic, it’s as good as you get in Tokyo. 🙂

California role, Unagi & Miso soup

Iconsiam Bangkok great foodOnly B420 or $14 USD. Siam Takashimaya offers three zones of Japanese food venues, the ground floor features a food court and more Japanese restaurants, while cafés and bakeries from across Japan on UG floor are divided into three smaller zones named after the Japanese prefectures of Kyoto, Hokkaido and Nara.

This restaurant specializes in seafood from Hokkaido.

Iconsiam Bangkok great food In fact I travelled to Sapporo in July 2018.

You gotta love food on a stick.

Iconsiam Bangkok great food Lots of varieties here to choose from.

Are you taking my photo?

Iconsiam Bangkok great food Yes, I certainly am, everything looks so good. 🙂

Casual dining

Iconsiam Bangkok great food Another interesting casual venue.

Check out the seven dining zones.

Iconsiam Bangkok great food

Iconsiam Bangkok great food So many restaurants & such little time.

Not sure what they are cooking here.

Iconsiam Bangkok great food Lots of heat under that big bowel.

Something a little more formal here

Iconsiam Bangkok great foodAs you can clearly see there are so many choices at Iconsiam, please put it one your bucket list, you will not be disappointed. 

The view from the ferry

Iconsiam Bangkok great foodJust catch the free shuttle ferry from Sathon pier, they run every 10 minutes or so.

Thanks for visiting my Iconsiam Bangkok great food 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. 
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1g Duck

 

 

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LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok

January 20, 2019 by David Herd

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok seem to be increasing in numbers each year. In Thailand a Kathoey or katoey is a transgender woman or an effeminate gay male. Many Thai people perceive that a kathoey actually belongs to a third gender.

Sit near the entrance at 6 pm.

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok

They usually start to arrive from 6 pm on, it’s rather entertaining seeing them arrive with an exaggerated walk & almost always stroking their hair.

Would you know the difference?

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok

 LadyBoys often look and act more ladylike than the ladies! Everything is exaggerated, particularly walking, where they look like they are on a constant catwalk. There is a more pronounced swaying of the hips, more elegant posture (particularly when seated), excessively flicking and fidgeting with their hair and over-applied make-up.

This was actually in Phuket.

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok

However he is a well known face around Nana Plaza, let’s just call him “Secrets”. 🙂

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok
Most LadyBoys are much taller than the girls & after living in Thailand for many years they are easy to spot. Ladyboys do not just exaggerate their femininity; they exaggerate everything! Every word and action is excessively flamboyant. This makes them stand out from the crowd because Thai culture is such that women (even those working in beer bars and go-gos) are usually quite reserved.

Definitely NOT LadyBoys.

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok

Gary & Brad are from Townsville & I’m in the middle & have lived in Pattaya for 10 years. However my first visit to Nana Plaza was 24 years ago in 1996.

 What a knockout..

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok By far the best looking LadyBoy I have ever seen was in Pattaya. My two Aussie friends Dennis & Nick were absolutely stunned. 🙂

All the action is here in Nana Plaza.

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok Without a doubt this is the best adult entertainment precinct in Bangkok.

Hello boys…..

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok Wow! what nice group of lads. 🙂

The boys from Bangkok

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok

A couple of fine feathered friends. 🙂

Call me old fashioned….

Restaurants bars Sukhumvit Soi 11 Bangkok However I prefer the real thing, someone like this gorgeous lady who is looking for a late night snack.

Thanks for visiting my LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok photo blog.

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1g Duck

Lots more photo blogs here;

Rio beach babes

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Sydney Harbour

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Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok

January 14, 2019 by David Herd

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok is Thailand’s tallest building featuring a glass floor 314 metres above the busy streets of Bangkok. A two-tiered observation tower is part of the complex that also hosts Bangkok’s highest rooftop bar and a 63-square metre glass tray floor. I visited with Brad Robbins, my friend from Townsville Australia, his girlfriend Por & her daughter Pang.

WOW! What an amazing building.

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok Quite breathtaking as you can clearly see.

Let’s buy our tickets.

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok The price is rather high, B850 or $26 USD for adults & B250 or $7.80 USD for children & seniors, & guess what? I’m a senior, YIPPEE!

How about this view?

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok The golden dome is the State tower with the famous Sirocco sky bar.

