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]

Soi LK Metro Pattaya

September 7, 2015 by David Herd

LK Metro

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street is a great alternative to Walking St, not as many tourists gawking at the girls plus lots of bars and restaurants to choose from. The name comes from the Leng-Kee family, one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Pattaya with properties and businesses all over the City.

Billabong in LK Metro

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

A popular LK Metro bar with low cost hotel rooms above.

Soi LK Metro Pattaya  Billabong

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

My Australian friend Greg Johnstone used to own the Billabong, he sold it in 2014 and has taken up farming.

i-rovers

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

One of my favourite sports bars, lots of TV screens to watch Australian football. 🙂

Soi LK Metro Pattaya  i-Rovers 

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Very cheap rooms here for around 500 Baht if you book through this link.

State of Origin 2017

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Two QLD legends from the past Greg Cornescu and Wally Fullerton Smith dropped by yesterday for few coldies.

Champagne agogo LK Metro icon

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Champagne has been in LK for many years, however these days there is a lot more competition.

The Office LK Metro

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 

My brother Warren, Ray and Lenny at Billabong in 2011

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 

Sadly our good friend Lenny passed away early 2016 after a short battle with cancer, RIP.

Greg Johnstone at Billabong in 2011.

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

I couldn’t resist including this great photo, as I said earlier Greg owned Billabong until 2014.

Soi LK Metro Pattaya bars

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street    Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Some interesting names. 🙂

Kilkenny LK Metro

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 

If I’m not watching sport in LK I like to have a drink at Kilkenny which is opposite Billabong & adjacent to i-rovers. A very good “people watching” spot.

View from Kilkenny

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 

A good bar for watching the passing parade.

Drinks at Kilkenny

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Gordon Shanks from New York and Jonathan Whiting from Brisbane.

Soi LK Metro Pattaya  bar location

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

New hotel rooms for $17 per night

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

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

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

Corner LK Metro and Soi Buakhao

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

One of the many go go bars in the area.

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 Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Check out some other blogs below.

           

 

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 4 photos

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

September 6, 2015 by David Herd

Big Fish, Siam @ Siam

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

 Favourite Pattaya restaurants in no particular order, these are just the places I regularly visit for food, comfort, ambiance and value for money. Above is a Massaman curry lamb shank at Siam @ Siam hotel, absolutely delicious.

Patrick’s Belgium restaurant

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

  Patricks has a terrific menu and great food. I really love their Oxtail soup.  Very good Australian steaks with waffles & ice cream to finish. This really is one of the best Pattaya restaurants

Favourite Pattaya restaurants for a birthday at Patrick’s 

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Hamish turns 46 on July 21st 2015 and we celebrate at Patrick’s with Greg Clee.

 The Mantra one of my Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Sunday lunch here at The Mantra is one of the world’s great dining experiences. Alaskan crab, oysters from France Australian beef etc etc, just go there. There is food from seven different kitchens and the service and décor is 2nd to none. Certainly one of my Favourite Pattaya restaurants.

All washed down with cold Japanese sake.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

I could eat a plate like this every day. 🙂

Sadly in February 2019 the Amari Hotel management made a ridiculous decision to permanently close the wonderful restaurant. 

Take a look at our final feast HERE.

Siamese Cuisine

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Excellent Australian steak at reasonable prices. Out of all the North Pattaya restaurants this is probably my favourite. The lobster soup is a must, the two other places who also do a great lobster bisque are the upmarket Mata Hari and the budget restaurant at the Avenue called Pizza Pizza.

Louis Noll, the owner of Mata Hari sadly passed away in February 2022, RIP my friend.

Lovely Benjamina

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

This night we had excellent Thai food at Siamese Cuisine, I guess it helps when a local orders.

Holiday Inn pizza

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Special price on Tuesday night only 279 Baht or $8.50 usd. Order wine before 7 pm and get 2 for 1.

 Boscaiola at Bella Italia in 2nd Rd near Alcazar.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Very good food & great value.

 Another of my Favourite Pattaya restaurants is Mata Hari.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Mata Hari is a very stylish upmarket restaurant serving excellent European & Thai cuisine. A very popular spot for the locals, impeccable service, great food & upmarket décor, yet reasonably priced all things considered. I would certainly rate it in the top 6 restaurants in Pattaya. Louis is your friendly host & his wife Jacky the terrific chef, check out the website here. Mata Hari certainly is one of the best Pattaya restaurants.

