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Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

November 6, 2016 by David Herd

Ferry across Kinko Bay to Sakurajima

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

 Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan Sakurajima had been peaceful since 2013 until July 2016, then suddenly plumes of smoke, cracks of lighting and a flow of lava came bellowing out of Japan’s Mount Sakruajima in July 2016. Located in a scenic bay on the southern island of Kyushu, this 1,117 meter high volcano has been a sleeping giant for the past three years prior to this fiery spectacle. The incident took place at 12:02 am on Tuesday at the mountain’s Showa crater, which resulted in a 5,000 meter high column of ash – but officials say no fatalities have been reported. Credit to STACY LIBERATORE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM  Read about it here.

Experts have voiced concerns about the volcanic activity on the Pacific Island, primarily that it could be completely wiped by one massive eruption in the next century – killing all of its some 127 million inhabitants.

Leaving the terminal

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

Plenty to see on the short voyage across Kinko Bay.

On deck with the breeze in your face (or the phone)

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

Best spot for a photo opportunity.

Here I am heading for the island.

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

Hope to see at least a few puffs of smoke. 🙂

We arrive at Sakurajima

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

It’s a very short ferry ride, about 4 km at a cost of 170 Yen.

It is also a car ferry

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

About 5,000 people live on the island.

Tour bus around the island

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

For a 90 minute trip the cost was 500 Yen or about $6 AUD. You can get on & off the bus at different points of interest.

SAKEBI-NO-ZO (Shouting Statue) Park

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

Apparently a rock musician held a concert in 2004 in front of 75,000 screaming fans. To commemorate the concert, he built a statue of himself, this statue shouts at Sakurajima.

 Up close to the volcano

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

We enjoy a 15 minute stop at the lookout to take some photos.

Sakurajima active volcano Kagoshima lava spread

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

Many types of fruit & vegetables florish due to the volcanic ash. The Sakurajima radish is a representative traditional vegetable of Kagoshima Prefecture, normally weighing about 10kg but one may also see radish that weigh as much as 20 – 30 kg. This is the world’s heaviest radish (weighing 31.1kg) and is registered in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Sakurajima Radish is cherished by people across Japan as a uniquely original product of Kagoshima. It stays consistent when boiled and has a flavor that absorbs well, along with a fine flesh that looks as white as snow. Sakurajima Radish can be used in a wide variety of ways, such as boiled or pickled to name but a few.

 

Here is a wonderful documentary

Eruption in 2012

Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan

 This spot is only 5 minutes walk from my hotel & another 5 minutes to thee ferry terminal. A great location and a great room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

Thanks for visiting my Active Volcano Kagoshima Japan photo blog.

           Please check out some of the most popular photo blogs below.   

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

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Free Cancellation. 
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

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Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

October 22, 2016 by David Herd

Looks like Sydney Opera House

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay has a similar look to the Sydney Opera House. Not nearly as spectacular of course but certainly well worth a visit.

Whale shark

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

 The whale shark is the largest of the fish species. The biggest confirmed individual had a length of 12.65 meters and a weight of around 21.5 ton.

Here is a video of the Whale Shark & others.

Huge whale shark at Kagoshima aquarium in Japan.

I’t’s so peaceful & relaxing watching these amazing fish swim lazily in circles around the huge pool.

Another big guy

Kagoshima City Aquarium Kinko Bay

I can’t remember how many years it has been since I was at an aquarium, it was a total pleasure visiting the aquarium at Kagoshima. Entry was 1500 Yen or $14 USD.

Another huge tank with a great variety of fish

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

The women in the photo gives you an idea of the size of the tank & the fish.

Jelly fish

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

 Jellyfish are the most efficient swimmers in the oceans. They use less energy to cover a given distance than any other ocean creature. Follow THIS LINK for some great information.

Big body, small head.

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

The huge variety of marine life is quite amazing.

Hiding among the reeds

Kagoshima City Aquarium Kinko Bay

This little guy was only about 6 inches long.

Here are some starfish in the background

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

The starfish is not a fish. It’s an echinoderm, closely related to sea urchins and sand dollars.

There are some 2,000 species of sea star living in all the world’s oceans, from tropical habitats to the cold seafloor. The five-arm varieties are the most common, hence their name, but species with 10, 20, and even 40 arms exist.

They have bony, calcified skin, which protects them from most predators, and many wear striking colors that camouflage them or scare off potential attackers. Purely marine animals, there are no freshwater sea stars, and only a few live in brackish water.

Beyond their distinctive shape, sea stars are famous for their ability to regenerate limbs, and in some cases, entire bodies. They accomplish this by housing most or all of their vital organs in their arms. Some require the central body to be intact to regenerate, but a few species can grow an entirely new sea star just from a portion of a severed limb.