Across the Chao Phraya river is Iconsiam

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok Which is a large shopping mall, which opened to the public on 10 November 2018, as well as hotels and residences. 

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok The terrible haze covering Bangkok really effects the photo quality. I’ll visit again when the sky is blue.

The view is still spectactular

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok Imagine what it will be like on a beautiful fine day.

Elevator or the final 3 floors.

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok Going up was very fast, 74 floors in 50 seconds. Going down King Power set a trap for you, they force you to walk through 4 or 5 floors of shops, to make matters worse the exit on each floor is not clearly marked, so it is very difficult to get out of the building. 

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok famous glass floor.

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok You must take off your shoes & wear soft covers.

Not for the faint hearted.

Mahanakhon Sky Walk BangkokIf you suffer from vertigo the glass floor is not for you. 🙂

The highest point.

Mahanakhon Sky Walk BangkokRefreshments are available from the shop.

Finally we escape the King Power maze.

Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok You feel like quoting Martin Luther King “Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

That’s all folks

Mahanakhon Sky Walk BangkokThanks for visiting my Mahanakhon Sky Walk Bangkok 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. 
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

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Big Changes Nana Plaza

March 18, 2018 by David Herd

Improvements to Nana in Bangkok

Big Changes Nana Plaza

Big Changes Nana Plaza Big Changes Nana Plaza Plus Soi 4 are taking place right now in March 2018. A huge roof is being built over the Plaza & the bars in the centre are being built again.

Lucky Lukes is still the same

Big Changes Nana PlazaFirst bar on the right as you enter.

 VW bar at the back

Big Changes Nana Plaza Plus Quite a nice addition to the plaza, apparently it has been here 3 years yet I rarely venture to the back of Nana.

Playschool is an old favourite revamped

Big Changes Nana PlazaYou gotta love the pink. 🙂

Big Changes Nana Plaza Plus Soi 4

Big Changes Nana PlazaLollipop makes a comeback. It was Suckers & before that Lollipop again.

Here it is in 2017.

Big Changes Nana Plaza

This to me is the quintessential Nana Plaza photo, sums up many of the customers. 🙂

 Re-building the bars, again.

Big Changes Nana PlazaThis is at least the 3rd time the bars in the centre courtyard have been re-built, I have a feeling the current owners will do it right this time.

Last re-build was 2013, check this link.

Turn the clock back to 1997

ea33f1fd-370b-4fd4-a7d3-233653917273

My first visit was 1997 which was the start of a long and happy connection, not necessarily because of the Thai girls who are there basically to relieve you of your hard earned cash, more because of the great times I have enjoyed with friends from all over the world. Check out this photo blog which showcases them and many of the gorgeous babes we got tangled up with over these decades of decadence. 🙂

Another longtime Nana Plaza bar.

Big Changes Nana PlazaRainbow 1 has been at Nana Plaza for as long as I can remember.

Let’s wander down Soi 4

Big Changes Nana PlazaThis is one of about 4 Hillary bars.

New kid on the block

Big Changes Nana PlazaJust a short stroll down Soi 4 on the opposite side of the road.

Located in front of  the old Rajah hotel.

Big Changes Nana PlazaThe bars offer a nice alternative to the rowdy Nana Plaza.

Semi open beer garden

Big Changes Nana PlazaAt the front of Broadway in Soi 4.

Opposite Broadway is the Red Zone

Big Changes Nana Plaza Plus Soi 4Apart from the new bars there are a couple of high rise buildings under construction, hotels or condos, not sure which.

Used to be Bangkok & before that Spellbound

Big Changes Nana Plaza The more things change the more they stay the same. I first came to Nana Plaza in 1996, & here I am again in October 2018 drinking ice cold Tiger beer & listening to the Eagles sing Hotel California, the perfect song for this incredible venue. “You can check out anytime you want but you can never leave.”

Big Dogs has also changed a little.

Big Changes Nana Plaza Still a great spot to watch the arrivals.

Hello sailor.

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok  Girls will often be boys.

Lots of improvements at Nana

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok The best I have ever seen it look.

Always busy here

LadyBoys Nana Plaza Bangkok The action never stops.

Thanks for visiting my Big Changes Nana Plaza Plus Soi 4 photo blog.

Click on bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

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Wine Connection Central World

March 18, 2018 by David Herd

The Grill at The Grove

Wine Connection Central World

Wine Connection Central WorldWine Connection Central World Bangkok is called the Grill at the Groove, & is ideally located in the best location in Ratchaprasong district, this central business district is easily accessible via three different Skywalk links between BTS Siam station and BTS Chitlom Station.