Hachiban Ramen

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Hachiban Ramen, the Gyoza & Teriyaki chicken is to die for, only 153 Baht for the two, priceless.

There is another branch on the ground floor of Tukcom at the rear.

Leckerle in Soi 33 Naklua

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Located about 200 meters from the Dolphin roundabout. Very good low cost German food, always busy.

The food here is terrific.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants    Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Pea soup is excellent (B90) as are the meatballs & potato salad. (B150).

Hilton Sunday Buffet B1,500

Favourite Pattaya restaurantsAn exceptional feast.

A favourite photo of one of the Hilton Chefs.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Make sure you book as it’s very popular.

For a review of local restaurants in 2020 just follow THIS LINK.

          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.

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

 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

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

 

Check out these great food photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

September 4, 2015 by David Herd

A great place to buy fresh seafood.

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road is located in Naklua about 5 kms from central Pattaya. Just jump on a Baht bus & you are there in 10 minutes for 10 Baht or 70 cents.

Very fresh

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Many products are still alive & kicking, they will kill & clean the fish for you then pack them in ice so you can take them home to cook.

Alive and Kicking

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Here is my friend Pothole choosing dinner.

Clams, mussels and prawns.

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

A great choice at the Pattaya Fish Market.

 These guys will cook for you

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Choose you lunch and they will cook it for you.

Live lobsters

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Rather expensive as you can see.

How about a Baby shark?

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

They even look dangerous when they a small. 🙂

Fresh vegetables as well

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

A good selection at reasonable prices.

Cleaning the fish

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Choose from the live tank and they will scale and clean them for you.

Anyone for catfish?

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

The variety is incredible, anything you desire is here.

Man at work

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

A very interesting place to spend an hour or so.

A mountain of mussels

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Seeing all these mussels reminded me of when I was in Brussels last year, the Belgians are absolutely crazy about them, check out my blog called Beer, Fries & Mussels.

Pattaya Fish Market

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

It real is worth a visit, get something cooked and eat in the adjacent park.

Adjacent to the market

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Enjoy the view from the walkway beside the gulf.

Lamchabang port in the distance

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

 Laem Chabang is a large commercial port with not much else in the area. The large cruise ships stop here and they can buy souvenirs and get a massage at the cruise terminal, there is also a shopping centre. Smaller ships may head up the Chao Phraya River and dock at Khlong Toei Port relatively close to Bangkok’s city centre.

Low tide

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

High and dry at low tide at Pattaya Fish Market.

Low tide at Naklua

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Those blocks of condos have all sprung up in the last 2 years. This view is from beside the fish market. Out of picture to the right is the Sanctuary of Truth.

Sanctuary of Truth

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Sanctuary of Truth is a temple, an all-wood building filled with sculptures based on traditional Buddhist and Hindu motifs. More photos on THIS LINK.

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Thanks for visiting my Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road photo blog.

Pattaya seafood market

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

            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.

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)

Counter only started February 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Pattaya interesting transport options

September 3, 2015 by David Herd

Mean machine

Pattaya interesting transport options

Pattaya interesting transport options

Pattaya interesting transport options are many and varied, here are some of the many alternatives (fast & slow) available to you when you next visit this exciting city. I’m guessing the beast above is a DUCATI MONSTER 821, my apologies if I have it wrong.

The other side of the Ducati  Diavel

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

Two models will be available when the new 2015 Diavels arrive in May. The standard Diavel—if there is such a thing as a standard Diavel—is the Dark Stealth model, which retails for $17,995 and features a black body, a black trellis frame, black wheels, and black mufflers. Then there’s the $20,995 Diavel Carbon, which is outfitted with unpainted stainless-steel silencers and black Marchesini wheels that are machined just enough to reveal that they are made from forged, lightweight aluminium. Buyers have a choice of two Diavel Carbon colors: Ducati Red with Matte Carbon and a red frame, or Star White with Matte Carbon and a white frame.

