Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Welcome to 700 travel blogs, to access a full index on your mobile please scroll to the bottom & choose from 700 locations. Email is [email protected]

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

October 9, 2015 by David Herd

From the Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

 Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers make this one of the world’s truly great cities. When you add wonderful people, great food & restaurants you have the whole package. This September 2015 trip was my 4th visit to which has now become my favourite city.

Check out this link for great food in Tokyo.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

The photos above were taken from the observation deck of the Tokyo Tower. Built in 1958, the tower’s main sources of revenue are tourism and antenna leasing. Over 150 million people have visited the tower since its opening. FootTown, a four-story building located directly under the tower, houses museums, restaurants and shops. Departing from there, guests can visit two observation decks. The two-story Main Observatory is located at 150 metres (490 ft), while the smaller Special Observatory reaches a height of 249.6 metres (819 ft

Ladies at the Ginza

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Today the kimono are most often worn by women, and on special occasions. Traditionally, unmarried women wore a style of kimono called furisode, with almost floor-length sleeves, on special occasions. A few older women and even fewer men still wear the kimono on a daily basis. Men wear the kimono most often at weddings, tea ceremonies, and other very special or very formal occasions. Professional sumo wrestlers are often seen in the kimono because they are required to wear traditional Japanese dress whenever appearing in public.

The Ginza

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

One of the best known intersections in the world.  Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe.

Wako store in the Ginza

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Wako is a department store retailer in Japan, whose best known store (commonly known as the Ginza Wako) is at the heart of the Ginza shopping district in Tokyo. This store is famous for its watches, jewellery, chocolate, porcelain, dishware, and handbags, as well as upscale foreign goods.

 Tokyo Peninsula Hotel

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Spectacular Tokyo Hotel near the Ginza. Only around $560 usd per night if you book through this link. 🙂

Modern Tokyo buildings

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

From the modern to the traditional Tokyo has t all.

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

The GAP building in Tokyo near the Ginza, this city is a shopping paradise.

The old and the new

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, they preserve the old and build the new. 🙂

 Fujiya Building Ginza

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

One of Tokyo’s iconic buildings.

Much more spectacular at night

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Tokyo at night lights up in all its glory, walking around the Ginza in the evening is quite exciting. Ginza is a popular destination on weekends, when the main north-south artery is closed to traffic.

Accidental video

Tokyo, Ginza to imperial Palace.

This was taken by accident, from Shabusen restaurant in the Ginza followed by our walk to the Imperial Palace. I didn’t realize my camera was making a compilation of the photos I was taking.

Kitanomaru Park

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

 Kitanomaru Park is located North of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

The Imperial Palace

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

One of the most popular sots in Tokyo for a photograph.

Piss Alley Shinjunku

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Piss Alley Tokyo was named many years ago, when it was a shady destination for criminals to get drunk together. The place wasn’t very built up back in those days, so instead of using a toilet, people just relieved themselves wherever they could.

 Grambell Hotel Shibuya

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

A nice budget hotel in a fantastic location. Use this link for a great rate.

Lancia Stratos

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

 The Lancia Stratos isn’t just one of the world’s rarest cars, but one with an iconic cult following like no other. In total, 492 Stratos are believed to have been built, with the majority of them being competition or Rally race cars. We saw this rare beast in the Ginza.

Sushizanmai

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Open 24 hours a day adjacent to the Tsujiki fish market is my favourite restaurant in Tokyo. It is an experience to enjoy and remember. If you want a quiet romantic setting cross this place off your list. It is a happy frenetic chaotic dining experience, and the food is wonderful.  There is always a queue waiting to get in, make sure you sit at the sushi counter on the ground floor.

Shibuya crossing

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

 Shibuya Scramble Tokyo takes place at the famous intersection outside Shibuya Station. the traffic is stopped in all directions, which allows pedestrians to walk & scramble in every direction across the intersection.