Each Wine Connection restaurant has a liquor store where you can purchase wines from all over the world at very reasonable prices.

 Stunning decor

Wine Connection Central World

Great atmosphere, good service & excellent food.

Busy open kitchen

Wine Connection Central WorldThese guys really earn their money.

My brother Warren & Elyssa his daughter

Wine Connection Central WorldThey both love the food at Wine Connection.

Elyssa loved the eggplant

Wine Connection Central World Bangkok

The eggplant & the cold cuts with cheese are Elyssa’s favourites.

Spanish prawns

Wine Connection Central World My favourite dish at  Wine Connection Central World.

Good value Australian red wine

Wine Connection Central World

Priced at only B450 if you take it home or B500 if you drink it there.

Wine Connection Central World Bangkok

Wine Connection Central World BangkokThe bar area is rather spectacular as you can clearly see.

A very good pasta selection

Wine Connection Central World

The extensive menu has a great variety of pasta & pizzas.

Lamb shank

Wine Connection Central WorldThe terrific slow cooked lamb shank.

You can probably now understand why Wine Connection is my favourite Bangkok restaurant chain.

Thanks for visiting my Wine Connection Central World Bangkok photo blog. Follow THIS LINK for more Wine Connection outlets.

Check out the new Pattaya branch on THIS LINK.

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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               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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Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

January 12, 2018 by David Herd

The end to another great year

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect place to live for a guy like me. Good friends & great restaurants, what more could I want? Plus a reasonably short plane ride to many outstanding locations. Above is the incredible view from my Markland apartment on the 20th floor.

Birthday July 7

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectWhere else but the magic Mantra?

My brother Warren & Greg Clee on the left.

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect    Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

David Rose & Ray Ebzery on the right.

Birthday at the Atlantic bar

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectGeorge Hoult with Sharyn & Frank, all Aussies.

One of the many reasons we like the Atlantic Bar

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect Many middle eastern types who don’t spend money & aggravate the girls & customers are turned away, try that in Australia. 🙂 

Two more Aussies agree with the sign.

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectFred & Bill think its a great idea & so do I.

Are you ready for this?

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectBest sunsets in the world.

 Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

There something special about a silhouette.

Mark Yagala & Anne at Horizons.

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectMark of course is the guy who knocked off $50,000,000 on Wall St a few years ago, apart from that he is a very nice fellow. 🙂

The sign said “boat for sale”.

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectThe fine print said “needs a little work”. 🙂

I’m sure Mark Yagala could sell it. 🙂

One of my breakfast haunts.

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectThis is the branch at Central Marina shopping mall, I’m also a regular at The Bay on Beach Rd,

Celebrating my birthday

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect The girls stuck a candle in my croissant. 🙂

Huge renovation at the Amari Hotel.

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectThis work will go on for a couple of years, it’s only 2 blocks from my condo.

From the Amari to the Dusit Thani

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect Dim Sum is usually at the Peak restaurant but was relocated to the Bay restaurant for a few weeks.  

Probably the best dim sum in Pattaya

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect Follow THIS LINK for some other good restaurants.

Shakariki 432

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

An excellent authentic Japanese restaurant in 2nd Rd opposite Mike Hotel. 

Beach Road empty???

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectA rare sight in Pattaya, traffic was stopped for a parade.

Dinner at Leckerle (again)

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectJohn Hunjadi with cousin Greg & his wife.

Of course I had the pancake. 🙂

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectLately when I have dinner here I take away six servings of their pea soup.

Sometimes we wonder why we have problems with our internet at Markland

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

These highly trained 3BB technicians are quite fastidious as you can see.

Bacco Beach Italian restaurant

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectLocated beside the Glasshouse at Na Jomtien, very good food & right on the beach.

Wood fired Pizzas

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectThe pizza was excellent but I think the Holiday Inn on Beach Rd is better.

Justin & Steve Bates & Patrick Taylor

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectWe went to Chiang Mai for 4 days which was excellent then 8 days in Cambodia which was not so good. Reason being we all caught a dose of the flu which really took the shine off our holiday.

Surf & Turf at Wongamat

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectA terrific beach side restaurant with very good food.

Surf & Turf hamburger

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectGuaranteed to fix your appetite.