Harley Davidson Electra-Glide

Pattaya interesting transport options

The Electra Glide Ultra Classic serves as Harley Davidson’sentry-level model for its full-dresser lineup. Updated for 2017, it sports improved suspension while reducing the heat felt by rider and passenger for greater all-around comfort. Not only that, but the all-new Milwaukee-Eight engine makes its way onto this ride for greater performance than ever before with 111.4 pound-feet of torque and six-speed transmission that comes geared for highway riding at a reasonable rpm. H-D’s Infotainment system makes an appearance as well, so the phrase “entry level” is obviously a relative statement. Let’s check out this updated classic to see where the balance was struck.

Beautiful Harley Davidson

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

They certainly are a classic machine.

This is more my style

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

Sadly I feel Pattaya is too dangerous to ride a motorbike, it’s not a question of if you may have an accidents, it’s when you will have an accident.

Now for something completely different

Pattaya interesting transport options

This old clunker must be at least 40 or 50 years old and still floating. 🙂

 675 HP perhaps

Pattaya interesting transport options

Three huge outboard motors is total overkill for this 30 foot plywood boat.

Upgraded to 750 Horsepower

Pattaya interesting transport options

Grossly overpowered, they are obviously making too much money.

Something with a little more character

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

Now this would suit me foe a day on the water. 🙂

I wonder if its for sale?

Pattaya interesting transport options

May need a little work. 🙂

Prefer something little more refined perhaps?

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

A very nice looking catamaran.

How about a Maverick?

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

What a wild looking road rocket.

Or a yellow one perhaps?

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

Yellow or green, either one will do.

This is a very cool jigger

Pattaya interesting transport options

These previous 3 vehicles were on display at Central Festival in August 2015.

Pattaya transport options

Pattaya interesting transport options

This has got to be the most fantastic bus I have ever seen. 

What a great bus

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

It certainly is an eye catcher.

Great design

Pattaya interesting transport options

Another fantastic paint job.

The iconic Baht bus

Pattaya interesting transport options

Pattaya’s fantastic bus system, there are hundreds of them, 10 Baht or 70 cents and just ring the bell to jump off anywhere you want.

Pattaya interesting transport options you must have fat tyres

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

Not sure what the advantage is but it looks good.

Yellow Ferrari 458 Italia

Pattaya interesting transport options

If you are going to visit the Hard Rock cafe you really need a Ferrari. 🙂

I prefer the Orange Lamborghini Gallardo SV

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

However for lunch at the mantra an Orange one is far more suitable.

 My reality

Pattaya interesting transport options

This is my popular choice of propulsion in Pattaya, Skechers are the best walking shoes I have ever had. 🙂

Jet Ski scammers

Pattaya interesting transport options

 Along the Beach Road in Pattaya, often between Soi 10 and Soi 13/4 (entrance to Walking Street), Thai Jet Ski touts will approach the tourist. Most likely time to witness the scam unfolding would be between 5pm – 5:30pm as it is getting dark. Particularly outside Mike Shopping Mall, Royal Garden Plaza, and Soi 13/2 to Soi 13/4. The tourist is required to sign a contract with the Jet Ski operators before they board the Jet Ski and have their fun. Cost is around 700 baht ($20) for thirty minutes. When the tourist returns to the beach the Thai Jet Ski operator will board the Jet Ski and bring it up on to the beach. Here is where the scam starts, as they (theatrically and dramatically) point out the damage and demand that the tourist pay for it, typically ranging anywhere from 30,000 baht ($950) to 70,000 baht ($2,200), but it can be 100,000 baht ($3,180) and up. Of course this damage (deep scrapes on the underside of the Jet Ski, scratches to the paintwork, or a broken plastic bumper) has been there all the time. Often, if not most times, it is a group of tourists that are scammed. More people, more money.

If they use the version of the scam where the tourist boards the Jet Ski when it is already submerged in the water, thus hiding the damage that is already on the underside, the scammers don’t need to cover the damaged areas. The damage is revealed once they bring it on to the shore after the tourist has rented it. More government warnings etc here.

Be careful, you have been warned.

Hi ho, hi ho, its off to work we go.

  Pattaya transport interesting optionsI love this one, it really doesn’t matter they are travelling the wrong way in a one way street, after all this is one of the many Pattaya transport options. 🙂

Beach Road boom box

Pattaya transport options Want to make some noise?

Thanks for visiting my post on Pattaya transport options

Pattaya transport interesting options This is my 2nd favourite mode of transport, the Baht bus.

 

Thanks for visiting my Pattaya interesting transport options photo blog.


             

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

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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

  • Breakfast Bake n’ Brew

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

September 2, 2015 by David Herd

World famous beach

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney is an iconic landmark known throughout the world & synonymous with the Australian lifestyle. Having said all that to me it’s rather overrated. This great photo was taken by my old friend Barry Madden from Newcastle north of Sydney.

Looking south

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

I think there are many nicer beaches and beach-side suburbs along the Sydney & NSW coast. I certainly prefer Manly on the northside of the harbour.

North end of the beach

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Bondi Beach was a working class suburb all through the twentieth century, migrants from New Zealand were the majority of the population. After World War II, Bondi Beach and the Eastern Suburbs became home for Jewish migrants from Poland, Russia, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Germany. A stream of Jewish immigration continued into the 21st century and the area has a number of synagogues and a kosher butcher. The area today is very multicultural with a lot of new wealthy Asian families and Samoans. The multicultural migration funded and drove the growth of the suburb throughout the 90’s into the turn of the century, moving it steadily from its working class roots towards upper/middle class enclave similar to its neighbours of Rose Bay and Bellevue Hill which was listed as the most expensive postcode in the country in 2003, 2004, 2005.

Coffee at Bondi Beach Sydney

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

While my English friend the intrepid Bill Austin went for a swim, Joan & I enjoyed coffee & cake and watched the passing parade.

Bill at Bondi Beach Sydney 24-2-2010

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Bill works for Trowbridge council in Wiltshire.

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

Bondi beach is world famous however I do prefer Manly on the northside of the harbour.

Raining in Bondi

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

The orange building Hotel Bondi is a landmark on Campbell Parade. It was built from 1915-1920s and was designed by E.Lindsay Thompson. It combines Italianate, Federation and Free Classical elements and has been described as an “important landmark building in the Bondi Beach townscape.” and has a state heritage listing.

Use this link for a great deal on Bondi hotel rates.

Super storm

30ab4746-fce9-453d-b9d0-9f709003e5f5

My apologies I don’t know who to credit for this amazing photo of a huge storm closing in over Bondi Beach Sydney.

Photos by Dale Atkins

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney

The next 5 photos are Dales.

Looking south

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney That’s Bondi Icebergs club overlooking the beach.

Bondi Icebergs

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney Located at the southern end of Bondi Beach, Bondi Icebergs Club is an international landmark.

Great pool

Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney Bondi Icebergs has been the home of Winter swimming since 1929 and our famous pool is open to visitors all year round. 

 

                        What a great year for travel in 2015            

             

   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 Tone 9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1) 191de3bb-38fc-45cd-bce7-ef24081c554b

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
Pattaya live webcam
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck



Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Food Friends Family Sydney

August 30, 2015 by David Herd

Bill Austin & Joan Baptiste

Food Friends Family Sydney

Food Friends Family Sydney

Food Friends Family Sydney, in 2010 the reason for my visit was to show Joan & Bill, my friends from Wiltshire in the UK, my wonderful home town with the best harbour in the world.

This is not a travel blog just a personal photo collection from 2010.

Overnight at Port Macquarie

Food Friends Family Sydney

We stay at Port Macquarie at my brother’s home on the way to Sydney, there was a vintage car rally with some terrific examples.

On top of the world.

Food Friends Family Sydney

You may be wondering why I didn’t make the climb, well that can be easily narrowed down to one word, FEAR!

Food Friends Family Sydney

Food Friends Family Sydney

Dinner with friends at French’s Forest in Sydney.

Peter Hobbs & Peter Hesky.

Food Friends Family Sydney

A couple of friends I have known since the 70s, Peter Hobbs occasionally visits Pattaya but Peter Hesky never makes contact anymore.

Warwick Robinson, David Herd & Michael Saleh.

Food Friends Family Sydney

It’s always good to catch up with old friends when I’m in Sydney.

Peter Hobbs drinking the good stuff.

Food Friends Family Sydney

Sparkling French Champagne to wash down the pasta. 🙂

Warwick loves his food

Food Friends Family Sydney

However it caught up with him in 2013, he underwent a triple heart bypass, so much for over indulgence. 🙂 Now here is quite a coincidence, his heart surgeon was Dr Alan Farnsworth, he was captain of our rugby team at Homebush High school in Sydney & I was vice captain. From memory he was dux of the school & I struggled to pass my intermediate, however we were both pretty good footballers.

While I’m on the nostalgia kick I fondly remember our football coach Peter Philpott, an Australian leg spinner & a terrific guy.

Manly Wharf Hotel with old friend Paul Slaughter

Food Friends Family Home Town Sydney

Paul & I spent a lot of time together over the years.

Manly Lodge Boutique Hotel

Food Friends Family Sydney

Nice small hotel in a good location, for a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Manly Wharf Hotel

Food Friends Family Sydney

Always lots of eye candy Sunday afternoon at Manly.

Drinks & Dinner at the Oaks

Food Friends Family Sydney

Dinner with Bill & Joan and my lovely niece Elyssa.


Herd family Xmas at cousin Deb’s house.

Food Friends Family Sydney

What a feast, cousin Deb really knows how to entertain.

My other nice Elyssa Xmas 2010

Food Friends Family Sydney

Fast forward to 2018 and Elyssa is the proud mother of a gorgeous little girl.

Main St Auburn NSW

Food Friends Family Sydney

The street really has not changed much in 50 years.

I grew up here at 58 Kihilla Rd Auburn

Food Friends Family Sydney

I took a sentimental journey to Auburn, the Sydney suburb I grew up in. The main st had not changed much except for the Vietnamese & Muslim establishments. My real shock came when I drove past our family home at 58 Kihilla Rd, it was now totally run down, a very heartbreaking sight for me.

Thanks for visiting my Food Friends Family Home Town Sydney photo blog.

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

     Life 2015                     Family history                   Life 1982

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

  Adelaide 1972                 Iron Bar Freddy               Sydney 2006

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

Thailand 2008                Gold Coast Babes               World trip 2003

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

             Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
                              Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
                         d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037              01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f
 
 That’s all folks
1g Duck
Pattaya live webcam 
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1) 
 

 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 2 photos

Thailand street vendors

August 27, 2015 by David Herd

Thailand street vendors sell everything

Thailand street vendorsThailand street vendors sell everything, they are really just mobile shops offering a huge variety of goods for sale. Many are constantly changing location as they don’t have the required licence to operate their business.

Soft drinks & fresh fruit

Thailand street vendors sell everything

As you can see many are motorised while others push their heavy loads. They all however have one thing in common, a “work ethic” as  there is no social security to help out in Thailand.

Thailand street vendors 

Thailand street vendors

Generally is costs between 20 & 40 Baht or 50 cents to $1 usd for a meal.

Fruit smoothie

Thailand street vendorsA healthy fresh fruit smoothie for only 75 cents.

A piece of fried chicken for 50 cents.

Thailand street vendors

Tastes every bit as good as KFC but cheaper. 🙂

My favourite

Thailand street vendors

Banana pancake is my favourite street food.

Banana pancake

Thailand street vendors

This is truly a taste to die for and only 40 Baht.

Outside my condo

Thailand street vendors

Four or five mobile vendors plying their trade each night outside my condo. They pack up and leave very quickly if the police arrive.

High fashion in Pattaya

Thailand street vendors

Ladies boutique above & men’s sport shop below. 🙂

Thailand street vendors

Thailand street vendors sell everything

Thailand street vendors come in all shapes and sizes. 🙂

Sausage anyone?

Thailand street vendors

Those sausages look good enough to eat. 🙂

Cocktail car

Thailand street vendors

What a fantastic invention, there are many of these great Cocktail cars all over Pattaya.

VW Kombi

Thailand street vendors

I remember many years ago travelling around Europe in one of these.

I’m guessing it’s bread

Thailand street vendors

This is Chinatown in Bangkok where you can buy just about anything.

Thailand street vendors sell everything in Chinatown

Thailand street vendors

A fascinating area for street food.

Fresh fish in Chinatown

Fresh fish in Bangkok Thailand

While I’m on the subject of Chinatown I remember seeing this a few years ago. Two huge fish just had their heads cut off yet they were still gasping for air.

Wal-Mart on wheels

Thailand street vendors

The broom guy is one of my favourites. 🙂

Carnation milk

Thailand street vendors

They certainly know how to dress up their mobile shops.

Hats for Sale

Thailand street vendors

Ok, I know she is not fully mobile but I love the photo and hope you do as well. 🙂

This really is my favourite

Thailand street vendors

Mango & sticky rice is a taste sensation for 75 cents.

Business for sale

Pristine

 BUSINESS FOR SALE, (EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISES AVAILABLE.)

Price includes used motorised mobile bike shop. (may need a little work) Available franchises include “Wal Mart broom bazaar”, “mobile Rebel sports apparel” and “Jamie Oliver home delivery”

My favourite street food photo

Thailand street vendors It’s 1/4 to 3 & there’s nobody in the street just you & me. 🙂

Thailand street vendors

Thanks for visiting my Thailand street vendors sell everything photo blog.

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

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

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

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

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

1g Duck

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

August 18, 2015 by David Herd

Another Italian Gem.

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy is the largest Italian lake. The wealthy and the snobbish will always prefer Lake Como because that’s what they read about in the social pages and gossip columns, the experienced traveller however would most certainly choose Lake Garda as the more interesting and user friendly location.

Lake Garda northern Italy

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

 

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest and most visited lake. The lake is 51km long but only 17km wide at its widest point in the south. The distance around the lake is 158km. Picturesque villages, medieval castles, and lakeside promenades dot the shoreline.

Swimming at Lake Garda

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

The lake has numerous small islands and five main ones, the largest being Isola del Garda. Nearby to the south is Isola San Biagio, also known as the Isola dei Conigli (“Island of the Rabbits”). Both are offshore of San Felice del Benaco, on the west side. The three other main islands are Isola dell’Olivo, Isola di Sogno, and Isola di Trimelone, all farther north near the east side. The main tributary is the Sarca River, while the only outlet is the Mincio River.

Relaxing beside Lake Garda

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

There are many delightful cafes and restaurants around the lake where you can relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Beautiful Lake Garda

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

 

 Lake Garda is known for its clear water, great for swimming in summer. Windsurfing, sailing, and hiking in the lake’s many parks are popular activities.

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

 

Is it surprising that Italy is my favourite European country?

Lakeside restaurant

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

 

A perfect spot to relax by the lake.

Lake Garda church

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

 

If you would like to rent an apartment here use THIS LINK for an excellent rate.

Fabulous colours

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

 

Magnificent colours on the buildings.

Shopping arcade beside the lake

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

 

Shop, drink coffee or enjoy pasta for lunch.

Ferry at Lake Garda

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

 

You can also explore the lake from the ferry.

Old castle

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

 

The lake has a diverse landscape with beaches along the southern shores and rocky cliffs above the northern shoreline.

North of Lake Garda.

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

The surrounding countryside is magnificent.

The Castle of Sirmione on Lake Garda.

Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy

The Sirmione castle is the most significant example of the defensive structures on Lake Garda. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, the village of Sirmione was a border town situated between the land owned by the Della Scala dynasty of Verona and the property of the lords of Milan. The original nucleus was delimited by a tall square wall with three towers, and was probably built on top of the remains of a Roman fortress.

Thanks for visiting my Beautiful Lake Garda northern Italy photo blog, which one do you prefer Lake Como Lake Garda?

                  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

 

Check out these great posts

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Lake Como northern Italy

August 17, 2015 by David Herd

Lake Como northern Italy

Lake Como northern Italy

Lake Como northern Italy

Lake Como northern Italy has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times, it’s a very popular tourist attraction with many artistic and cultural gems. It has many villas and palaces such as Villa Olmo, Villa Serbelloni, and Villa Carlotta.

Fabulous Lake Como home

Lake Como northern Italy

Lake Como weather is generally mild. It is known for its Mediterranean-like climate where sub-tropical plants can grow year-round, Average daily temperatures range from about 2 °C (36 °F) in January to 30 °C (86 °F) in July.

Bellagio on Lake Como northern Italy

Lake Como northern Italy

Bellagio is a wonderful upmarket village on Lake Como, certainly a place that attracts the wealthy. Bellagio & Lake Como are both beautiful and famous, however I do prefer the larger Lake Garda which is a couple of hours east. I found it more “user friendly” in so much as there were many more places you could actually access the lake itself. The wealthy and the snobbish will always pick Como because that’s what they read about in the fashion magazines and gossip columns, but the experienced traveller I believe would choose Lake Garda as the more interesting location.

My little road rocket

Lake Como northern Italy

  This little car really covered a lot of miles in the coming weeks, all the way to Saint Tropez, Cinque Terre, Menton, Breil Sur Roya, Verona, Pejo, St Moritz and Salzburg.

 Lake Como northern Italy

Lake Como northern Italy

Taking the shortcut across Lake Como northern Italy.

West side Lake Como

Dramatic scenery Lake Como northern Italy

 

It is a rather short trip on the ferry.

For whom the bell tolls

Lake Como northern Italy

  Pardon me quoting the title of Ernest Hemingway’s 1940 novel, however I’m sure he would have sometime in his life sipped his double daiquiris on the shore of Lake Como. 🙂  

Hemingway did enjoy a drink

Lake Como northern Italy

What a fabulous old photo.

San Giacomo Church, Ossuccio

Lake Como northern Italy

 This Romanesque church is situated along the shore at Spurano, Ossuccio.  It was built between the 10th and 12th centuries. The sail bell tower on the outside wasn’t built until after the 14th century.  The double arched apse is typical of the local architecture and inside the church you can see visible traces of original frescoes.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Lake Como northern Italy

Dining outside on the terrace overlooking the lake with the lights of Bellagio twinkling is a magical experience.  

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Lake Como northern Italy

Way above my pay grade I’m afraid. 🙂

Como Cathedral

Lake Como northern Italy

No, I didn’t go inside. 🙂

Como

Lake Como northern Italy

Como is a city and comune in Lombardy, Italy. It is the administrative capital of the Province of Como. Its proximity to Lake Como and to the Alps has made Como a popular tourist destination and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks and palaces.

  Veal Scallopini

Lake Como northern Italy

  One of my favourite meals is veal scallopini and this dish I had in Como at the restaurant shown below was perhaps the best I have ever experienced.  

Main square opposite Cathedral

Lake Como northern Italy

The food here was fantastic.

Restaurant on the square

Lake Como northern Italy

A beautiful summer day in Como.

Como by the lake

Lake Como northern Italy


As you can see the weather was absolutely perfect at the end of June.

 Garage for the boat

Lake Como northern Italy

I would be very happy living here, 🙂

I’m enjoying a coffee in Bellagio.

Lake Como northern Italy

Thanks for visiting my Dramatic scenery Lake Como northern Italy photo blog, lots more links below.

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

 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 Tone        9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)   191de3bb-38fc-45cd-bce7-ef24081c554b

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.


Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

August 17, 2015 by David Herd

North of Monte Carlo

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

Sospel village near Monte Carlo is a small town situated about 15km inland from the coastal resort of Menton & close to the French border with Italy. We were based in Breil Sur Roya just a short drive through the mountains.

Briel Sur Roya to Sospel & Monte Carlo

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

A short drive to the coast.

Medieval town

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

This small medieval town feels almost Italian in character, maybe because it was part of Italy until 1860.


 

Relaxing in the town square

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

   Sospel became prosperous in the 13th century when an important salt trading route between Nice and Turin passed through the town and those using the route paid tolls to use the bridge across the Bévéra river.  

Houses along the riverbanks

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

    The streets of the old town contain numerous attractive medieval houses, many with decorative painted facades.  

Toll Bridge

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

The tower in the centre of the fortified bridge was originally the toll gate for the mules using the trade route. A bridge has stood here since at least the 13th century, although it is likely the original version was built of wood. In 1522 the wooden bridge was replaced by a stone version, much as we see it today.

Viaduct beside the village

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

You can spend many days exploring the beautiful part of France.

Coffee with Deborah

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

  Thanks for sharing my Sospel village near Monte Carlo photo blog, lots more links below.                  

  Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.
 
A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

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

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

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

1g Duck

 


Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos