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Xoho Chinese Cafe Pattaya

March 14, 2020 by David Herd

Xoho Chinese Cafe Pattaya

Xoho Chinese Cafe Pattaya

Xoho Chinese Cafe Pattaya located in Terminal 21 North Pattaya. There are nearly 100 food outlets in this fabulous shopping mall & Xoho is one of my favourites. The high quality food is reasonably priced.

Prawn dumpling soup

Xoho Chinese Cafe PattayaThis dish is a must have, I order it every time I visit this nice restaurant. I’m usually here at lunch time & it’s normally very quiet. Cost of the soup is B130 or $4.00 USD.

Modern pleasant decor

Xoho Chinese Cafe PattayaThere is both indoor & outdoor seating here.

Dumplings to die for…

Xoho Chinese Cafe PattayaI find it hard to explore the rest of the menu & find myself continually ordering the same favourite dishes.

My brother Warren also likes the Prawn Dumpling Soup.

Xoho Chinese Cafe PattayaAlways repeating the same dishes must run in the family. Over coming weeks I’ll endeavor to widen my selection. 🙂

BBQ Pork Buns

Xoho Chinese Cafe PattayaCertainly as good as I have eaten anywhere in Pattaya, B59 or $1.80 USD.

Xoho Chinese Cafe Pattaya Dim Sum Combo

Xoho Chinese Cafe PattayaA small sample for B79, or $2.40 USD.

Xoho Chinese Cafe Pattaya

Xoho Chinese Cafe PattayaLocated on the 2nd floor right next door to Arnos Steak & Burgers.

There is quite a number of excellent restaurants on the 2nd floor, IO Italian Osteria is another one of my favourites.

XOHO Chinese Cafe, the Hong Kong style Chinese restaurant opened at the beginning of 2020. The shop is on the 7th floor of the MBK Center. In-store menus, in addition to Dim Sum, There are also menus grilled ducks, red pork, crispy pork, porridge, noodles and various fried rice.

Thanks for visiting my Xoho Chinese Cafe Pattaya photo blog.

Temporarily closed due to Covid-19. November 2020.

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Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants        a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021       IMG_0100

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)        IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

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

                                     

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Pattaya storm water solution

March 11, 2020 by David Herd

Pattaya storm water solution

Pattaya storm water solutionPattaya storm water solution involves digging up part of Beach road and laying a 2 meter pipe underground to stop the storm water flooding the road & footpath.

Huge drain pipe

Pattaya storm water solution Lets hope this strategy works, the current system has never been able to handle the huge volume of water from storms in the wet season. It is not just the water that falls on Beach Rd, most of the Soi’s in North Pattaya run down hill from 2nd Road bringing a huge volume of water that runs over the footpath and destroys huge sections of the beach.

Here’s what happens to the beach

Pattaya storm water solution This has been the case for many years. For more storm damage just follow THIS LINK.

Here is a video of the flooding

Beach Rd Pattaya flooded, more water than Songkran.

That’s a lot of water right there.

They are sparing no expense on equipment

Pattaya storm water solution It’s a very noisy disruptive project, let’s hope it works.

No problem on the footpath

Pattaya storm water solution All the disruption is on the actual road, traffic of course move very slowing with on one or two lanes to use.

Near Soi one

Pattaya storm water solution I must give them credit, they are making good progress.

Pattaya storm water solution

Pattaya storm water solution Trucks and excavators all along Beach Road.

This footpath is going to need some work. 🙂

Pattaya storm water solution It’s now March 2023 & I think we are in for another 6 months of pain before this project is completed. Having said that I really believe the workers are doing a great job & as fast as possible.

Opposite Markland Soi 1 March 15

Pattaya storm water solution Progress is being made.

Pristine equipment

Pattaya storm water solution This fabulous gizmo is probably only 30 years old. 🙂

Finally the steamroller arrives

Pattaya storm water solution This one will leave you rather flat. Steam, what steam? I don’t see any steam. 🙂

May 21 2020

Pattaya storm water solution

I’m guessing it will take another 6 months to level up & re-fit all the pavers.

Thanks for visiting my Pattaya storm water solution photo blog.

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Check out these great photo blogs.

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Counter only started june 16 2020.