Geriatrics are us. 🙂

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectI think the combined ages were 272 years, from the right we have David Herd, Richard (Stingy) Blair, John Hunjadi & David Robertson who is even more Stingy than Stingy. 🙂

Bali Hai wharf.

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectThis was supposed to be completed by October 2017, however given the fact that this is Thailand it will more likely be Xmas 2018.

And so this is Xmas….

Pattaya Life Absolutely PerfectLight show at the A-One hotel.

One last Mantra dinner on December 28

Dec 28 Dinner (1) Hamish & I had a 20% discount voucher. 🙂

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect     Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

Fabulous food as usual.

Finally on the subject of food which is very dear to my hear.

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect Fresh prawns & Aussie lamb chops & cutlets from Big C.

Now you can understand why I make the following claim “Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect.”

Here are some more posts to check out

         Life 2015                     Family history                   Life 1982

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

  Adelaide 1972                 Iron Bar Freddy               Sydney 2006

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

Thailand 2008                Gold Coast Babes               World trip 2003

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

             Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
                              Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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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.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
Newport-peninsular-Sydney

Newport peninsular Sydney Home 1984

June 30, 2016 by David Herd

Newport peninsular Sydney is my personal photo history not part of my travel blog.

Newport peninsular Sydney

 Newport peninsular Sydney was my home for three years from 1984 to 1987. After becoming engaged to a beautiful Melbourne lady Karen Smith, I purchased a timber home perched on a hill above the Royal Motor Yacht Club. The cost was $128k, and I sold it after our engagement fizzled out 4 years later for $360K. I guess it would be worth nearly 2 million dollars today.

Absolutely gorgeous.

 As you can see Karen was a beautiful lady, it took me anther 10 years before I realised I was just not cut out for marriage or long term relationships. There is probably a multitude of reasons why, fear of commitment, too independent etc etc.

Dinner party at Herbert Avenue

We were very happy at Newport 80% of the time, I tried hard to settle down and enjoy life as a couple, every now and then however the “call of the wild” would interrupt our utopia.

Wolf Wottke (with the beard) had been my best friend for a number of years, I left him renting my Drummoyne apartment for a year or so until I got fed up chasing the rent. Consequently I sold it which in hindsight was probably a mistake.

Lots of birds & wildlife

These beautiful Rainbow Lorikeets would visit every day for their snack on the balcony.

Life was very good

I had all the toys, a beautiful Mercedes Sports, a cabin cruiser moored at the yacht club, a liquor store in Sydenham which I was in the process of selling and a good sales job with Canon Australia.

Lion Island

This great photo (excuse the quality) was taken on Lion Island in the Hawksbury River, from left to right we have Graham La Roche aka “Biff”, his girlfriend at the time Mona, Ross Ansell from Melbourne and Karen Smith & I.

Me Tarzan

Ross doing his Tarzan impersonation on Lion Island.

31 Herbert Avenue Newport

About 25 years later around 2012 I paid a visit to Herbert Avenue to see if things had changed. Apart from the colour scheme and far less vegetation nothing much had changed.

 Another day on Pittwater

My good friend Tony Murphy and his beautiful wife Inge join Karen & I on my 26 foot cabin cruiser. After 29 years I caught up with Inge in Melbourne in 2014.

My back veranda overlooked Bayview

Here is my good friend Paul Slaughter with two gorgeous girls, on the left is Trish and on the right an old girlfriend of mine Shirley.

Big Tim Bristow, dinner at Herbert Avenue.

 Tim Bristow was a friend of mine dating back from the time we met in 1971 when he was on my tail to give me a hiding, but that’s another story just follow THIS LINK. In the 70s just the name Tim Bristow struck fear into the heart of all those who knew him, an enforcer with a reputation of being one of the most brutal street fighters in Australia. Put simply he was legend, a bouncer at the Newport Arms hotel, would be contenders for his crown would travel from all over Sydney to try their luck, many came and all of them were sent packing battered and bruised.

 Sydenham Cellars

I sold my liquor store in late 1984 which took the pressure off me. I had been working with Canon for a few months and travelling to Sydenham (a one hour drive each way) at weekends to work in the liquor store. Meanwhile I dug a wine cellar underneath my Newport home and stored a huge amount of wine that I took home from the shop.

Unwins Bridge Road

 That’s Madison my beautiful 4 year old German Shepherd who used to diligently guard the store overnight.