Most sea stars also have the remarkable ability to consume prey outside their bodies. Using tiny, suction-cupped tube feet, they pry open clams or oysters, and their sack-like cardiac stomach emerges from their mouth and oozes inside the shell. The stomach then envelops the prey to digest it, and finally withdraws back into the body. Credit National Geographic.

Here is another video, great shots of sharks swimming.

Great variety of fish & sharks at Kagoshima aquarium

These sharks are absolutely fascinating creatures, so streamlined & graceful.

Great location & excellent hotel

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

My hotel is only 10 minutes walk to the aquarium, a great location and a great room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

Now for some more sashimi 🙂

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

Another beautiful looking creature.

Deep sea worms

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

  Despite being an inland bay, Kinko Bay reaches depths of more than 200 meters, making it home to deep see marine life as well. Additionally, a new species of tube worm, or Lamellibrachia Satsuma, can be found on the sea floor at depths of around 90 meters in the upper bay. Research has shown that this unique population is supported by underwater volcanic vents from Mt. Sakurajima that spew hydrogen sulfide from the sea floor.

A few small fish among the coral

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

The coral itself makes a beautiful display.

You have seen the worms, now how about a sea snake?

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

Snakes are one of the things I have always been afraid of. Growing up in Australia which has nine of the ten most venemous snakes in the world, is it any wonder we are scared of them? 🙂

Beautiful colours

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

You really can spend hours watching these wonderful creatures.

Stonefish, most venemous fish in the world.

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

  Stonefish are venomous, dangerous, and even fatal to humans. It is one of the most venomous fish known. They are found in the coastal regions of the Indo-Pacific.

Video of the Stonefish in full camouflage

Stone fish resting at Kagoshima aquarium in Japan

Very hard to see this guy, looks just like the surrounding rocks.

This guy is giving me the stare. 🙂

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

They are so sleek and sinister.

Imagine swimming in the sea & seeing this guy coming toward you.

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

I think I would die of a heart attack before he got to me. 🙂

Watching the seals being fed

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

Always popular with the crowd is feeding time.

Video of the dolphins

Dolphins jumping at Kagoshima aquarium in Japan

Personally I don’t like to see these wonderful intelligent animals in captivity, they need to be free in the ocean, not imprisoned in a small pool.

Kagoshima  Aquarium Kinko Bay

Kagoshima Aquarium Kinko Bay

Just 10 minutes walk from my great hotel.

Langkawi island Malaysia

Thanks for visiting my Kagoshima  Aquarium Kinko Bay photo blog. I think this is the first rather educational blog I have ever published. 🙂

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1g Duck

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Pattaya Parasailing every day

October 2, 2016 by David Herd

Every morning

Pattaya Parasailing every day

  Pattaya Parasailing every day except for the few occasions the weather is so bad they have to cancel. Most of these tourists are from China, they pay for their holiday before leaving so a fair bit of the money never makes it to Thailand.

Organised chaos

 

Pattaya Parasailing every day

They buzz around like mosquitoes, personally I would not do this because I just don’t trust the Thai boat drivers.

 Coming in to land

Pattaya Parasailing every day

 

There are 4 or 5 of these barges located on the bay,  non-parasailers can also come out to the pontoon to watch the fun for a small cost.

One of the overpowered speed boats.

Pattaya Parasailing every day

About 750 HP is a ridiculous waste of money, I’m guessing they are just showing off to their competitors. When I lived in Australia I had one Yamaha 200 HP powering my boat, that used to cost me about $25 aud per hour in fuel. So these guys are obviously making plenty to be able to justify these three huge engines.

Stuck on the sand.

Speedboat stuck on sandbar

Every which way but loose

Pattaya Parasailing every day

 

This was the name of the 1978 Clint Eastwood movie, the phrase reminds me of the speed boats in this photo, it seems to be total chaos. 🙂

Check out the crowd on the barge

Pattaya Parasailing every day

All waiting for their turn to fly.

Flying high

Pattaya Parasailing every day

The most popular attraction for tourists.

Chaotic & crazy Parasailing in Pattaya

Chaotic & crazy Parasailing in Pattaya

 A storm is looming

Pattaya Parasailing every day

The black clouds are coming across the bay but the tourists don’t seem to care.

More boats stuck on the sand.

Pattaya boats stuck on the sand

Here it comes

Pattaya Parasailing every day

There is no better sight than watching a storm roll in over Pattaya bay.

A beautiful rainbow over the bay

Pattaya Parasailing every day

After the rain in Pattaya there a beautiful day always follows.