 Live webcam at Shibuya

【LIVE CAMERA】渋谷スクランブル交差点

Kubuchiko

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Only in Japan, Hamish & I were enjoying some cold beers in Kubuchiko when these nice Japanese ladies approached us to asked if they could take our photo. Of course we agreed as any cool rock star would. 🙂

Street performer at Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

I’m not really a fan of performing animals, training methods are often cruel.

Metro Cafe at Omotosando station.

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

The whole gang gather at one of my favourite haunts in Tokyo. Bob, David, Clai, Dan & Hamish.  We usually enjoy numerous bottles of Italian wine for only $25 aud or 650 Baht a bottle.

Chatting to the locals.

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

Japanese girl are just so nice. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers post

Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers

As well as Tokyo Towers Temples Skyscrapers check out my Tokyo food blog.

                   Please check out these fabulous posts 

      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)

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Fukuoka Hiroshima Sapporo Sendai

Tokyo Kagoshima Kanazawa Nagoya

Nagasaki Yokohama Kyoto Kamakura

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

October 7, 2015 by David Herd

Nice seaside village.

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

 Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan is 4 km in circumference, at the mouth of the Katase River south of Tokyo and Yokohama. What took me there you may well ask, well after spending several hours in Kamakura exploring the wonderful temples we decided to take a 30 minute train ride to see where Japan will hold the sailing venue for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

600-metre-long (2,000 ft) bridge

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

You have to walk or drive across this long bridge to get to the island. The area is home to some of the closest sandy beaches to Tokyo and Yokohama.

Fujisawa

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

They tell me this is a very popular holiday destination. 

Fujisawa bottom left hand corner of map

    Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

My friends Kayo and Hamish

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Kayo is my friend who lives in Tokyo, she was our tour guide showing us the wonderful temples in Kamakura then on to Enoshima. I can’t believe the distance we walked today, 22,047 steps which was 16.79 kilometres. 🙂

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

There is quite a steep hill with shops on both sides, people come to this island to walk the pathways that lead to several ancient temples, botanical garden, museums, parks, scenic overlooks, and a modern lighthouse at the top of Enoshima island Japan.

Friendly shopkeepers

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

A big smile from the shop keeper.

I met some locals

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Happy guys on Enoshima island Japan.

They were very happy guys

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

In summer the mainland and beach areas of Enoshima city is all about sea sports, in particular surfing, sailing and jet boating. The surf  isn’t great by most standards, but during Summer it is the place to be seen for the trendy younger crowd as it is so conveniently close to Tokyo, providing an excuse for tens of thousands of funky Japanese to strut around with bleached hair and chocolate-bronze skin.  

Top of the hill

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

You can climb even further but I was too lazy. 🙂

View from the top

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Looking down to the bridge at Enoshima.

BBQ corn

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

  There are lots of street stalls where you can sample the delights of low price Japanese food.  

Not to mention great Asahi beer.

Asahi

A truly great beer. 

My lovely friend Kayo

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Kayo is the perfect guide, we met in Australia in 2005 &last year when I was in Tokyo she showed me all around Yokohama, and this year it was the wonderful temples in Kamakura.

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Enoshima island Kanagawa Japan

Time to catch the train back to Kamakura station & change for Tokyo.

Many thanks for visiting my Enoshima island Japan photo blog.

The Villa Sacra gets very good reviews on Agoda, use this link for an excellent rate.

Sukiyaki (Ue o Muite Arukou) - Kyu Sakamoto (English Translation and Lyrics)

My favourite Japanese song

                               Here are some more posts to check out 

         

   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
 
Pattaya live webcam
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

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. 

 

Fukuoka Hiroshima Sapporo Sendai

Tokyo Kagoshima Kanazawa Nagoya

Nagasaki Yokohama Kyoto Kamakura

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Dotonbori lights camera action

October 6, 2015 by David Herd

Dotonburi Osaka

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dotonbori lights camera action

 Dotonbori lights camera action, this is the entertainment centre of Osaka, it has the lights & the action you just need the camera. The number of restaurants large & small is mind boggling.