Brian Millard on Newport peninsular Sydney

Brian was a boat broker at Newport and a regular drinker at the Newport Arms hotel. He lived just up the road at Bungan Beach before moving to Noosa where I believe he still resides.

 Richard on the left and Rob Carnahan

Two very nice guys who were customers of mine when I was with Canon. Their office was opposites the Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay so more often than not we would meet in the pub. 🙂

A bunch of my nephews & nieces come to visit.

Amazing seeing these old photos, all of these cute kids now have children of their own.

Sue and John Heatherington

A lovely couple who lived in the next street from us, John also worked at Canon in the computer division.

Malaysia 1985

John & Sue, Karen & I went on a Canon conference to Penang, here we are driving from Penang to Singapore via Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore Xmas 1985

Here we are in Singapore, notice the cigarette. I smoke on and off for most of my life until 2003. Usually 2 or 3 years then I would quit for a similar time before returning to the grip of the nicotine.

 Newport peninsular Sydney with Phil Parkinson 

Phil has lived most of his life on the Newport peninsular Sydney and I believe still does in 2016. He is the brother of my ex girlfriend Di Parkinson.

Melbourne Cup 1985

Karen & I at the cup with friends including another ex girlfriend Helen Burke who is on the left of the photo. Helen has a vineyard at Dromana on the Mornington Peninsular, I spent a few day there in October 2014 drinking wine with her and her partner Jack.

Oscars Coolangatta 1985

I can’t remember the name of the beautiful dark haired princess, she was the girlfriend of my crazy chiropractor from North Sydney.

Newport peninsular Sydney

Prior to buying my cabin cruiser I had this little run-about, it was a lot of fun, do you like the name? 🙂

Another guy from my rogues gallery.

Danny Rose one of Adelaide’s true characters, we had a day of the water, you can see “Stamped Urgent” in the background.

Beautiful Karen Smith

Certainly my life on the Newport peninsular Sydney revolved around lots of good friends and my beautiful fiancee Karen. My thanks to her for being the most important part of my life for those great years.

Thanks also to you for visiting my Newport peninsular Sydney photo blog.

Here are some more posts to check out

         Life 2015                     Family history                   Life 1982

2835141a-02cf-4cda-a909-2a8408a99f47
6a173a01-9744-404a-a45f-87a975ec90fa
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  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

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Brazil Hotels That’s all folks

1g Duck

Pattaya live webcam

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A-One hotel on Beach Road

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

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

Soi Cowboy (5)
e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e
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https://s214.photobucket.com/user/zulu928/embed/slideshow/David/84%20to%2087

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Buildings Chao Phraya River

July 17, 2017 by David Herd

Up the lazy river

Buildings Chao Phraya River

Buildings Chao Phraya RiverBuildings Chao Phraya River Bangkok are one of the many interesting sights in this great city. Take the Sky Train to Saphan Taksin station or grab a taxi. The river ferries leave from just below the station.

Above is the free shuttle to Asiatique an excellent night market 10 minutes away. Lots of terrific restaurants, be careful if you want to take a taxi home from there, they will quote B400 for an B80 ride, the Bangkok taxi Mafia is in full operation here.

Sathorn Unique Tower

Buildings Chao Phraya River 

Planned as a high-rise condominium complex, construction of the building was halted during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, when it was about 80 percent complete. It’s now the most prominent of Bangkok’s many derelict buildings, and has become a destination for urban explorers.

One of the many skyscrapers.

Buildings Chao Phraya RiverBangkok is really going through a building boom, particularly along the mighty Chao Praya river.

One of the very tall buildings.

Buildings Check out my Bangkok building photo blog on THIS LINK.

Sunset on the river

Buildings Chao Phraya RiverThere are many ferries large & small taking people on a cruise along the mighty Chao Phraya river, follow THIS LINK for another of my photo blogs.

The golden dome

Buildings Chao Phraya River Sirocco Sky Bar is the world’s highest open-air bar on the 64th floor of the State Tower located on Silom Road, Bang Rak business district, Bangkok, Thailand, the second tallest building in Thailand. 

Centre Point Hotel Silom

Buildings Chao Phraya River 

Centre Point Hotel Silom is the white building close to the State Tower, excellent 45 M2 rooms, for a discounted room rate just book through THIS LINK. 

All shapes & sizes

Buildings Chao Phraya River  So many interesting boats on the river.

Buildings Chao Phraya River Bangkok

Buildings Chao Phraya River

How would you ever find a life-jacket if there was a problem with the ferry?

Thanks for visiting my Buildings Chao Phraya River Bangkok photo blog, follow THIS LINK for the Asiatique market.                               

                            Here are some more posts to check out 

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          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
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           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
2246c6cf-5fa6-4fbe-ac30-b569253ad2a6        f65d714b-f44c-4b2e-9505-3511ebecbb80        4e82052a-24d0-41e1-ab84-10e8f27634d1
 
            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
                                               Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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Slide show here.

 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Amazing World Food

June 25, 2017 by David Herd

Eat to live or live to eat?

Amazing World Food Volume Two starting with Japan

Amazing World Food

 Amazing World Food Volume Two closely following  “Amazing Food Planet Earth Volume one” featuring my favorite food from all over this wonderful world. I’m not pretending to be a food critic I’m just highlighting some memorable food I have enjoyed over the years.

Kanazawa

Amazing World Food

Salmon sashimi with salmon caviar sprinkled with edible gold leaf.  The gold leaf is used in jewelry, cosmetics etc as well as the edible product you see here.

Shabu Shabu at The Ginza

Amazing World Food Volume Two

 Wagyu beef at Shabusen at the Ginza, a terrific restaurant for Shabu Shabu, go at lunch time for special prices. I could dedicate this whole post to Japanese cuisine which is my favorite food, however I do that in another photo blog.

 Itaewon in Korea

Amazing World Food

 This particular street in Seoul where all the restaurants are looks very ordinary through the day but it comes alive when night falls. It is the best bar restaurant area I have ever seen anywhere in the world.

Korean Street food

Amazing World Food

These street snacks look rather interesting.

French food in Seoul

Amazing World Food Volume Two

To be honest I’m not a huge fan of Korean food which is mainly due to ignorance, in future I must try ta few more dishes. Consequently here I am in Seoul eating french food, an entree of prawns, avocado & egg followed by steak tartare. 

Amazing World Food  Steak Tartare

Amazing World Food Volume Two

As I have found over the years this is a very tasty dish but too much for one person, better to share next time.

Lisbon in Portugal

Amazing World Food

A wonderful city for food & wine, in fact it quickly became one of my favorite European cities. 

What an amazing atmosphere

Amazing World Food

I’m sure this restaurant has not changed for hundreds of years. 🙂

One of the 6,000 restaurants.

Amazing World Food

TripAdvisor show around 6,000 restaurants is Lisbon so I’m guessing nobody eats at home. 🙂

The cakes & tarts

Amazing World Food

My downfall, how can I possibly resist?

Amsterdam 

Amazing World Food

Let’s start with breakfast in a private home with two suites for rent.

A light lunch at Cafe de Prins

Amazing World Food

Rated by TripAdvisor #322 of 3,241 Restaurants in Amsterdam. A fabulous baguette washed down with a Heineken.

Dinner at De Belhamel, lamb cooked to perfection.

Amazing World Food

TripAdvisor rate #93 of 3,241 Restaurants in Amsterdam. Here is the Michelin guide description; This art nouveau style restaurant is located at the confluence of two canals and has a delightful terrace overlooking the water. Influences from France and Italy combine to deliver tasty dishes with clearly defined flavours.    

Manhattan Island New York City

Amazing World Food

Food in the big apple is amazing, Gallagher’s lived up to it’s reputation as being on of New York’s best steakhouses, in fact my Surf & Turf could have fed two people easily.

Aged beef at Gallagher’s

Amazing World Food Volume Two

All fresh beef is aged for at least few days and up to several weeks to allow enzymes naturally present in the meat to break down the muscle tissue, resulting in improved texture and flavor. These days, most beef is aged in plastic shrink-wrap—a process known as wet-aging.  All fresh beef is aged for at least few days and up to several weeks to allow enzymes naturally present in the meat to break down the muscle tissue, resulting in improved texture and flavor. These days, most beef is aged in plastic shrink-wrap—a process known as wet-aging.

Amazing World Food Volume Two

Amazing World FoodLast but not least is a typical Australian lunch at my home when I was living on the Gold Coast in QLD Australia, I entertained often & this food took very little preparation.

I have eaten oysters all over the world, please check out THIS LINK.

Thanks for visiting my Amazing World Food Volume Two photo blog. Check out volume one here.

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 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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               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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Good English restaurants

Fresh seafood Bangkok

Steakhouse New York

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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