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Coronavirus impacts Pattaya

March 10, 2020 by David Herd

Coronavirus impacts Pattaya

Coronavirus impacts Pattaya

Coronavirus impacts Pattaya which has resulted in a 44% drop in tourists in February 2020. Many Thai people find themselves without work so they have left Pattaya to return to their villages in the country. As you can see the beach is deserted at 8am on March 3rd 2020, only a few short months ago it was teeming with Chinese tourists.

This is how it was…

Coronavirus impacts Pattaya Seven days a week thousands of Chinese tourists would storm the beach to clamber aboard the boats to para-sail & visit Koh Larn island.

Typical over powered tourist boat

Coronavirus impacts PattayaOnly about 25% of the boats remain on Pattaya Beach, the rest are in moth balls. 🙂

Patrick is feeling lonely

Coronavirus impacts Pattaya Well known restaurateur Patrick Van Den Berghe finds himself alone on the beach, time for him to go back to his steakhouse & order some French oysters & lamb shanks. 🙂

Pattaya Beach never looked so good

Coronavirus impacts PattayaOf course my opinion is purely a selfish one, however there really is nothing to like about thousands of Chinese tourists inhabiting the beach. 🙂

“There is high chance that the country will be in a technical recession — contraction of the economy for two consecutive quarters,” said Anusorn Tamajai, director of Economic and Business Research Centre at Rangsit University.

The masked man cometh

Coronavirus impacts Pattaya I actually tried a mask, I hated it & lasted 1 hour, in fact it was because of pollution not the virus. 

Pattaya pollution

Coronavirus impacts PattayaThis was January 10 2020.

This was a typical Pattaya morning

Coronavirus impacts PattayaHundreds of buses would clog up beach road from 8 am seven days a week.

Waiting to pick up the tourists around mid day.

Coronavirus impacts Pattaya It’s fantastic now without these monsters taking over Beach Road.

Nothing like a peaceful Pattaya morning

Coronavirus impacts PattayaWell folks enjoy it while you can because at some stage in the future the dreaded Chinese tourists will return. 🙂

A beautiful Pattaya morning

Coronavirus impacts Pattaya March 8 2020 & a perfect day. See for yourself on my webcam, just follow THIS LINK. 

Coronavirus impacts Pattaya

Coronavirus impacts PattayaThis man & his dog are loving the peaceful atmosphere.

Desperate times in Pattaya

Coronavirus impacts Pattaya People queue in jomtien for a free meal outside Yupins. Twice a day. The queue goes past The Venue, past The Spring Onion, down the road, round the corner and today reached Dicks Cafe. 75% of working age people have lost their jobs in Pattaya. No savings, & no chance of getting any money over the next few months. Can’t pay their rent & 3000 are homeless. They can’t sleep on the beach without getting arrested. Can’t sleep in the parks (closed) and can’t sleep on the street (strict curfew after 10pm). Desperate, desperate times here for these poor people.

Here are the numbers as of March 10 2020

Coronavirus impacts PattayaThailand doesn’t feature in the high risk area.

April 15
Lets put it in perspective

Coronavirus impacts PattayaOne hell of a difference don’t you agree?

Thailand on march 11 2020 cancelled visa on arrival for 18 countries.

On Wednesday March 11th Donald Trump announced the United States would ban all travel from Europe for 30 days.

Thai Airways suspending all Italy flights to and from Italy following the Italian government’s decision to lock down the country to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

Thailand update September 11 2020

Coronavirus impacts PattayaThe figures are excellent, they may resume flights etc before Xmas.

Businesses close in Pattaya

Coronavirus impacts PattayaBurger King on 2nd Rd has closed it’s doors as well as 2 other branches, beach Rd & Central Fesival.

Coffee shop at the Bay

Coronavirus impacts PattayaAnother one bites the dust.

Closures in North Pattaya

Please follow THIS LINK.

It will take years to recover.

Covid booster jab

Coronavirus impacts Pattaya

It only took 35 minutes to get the booster at Royal Garden Plaza in Pattaya on January 6 2022.

Thanks for visiting my Coronavirus impacts Pattaya photo blog.

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 


Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Niseko Ski Resort Japan

February 13, 2020 by David Herd

Niseko Ski Resort Japan

Niseko Ski Resort Japan

Niseko Ski Resort Japan is the most famous and popular of the all of the Japanese ski resorts, offering a variety of accommodation, fantastic restaurants and modern facilities to complement the epic mountain.

Mt. Niseko-Annupuri

Niseko Ski Resort Japan Not a bad view. 🙂

Coronaviris

Niseko Ski Resort Japan As you can see my friend Hamish Elton is in contact with the Coronavirus. Hamish took all the photos for this blog, but it seems he spent more time in the wonderful restaurants than on the slopes. 🙂

See what I mean
Niseko Ski Resort Japan

Hokkaido is like a crab-lovers fairy-tale with its coastal waters containing some of the biggest and  most delicious crab in the world. Famous hairy crab, snow crab and king crab are abundant, and each morning in the markets of Hakodate and Otaru, buyers and sellers trade the best crab available. Many of these crabs are purchased by Niseko restaurant owners, and within just a few hours, could be on your plate!

Hokkaido is famous for seafood

Niseko Ski Resort Japan Make sure you take your platinum credit card. 🙂

Komagatake Single Malt

Niseko Ski Resort Japan This will help keep you warm in the snow.

Single Malt Komagatake Limited Edition 2018 is a blend of "nicely aged" whiskies that have spent at least 3 years in either a Bourbon cask or an American White Oak cask. Unlike the Double Cellars and Yakushima Aging releases, the Limited Edition 2018 is aged entirely in Shinshu.

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar

Niseko Ski Resort Japan

Salmon roe is another Hokkaido favourite that you simply must try in Niseko. Often marinated or soaked in soy sauce to add a rich, savoury element to the flavour, the 'popping' sensation when eating Ikura is a fun experience when dining with friends. You will commonly find ikura served with uni in a rice bowl or salad.

Little girl, big crab

Niseko Ski Resort Japan She had to struggle to get it out of the tank. 🙂

Team Hamish

Niseko Ski Resort Japan

On the final night the mob decided to have Indian food instead of seafood, I can't imagine why? 🙂

Magic mountain

Niseko Ski Resort Japan
Mt. Niseko-Annupuri really dominates the landscape.

The team from Healthcert

Niseko Ski Resort Japan

They provide medical and Patient Education: In collaboration with universities and other teaching institutions, Min focus is to teach GPs how to diagnose and treat various medical conditions.

Steak Rosso Rosso restaurant

Niseko Ski Resort Japan

These Hokkaido scallops look good enough to eat. 🙂

The main course

Niseko Ski Resort Japan

TripAdvisor rating is # 19 of 252 Restaurants in Kutchan-cho.

Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei

Niseko Ski Resort Japan Very close to the snow with an Onsen on the bbalcony. A short ski to the main lift. Hamish stayed here & was very pleased with cleanliness& location. Get an excellent room discount through THIS LINK.

Niseko Ski Resort Japan
Niseko Ski Resort Japan

Thanks for visiting my Niseko Ski Resort Japan photo blog.

 For an excellent room rate sround $80 USD at the Niseko Grand Hotel just use THIS LINK.

For London & UK hotels there are great discounts through this link.

Counter only started February 16 2020.

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Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar

February 12, 2020 by David Herd

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar is ranked #4 of 328 Restaurants in Kutchan-cho Hokkaido. The following photos were taken by my friend Hamish Elton who was in Nisenko for 10 days skiing.

Even though Hamish & his friends dined at many other restaurants including the Michelin starred Kamimura, Ezo was his favourite , in his opinion it had the best and most unique range of fresh seafood.

Bring on the oysters

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar Hamish & I live in Pattaya Thailand & his nickname there is “Oyster Man”. 🙂

Big & Juicy

Ezo Seafood Oyster BarI must admit I am also an Oyster, a couple of years ago I had some wonderful huge oysters in Sendai, please check out THIS LINK.

Very expensive compared with Sendai

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar 6,600 Yen or $89 AUD.

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar fabulous scallops

Ezo Seafood Oyster BarThese look wonderful. Here is their web page for bookings & information.

King crab

Ezo Seafood Oyster BarThe pièce de résistance without a doubt.

Say no more….

Ezo Seafood Oyster BarHow good does this look?

Hairy Crab

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar The hairy crab (kegani in Japanese) or horsehair crab is found in the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. It gets its name from the spiky hairs that cover its entire body. This little critter is smaller than the snow crab and the red king crab, making many people say it is more difficult to eat, but it has a dense , sweet flavor, making the effort of cracking open that shell well worth it. People who call themselves true crab lovers will often choose the horsehair crab. It is often boiled in saltwater to bring out its rich original flavor, then cut into sections and eaten by hand.

Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar

Ezo Seafood Oyster BarAs I said earlier Hamish said Ezo was his favourite restaurant in Niseko, put it on your bucket list.

Thanks for visiting my Ezo Seafood Oyster Bar photo blog.  Before you leave check out Sushi Kato.

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          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
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           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
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A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

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

 
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

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Steakhouse New York

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant

February 11, 2020 by David Herd

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant

Kamimura Michelin Starred RestaurantKamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant is located in Niseko Hokkaido, Japan’s premier ski resort. The owner/chef is Yuichi Kamimura spent his early years in his parents’ restaurant. Finally when he met renowned chef Tetsuya Wakuda in Sydney, he became fascinated by both Testuya’s culinary philosophy and proficiency.

Take plenty of money. 🙂

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant My good friend Hamish Elton & his colleague Paul Elmsie are not shy about spending a fortune on food & wine. They enjoyed the 11 course degustation menu with the appropriate wines for a mere 63,000 Yen, or $850 AUD.

Chef’s Degustation   18,000 yen per person

The menu is a chef’s ‘Omakase’ tasting menu, as a showcase of Hokkaido ingredients and challenging to some new tastes, exploring the treasure of food.

Such a romantic setting

Niseko Ski Resort Japan Hamis, what a shame it was just you & Paul. 🙂 

Strawberry & black pepper tart

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant Hamish took most of these photos on his Google Pixel 3 phone, thus the high quality. I’m only guessing the names of certain dishes so I could be wrong.

 I have no idea which dish this is….

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant I’ll have to see if Hamish can remember.

I’m betting this is the Wagyu

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant Plus I bet it tastes sensational.

How good does this look

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant If it tastes half as good as it looks it will be terrific. 🙂

Quite a small serving

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant Lucky there are eleven dishes in total. 🙂

The magical mystery tour continues

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant Works of art everyone of them.

Could this be the pumpkin ravioli?

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant Your guess is as good as mine. 🙂

Another mystery dish

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant My apoligies for not knowing the correct names.

Kamimura Michelin Starred

Kamimura Michelin Starred Restaurant Thanks for visiting my Kamimura Michelin Starred restaurant photo blog. Before you go please check out. Sushi Kato.

 Istanbul                   Budapest                     London

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

Mostar                Dubrobnik              Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837  IMG_7425 Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city   

         Saigon                      Zagreb                          Vung tau

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

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great food photo blogs.

  • Tokyo fabulous food
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Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Sushi Kato Niseko Japan

February 10, 2020 by David Herd

Sushi Kato Niseko Japan

Sushi Kato Niseko JapanSushi Kato Niseko Japan is an interesting restaurant in Japan’s number one snow resort which is located in Hokkaido, a 2.5hrs drive from Chitose Airport. There are 4 interlinked ski resorts here – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and An’nupuri .

 First thing you will see is the rustic Bar Kato pictured above, a whiskey and sake bar that serves as both the waiting room for the restaurant as well as a perfect spot to unwind over a quality drink. 

Sushi Kato Niseko Japan Set menu

Sushi Kato Niseko Japan Most of the photos here were taken by my friend Hamish Elton who enjoys food more than he enjoys skiing. 🙂

Sushi Kato offers three different set menus, Matsu (pine), Take (bamboo) and Ume (plum). The restaurant solely practices Kaiseki style of dining, meaning it is a prescribed set course dependent on the seasonal produce. 

Hairy crab

Sushi Kato Niseko JapanThis opening dish was appropriately the restaurant’s staple ingredient; hairy crab served in its shell accompanied by cod roe and ponzu jelly garnished with citrus flowers. 

Just bring out the food

Sushi Kato Niseko JapanThe owner Kato-san, Chef JJ and their impeccable team, have brought true authentic Japanese sushi to Niseko.

Portions are rather small

Sushi Kato Niseko Japan As you would expect with so many dishes on the set menu.

Tempura

Sushi Kato Niseko Japan More wonderful hairy crab, too much hairy crab is never enough. 🙂

Sushi Kato Niseko Japan

Sushi Kato Niseko Japan  Shiraoi Beef grilled on a hot stone. The selected beef is Japanese Black beef, raised locally in the nearby town of Shiraoi which provides the perfect combination of weather, food and an abundance of water allowing the farmers to craft their prize cattle into some of the best produce on the globe. 

Some sweet tasy fruit to finish

Sushi Kato Niseko Japan Thank you for visiting my Sushi Kato Niseko Japan photo blog, & thanks to Hamish Elton for sharing his wonderful experience. Before you leave check out this Michelin Starred restaurant. 

Here are some more posts to check out 

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          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
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           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
                                               Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
                                            d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037            01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f
A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

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

 
 
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1g Duck

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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First six months 2020

January 27, 2020 by David Herd

First six months 2020

First six months 2020                 First six months 2020

First six months 2020 happily living in Thailand with a view to die for. For most of December & January we have had severe pollution in Pattaya (and elsewhere), the government seem to lack the skill & the will to solve this unhealthy problem. Most of it seems to come because farmers burn off their sugar cane crops, surely they would be easy to find & 6 months in jail may make them think twice next year.

The first was January 10 & finally we got clean air on January 26, however within a couple of days the pollution was back. The 2nd photo is June 12th, what a fabulous clear day it was.

Beach Quarter

First six months 2020

Mid January the old Mantra site (part of the Amari Hotel) is almost completed, can’t wait for it to open. 🙂

Two new chairs

First six months 2020

I’m guessing I spend 8 to 10 hours a day in both these chairs.

Pothole & one of the Squabblers

First six months 2020

 Pothole, aka John Martin has 2 sons aged 9 & 11, this is Tyrone who has just busted open his piggy bank to find just over B110,000 or $5,300 AUD, both sons are very good savers. 

Fabulous chicken teriyaki skewers.

First six months 2020

 The food park at Central Marina is one of my favourite eating spots. Normally I have a wonton soup & 2 chicken skewers for a B100, or $4.80 AUD, this day I had 4 skewers for B60, or $2.90 AUD.

Genki Soi 4 North Pattaya

First six months 2020

 A very authentic Japanese restaurant with good quality reasonably priced food.

View from my balcony

First six months 2020

 Without a doubt I am lucky enough to see some of the best sunsets in the world from my condo, for more please follow THIS LINK.

New drains on Beach Road

First six months 2020

 For many months they have been digging up Beach Rd to improve the drainage system, only time will tell if it’s worth the effort. 🙂

Painting Markland Condo

First six months 2020

These guys seem to have no fear. 🙂

Spiderman is here wearing thongs. 🙂

First six months 2020

 I would certainly have a heart attack if I tried this. 🙂

Toast Skagen

First six months 2020

My favourite entree at the Beefeater restaurant.

Clean up Pattaya Beach

First six months 2020

The beach will be clean, the water not so much. 🙂

Holiday Inn at happy hour

First six months 2020

Drinks & dinner at Holiday Inn with Mark Yagalla, buy a bottle get one free. 🙂

Healthy lunch at home

First six months 2020

 It’s hard to find good avocados in Thailand, most of the time I use them for smoothies. The avocado bistro in Bangkok is an exception.

Soi 2 North Pattaya

First six months 2020

 Lots of construction & renovations happening in Soi 2, I’m directly above this hotel on the 20th floor in Markland Condo.

Rain at last

First six months 2020

 It’s March 15 & this is the 1st significant rain we have seen this year.

2nd Road North Pattaya

First six months 2020

Only 9 am & this tall LadyBoy is dressed to kill. 🙂

The result of the Coronavirus

Pattaya storm water solution

March 2020 and Chinese tourists are not allowed to swarm into Pattaya, many business owners are suffering but residents like myself are loving the peace & quiet.

February 2020

First six months 2020

What a fabulous smile, this is little Charli with her mum Laura, my gorgeous niece.

Two of our local lads at the Holiday Inn

First six months 2020

 Greg Clee & David Rose enjoying a drink at the Holiday Inn.

My million dollar view

First six months 2020

 From my balcony on March 26 2020.

First six months 2020

First six months 2020

Now anybody who has been to Pattaya & some parts of Bangkok knows the uneven footpaths are rather treacherous. Yesterday morning while walking I was briefly distracted which resulted in “a leap of death.” With 109 kg crashing to the ground strangely enough, (don’t laugh) it was my two big toes that came out the worst. Both toenails were damaged rather badly, but I assure you my friends I was shaken not stirred, I’m guessing no morning walks for a few days.

Takeaway only

First six months 2020

 Starbucks & the few restaurants that are open can only serve takeaway due to Covid-9 restrictions. No big deal, I’m happy to sip coffee by the beach. 🙂

Pattaya beach has never looked so beautiful.

First six months 2020

However the thing I miss most are the restaurants. 

More drinks at the Holiday Inn

First six months 2020

John Martin & David Robertson, aka Pothole & Chocolates. Chocs lives in Surfers Paradise & spends quite a bit of time in Pattaya, he rents one of Pothole’s studios in Markland, & pays far too much rent. 🙂

Beautiful clouds

First six months 2020

April 20th & a beautiful morning.

Combating the virus

First six months 2020

Who is that masked man?

Hamish has a barbecue 

First six months 2020

That’s Jonathon Sheaffe & his girlfriend Anne with Hamish Elton.

Sausages & chicken

First six months 2020

 So much food & such little time. 🙂

Proud father with baby Jasmine

First six months 2020

One month old & gorgeous.

Creme brulee

First six months 2020

 Perfect end to lunch at the Longhorn Steakhouse.

Amazing cloud

First six months 2020

May 5th at sunset.

Robin Hood Tavern

First six months 2020

Sunday roast is very good value at around $16 AUD.

First six months 2020

First six months 2020

Another of the many business closures due to Covid-19, this was a massage parlour in Soi 1 opposite my condo.

Pattaya Bay looking fabulous

First six months 2020

 I never grow tired of the view from my balcony.

Ancient timber ferries

First six months 2020

Lots of character but I( would not like to be onboard in a storm. 🙂

Beach re-opens June 1st.

First six months 2020

 After many weeks you can now go to the beach.

First six months 2020, at last a foot massage

First six months 2020

I can now enjoy a massage after the salons have been closed because of Covid-19.

Lunch at Miyazaki

First six months 2020

Teriyaki chicken was delicious. 

Best pancake I have ever tasted.

First six months 2020

Holly’s cafe at Terminal 21.

Magnificent clouds June 1st 2020

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

 The view from my balcony.

Safe at last

First six months 2020

Building lifeguard towers on Pattaya Beach. 🙂

And here it is.

First six months 2020

I really wonder if it will ever get used. 🙂

Soi 2 hotel construction

First six months 2020

 View from my balcony June 29th.

Holiday Inn opens again June 25

First six months 2020

 So happy to be able to relax here after 2 months of shutdown due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Delicious food

First six months 2020

 Fettuccine with smoke salmon & asparagus, washed down with 2 glasses of Wolf Blass shiraz.

Thanks for visiting my First six months 2020 photo blog, life in Thailand has been very good even with the virus restrictions.

For what it’s worth in my humble opinion the danger from Covid-19 has been greatly exaggerated. 

  Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
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          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
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           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
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A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

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

 
 
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1g Duck

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Fat Coco Pattaya (noise machine)

December 31, 2019 by David Herd

Fat Coco Pattaya

Fat Coco PattayaFat Coco Pattaya is certainly a noise machine, a couple of days after they opened, on December 28, the music was excellent, one of the many bands actually had saxophones etc. The following night the quality diminished greatly, quite monotonous including a shrieking female presenter with a microphone.

Life is good…..

Fat Coco PattayaUnless of course you are a neighbour (which I am) or a hotel guest trying to sleep. 🙂

Could this be the stairway to heaven?

Fat Coco Pattaya Probably not, but here is the song anyhow by Led Zeppelin, by the way it goes for 8 minutes. 🙂

I like these colours

Fat Coco PattayaThe opposite side is not as attractive, then again, at night with the music blaring who would really care?

If you want to just lounge around & listen to the music….

Fat Coco PattayaThis is the place for you. 🙂

Jimmy Buffet knows exactly what to do.

The stage

Fat Coco Pattaya Here is where the noise is manufactured. 🙂

There’s an attractive rubber duck.

Fat Coco Pattaya It’s so important to have the right toys in a pool.

Another bar on the north side

Fat Coco Pattaya Not sure what the drink prices are, but they were charging a whopping B500 or $24 AUD to enter. I wonder how many Thai ladies will fork out 500. I also wonder if they are actually being charged that ridiculous amount. They can come to my room in Markland & listen for free. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Here is my view

Tropical storm floods PattayaTrust me ladies the music is still very loud up here. This photo shows the pool area before it was transformed.

Fat Coco Pattaya

Fat Coco PattayaEven though they have been operating there is still some fine tuning to be done.

Cactus anyone?

Fat Coco PattayaJust don’t get too close if you have had too many tequilas. 🙂

“Tequila” is a 1958 Latin-flavored rock and roll instrumental recorded by the Champs. It is based on a Cuban mambo beat. The word “Tequila” is spoken three times throughout the tune.

La vida es buena

Fat Coco PattayaOf course you all know this means “life is good” in Spanish.

Finally the food…

Fat Coco Pattaya Looks like wood fired pizzas to me.

Here is how it looked on Feb 16 2020.

Fat Coco PattayaOn the 15th they had an event which was widely advertised, for some crazy reason the entry fee was B800, or $40 AUD. In my opinion very few Thai people or foreigners would pay that inflated price. It turns out there were only around 20 people, & half of those would have been staff.

Two days later

Fat Coco PattayaThe wreaking crew moves in.

The cost so far must be very high

Fat Coco PattayaThey don’t seem to understand people are not stupid, they want value for money on a night out.

Here is the next project

Fat Coco Pattaya Let’s hope it has more success than Fat Coco, aka the noise machine. 🙂

Swimming pool is re-born

Fat Coco Pattaya After the failure to attract a crowd they have done an about turn & bought back the swimming pool. The main reason for the failure was the entry fee of B800, or $40 AUD, nobody is prepared to pay such a ridiculous price.

Thanks for visiting my Fat Coco Pattaya photo blog.  If you would like to stay in the A-One hotel, for a very good room discount just use THIS LINK.

Here is a history of the construction.

My webcam looks down over Fat Coco, check it out.

 Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants        a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021       IMG_0100

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)        IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

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

                                     

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Xmas Feast Harlan Goldstein

December 26, 2019 by David Herd

Xmas Feast Harlan Goldstein

Xmas Feast Harlan Goldstein

Xmas Feast, Harlan Goldstein really knows how to look after his customers. We had the best table in the restaurant located in the VIP area, thanks to my great friend Hamish Elton who is a regular customer there. That’s Hamish above with his lovely lady May, he is drinking Mexican Heatwaves & May is enjoying mango juice.

We arrived very early

Xmas Feast Harlan Goldstein 4pm Xmas day, no wonder the place was empty. 🙂

I’ll start with an ice cold Peroni

Xmas Feast Harlan GoldsteinBefore we arrived at the restaurant Hamish & I had knocked off a bottle of Verve Clicquot French Champagne.

A perfect start to Xmas dinner

Xmas Feast Harlan GoldsteinSucculent oysters from France. 

Large, tasty & salty, Tsarskaya oysters from Cancale

Xmas Feast, Harlan Goldstein

The Tsarkaya Oysters have been the food of royalty since the dawn of time, including for Roman emperors, French Kings and even Russian Tsars. This fully fleshed oyster is exclusively ripened and produced in the bay of Mont Saint Michel. 

Recently I bought 4 dozen mixed French & Irish oysters to Pattaya from El Mercado in Bangkok. Hamish expertly shucked them on my balcony & we washed them down with a cold white wine from New Zealand.

Next course smoked salmon

Xmas Feast Harlan Goldstein Quite delicious, sitting on a small potato pancake with sour cream & caviar.

Cinnamon spiced sweet potato soup

Xmas Feast Harlan Goldstein I’m a soup lover & this one did not disappoint, it was fabulous. In case you were wondering they are Maple croutons. 🙂

Charcoal grilled rib eye of beef.

Xmas Feast Harlan GoldsteinSo tender & cooked to perfection., served with red wine onion sauce.

Xmas turkey with sausage

Xmas Feast, Harlan Goldstein There were 3 choices for main course, Hamish went for the turkey.

Desert to finish

Xmas Feast, Harlan Goldstein I’m a sucker for desert, I have to maintain my 112 kilo of weight. 🙂

Xmas Feast Harlan Goldstein

Xmas Feast Harlan Goldstein The busy chef joined us for a quick break & a cold beer then back to work. 🙂

The heavy artillery.

Xmas Feast Harlan GoldsteinCan you believe they named this tequila “Religion”? It was very smooth indeed.

The menu

Xmas Feast, Harlan Goldstein One thing is for certain, when you dine at Harlan’s you never leave hungry. 🙂 

Thanks for visiting my Xmas Feast, Harlan Goldstein photo blog, & thanks to Harlan for making it a Merry Xmas. 🙂

https://youtu.be/XyxifyO1hr0 Here is Harlan showing you how to cook the perfect steak. 

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants        a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021       IMG_0100

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)        IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

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

             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

Chiang Mai with Tone9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)191de3bb-38fc-45cd-bce7-ef24081c554b

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

  • Breakfast Bake n’ Brew

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.