The big crab beckons at Kani Doraku Crab restaurant

Dotonbori lights camera action

Huge crabs, dragons, & octopus adorn the restaurant façades to entice you in for a feast. This six and a half meter crab is on the front of the crab restaurant Kani Doraku. It is mechanized, being able to move its arms and eyestalks. Built in 1960, this mechanical billboard soon spawned imitations, including a squid that puffs steam and oni (demons) that light up at night.

You have seen the crab, well here is the octopus. 🙂

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dōtonbori traces its history back to 1612, when a local entrepreneur, Yasui Dōton, began expanding the tiny Umezu River, which ran east to west, hoping to increase commerce in the region by connecting the two branches of the Yokobori River, which ran north to south, with a canal.

There is even some giant Gyoza. 🙂

Dotonbori lights camera action

What a fabulous city, I will certainly visit again in the future.

David Herd and Hamish Elton first night in Osaka

Dotonbori lights camera action

We had just arrived from Tokyo which was Hamish’s first visit. Osaka was the first time for both of us, so we headed for Dotonbori and started our night off with some ice cold Super Dry Asahi which is one of the world’s great beers.

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dotonbori lights camera action

We were sitting by the canal watching the tourist boats go by and waiting for the neon signs to come on.

Cruising the canal

Dotonbori lights camera action

We had some sensational food in Tokyo and were hoping for a similar experience in Osaka. High on my agenda was  visit to the city of Nara which used to be the capital of Japan from the year 710 to 784, and the Todai-ji Buddist temple.

The cameras are locked & loaded

Dotonbori lights camera action

I am usually the one taking hundreds of photos.

The lights are coming on in Dotonbori

Dotonbori lights camera action

My favourite time of the day for taking photos.

 Beside the canal

Dotonbori lights camera action

View from where we were drinking Asahi.

 French restaurant

Dotonbori lights camera action

So many restaurants and such little time.

Another octopus

Dotonbori lights camera action

Use this link for a good budget hotel in a great location.

Has Hamish found his twin?

Dotonbori lights camera action

My friend Hamish Elton on his first trip to Japan.

Or perhaps I have found mine. 🙂

Dotonbori lights camera action

There is a photo opportunity around every corner.

More dragons

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dotonbori is a kaleidoscope of images.

So many restaurants and such little time.

Dotonbori lights camera action

The food choices in Dotonbori is quite amazing. I look forward to returning.

An interesting hotel

Dotonbori lights camera action

We were actually staying at a very good budget hotel in Namba which is only 10 minutes walk to Dotonbori and 5 minutes to the railway station. Use this link for a very good rate.

A beautiful sight at night

Dotonbori lights camera action

Most evenings we would sit by the canal and start the night off with a couple of ice cold Asahi beers.

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dotonbori lights camera action

Glico Man: Originally installed in 1935, the giant neon athlete on a blue track is a symbol of Glico candy. The sign has been altered on several occasions to celebrate events such as the World Cup and to show support for the Osaka baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers.

Dotonbori lights camera action

Dotonbori lights camera action

I hope you are beginning to understand why I chose “Dotonbori lights camera action ” as the title for my Osaka post.

Shinsaibashi

Dotonbori lights camera action

Shinsaibashi is the upmarket centre of Osaka and only about 10 minutes walk to Dotonbori.  Shinsaibashi is the largest shopping area in Osaka with many boutiques and speciality shops attracting local people and visitors. The Shisaibashi has developed from the arcaded streets “Shinsaibashi Shopping Street” which runs east to Mido-Suji Avenue, is the best-known shopping area in Osaka, and a wonderful symbol of the city. With a history of 380 years, it was already an established shopping area in the Edo Period. Shops of all kinds and for all ages line the street featuring a roofed arcade 600 meters long.

Thanks for visiting my post

Dotonbori lights camera action

I have so much more to show you about the great food in Dotonbori I thought it best to do a separate post. Thanks for visiting my Dotonbori lights camera action photo blog.


                      Here are some more posts to check out 

                 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)

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 

My favourite song which has a sad story regarding the artist Kyu Sakamoto who died on August 12, 1985, in the crash of Japan Airlines Flight 123, the deadliest single-aircraft accident in history.

Fukuoka Hiroshima Sapporo Sendai

Tokyo Kagoshima Kanazawa Nagoya

Nagasaki Yokohama Kyoto Kamakura

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

October 4, 2015 by David Herd

Nara station

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

Nara Prefecture Kansai JapanNara Prefecture Kansai Japan is a 45 minute train ride from Osaka, make sure you get a train where you don’t need to change it is quicker and easier. The city has significant temples and artwork dating back to the 8th century when it was  the capital of Japan.

Beside the station

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

Lots of cafes & restaurants around the station area.

 I guess he is collecting for something…..

Nara Perfecture Kansai Region Japan

As of 2005, the city has an estimated population of 373,189 and a population density of 1,348 persons per km².

The real attraction are the deer & the temples

Nara Perfecture Kansai Region Japan

 The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara’s nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure.

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

Nara Perfecture Kansai Region Japan

Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed.

Some of the 1600

Nara Perfecture Kansai Region Japan

Nara’s deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you will feed them.

Nice day in the park

Nara Perfecture Kansai Japan

Nara seems like a very peaceful place where people enjoy the parks and feeding the deer.

Slight disagreement

Nara Perfecture Kansai Japan

You often see a couple of male deer sorting out the pecking order.

Rickshaw anybody?

Nara Perfecture Kansai Japan

At your service sir.

Near the entrance to Todai-Ji Temple

Nara Perfecture Kansai Japan

It is a pleasant 45 minute walk from Nara Station to Todai-ji Temple.

Peaceful setting

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

A peaceful spot near the temple.

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan, friendly deer

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

The deer are very tame but are always looking to be fed.

Todai-ji Temple.

Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan

Thanks for visiting my post on Nara Prefecture Kansai Japan.              

Deer population in Nara park reaches record high 30/7/19

  Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
 497d0b6e-c0bd-4ba2-86be-c02100f050a8        65470622-d17a-4b90-bf97-2574df4c412d        1a2160c1-41f7-465a-954c-631e083eb229
          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
f59e958e-8eaf-48b4-8e96-c291a0c13d1a        f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4        a6a948cd-f30a-49ea-a905-82be4d202cc9
           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
2246c6cf-5fa6-4fbe-ac30-b569253ad2a6        f65d714b-f44c-4b2e-9505-3511ebecbb80        4e82052a-24d0-41e1-ab84-10e8f27634d1
 
            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
                                               Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
                                            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.               

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great posts

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

October 4, 2015 by David Herd

Spectacular Temple

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

 Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”, along with seven other sites including temples, shrines and places in the city of Nara. Deer are regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, hundreds roam the grounds and parks around the temple.

Many school children

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

Half the crowd were school children enjoying this beautiful temple.

During the Tenpyō era, Japan suffered from a series of disasters and epidemics. It was after experiencing these problems that Emperor Shōmu issued an edict in 741 to promote the construction of provincial temples throughout the nation.

An awesome breathtaking building

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

 Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan is one of the most impressive temples I have seen in Japan.

Amazing statues

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

Magnificent huge statues at Todai-ji Buddhist Temple.

Daibutsu of Tōdai-ji

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

 The principal image of the temple, a colossal bronze statue popularly called the Nara Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Nara), completed in 752, it was installed in its daibutsuden (great Buddha hall). The image embodied the Buddha Birushana who was regarded by the Kegon sect as the cosmic, central Buddha. Over the centuries the icon was severely damaged several times and finally restored to its present form in 1692. Most of the extant Todaiji buildings are restorations of earlier structures.

 Bodhisattva statue Kokuzo Bosatsu

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

 Bodhisattva statue Kokuzo Bosatsu inside the Daibutsuden Great Buddha Hall at Todaiji Temple in Nara.

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

Totally inspiring.

Guardian statue inside the temple

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

The attention to detail is incredible.

Another Guardian statue inside the temple

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

A very frightening appearance.

Models of temple buildings

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

An intricate model of the building.

Another model

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

These models help put the scale into perspective.

 Column at the Todai-ji Buddhist Temple

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

There is a square hole at the base of this massive wooden column where for some unknown reason people crawl through. There is always a friend at the other side to take the obligatory photo of course. 🙂

Fat kid through the hole

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

For a while there I didn’t think this fat kid would make it. 🙂

Hundreds of deer roam the area near the temple

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

Deer are regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, hundreds roam the grounds around the temple.


Pindola (Binzuru) statue

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

According to the earliest Indian sutra‘s Pindola Bharadvaja was one of four Arhats asked by the Buddha to remain in the world to propagate Buddhist law (Dharma). Each of the four was associated with one of the four compass directions.

Binzuru

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

Pindola is said to have excelled in the mastery of occult and psychic powers. He was once remonstrated by Buddha for misusing his powers to impress simple, ignorant people.

Incense Burner

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

There was an incense Burner at either end of the long walkway.

The other Incense Burner

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

I really enjoyed my visit to the Todai-ji Buddhist Temple.

Nobody is safe when I have my camera

 Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

Very cute indeed. 🙂

There are deer everywhere.

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

So tame and used to being hand fed.

Such a beautiful temple

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

Totally impressive and well worth the visit.

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple

Todai-ji Buddhist Temple Japan

         Many thanks for visiting my Todai-ji Buddhist Temple post.

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

   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)

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Here are some of my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Copacabana beautiful beach babes

Nana Plaza Bangkok sex sin sleaze

Sexy Cherry Bar babes Pattaya Thailand

Tim Bristow Iron-Bar Freddy Tropical Joe

Atlantic Bar North Pattaya

Sexy Soi Cowboy Bangkok 

Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

September 24, 2015 by David Herd

A world class restaurant street

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants, people lights, it’s all there. This street in Seoul looks very ordinary through the day but it comes alive when night falls. It is the best bar restaurant area I have ever seen anywhere in the world.

Fat Albert’s

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

There are many small lanes branching off the main street that are worth exploring. There are several red light districts in Seoul, some with the classic red lit windows that have become so famous in Amsterdam. These areas are mainly for locals, so it is best to have a guide if you plan on finding them. Itaewon however is home to a foreigner friendly red light district which welcomes all. The main area in Itaewon to find escorts is called Hooker Hill. This street is lined with bars with sexy girls standing outside, tempting gentlemen to come in and “buy them a drink”.

Many varieties of food

Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants

Itaewon used to be considered the trashy part of town, however recently it has been developing with upmarket restaurants, bars & designer stores.

Bee

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Another nice spot to sit and watch the passing parade in Seoul.

Just before dusk

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Sunset in Seoul and soon the crowd will arrive at Itaewon bars restaurants.

Lots of choices

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

The street is about 600 metres long.

Maple Tree Korean BBQ

Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants

The difficult part is deciding where to eat. 🙂

Thousand of bottles

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Maple Tree Korean BBQ is the restaurant featured in the header of this post.

Prost pub and grill

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

  A nice pub where you can watch the passing parade, the later it gets the busier it gets. 🙂  

Opposite Prost

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Many thanks to these guys for posing for my photo.

Le Comptoir

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

     Nice French restaurant in Itaewon.

 Le Comptoir

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

I originally wanted to eat at an Italian restaurant close by but it was so crowded with people waiting in a queue to get in I decided on French at Le Comptoir. Avocado & prawn to start then steak tartare.  

Avocado & prawn 

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurantsDelicious. 🙂

Above Le Comptoir

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Away from the maddening crowd in Itaewon.

Oreno Italian restaurant

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

  This was the night before I wanted to go there, when I arrived the following evening the place was packed as you can see from the photo below.  

Oreno was booked out, I should have gone last night. 🙂

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Lots of hotels here with great room rates.

Borie’s cafe

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

   A good spot to watch the passing parade while drinking cold German beer.  

And here it is. 🙂

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Beer from Munich, it does not get much better than this.

Fabulous Itaewon

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

 Itaewon really is one of the world’s great restaurant precincts. 

But I hardly know you

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

  A classic photo of boy meets girl, if I return in an hour they will be sitting much closer. 🙂  

The master chefs

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Hard at work in Itaewon.

This is a magic street

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

So much to see and so little time.

Lavo Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Too many choices, you really need to spend a month here.

Lavo pub & lounge

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

     The biggest problem in Itaewon is deciding which restaurant and bar to visit.

Lavo one of Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Koreans certainly enjoy the night-life.

Restaurant Bee

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

This is another favourite photo of life at Itaewon.  

Dillinger’s

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

  Not a bad bar situated on the opposite side of the road to where all the action is, Jack Daniels 6,000 or a double 9,000 so you can guess what my choice was. 🙂  

Dillinger’s shots

Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants  

Shooters at Dillinger’s. 

Mexican Grill

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants


Mexican, French, Italian, Korean it’s all here.

Rose & Crown

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

English, Mexican, Spanish, French, Italian, you name it they are all in Itaewon.

 Savoy Hotel Myeongdong

Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants

A very good budget hotel in the heart of the action, for a great rate use this link.

Thanks for visiting my Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants photo blog.

           Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links 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)

Check out these great photo blogs.

  • Tokyo fabulous food
  • Steakhouse New York

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

September 18, 2015 by David Herd

Beach Road

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 Tropical storm smashes Pattaya, Vamco formed in the South China Sea on September 13, 2015 and went ashore in Vietnam a few days later. Although short-lived Vamco dropped very heavy rainfall over the mountainous terrain of central Vietnam and in Laos and eastern Thailand. It arrived in Pattaya on the 16th and caused an enormous amount of flooding and damage.

Opposite Soi 6

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

For months they have been working of a drainage system to clear the water that builds up on Beach Rd at Soi 6. You can see what Vamco did to this location. 🙂

New drainage system

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

The building project continues, whether it will do the job or not we will just have to wait and see.

Following day back to normal

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

It does not take these industrious Thai workers long to repair the damage and get back to normal.

 The power of nature

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

These pavers have not been down for very long. 🙂 

 

The thunder that accompanied the lightening was the loudest I have ever heard in my condo. It seemed to be exploding right above my building.

Here is a video from my balcony

Big electrical storm in Pattaya

A classic photo

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 

7-Eleven staff are very dedicated people. I found this photo on a Thai Visa forum, it was attributed to this Twitter account, https://twitter.com/nuunut5555.

I hope the packaging is waterproof. 🙂

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 

This is a very common sight in Pattaya after a storm.

Beach Road underwater

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 

You just can’t build a drain or a gutter that can handle this volume of water.

The locals take it in their stride

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

As you can clearly see, these guys couldn’t car less about the flood waters. 🙂

Barge blown off mooring

Pattaya barge blown off mooring

Strong winds in Pattaya today blew one of the para-sailing barges off its mooring. It is now stuck on the sand 100 meters from the beach.


 Long tail tub

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 

Thailand is famous for it’s long tail boats, well he is a Long tail tub. 🙂

Is this a road or a river?

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

Busy streets turn into rivers.

Houston, we have a problem.

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 

Hey buddy, you are going nowhere. 🙂

Grab him and bag him

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 

The guys look very casual with this encounter.

 Hmmm! I wonder what the problem is?

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 

A spray of WD 40 is all it needs.

The solution is simple

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 

A little water is not going to stop this guy. 🙂

No coffee tonight

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 

There is an enormous amount of damage caused by these storms.

Roads turn into rivers

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 

All hands on deck.

Towel or a Burka?

262bc489-6f9a-47d1-9e9f-beb3f7006e1c

 

I think she is losing the battle to stay dry. 🙂

Back to the beach

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 

repairing the beach in the wet season is a never ending job.

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

The footpath has been undermine by the force of the storm water. I really don’t think there is any solution to this problem.

 

So much damage to the footpath when a Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

After last nights storm we have a beautiful sunny day.

Saturday September 19

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

The sunshine, boats and tourists a back, everything is normal again.

Fantastic light show is now just a memory

Tropical storm smashes Pattaya

 

Thanks for visiting my Tropical storm smashes Pattaya photo blog.

 

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

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

 
  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)

 

Everything you wanted to know about Bangkok but were afraid to ask. 🙂

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Royal-Cliff-Hotel-Pattaya

September 12, 2015
by David Herd
Comments Off on Royal Cliff Hotel

Royal Cliff Hotel

If you want luxury……. Royal Cliff Hotel  Royal Cliff Hotel Pattaya is a wonderful property on Pratumnak Hill overlooking the bay, in 1980 on my first trip to Thailand this is where I stayed. Pool under repair This was 2013 … Continue reading

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee

September 10, 2015 by David Herd

Retox bar Soi Lengkee

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya has seen a couple of new venues open recently, Retox Bar & Steak & Co are two excellent venues. Soi Lengkee runs off Soi Buakhau and is almost adjacent to Soi LK Metro.

The photo shows bar owner Simon Peatfield on Opening night at Retox Bar July 11 2015

Lots of TV screens at Retox

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee

A purpose built sports bars with loads of screens for the sports fans.

You will find Soi Lengkee if you cross over Soi Buakhao from Soi Diana travelling away from Pattaya Beach.

Hamish & I on opening night at Retox.

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee

 

You are going to find this hard to believe but they have nice new hotel rooms where you can stay for only $17 per night if you book through this link. $21 if you would like a nice balcony. 🙂

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya Sausages & chips

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee

The sausages & gravy were good but the chips were soft & soggy.

Steak & Co

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya

Until a few months ago this was a very good Chinese restaurant, now it’s a very good Steakhouse featuring Australian beef.

Rib Eye Aussie beef at Steak & Co

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya

This was the first visit and my steak was outstanding, cooked to perfection, I gave it a 9 out of 10. The 2nd time I was there 2 weeks later in August 2015 it was not nearly as good, perhaps 7 out of 10.

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee

 

Steak & Co

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya

Nice warm atmosphere to enjoy a red wine while waiting for your steak to arrive. 🙂

Next door to Steak & Co

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee

 Soi Lenkee is improving all the time with lots of bars, restaurants & hotels.

Sutus Court Hotel

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee

This is the Soi Lengkee entrance to another low cost hotel,  Sutus court, the main entrance  is almost next door to Witherspoons, in Soi Buakhao, great value currently at $22 per night.

Soi Lengkee Pattaya

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee

 

Today bar on Soi Lengkee Pattaya sounds good to me.

Bite Me 

Restaurants Bars Soi LengkeeJust around the corner in 3rd road is this interesting new restaurant. Lamb shank was only B399 and cooked perfectly.

 Corner to the north of Soi Lengkee and Soi BuakHao

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee

 

The kebabs are very good for B60. 🙂

Soi Diana

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee

Cheap long term accommodation in Soi Diana just cross over Soi Buakhao and it’s just down on the left.

Sabai Wing Soi 1 North Pattaya

36555237616_da3ed73d6a_o

 

Sabai Wing Soi 1, 3 swimming pools and nice rooms, 100 meters from BigC, great value at only $23 usd per night as of August 15. I live in the high-rise in the background, Markland. For a great room rate book here.

For a more upmarket hotel on Beach Rd

35607176024_94346d2375_o

 

Just use THIS LINK for a terrific rate at the Wave Hotel.

Thanks for visiting my Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya photo blog.

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

 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)

Pattaya live webcam
 
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 6 photos

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

September 9, 2015 by David Herd

Bright lights & markets

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

 Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya is not just one of the main night life centres that is extremely popular with the locals. It also boasts of one of the cities best markets which opens Tuesdays & Fridays. Add to this a huge number of affordable restaurants, hotels & condos and you have one of the most exciting places in Pattaya to live or just to visit.

The market

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

 Soi Buakhao is a two way street that connects  Central Pattaya Road and South Pattaya Road, the market is only 50 meters from South Pattaya Road.

Coffee shop & bar at the market

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

Send the wife shopping while you sit here and enjoy a cold beer. 🙂

Great smile at Soi Buakhao market

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

In case you didn’t realise that is a frog kebab above. I guess you will be rushing to get one soon. 🙂

Interesting food at the markets.

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

Looks fairly spicy to me. 🙂

Thai staples

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

 Thai people have taken street food to an art form.

Who could resist a frog kebab? 🙂

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

 I could quite easily. 🙂

Witherspoons pub & restaurant

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

Typical Pattaya pub & restaurant with lots of TV screens and serving good cheap food.

There are many low cost hotels in this area, for a good rate use this link. I have several friends who stay at the Sutus court which is almost next door to Witherspoons, great value currently at $22 per night.

Mates Bar

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

Cosy little bar in Soi Buakhao, here Hamish Elton and Andrew enjoy a cold beer or two. Andrew with the tattoos is the new owner.

Cafe Pitini Soi Buakhao

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

This nice cafe is opposite mates bar, I think Andrew eats there 6 days a week. 🙂

Cafe Pitini breakfast

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

They serve a very good breakfast for around $4 usd and lucky for me have provide the Bangkok Post to read. 🙂

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

Some people may find it exciting to be nearly knocked over by a 183 centimetre LadyBoy walking along Soi Buakhao but not me. 🙂 Apologies for the blurred photo but I guess my hand was shaking a little out of fear of being accosted. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Location

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

 

Corner of Soi Buakhao & Soi Lengkee

Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya

         My mistake I think this is one street north of Lenkee.

Pook Bar

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

 Pook bar closed in mid 2014. It used to be located on Soi Buakhao in Pattaya, Thailand. In its day it was the largest and best known ladyboy bar in the city. The same owner has a Pook Bar in Soi 6.

Corner LK Metro and Soi Buakhao

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

One of the many go go bars in the area.

Cheap Charlies restaurant

Cheap Charlie's Pattaya Restaurant

One of the very good low price restaurants in busy Soi Buakhao. The Hungry Hippo is another one that is worth a visit.

Hungry Hippo,Their soup is excellent. 

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

If I had to vote for the best value restaurant in Pattaya the Hungry Hippo would be number one. 

So is their hamburger

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

Trust me, their prices are excellent.

Treetown

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

Diagonally across the road from Hungry Hippo, lots more food on offer here.

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya, very good coffee here

Cheap Charlie's Pattaya Restaurant

Opposite the Sutis Court Hotel.

Sabai Wing Soi 1 North Pattaya

36555237616_da3ed73d6a_o

Sabai Wing Soi 1, 3 swimming pools and nice rooms, 100 meters from BigC, great value at only $23 usd per night as of August 15. I live in the high-rise in the background, Markland. For a great room rate book here.

For a more upmarket hotel on Beach Rd

35607176024_94346d2375_o

Just use THIS LINK for a terrific rate at the Wave Hotel.

Thanks for visiting my Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya photo blog.

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

         

 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)

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos