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Favourite photos Japan part one

October 6, 2019 by David Herd

Favourite photos Japan

Favourite photos Japan

Favourite photos Japan, there are so many, I need to do two, maybe three posts. Such a fabulous country with a wonderful mix if old & new, or should I say ancient & modern. 🙂 The beautiful garden above was in Kyoto.

Yokohama station

Favourite photos Japan

There is a surprise around every corner in Japan. 

Tōdai-ji Nara

Favourite photos Japan

Originally founded in the year 738 CE, Todai-ji temple was not opened until the year 752, absolutely spectacular. 

Nara is 50 minutes by train from Osaka.

My favourite Tokyo restaurant.

Favourite photos Japan

 Sushizanmai is a well known restaurant chain, this branch is open 24 hours a day & was adjacent to the old Tsujiki fish market, without a doubt it’s my favourite restaurant in Tokyo. 

I really love this photograph.

Favourite photos Japan

In Kabukicho there is a small lane called “Piss Alley”, there are many tiny restaurants serving fabulous food. I have named this photo “Only the Lonely”.

Peace & serenity

Favourite photos Japan

One of the many artists in Ohori Park in Fukuoka.

Kanazawa castle

Favourite photos Japan

A huge fire in 1759 destroyed the whole castle then it was re-built in 1788. That year is also when 11 ships with 1,530 people onboard, 736 of them convicts, arrived in Botany Bay a few miles south of Sydney Harbour in Australia. This event is known to all us Aussies as “the first fleet”.

Nagasaki Peace Park 

Favourite photos Japan

Awesome statue commemorating the atomic bombing of the city on August 9, 1945 during World War II.

Boat ride around Hikone castle

Favourite photos Japan

Hikone Castle is a Japanese National Treasure, one of five in the whole country. It is regarded as one of Japan’s most beautiful and historic castles.

Here I am with some Harajuku girls.

Favourite photos Japan

Harajuku girls are famous ‘Fashion Aficionados’ or ‘Beauty stars of Japan’ which are known all over the world for their unique clothing style.

Coffee in Tokyo

Favourite photos Japan

 These coffees certainly have the “wow” factor. 🙂

The Shibuya crossing

Favourite photos Japan

I love to sit in Starbucks & watch the peak hour crowd swarm across this famous intersection.

Shabusen in Tokyo

Favourite photos Japan

 In the heart of the Ginza this terrific restaurant is a great place to enjoy Kobe beef. Go at lunch time when the special are cheaper. 🙂 TripAdvisor rating is #45 of 8,342 Restaurants in Chuo.

Another look at the Shabu Shabu.

Favourite photos Japan

I visit this great venue every time I’m in Tokyo.

Favourite photos Japan

Favourite photos Japan

 This is Dotombori in Osaka, there are so many restaurants & such little time. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Favourite photos Japan photo blog.

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

1g Duck

 

This gallery contains 2 photos

Soho Village Plaza upgraded

October 1, 2019 by David Herd

Soho Village Plaza upgraded

Soho Village Plaza upgraded

Soho Village Plaza upgraded since I published my first photo blog for this food market in 2015. Not only have they added a whole new section at the back they have improved most of the kitchens etc on both sides of the market.

Lots of fresh seafood here.

New Soho Town Pattaya

 Mussels, crab, prawns, oysters, lobsters, you name it they have it. 🙂

Tanks of live seafood.

New Soho Town Pattaya

 It does not get any fresher than this. 🙂

Here are more choices

New Soho Town Pattaya

 Just wander around until you see something you like. 🙂

How about spares ribs & skewers?

New Soho Town Pattaya

 So many choices & such little time.

Here is the local serpent

Soho Village Plaza upgraded

To find him just walk to the back of the market and up the stairs. This will also lead you too the new section which has recently opened. Check it out on THIS LINK.

The view from beside the serpent

New Soho Town Pattaya

 As you can clearly see it is far from full, however it’s only 9pm on a Monday night.

There are many choices other than seafood

Soho Village Plaza upgraded

All sorts of Thai & Chinese dishes are available.

Live lobster November 15

New Soho Town Pattaya

My friend Mark Yagala loves his food. You can buy his story Wall Street Joyride from Amazon, just follow THIS LINK.

Reasonably priced compared to Walking St.

New Soho Town Pattaya

 B1600 or $77 AUD at Soho Village Plaza upgraded. Photo taken with his new iPhone.  The staring price was around 2400, so make sure you negotiate. 🙂

Directly across 2nd Road

Soho Village Plaza upgraded

 Another market has opened, I don’t know if it is owned by Soho Town or not.

Soho Village Plaza upgraded

Soho Village Plaza upgraded

 Thanks for visiting my Soho Village Plaza upgraded photo blog, as you can see the choices are endless & the prices are reasonable. Here is a LINK to my original post in 2015. Also follow THIS LINK for the new section adjacent to the serpent.

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

 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

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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.

Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

New Soho Town Pattaya

October 1, 2019 by David Herd

New Soho Town Pattaya

New Soho Town Pattaya

New Soho Town Pattaya is an extension of the original food market. The entrance is around the corner in Pattayasaisong 1 Alley, however it connects with the original market area with both venues forming an L shape, so you can simply climb the stairs at the rear of Soho Village & turn left at the temple.

It will need promotion

New Soho Town Pattaya

 The original market is extremely busy every night but this section was almost deserted when I dined there September 30 2019.

Lots of cooking stations

New Soho Town Pattaya

 In fact more cooking stations than people at this early stage.

Entertainment was very good

New Soho Town Pattaya

 The singer had a nice voice & the volume thankfully was not too loud.

I chose this Saigon kitchen

New Soho Town Pattaya

 The food ranged from average to very good.

Interesting prawn & noodle soup

New Soho Town Pattaya

It looked far better than it tasted, sadly it was rather bland but the prawns were good.

A mixed result here

New Soho Town Pattaya

 The chicken skewers at B10 or .48 AUD each were excellent, the other small rolls were only average. I will certainly return just for the skewers alone. 🙂

I did return 4 days later.

New Soho Town Pattaya

 Enjoyed 4 chicken skewers then took home another 6 for a total cost of B100, or $4.80 AUD.

New Soho Town Pattaya

New Soho Town Pattaya

 At the moment the staff converge upon you as you arrive due to a lack of customers, no doubt people will come once they know New Soho Town Pattaya exists.

The Temple

New Soho Town Pattaya

 Take off your shoes if you are using the stairs.

This guy is very impressive.

New Soho Town Pattaya

 I’m guessing it’s a Chinese serpent. 🙂

From another angle. 🙂

New Soho Town Pattaya

 With the temple in the background.

Thanks for visiting my New Soho Town Pattaya photo blog. I will return soon, it’s only six or seven minutes walk from where I live in Soi one. Just head for the black circle.

Soho Village Plaza upgraded

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

 Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

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     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

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

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

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

  • Breakfast Bake n’ Brew

Counter only started February 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Chinese restaurant Pattaya

September 24, 2019 by David Herd

Chinese restaurant Pattaya

Chinese restaurant Pattaya

Chinese restaurant Pattaya Hou Va Tim is an interesting “hole in the wall” venue in 2nd Rd opposite Soi 7. Small & noise with interesting Chinese food.

Fresh seafood 

Chinese restaurant PattayaOn my first visit in September 2019 I only had a soup & a small prawn & egg dish, next visit I will try the seafood.

Chinese restaurant Pattaya with open kitchen

Chinese restaurant PattayaIt’s always nice to be able to see them actually cooking. As you can see everything looks clean and organized.

Wonton soup was excellent

Chinese restaurant PattayaAn extra large bowl of piping hot soup for B50, or $2.40 AUD.

 Shrimp & egg

Chinese restaurant PattayaThis dish was ok, but I would not really recommend it, from memory it also comes with larger prawns instead of shrimp which would be a better choice I’m sure.

Small & a little noisy

Chinese restaurant PattayaWhich is normal when you get a group of 6 to 8 people dining. 🙂

No space on the wall.

Chinese restaurant PattayaNot sure what this all means, but I’m sure the staff knows. 🙂

Looking through the front door at 2nd Rd

Chinese restaurant PattayaCross 2nd Rd to get to Soi 7.

Just look for the yellow sign

Chinese restaurant Pattaya Quite easy to find if you look for the yellow sign.

Chinese restaurant Pattaya

Chinese restaurant PattayaThanks for visiting my Chinese restaurant Pattaya photo blog. Lots more links below if you have the time.

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

 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.

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.

Check out these great photo blogs.

World is my oyster

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Upmarket Chinese Food Sydney

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Steakhouse New York

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Little old wine drinker me

September 12, 2019 by David Herd

Little old wine drinker me!

Little old wine drinker

Little old wine drinker me, I’m praying for rain in California, So the grapes can grow and they can make more wine, And I’m sitting in a honky in Chicago, With a broken heart and a woman on my mind. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Sing it for us Dean. 🙂

I certainly enjoy a glass of wine or 3, plus I love living in Thailand. One of the few problems here however is the very high price of wine. In this photo blog I will give you some idea of prices & suggestions of where to drink wine at a (fairly) reasonable price.

Leckerle in Soi 33 Naklua

Little old wine drinkerAs well as terrific food they serve a very generous glass of wine for B100 or $4.80 AUD.

Atlantic Bar opposite Central Marina

Little old wine drinker I am a regular at this bar, but not as regular as I used to be. Last year they increased the price of a glass of red to B140 or $6.70 AUD, however there is a 10% discount if you have a member card which brings the price down to B126, still overpriced in my opinion. I must say however they do pour me a reasonable size glass for which I’m forever grateful. 🙂

I now drink elsewhere Friday, Saturday & Sunday during the English football season, as the TV volume is so high it’s uncomfortable for many customers such as myself.

This is what I mainly drink at home.

Little old wine drinker Probably because I’m a “Cheap Charlie”, can you believe we pay B1000 or $48 AUD for 3 bloody litres? In 2018 we were buying a 5 litre cask for that amount, then the Thai government jacked up the tax & excise. 

In fact taxes on French, Australian and American wines, for instance, are as high as 400% including excise tax, municipal tax, health tax and import tariffs.

Five litre Australian cask

Little old wine drinker

Amazing value at B315 or $15 AUD. So $3 a litre as opposed to $16 a litre in Thailand.

Little old wine drinker me!

Little old wine drinkerYou gotta love red wine. 🙂

Neil Dimond will explain better than I. 🙂

Wine Connection

Little old wine drinker Very good food & a terrific wine selection, always have some great specials.

Australian red wine at Wine connection

Wine Connection Beach Rd Pattaya

Billy’s shadow shiraz is B650 or $31 AUD, & Angus the bull B850 or $40  AUD. Billy’s sells for $7 in Australia & Angus $19. Is it any wonder I lay awake at night weeping? 🙂

Pssst! Want to know a secret?

Little old wine drinkerFoodland at Terminal have these Aussie wines for only $20 AUD.  Of course you can buy it in Australia for around $8.00.

But wait, there’s more…….

Little old wine drinkerTops mini supermarket on the ground floor of my condo building at Markland on Beach Road.

Is there a better place to drink wine than here?

Little old wine drinkerA fabulous September sunset from the Holiday Inn at happy hour. Every day between 5 & 7 pm a glass of Australian red or white wine costs B240 ++ for 2 glasses. The ++ is the killer of course, it takes the price up to B283, or $15.50 AUD which is a reasonable $7.75 each given the fabulous location.

Terrazzo Holiday Inn

Little old wine drinker As you can see it’s a nice place to sit & have a few wines. 🙂

The best value Aussie red in Pattaya

Little old wine drinkerCan you believe Mathilda Restaurant on 2nd Rd only charge B420, or $20 AUD for this Aussie red? The price of food is very reasonable also.

Xmas has come early

Little old wine drinker me My great friends Nick & Sharron bought me 8 litres of Aussie red for a cost of $28 AUD, the 3 litre Mont Clair costs me $48 AUD, say no more. Many thanks to Nick & Sharron.

La Vida from Chile

La Vida It’s now December 2020 & this 5 litre cask is the best value in Thailand, B979 or $44 AUD, I buy a box of 4 from Best supermarket at Dolphin roundabout. 🙂

Shock! horror! It’s now October 2021 & they have put the price up to B1,080, or $44.91 AUD.

That’s all for now folks

Little old wine drinkerThanks for visiting my Little old wine drinker me photo blog. 

Before you leave please listen to Frankie reminiscing. 🙂

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
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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
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn Pattaya

August 31, 2019 by David Herd

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn Pattaya is my usual venue for afternoon coffee, only a 150 meter walk from my condo at Markland in Beach Rd. The shot above is the hotel reception, turn left to fond the Flow Cafe Holiday Inn.

Terrific cakes & pastries.

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

Also meat pies, sandwiches & sausage rolls, and excellent coffee of course.

So many choices….

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

And such little time. 🙂

My favourite waitress

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

This lovely lady with the gorgeous smile is Opor, that’s the shortened version of her name, she always makes me a special coffee. 🙂

How sweet is this?

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

 Opor takes great pride in her work. 🙂

Luckily I get a 25% discount.

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

For a small cost you can get a “Hi Club” Card which gives you the discount on food & beverage except for the specials.

Other hotel specials

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

 Happy hour every day between 5 & 7pm.

Pizza happy hour

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

In fact they ate my favourite pizzas in Pattaya.

There are specials every day.

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

Every day is a good day at the Holiday Inn Pattaya.

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

 Thanks for visiting my Flow Cafe Holiday Inn photo blog, you will find me there most days around 3 pm. 🙂

Something different

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

It tasted as good as it looked, very healthy indeed. 🙂

New sandwich system

Flow Cafe Holiday Inn

 Instead of ready made sandwiches you now order from this list.

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

36555237616_da3ed73d6a_o

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

Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Shuck more oysters please

August 28, 2019 by David Herd

Shuck more oysters please

Beachfront restaurant Pattaya Shuck more oysters please they taste wonderful, and did you know that American and Italian researchers found they are rich in amino acids, which  trigger increased levels of sex hormones. Consequently their high zinc content aids the production of testosterone.  This photo blog will feature many of the places in this wonderful world where I have indulged my love of this incredible delicacy. The photo above is from the Surf & Turf restaurant in Pattaya Thailand where I enjoyed lunch on Friday August 24 2019.

Look at these beauties

Shuck more oystersI was in Sendai in Japan in June 2018 at Ostra de Ole restaurant & found that the Monday special offered half price oysters, I thought I was in heaven, sitting in a great little oyster bar drinking ice cold beer, listening to Abba singing Dancing Queen, & waiting on my 10 oysters to arrive. And as I said, tonight they were half price, 300 Baht or $12 AUD, priceless. 

I’m a very happy guy.

Shuck more oystersMy waiter Ryuichiro Yamamoto a nice young university student who was studying Space Engineering, rolled up with a bonus 3 oysters on the house.  Shuck more oysters please Shuck more oysters please Keep them coming buddy, I’ll tell you when to stop. 🙂

The Oyster Bar at Marina Pier Glenelg South Australia.

Shuck more oysters My old friend Dennis Young from the 70s & I are enjoying Coffin Bay oysters. Coffin Bay is a 700 km drive from Adelaide via Port Augusta or a 50 minute flight from Adelaide to Port Lincoln Airport.

Two dozen oysters = two days food poisoning on Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Rio de Janeiro I was totally out of it for 48 hours after eating these oysters on the beach, this was way back in 2006.

The Evil eye

Copacabana Rio de Janeiro The look on his face should have warned me about eating his oysters. He even had madman printed on his cap. 🙂

Back in Brazil in 2009

Shuck more oystersAnd back on a beach in Florianopolis pigging out on oysters au naturel. Oysters are good for your heart. They are high in omega – 3 fatty acids, potassium and magnesium which can help reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and lower blood pressure. 

Pataya Thailand in 2003

Shuck more oystersI’m at one of the waterfront restaurants in the famous Walking Street.

Gold Coast Australia at Chevron Island seafood.

Shuck more oystersThis is the best seafood shop on the Gold Coast, that’s my old friend Frank who always looks after me.

Shuck more oysters please

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise I have been eating oysters here for 30 years.

El Mercado in Bangkok

Shuck more oystersCurrently the best value oysters in the northern hemisphere. 🙂

Oysters from Cancle in France

Shuck more oysters A huge selection from the Brittany coast. For prices & information please check out THIS LINK. Renowned for its oyster production, the commune of Cancale is located in Brittany, in the department of Ille-et-Vilaine. Fishing port, it takes place at the western end of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, on the Emerald Coast, about fifteen kilometers from Saint-Malo.  Prices at El Mercado Shuck more oysters please  From as low as B35 or $170 AUD each.

June 2022

https://fivestarvagabond.com/shuck-more-oysters-please/ A huge jump in prices.

Do I enjoy the oysters at El Mercado?

Shuck more oystersYou bet your bloody life I do. 🙂

Finally we are at Port Macquarie on the west coat of Australia.

Shuck more oysters People either love them or hate them. If you love them, head to the NSW mid-north coast, where a string of oyster farmers have opened up their doors to oyster lovers who know that fresh from the farm is best.

First trip to Tokyo in 2007

Shuck more oysters pleaseThe quality of food in Japan is wonderful.

Dining with Phil & Junko

Shuck more oysters pleaseThis was my first trip to Japan & I was very lucky to have my friends show me the ropes.

Life does not get much better than this.

Great food Waterfront Cape Town Add a stunning view, excellent decor and very efficient staff to the great food and you have all the ingredients for a perfect lunch in Cape Town.

The Kitchen Pattaya

Shuck more oysters please Oysters from France delivered fresh every Thursday & usually sold out by Friday.

$42 AUD per dozen

Shuck more oysters pleaseThey add ++ in Thailand for tax & a service charge, very annoying being forced to tip 10%. Thanks for visiting my Shuck more oysters photo blog. I’m planning to visit Canale in France in 2020 to totally pig out on their wonderful oysters fresh from the sea.

Pattaya seafood market

Shuck more oysters please Thai oysters at B40, or $1.30 USD.

Large Thai oyster

Shuck more oysters please I only tried one & it was better than I expected, even without lemon etc. We will include in our next oyster night.

Oysters at Central Festival Pattaya

Food review Pattaya 2020These oysters were on special, B360 or $11 USD for 9 & they tossed in one for free. 🙂 Certainly the best value I have found in Thailand.

Tuesday oysters special in Pattaya

Oysters Beach Club PattayaThe Beach Club at the Pullman hotel from 3 pm every Tuesday they serve fabulous oysters from France for B30 a piece. Of course being an upmarket hotel the Pullman adds ++ to the price, 7% VAT & 10% service which brings the price to B35 or $1’60 AUD. About $19 per dozen making it the best value I have found in Thailand.

Great value here…

L'Auberge French Restaurant Pattaya

At L’Auberge in Pattaya  fine de claire from France are on special, B570 per dozen, or $23 AUD.

Belon oysters

Shuck more oysters please   Shuck more oysters please

February 11 2022 & L’Auberge were sold out of fine de claire so I ordered the Belon oysters. Belons are the native oyster of Europe. They are an entirely different genus from the rest of our oysters. They act different, and they taste different. Way different. Love ’em or leave ’em. 

Menton on the French riviera

Shuck more oysters please Many of the oysters I eat here in Thailand come from France. Here are some I actualy ate in France. 🙂

Hamish Elton

Hamish Elton Oyster ManHamish eats more oysters than I do simply because he has more money than I do. 🙂 Consequently I have christened “The Oyster Man”. Check out Hamish Elton “The Oyster Man”.

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1g Duck

 

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                          Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.   Check out these great photo blogs. Tokyo fabulous food Upmarket Chinese Food Sydney Food review Pattaya Thailand Good English restaurants Amazing World Food  Fresh seafood Bangkok Steakhouse New York Pattaya live webcam

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Pattaya coffee shop review

August 18, 2019 by David Herd

Pattaya coffee shop review

Pattaya coffee shop review

Pattaya coffee shop review from my perspective. These are the venues where I choose to spend my time and money. 🙂

The photo above is the Coffee Club at Markland on Beach Rd, this in fact was opening day on 31-8-2018. It closed permanently 2 years later.

Coffee Club Eggs Benedict.

Pattaya coffee shop review

 Good quality food & coffee but far too expensive. For instance the equivalent of a Starbucks tall latte is B146 or $6.97 AUD, at Starbucks you pay B115 or $5.50 AUD.  Even though they have a branch in my condo building I generally walk 200 meters to the Holiday Inn where I only pay B113.

Smiling faces at Flow in the Holiday Inn.

Pattaya coffee shop review

 The staff here are very friendly & the food & coffee is excellent. The large coffee is B150 which is what you would expect for a 5 star hotel. However as I’m a member of the Hi Club I get a 25% discount which brings the cost down to B113.

Pattaya coffee shop review, how nice is this?

Pattaya coffee shop review

 Coffee art at the Holiday Inn. 🙂

Pastry Addiction next door the Hard Rock Hotel.

Pattaya coffee shop review

 An excellent up market coffee shop on Beach Road. 

Breakfast at Pastry Addiction

Pattaya coffee shop review

 Good food, coffee & decor.

Bon cafe in Naklua Rd

Pattaya coffee shop review

Certainly has one of the best value breakfasts in Pattaya, B185 including excellent coffee.

Bon Cafe coffee machines

Pattaya coffee shop review

 Bon Cafe import coffee machines from many countries around the world for including Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the United States of America, and other countries to satisfy their various types of customers.

Starbucks, my favourite coffee shop in Pattaya

Pattaya coffee shop review

 Around 5 days a week I am at Central Marina or the Bay in Beach Road. The lovely girls put a candle in my croissant for my birthday. 🙂

My Starbucks breakfast of choice

Pattaya coffee shop review

 Accompanied by a tall latte of course. Starbucks sell 4 BILLION cups annually. Which (divided by 365 days) means that roughly 10,958,904 cups sold daily between ALL Starbucks locations. So we are talking about 388 cups of espresso and/or coffee drinks daily on average per store globally.

This is Boonthavorn

Pattaya coffee shop review

 Surprisingly they have the best value coffee in Pattaya. They are on Sukhumvit Rd,see the map below.

Just inside the front entrance on the left.

Pattaya coffee shop review

 Top quality coffee for only B30, or $1.40 AUD.

The Bay center on Beach Road

Pattaya coffee shop review    Pattaya coffee shop review 

Good value coffee in a pleasant atmosphere.

Location

Pattaya coffee shop review

Many thanks for visiting my Pattaya coffee shop review photo blog.

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1g Duck

  • Breakfast Bake n’ Brew

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Starbucks Pattaya every morning

July 28, 2019 by David Herd

Starbucks Pattaya every morning

Starbucks Pattaya every morning

Starbucks Pattaya every morning is a perfect start to my day. Not just the excellent coffee, the friendly smiling staff always put me in a positive mood. Above is the branch at The Bay on Beach Road Pattaya between Soi 5 & Soi 6.

The Bay Beach Road

Starbucks Pattaya every morning

 Let’s go to Starbucks & stare at our phones. 🙂

Opening day at the Bay

Starbucks Pattaya every morning

 September 22 2015.

My breakfast of choice.

Starbucks Pattaya every morning

Ham & cheese croissant with a tall latte. B240 or $7.8 USD

There are two Starbucks at Central Festival

Starbucks Pattaya every morning

That makes 4 within 10 minutes walk from my condo.

Inside Central Festival branch

Starbucks Pattaya every morning

 Quite an attractive fit out.

A birthday candle for me. 🙂

Starbucks Pattaya every morning

 As I mentioned earlier the smiles on girls are a really nice start for the day.

Sometimes they run out of croissants.

Starbucks Pattaya every morning

So I settle for a sandwich. 🙂

Starbucks Pattaya every morning

Starbucks Pattaya every morning

 Every 12 coffee is free if you have a Starbucks card so I often take one home for later. Also they often have a two for one offer.

Almond croissant

Tough times Thailand

 A nice alternative to the ham & cheese.

Mr Donuts

Central Festival food hall

Starbucks change B115 for a latte, here at Mr Donuts I paid B93 for what you see.

Xmas day 2021

Starbucks Pattaya every morning

Two of the lovely girls who look after me every day. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Starbucks Pattaya every morning photo blog.

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1g Duck

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Japan, five popular places to visit

July 23, 2019 by David Herd

Japan five popular places to visit

Japan, five popular places to visit

Japan five popular places to visit. Japan is a beautiful country, with one of the most ancient civilizations in the world. There are many Japanese customs that have endured for hundreds of years – you’ll love their commitment to politeness and their incredible hospitality. The depth of Japan’s history is reflected in the many breathtaking tourist attractions waiting to be discovered, both natural and man-made. Here are five of the top ones for you to explore yourself.

1. Mount Fuji

Japan, five popular places to visit

Image by Yash Raut on Unsplash

At 3,776 metres high, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain. It is an exquisitely-shaped volcano that has long been worshiped as a sacred natural monument and is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. It remains active, though its most recent eruption was in 1707, and it can even be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama when visibility is good. You can take the world-famous bullet train to enjoy views of this awe-inspiring landmark, and there are many attractions and resorts near the foot of the mountain to see it up close.

2. Snow monkeys

Japan, five popular places to visit

Image by Steven Diaz on Unsplash

You may have heard of the famous snow monkeys of Japan, which are actually Japanese macaques. There are numerous attractions in Jigokudani, Yamanouchi and Nagano based around these majestic animals. The Jigokudani Yaenkoen park is a particular favourite for visitors, where the primates can be observed in their natural habitat. It’s a great diversion if you are staying at one of the ski resorts of the Shiga Kogen region which are renowned for their beauty. Just make sure everyone in your party takes ski safety seriously – a surprising number of people still ski without helmets, for example, with helmet wearing rates in Germany falling as low as 40%!

3. Kyoto Temples

Japan, five popular places to visit

Image by David Emrich on Unsplash

There are more than 1,600 temples in Kyoto, so it can be quite challenging choosing which ones to visit in the city. To help you out, here are a few recommendations:

 

  • Nanzen-ji Temple – this is a sprawling Zen haven amid luscious green hills.

 

  • Tofuku-ji Temple – reputed to be one of the most beautiful of Kyoto’s temples, Tofuku-ji also has the advantage of not being overly crowded (unless you visit during the autumn).

 

  • Daitoku-ji Temple – more than just a temple, this is a whole world of temples, with some of the most exquisite Zen gardens you’ll find anywhere.   
  • 4, The Japanese Alps 
  • Japan, five popular places to visit
  • If you want to soak up some of Japan’s most breathtaking natural beauty, the Japanese Alps are the best place to go. There’s plenty of opportunity for hiking, skiing and enjoying a soak in some of the country’s most scenic locations. There are also some unique attractions to discover, like a ninja theme park and a wasabi farm. A journey around the region could also involve a trip to Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Nagano and Obuse.

5, Himeji Castle

Japan, five popular places to visit

Image by Sebastian Sammer on Unsplash

 

When it comes to places of historical significance in Japan, Himeji Castle ranks highly. It has an elegant, white appearance and is exquisitely preserved for tourist visits. It is a world heritage site, one of Japan’s 12 original castles, and has stood since the 1400s. As it survives today, the complex is over 400 years old, made up of over 80 buildings connected by various gates and winding paths. The castle almost personifies Japanese culture and is not to be missed.

The magic and wonder of Japan comes from over a thousand years of rich cultural heritage, and there is so much more beyond these five highlights for you to discover. If you are visiting, you will enjoy the absolute privilege of taking in this wonderful culture.

Sayounara

Japan, five popular places to visit

 Our little Princess hopes you enjoyed our Japan, five popular places to visit photo blog.

Fukuoka Hiroshima Sapporo Sendai

Tokyo Kagoshima Kanazawa Nagoya

Nagasaki Yokohama Kyoto Kamakura

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