Pattaya Parasailing every day

Pattaya Parasailing every day

Quite a walk for the tourists to get to the boats when the tide is out.

Finally another busy day on the bay

Triathlon coming to Pattaya Thailand

Thanks for visiting my Pattaya Parasailing every day photo blog. Bookmark THIS LINK to access my webcam and check out Pattaya bay any time you wish.

 

Thanks for visiting my Pattaya Parasailing every day photo blog.

     

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Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

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. 

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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

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Many wonderful boats Pattaya

September 21, 2016 by David Herd

Pattaya Beach 1980

Many wonderful boats Pattaya Bay

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

 Many wonderful boats Pattaya Bay, lets start with the old clunkers, funnily enough some of these boats from 1980 are still being used today.

Here is a perfect example in 2016

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

I guarantee this classic has been working in the bay for 60  or more years. I would definitely recommend a life jacket. 🙂

Protection from the burning sun?

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

No way José , just sit there & fry.

At least the captain has shade in this one.

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Forget the passengers the captain is ok. 🙂

This old bucket has just had a paint job.

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Looks pretty good with the new paint job.

One extreme to another

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Here is one of the hundreds of speed boats that take tourists, mainly Chinese, to Koh Larn & Para-sailing. This one is grossly overpowered with almost 700 HP to push it along.

Even all that power doesn’t always do the job.

Speedboat stuck on sandbar

These Thai drivers are not very skillful I’m afraid.

Every morning in Pattaya

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

The boats start gathering on Pattaya beach from 6.30 every morning.

Here come the Chinese tourists

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Every day thousands flock to Pattaya to board the boats.


And now for something different

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

A nice catamaran pulls into the beach.

 Koh Larn ferry

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

The 40 minute ferry ride to Koh Larn will set you back B30, or 86 U.S. cents.

Needs a little work

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

One owner, & open to all reasonable offers.

Here is one being done up

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Still a little work to be done but starting to look good.

There are some luxury boats here as well.

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Just wander around some of the marinas along the coast and you will finds some very nice boats. However please don’t expect the “French Riviera”. 🙂

Ocean Marina yacht club

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

I could happily live aboard this baby. 🙂 If you would like to enjoy a little luxury for around $50 usd per night just book through THIS LINK.

Yacht club

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Not too bad at all. 🙂

One of these would do me

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

This would be a great little runabout.

Here is a classic

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Don’t know if it’s a yacht, a ketch, a sloop or none of these, but it is a beautiful boat. 🙂

High & dry in Pattaya

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Low tide as I’m sure you have already guessed. 🙂

For sale?

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

One owner, needs a little work. 🙂


Many wonderful boats Pattaya Bay

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Here is a guy hoping to catch some fish.

Dive boat

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Dive boat loaded & ready to go.

Fishing boat near Koh Larn

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

I wonder how many years & how many fish this old clunker has seen. 🙂

The question has to be asked

Many wonderful boats PattayaIs it safe?

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Check out BIG DADDY with 750 HP waiting to suck fuel like 50 thirsty camels at an oasis in the Sahara desert. 🙂

For a discounted hotel rate in Pattaya or anywhere in the world, just book through THIS LINK

Boat show 2016

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

I can’t imagine how much this one would cost. 🙂

Pattaya City

Many wonderful boats Pattaya

Thanks for visiting my Many wonderful boats Pattaya Bay photo blog.

https://www.facebook.com/david.herd/videos/10157810530543594/

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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.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

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. 

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 
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Nana Plaza pleasure palace

September 8, 2016 by David Herd

Turn the clock back to 1997

Nana Plaza pleasure palace

ea33f1fd-370b-4fd4-a7d3-233653917273 

 Nana Plaza Bangkok pleasure palace is an iconic South East Asian red light district. 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. This photo blog showcases them and many of the gorgeous babes we got tangled up with over these two great decades of decadence. 🙂

Nana Plaza Bangkok pleasure palace

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In the middle photo is Doug Ritchies from Adelaide, he was responsible for introducing me to Nana Plaza pleasure palace in 1997. For the last 25 years or more he has lived near Kingscliff just south of the QLD border. I have some great memories from Adelaide in the 70s when Doug & I were on the rampage. 🙂

Sadly four friends featured throughout this photo blog are no longer with us, RIP.

August 1999

ffda4e4d-8107-4644-be17-3415c49030e7 

I’ll throw in some old shots & videos of the plaza however this photo blog is more about the terrific people who will forever be in my memories.

More from 1999

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

The thing I notice most comparing the 90s to 2016 is the LadyBoy population in Nana Plaza has increased buy a huge amount, which really does not suit me at all.

Lovely Jane

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August 1999 & yes I was another punter finding a gorgeous young girl who was happy to accompany me to Pattaya & Koh Samui.

Soi 4 Nana

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

Those great years in the 90s saw elephants wandering down Soi 4 looking for bananas. Here is my good friend Paul McNeil from San Diego contributing to their appetite.

More from the 90s

Nana Plaza Bangkok pleasure palace 

There has never been a shortage of pretty faces in Nana Plaza pleasure palace.

Let’s jump to 2016

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For me this is the quintessential shot of Nana Plaza because I can assure you I have met some suckers there over the last 20 years. I’m talking about those delusional types who actually believe the girls who call them “handsome man” & tell them how much they love them. 🙂

Now believe me I’m not knocking the ladies who are there to make a living, I just find it strange so many Farangs can be sucked in by their stories. All these girls either have a Thai boyfriend or husband in the background who gladly accept a fair % of the girls earnings.

December 2014

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December 2014 On the right is my friend Roland, a barrister from Sydney, beside him is Matt originally from Adelaide, now running a factory for SMR Automotive in Rayong producing accessories for the motor industry. Here is a funny story, Matt actually receives a hardship allowance from his employer for living in Pattaya, priceless. 🙂 Bow is Matt’s live in girlfriend, a wild child who is a lot of fun after a few drinks.

Straps on the 1st floor.

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

I’ll let your imagination run wild about what goes on inside. According to “Stickboy” this LadyBoy bar had to close for a couple of days in March 2016 for some minor infringements.

The dynasty Grand is an excellent hotel near Nana Plaza, click on the image for a good discount.

Jane February 2003.

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

You may remember my friend Jane who I took to Samui in 1999, here she is back at Nana in 2003 after a stint working in Switzerland.

We met in 2001 at the Voodoo bar

Nana Plaza Bangkok pleasure palace 

This is where I met Phung who very quickly became my favourite Nana Plaza girl for the next 6 or 7 years. I preferred to call her Cleopatra which I think suited her better. 🙂

Here she is in 2007

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

The last I heard of Cleo she was living with a punter in Switzerland. I really thank her for the great times we spent together.

The usual suspects

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From the left is Greg Clee who for some strange likes to call himself Jack Dawson, John Sinclair, originally from Adelaide who has been living in Thailand for about 15 years & Sean Fenton from North Queensland. Greg lives in Pattaya and owns “Heaven Above” in Soi Diamond off Walking St. John lives in Soi 4 Nana and is a regular at the Plaza. Sean married a Thai girl from Kanchanaburi and has produced 2 or 3 kids with her.

Oh! I forgot to mention John Sinclair aka “Secrets” has a habit of placing people on his black list, I have recently been put back on after a couple of years of being in favour, Greg is a long time resident on the list & I think Sean is on shaky ground.

The Black List

Sinclairs black list 1 

I thought this could be our club shirt. 🙂

John Sinclair aka Secrets

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There is the man himself sitting in his favourite spot.

The entrance now

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The next photo will show the original entrance.

The original

Nana Plaza Bangkok pleasure palace 

Back when Nana Plaza was a shopping centre. Photo credit BeenToBangkok.

Here is the action at the Nana Plaza entrance

Hooters Bangkok Nana Plaza

This is Beer

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

This photo was from around 2000, however Beer (a great girl) has been well know in the Plaza for quite a few years.

John Martin aka Pothole & Apple 2003

Nana Plaza Bangkok pleasure palace 

 John David Martin aka Pothole Bin Ladin, the Mouse of Markland. He took “Apple Pie” to Australia a couple of times before discovering he was simply one of 5 different punters from around the world she was collecting money from. A few years later she married one of the guys, a retired English police officer, produced a child then accompanied him to Buckingham Palace when he was awarded an MBE. Not bad for a bar girl from Nana Plaza.

Pothole in 2014

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He lives in the same building as I do in Pattaya and actually has this photo as the wallpaper on his phone. He really should be managing one of the Nana Plaza LadyBoy bars. 🙂

Nothing stays the same

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

Not so long ago Suckers was Lollipop and Bangkok Bunnies was Spellbound.

Before it was big Lollipop

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

It was small Lollipop, plus of course Spankys is no more. Trying to keep abreast of the changing names at Nana Plaza will just give you a headache.

They used to let motorbikes park inside

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Thankfully this is no longer allowed which makes us all feel a lot more secure in this crazy world in 2016.

My fabulous family in January 2011 (my favourite Nana Plaza photo)

Nana Plaza Bangkok pleasure palace 

What a great holiday we all had, starting at Nana Plaza in Bangkok then heading down the road to “Sin City” Pattaya. The little guy at the back with the glasses is my brother Warren, the 3 at the front are his beautiful daughters (my nieces) Laura & Elyssa & son Michael. The dark good looking German lad is Bjorn Luders, Michaels partner who sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer early in 2016. RIP Bjorn, we miss you buddy.

On that same 2011 trip

Nana Plaza Bangkok pleasure palace 

On the left is my friend Bill Austin from Trowbridge in Wiltshire & the far right one of my oldest friends Tony Murphy from the Gold Coast. Next to Tony is Don Wenham who like Bjorn sadly lost his long battle with cancer this year also.

This was at the Pretty Lady bar

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

Of course this is another bar that has long since disappeared. However you have to admit she sure was pretty. 🙂

Pretty Lady Bar

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

Was one of the bars located where Suckers & Bangkok Bunnies are now.

2009 at the Pretty Lady Bar

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

One of my best friends Phil Thomson from the Gold Coast bought his 21 yo son Michael to Thailand in 2009 to gain some experience with the fairer sex. Michael took to the task like a duck takes to water. 🙂

Landmark Hotel

NanaPlaza8 

Virtually next door to Nana Plaza Bangkok pleasure palace is the five star Landmark hotel.

For a great hotel rate in Bangkok just book through this link.

As we have said already, nothing stays the same

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It used to be Spellbound, now Bangkok Bunnies.

Bangkok Bunnies

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The more things change the more they stay the same. It is a never ending cycle at Nana Plaza, one business goes bust and another steps in. Bangkok Bunnies is one of the largest clubs in the complex. The photo was taken February 20 2016 as was the following YouTube video.

Nana Plaza Bangkok sexy bars

Now in November 2018 there has been a name change.

Big Changes Nana Plaza Plus Soi 4

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 any time you want but you can never leave.”

With friends at the Plaza in 2008

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 Good friends Nick & Sharon from the Gold Coast in Australia, and ex Sydney policeman Rod Perrin from the NSW central coast, he used to live in Pattaya. Sadly a couple of years after this photo was taken Rod passed away, RIP old buddy.

Here is a quick video from 2008.

Nana Plaza Bangkok 2008

December 2015

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My friend Hamish Elton & I kick off the night at Big Dogs in Nana Plaza.

2004 at Nana Plaza

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

Two Aussies from Sydney, Mr Stingy & Kenny cockroach with their new found brides in 2004. A couple of years later Stingy took two freelancers from the Nana Hotel car-park back to his room at the Dynasty Hotel for some fun & games. He awoke many hours later after being drugged to find the room safe had been cleaned out including his precious gold chains.

March 1999, gorgeous girl from one of the Rainbow bars.

Nana Plaza Bangkok pleasure palace 

If my memory serves me correctly she was from from one of the Rainbow bars. Below are more from around 2001.

This was around 2oo1 as well.

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So many girls & such little time. 🙂

2008, we lose anther friend.

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On the left is Greg Clee from Pattaya & Ron Collier from Byron Bay in Australia. Sadly 3 years later Ron passed away.

Rainbow 4 November 2007

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We travelled in a large group from Australia because Etihad airlines were offering 2 seats for the price of one to promote their airline. On the left is Simon Markby & the guy in the middle is Robbie Sheriff. 

Braces can look rather sexy

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

x On the right is my friend “Ice” I was seeing her regularly over the next 2 or 3 years. I would love to know where she is now.

Simon Markby RIP

Nana Plaza pleasure palace 

Simon passed away on the Gold Coast on July 9th 2012. He is the 4th friend of mine in this photo blog who is not with us anymore, it is certainly a reminder to enjoy life as much as you can while you can.

At Rainbow 4 with Ice November 2011.

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She was such a nice girl, as I said before I would love to know where she is now.

That’s all for now

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Here I am in 2015 with my crazy friend Pothole, (one of the most unique personalities I have ever come across) I hope you enjoyed my 20 years of memories from Nana Plaza Bangkok pleasure palace.

When I’m in Bangkok I like to stay in Sukhumvit Soi 11, here is an excellent budget hotel, if you USE THIS LINK you will get a great rate of around B1100 per night, or $30 USD. Only 5 minutes walk to Nana Plaza.

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The best Bangkok budget hotel I have ever stayed in.

           Each month my posts receive 75,000 visits which I certainly appreciate. Check out the other Thailand hotspots below.

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
 bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                        Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

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

 


Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Brisbane City South Bank

August 29, 2016 by David Herd

Brisbane City Hall

Brisbane City South Bank

Brisbane City South Bank

 Brisbane City River South Bank was a pleasant surprise for me, it had been many years since I last visited and the changes were many. Way back in the 90s when I worked for Metway Bank and the NRMA I would travel there regularly for the endless tedious meetings banks & insurance companies were famous for. This trip was purely for pleasure after spending 10 days on the Gold Coast.

Uniting Church Albert St

Brisbane City South Bank

Across the road from City Hall stands this delightful old church which was originally built in 1888.

From the old to the new

Brisbane City South Bank

Infinity tower is the magnificent tall building (81 floors) on the left and the monster on the far right is 1 William Street which will house only government departments. The photo was taken from the William Jolly Bridge.

The William Jolly Bridge

Brisbane City South Bank

The art deco design bride was built during the depression and opened in March 1932.

 Sunday Suitcase sale August 21st 2016

Brisbane City South Bank

The majority seemed to be backpackers selling their old clothes.

Treasury Casino

Brisbane City South Bank

  Treasury Casino was formerly the Lands Administration Building until it became a casino in 1995.

Many cranes on the skyline

Brisbane City South Bank

There is no doubt Brisbane is in the middle of a building boom, just count the cranes on this small part of the city.

CityHopper is free

Brisbane City South Bank

The CityHopper lets you travel the Brisbane river for free, the ferries run every 30 minutes between 6am and midnight, seven days a week. Follow the link below for all the information.

Simply hop on and hop off and enjoy all the Brisbane River and city sights.

City Cat

Brisbane City South Bank

Another great way to see Brisbane’s city and suburbs. Check out THIS LINK for my photo blog.

A sunny Sunday afternoon at South Bank.

Brisbane City South Bank

Lots of people cross the river to visit South Bank with its many attractions.

South Bank tranquil garden

Brisbane City South Bank

The garden has a genuine rain forest feel.

A beautiful pagoda.

Brisbane City South Bank

This Nepalese Pagoda was originally brought to Brisbane for Expo 88, in fact I actually remember seeing it back then. Incredibly this is one of only three Nepalese peace pagodas in the world to be located outside of Nepal.

As you can see from my Brisbane City South Bank photo blog there is so much to see in this great city.

The Wheel of Brisbane

Brisbane City South Bank

Nowhere near as large as London or Tokyo but it certainly looks very nice at night. ?

 Approaching Equilibrium

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A rather interesting sculpture

Brisbane City South Bank

Brisbane City South Bank

This sculpture in front of the Queensland Art Gallery is named “Approaching Equilibrium”, I guess people with more understanding of art than I possess will appreciate it. In my opinion a better name would be “Big Black Mosquito”. 🙂

The heart of Brisbane

Brisbane City South Bank

The Queen Street Mall is certainly the heart of Brisbane, no traffic, lots of shops & restaurants.

Relax in the Mall

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A great “people watching” place where you can enjoy dinner & a glass of wine.

Lots of colour, lots of shops

Brisbane City South Bank

Day or night the mall is a hive of activity.

Eagle Street pier

Brisbane City South Bank

Eagle Street is Brisbane’s business hub, jump on a City Cat and cruise along the river past many of the cities landmarks.

Huge towers beside Eagle Street wharf.

Brisbane City South Bank

Lots of offices and lots of good bars & restaurants to capture the workers for lunch and dinner.

Brisbane City South Bank

Brisbane City South Bank

Cruise past the wheel on your way to lunch at The Regatta Hotel, you won’t be disappointed. 🙂

The Regatta Hotel

Brisbane City South Bank

The perfect spot for lunch or dinner, great steaks and good service. Check out my photo blog here.

Regatta Hotel

Brisbane City South Bank

Thanks for visiting my Brisbane City South Bank photo blog, this city has improved out of sight in the last 20 years.

Here are some other Brisbane photo blogs to check out.

City Cat cruise                        Hotels                               Restaurants    

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

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

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 

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.

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

August 28, 2016 by David Herd

Abby On Roma

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

 Good Value Brisbane City Hotels starting with Abby On Roma which is directly opposite Roma St railway station. The coffee shop you see on the ground floor does an excellent breakfast. Use THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.

The header on this post shows two of the hotels I will mention later, The Park Regis and Meriton serviced apartments. For excellent room rates just book through the highlighted links.

 Ibis Styles

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

Located at 40 Elizabeth Street in the heart of the city. Nice rooms and friendly staff, good shopping arcade next door where you will fine Coles supermarket & Target. Book through THIS LINK for a very good room rate.

Park Regis North Quay

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

Very nice rooms with an incredible view. About an 8 minute walk to Queen St Mall. My only complaint was the very poor internet service, they give you a miserly 250 meg per day. Book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.

 Good Value Brisbane City Hotels here is view from Park Regis.

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

One of the best river & city views from my room on the 7th floor.

Park Regis pool & Infinity Tower incorporating  Meriton hotel & serviced apartments.

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

As you can see the Meriton Infinity tower is a spectacular building.

Riverside Hotel Southbank

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

Just across the road from South Bank and the convention centre. Book through THIS LINK for a discounted rate.

Meriton hotel & serviced apartments aka Infinity Tower

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

A huge 81 floors with 549 apartments with stunning views of Brisbane and beyond. For a great discounted room rate at the Meriton hotel there just use THIS LINK to book.

Thanks for visiting my Good Value Brisbane City Hotels photo blog.

Each month my posts receive 75,000 visits which I certainly appreciate.

Please check out some of the most popular below, and thank you for visiting.

 

   Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

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

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

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.

Check out these great photo blogs.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

August 27, 2016 by David Herd

Harajuku Gyoza

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants I visited in August 2016 included Harajuku Gyoza at 141 Queen St. The service was good and the Gyoza excellent. There are two other branches, one in South Bank the other in Fortitude Valley.

Busy chef at work

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

The Gyoza was as good as I have experienced in Japan.

Little Singapore is adjacent to Harajuku Gyoza

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

TripAdvisor rating is 502 out of 3,180 Brisbane restaurants.

Vapiano 191 Albert St Queen Street Mall

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Also opposite Harajuku Gyoza and I could not believe the queue waiting for a table. I didn’t eat there myself but if the queue is any indication the food must be good. 🙂

Comuna Cantina

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Mexican restaurant in the same complex as the above at 175 Albert St.

Comuna

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

 Latin, Mexican & South American dishes , dine in or takeaway.

Chez Nous opposite Roma St station

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Very busy for breakfast, good coffee and quick service. For an excellent room rate at Abby on Roma just book through THIS LINK.

Pony Dining Eagle Street Pier

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Great location and some good reviews, however I thought the food was over rated & expensive.

Pony Dining

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Ambience & service was fine but I’m guessing I ordered the wrong dishes.

Not my cup of tea. 🙂

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

I’m positive I won’t return, there are too many other choices in the area that I need to try.

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

As you can see there are many restaurant choices on Brisbane Riverside, follow THIS LINK for more suggestions.

 Jimmy’s on the Mall

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

One of Brisbane’s most popular restaurant bars & probably the best “people watching” spot in the city.

 Lots of choices in Queen St Mall

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Sidewalk cafes & restaurants offering all types of food are everywhere on Queen St Mall.

 Pig & Whistle

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

There are six of these popular drinking spots in Brisbane. Based on a British Pub with live sports screens, follow THIS LINK for the locations.

Finally make sure you visit the Regatta Hotel

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

The Boathouse at the Regatta is an excellent restaurant with very good aged beef & an interesting wine list.

Thanks for visiting my Brisbane Inner City Restaurants photo blog, before you leave please check out my City Cat blog.

                         Here are some other Brisbane photo blogs to check out.

            City Cat cruise                        Hotels                               Restaurants    

       

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

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

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

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.

Australian adventures

  • Melbourne

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Brisbane City River Cruise

August 26, 2016 by David Herd

South Bank Wharf

Brisbane City River Cruise

Brisbane City River Cruise

 Brisbane City River Cruise started for me at the South Bank Wharf and took me on a 45 minute cruise almost to the Gateway Bridge and back. This post will highlight many of the wonderful Brisbane buildings along the river.

 Treasury Casino

Brisbane City River Cruise

Overlooking the river is the Treasury Casino where they will be very happy to relieve you of your hard earned cash. 🙂

What a monster

Brisbane City River Cruise

I believe this huge skyscraper will house most government offices when completed. That’s the Victoria Bridge in the foreground.

South Bank Ferris wheel

Brisbane City River Cruise

 Not as large as London or Tokyo but it does look nice at night. 🙂

Another look at the Monster

Brisbane City River Cruise

A very impressive building.

Executive Building

Brisbane City Cat River Cruise Called the Government’s new Executive Building it towers over Brisbane river.

Riverside buildings

Brisbane City River Cruise

This is the heart of the Brisbane business centre.

Huge towers dominate the skyline

Brisbane City River Cruise

The city cat stops right here for the workers to commute from home.

City Cat arriving

Brisbane City River Cruise

What a great way to get around Brisbane, my 1.5 hour trip only cost me around $3.

The famous Story Bridge

Brisbane City River Cruise

 The Story Bridge first opened in 1940, & is named after prominent public servant, John Douglas Story.

Beautiful old paddle steamer

Brisbane City River Cruise

 Kookaburra Queen paddle wheelers are famous for their dinner cruises.

 Luxury living

Brisbane City River Cruise

What more could you want than a waterfront penthouse and this fabulous ship tied up in front?

Beautiful old ferry wharf

Brisbane City River Cruise

So nice to see these beautiful old structures preserved.

Bretts Wharf

Brisbane City River Cruise

Hundreds of modern (and expensive) condos are sprouting adjacent to the ferry stops, what a great way to commute to the city rather than fighting the road traffic.

Bretts Wharf up close

Brisbane City River Cruise

The city cats are smooth, comfortable and fast.

City Cat

Brisbane City River Cruise

A great way to see the sights of Brisbane.

Brisbane City River Cruise

Brisbane City Cat River Cruise You can also sit outside at the bow and the stern.

Enjoy the fresh air and the wind in your face

Brisbane City River Cruise

The perfect spot to take photos of this wonderful city.

The Gateway Bridge

Brisbane City River Cruise

Construction on the Gateway Bridge commenced on 5 June 1980. It was officially opened on 11 January 1986.

Brisbane River

Brisbane City River Cruise

As you can see the river meanders through the suburbs and almost circles the city.

CityHopper is free

Brisbane City River Cruise

The CityHopper lets you travel the Brisbane river for free, the ferries run every 30 minutes between 6am and midnight, seven days a week. The ferry travels along the Brisbane River, to North Quay, South Bank 3, Maritime Museum, Thornton Street, Eagle Street Pier, Holman Street, Dockside and Sydney Street terminals.

Simply hop on and hop off and enjoy all the Brisbane River and city sights.

 I leave the City Cat after a terrific 90 minute cruise.

Brisbane City River Cruise

You can take the City Cat in both directions from the city, a nice idea would be to head in the direction of Toowong and disembark at the fabulous Regatta Hotel, a great place for lunch, dinner or a few drinks. Follow THIS LINK to see this iconic hotel.

Brisbane City River Cruise

Brisbane City River Cruise

This city is just getting better & better, it’s now August 2016 and the number of cranes on the skyline indicate a building boom.

Thanks for visiting my Brisbane City River Cruise photo blog.  For a discounted hotel rate at the Park Regis Hotel which is in a terrific location just book through THIS LINK.

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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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Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

August 25, 2016 by David Herd

Wonderful Brisbane Hotel

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

 Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark has been around for a long time. The original hotel was built there in 1874, as a single story wooden building. Located by the river and classified by the National Trust it has been flooded out quite a few times over the years. The above photo shows the rear view of the hotel and highlights the ornate cast iron lacing which adorn the entire building.

1992 Jaguar sovereign.

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

My great old friend Steve Rado picked me up at the Park Regis Hotel where I was staying and drove me to the Regatta Hotel in his immaculate Jaguar which he recently purchased for $1300.

The Park Regis is in an excellent location, for a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

What a fit out

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Certainly one of the best fit outs I have ever seen at an Australian Hotel.

Designed by a genius

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

If you are not impressed by the decor here then pubs are obviously not your thing. 🙂

 A surprise around every corner

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

There are lots of nooks & crannies to eat and drink at this fabulous hotel.

Flood levels

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Outside they have marked flood levels and the years they happened. The recent level of the 2011 flood was around the bottom of this photo.

Sidewalk dining

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

The Regatta even have a place where the smokers can continue with their disgusting habit.  You guessed it, I’m a reformed smoker. 🙂

Lovely table settings

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

They certainly have many dining options for parties of any size.

Outdoor bar

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

So many choices of where to eat and drink and such little time. 🙂

If you cant find a place that suits you at the Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark, you are just not trying. 🙂

Lunch at the Boatshed

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Quite a spectacular room with very good food and wine.

Aged beef

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

If it’s a good steak you are looking for, this is the place. Seeing the aged beef on display gave me a flashback to Gallagher’s Steakhouse in New York City, follow THIS LINK to see what I mean.

Open kitchen

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

The food was excellent, we both had steaks washed down with a Margaret River red.

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Follow THIS LINK for the Boatshed menu.

City view from opposite Regatta Hotel

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

In the middle of the photo behind the William Jolly bridge is the Park Regis hotel. The rooms are excellent and so is the cost if you use THIS LINK to book. I had a room with a great view for $109 aud per night, but you must use THIS LINK to get this price. 🙂

Farewell from the Regatta Hotel

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Thanks for visiting my Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark photo blog. It was the perfect place to catch up with my old friend Steve Rado and reminisce about our life in Adelaide in the 70s.

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Seven deadly Songkran days

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

 

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1g Duck

 

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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Counter only started June 16 2020.

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