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La Brigue ancient French village

August 16, 2015 by David Herd

La Brigue

La Brigue ancient French village

La Brigue ancient French village

La Brigue ancient French village north of Menton was originally part of Italy, the village was annexed to France as part of the Treaty of Paris in 1947.

Donjon tower

La Brigue ancient French village

 The village is both pretty and interesting, with colourful buildings, ancient churches, arcades, vaulted passages, streets to explore, and the pleasure of a fast-flowing river that’s joined by a mountain stream in the centre. The stream is called “Rio Sec”, or dry river, but was full of spring water when we were there. Many of the buildings are of natural stone and many are nicely renovated with pastel facades and green doorways and steps. The 14th-c medieval Chateau des Lascaris perched above the village is in ruins, with only some walls and a tall, round donjon tower remaining. Partial reconstruction, however, has been started, and the castle is used for medieval festival weekends. Reconstruction will be followed by archaeological digs on the site.

 Medieval stone structures

La Brigue ancient French village

 La Brigue is very attractive with steep rocky hills rising either side, also there are several important monuments.

ANCIENT STONE FOUNTAIN

La Brigue ancient French village

This fountain is dated 1741.

The water tastes so pure & cold

La Brigue ancient French village

This water is worth bottling.

Homes in La Brigue

La Brigue ancient French village

Wonderful ancient stone buildings.

La Brigue French village

La Brigue ancient French village
As you can imagine there are not too many hotels in La Brigue, Hotel Le Terminus is a good choice, excellent rates if you book through this link.

St Martin collegiate church

La Brigue ancient French village

I rarely enter a church however in La Brique I made an exception.

St Martin collegiate church

La Brigue ancient French village

A great shot of the local church.

Ancient buildings & narrow lanes

La Brigue ancient French village

One of the fascinating cobblestone lanes.

La Brigue ancient French village

La Brigue ancient French village

La Brique is a great example of a typical French mountain village.

La Brigue is on the Roya river

La Brigue ancient French village

Perched on the banks of the Sur Roya.

Looks like it will last 1000 years

La Brigue ancient French village

I’m guessing it has been there 1000 years already.

Deborah Holliday & Jodie ONiell

La Brigue ancient French village

These lovely ladies from the Gold Coast were my travelling companions. We were based at Breil Sur Roya between Saorge & Airole.

David Herd at La Brigue

La Brigue ancient French village

Thanks for joining me at my La Brigue ancient French village photo blog. Lots more photo links below.

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

 

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

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Saorge beautiful French village

August 15, 2015 by David Herd

This village is spectacular

Saorge beautiful French village

Saorge beautiful French village

 Saorge beautiful French village was classed as one of the “40 most beautiful villages of France”. The main village streets traverse narrowly between the buildings at very different levels, with smaller streets and steps leading up and down between them. The view from anywhere in the village is spectacular, looking outward to snow-capped mountains in the middle distance (into May and June) and the deep gorge and rushing white-water river below.

Road to Saorge

Saorge beautiful French village

The region belonged to the old County of Nice. From 1388 to 1860 Saorge was part of Sardinia-Piedmont when it was ceded to France. In June 1793 the armies of the First French Republic and Sardinia clashed here. In the Battle of Saorgio on 24–28 April 1794, the French wrested the town from the Piedmontese. The town was returned to Sardinia-Piedmont after the overthrow of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Saorge beautiful French village

Saorge beautiful French village

 Saorge is 11 km north of Breil Sur Roya where we were based. There are so many interesting French & Italian villages in this particular area, you can spend weeks exploring these fabulous part of Europe.


Bath house or wash house?

Saorge beautiful French village

Whichever one it is or was I can guarantee it is old, very old. 🙂

Saorge homes

Saorge beautiful French village

The tall solid stone houses date from the 15th-17th centuries and line the narrow steep cobbled street that climb up through the village.

Narrow streets & Alleys

Saorge beautiful French village

 Exploring the village is straightforward as the village mostly follows one long street that climbs the hill through Saorge, with lots of smaller alleys climbing the hill to either side.

My travel buddies

Saorge beautiful French village

 Deborah Holliday and Jodie ONiell from the Gold Coast in Australia spent a couple of weeks with me exploring the French & Italian villages, French Riviera & the Cinque Terre. My best travel tip for this area is to base yourself in the central village of Breil Sur Roya, from here you can easily reach all the wonderful surrounding villages similar to Saorge.

Thanks for visiting my Saorge beautiful French village photo blog.

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A-One hotel on Beach Road

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

 

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
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Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

 

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Airole beautiful Italian village

August 15, 2015 by David Herd

Let the games begin

Airole beautiful Italian village

Airole beautiful Italian village

 Airole beautiful Italian village has a quintessential main town square where everybody gathers to play chess, socialise and relax in the sunshine.

Early evening in Airole

Airole beautiful Italian village

 One of my favourite Italian villages 14 km south of Breil and 14 km north of Ventimiglia on the coast. A beautiful Italian medieval village with a population of 461, it has a delightful town square where the locals meet to chat, play chess & enjoy a vino or an espresso.

Airole beautiful Italian village town square

Airole beautiful Medieval Italian village

Everyone gathers here to chat & socialise.

Discussing serious business

Airole beautiful Italian village

The world cup was being played & I’m guessing these gentlemen were discussing the teams.

Enjoying a cold beer

Airole beautiful Italian village

Well it was a beautiful summers day. 🙂

Deborah & Jodie

 

Australian blonds drinking wine in Italy
 

Homes in Airole

Airole beautiful Medieval Italian village

Very peaceful & quiet.

The quintessential town square

Airole beautiful Medieval Italian village

The local will gather here later to watch the world cup football on TV.

July 2010 and the World Cup is on.

Airole beautiful Italian village

The TV is set up in the village square.

The Roya river

Airole beautiful Italian village

  On the road to Airole just south of Breil Sur Roya.   The Upper Roya Valley begins at the Col de Tende (1871 m) on the French-Italian border. It runs south about 35 km to Breil-sur-Roya and then another 8 km to where it crosses back into Italy. (The Lower Roya Valley flows into the Mediterranean at Ventimiglia.) TheUpper Roya Valley is a region of mountains and valleys, with swift rivers, thick forests, and villages with an Italian flavor.  

Airole beautiful Italian village

Airole beautiful Italian village

Located just beside the French border.

Road to Airole

Airole beautiful Italian village

The road winds up to the village.

Airole beautiful Italian village narrow lanes

Airole beautiful Italian village

   OK, time to find a nice restaurant in Airole beautiful Italian village.

Local restaurant

Airole beautiful Italian village

    And here it is. 🙂

Veal scallopini al funghi

Airole beautiful Italian village

  My favourite Italian dish, so far this trip I have had it in Como, Fanghetto & now Airole.  

Airole beautiful Italian village

Airole beautiful Italian village

It’s now July so to warm for firewood.

Nestled in the mountains

Airole beautiful Italian village

The village is sheltered by the mountain range.

Ancient water fountain

Airole beautiful Italian village

  In Airole there are hidden treasures around every corner.  

 Is David Herd in Airole? I’m looking for David Herd.

Airole beautiful Italian village

  A guy can dream can’t he? 🙂  

Airole beautiful Italian village

Airole beautiful Italian village

Thanks for sharing my Airole beautiful Italian village photo blog, I will certainly return one day.

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

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
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1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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Milan Limone Monte Carlo

August 14, 2015 by David Herd

Limone Piemonte Italy

Milan Limone Monte Carlo road trip

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Milan Limone Monte Carlo road trip stopping for lunch at Limone Piemonte Italy, one of the oldest ski areas in the country. Driving through the Italian & French mountains south on our way to the French Riviera.

Pizza pasta and wild boar

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

My friends & travelling companions Deborah Holliday and Jodie ONeill from the Gold Coast in Australia.


Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

I had just spent a couple of days in Lake Como waiting for my friends to arrive from Australia before spending 10 days exploring the French Riviera from our apartment in Breil Sur Roya.

Breil Sur Roya was devastated by storm Alex on October 4 2020.

Australian beer in Italy

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Quite a surprise to see large Australian beer sign.

Nestled amongst the forest

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

 The railway reached Limone in 1891, in 1897 the skiers arrived & competitions began in 1907.

Waiting for the snow

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Obviously the village would look quite different in the winter.

Charming stone chalets

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

This was a perfect village to have a break on our Milan Limone Monte Carlo road trip.

Here is where we had lunch

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Very good wine and food at this delightful restaurant.


Main street Limone Piemonte Italy

Milan Limone Monte CarloThe weather was gorgeous as was the village.

The girls are excited 1st day of their holiday

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Deb & Jodie jumping for joy. 

Mountain creek

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

A small mountain stream runs through the village.

Our road rocket

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

This little rocket was perfect for 3 people. Car hire in Europe is rather inn expensive if you shop around for a good deal. Always try to drop the car off in the country you picked it up in. This will save you a relocation fee. 

David Herd & Deborah Holliday

Milan Limone Monte Carlo

Thanks for joining us on our Milan Limone Monte Carlo road trip, many more photos and information below.

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Pattaya Hilton

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

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

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

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Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

August 13, 2015 by David Herd

Markland

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road is in the very best location in Pattaya, I should know because I live there. The 27 floor building has 4 floors of hotel, all the other floors are condominiums.

Opposite the beach

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Located on Beach Rd just 10 Baht on the bus to get to Walking St. 🙂


Two bedroom apartment

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Most of the hotel rooms are studios however there are some terrific two bedroom apartments with views to die for.

Best view in Pattaya

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

However you must be on the south side to see this magnificent view of Pattaya.

Studio apartment 45 square meters

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

The south side has the better view.

Markland Hotel Pattaya beach northern view 

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

That is the Holiday Inn next door.

Pool at Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

There always seems to be a nice breeze around the pool.

Holiday Inn

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Holiday Inn is next door to Markland.

Holiday Inn

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Half price pizza at Holiday Inn Tuesday night and 2 for 1 drinks between 5 & 7 pm.

Amari, Holiday Inn & Markland.

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

A great location on Beach Road, and much quieter than South Pattaya.

Mezzo coffee at Markland now closed

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Very good coffee shop on the ground floor of Markland and Tops supermarket is in the basement.

The Coffee Club has replaced Mezzo.

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya

I am going to enjoy a daily coffee here. 🙂

Security at Markland

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Occasionally Markland security is not quite up to the task. 🙂

Fabulous view from 27th floor

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

This is my lovely friend Kayoco who was visiting from Tokyo.

Markland Hotel Pattaya beach is in a great location with the best views in Pattaya, use this Agoda link for very good room rates.

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

I must confess I have never been to this restaurant. 🙂

The view from my room on the 17th floor, I have ow moved to the 20th floor.

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Thanks for visiting my Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road photo blog, I hope to see you in the coffee shop when you arrive. 🙂

 

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Holiday Inn

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

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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

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. 

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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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Antibes Mediterranean resort

August 11, 2015 by David Herd

Spanish Paella in Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Antibes Mediterranean resort

 Antibes Mediterranean resort is on the Côte d’Azur between Cannes and Nice. I enjoyed a nice Spanish Paella for lunch followed by a few hours exploring this delightful seaside resort town.

After the disintegration of the Western Roman Empire, various barbarian tribes seized Antibes. This resulted in destruction and a long period of instability. In the 10th century, Antibes found a protector in Seigneur Rodoart, who built extensive fortified walls around the town and a castle in which to live. For the next 200 years, the town experienced a period of renewal. Prosperity was short-lived, as the whole region fell into disarray for several centuries. The inhabitants of Antibes stayed behind their strong city walls as a succession of wars and epidemics ravaged the countryside. In the 1244, Antibes’s bishop moved his see to Grasse. By the end of the 15th century, the region was under the protection and control of King Louis XI of France. Relative stability returned, but the small port of Antibes fell into obscurity.

From around the middle of the 19th century the Antibes area regained its popularity, as wealthy people from around Europe discovered its natural beauty and built many luxurious homes here.

Stones instead of sand

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Like the majority of Mediterranean beaches you have to tolerate rocks instead of sand unless you are somewhere like Nice where they import sand for some of the private beach areas where you have to pay for the luxury.

This does not look comfortable

Antibes Mediterranean resort

 

 However I would be very happy lying beside her, I would gladly put up with the pain from the pebbles. :)


Warm sun & calm cool water

Antibes Mediterranean resort

No sandcastles here. 🙂

Toys for the boys.

Antibes Mediterranean resort

There are so many beautiful boats on the Riviera all along the coast from St Tropez to Menton. There is only one problem facing many of the owners, no matter how big your boat is soon somebody will arrive with a bigger one, see below. 🙂

The Sultan arrives, chopper on-board of course. 🙂

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Some of the wealth on display is astonishing.

An Aussie in Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Good name for a boat. 🙂

Antibes Mediterranean resort there is No Compromise 

Antibes Mediterranean resort

All you need is money, a lot of money. 🙂

Fort Carré d’Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

The Romans probably built the first fortifications at Antibes. In 1553, a tower called la tour Saint-Florent was built around a preexisting chapel. Henry III had four bastions added in 1565, whereupon it became Fort Carré (the squared fort).

 My two lovely travelling companions

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Deborah Holiday & Jodie ONeill from the Gold Coast in Australia travelled with me through the French & Italian Riviera. We were based in Breil Sur Roya a delightful  French village north of Monte Carlo.

Thanks for visiting my Antibes Mediterranean resort photo blog. Hotel Ibis Styles is a reasonable price, just book through THIS LINK.

                    
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          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

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                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

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That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos

Beach Babes French Riviera

August 10, 2015 by David Herd

Pebbles on the beach

Beach Babes French Riviera

Beach Babes French Riviera

Beach Babes French Riviera the very cosmopolitan city of Nice was originally founded by the Greeks & later became a retreat for 19th-century Europe’s elite. The lackluster port area is rapidly filling up with the city’s coolest restaurants and bars.

July 2010 marked 150 years since the Mediterranean city was ceded to France as a reward for French help in the second Italian war of independence against Austria. The locally born Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi was irate about the handover, knowing well – as generations of film stars, millionaires, princes, Mafiosi and tourists would later come to realize – that France had quite a trophy on its hands.

Iconic sea-blue chairs

Beach Babes French Riviera

While away the hours on one of its iconic sea-blue chairs rather than lay on the uncomfortable pebbles.

 36 Hours in Nice

36 Hours in Nice, France | The New York Times

A very nice You Tube video courtesy of The New York Times. 

 Private beach area

Beach Babes French Riviera

 The private beaches offer very comfortable sun chairs, umbrellas, and full service to their very EXPENSIVE bars. It’s a nice get away from the hordes of people on the public beaches, and the chairs are much more comfortable than the rocks.

Beach resort French Riviera Nice

Beach Babes French Riviera

Many of these private areas actually have sand instead of pebbles.

This can’t be comfortable

Antibes Mediterranean resort

However I would be very happy lying beside her, I would gladly put up with the pain from the pebbles. 🙂

The very congested boat harbour

Beach Babes French Riviera

I bet there is a long waiting list for a berth.

Toys and Condominiums

Beach Babes French Riviera

As in many other cities on the French Riviera you can really smell the money here. 🙂

Church Maria Sine Labe Concepta

Beach Babes French Riviera

This rather impressive church overlook the harbour in Nice.

Blue Vision 44m Benetti

Beach Babes French Riviera

‘BLUE VISION’ was built in 2007 by Benetti and last refitted in 2012. The yacht’s interior has been designed by Zuretti and her exterior styling is by Stefano Righini. Blue Vision’s interior layout sleeps up to 10 guests in 5 staterooms, including a master suite, 2 double cabins, 2 twin cabins and 2 pullman beds. She is also capable of carrying up to 9 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience. Timeless styling, beautiful furnishings and sumptuous seating feature throughout her living areas to create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere. With a cruising speed of 12 knots, a maximum speed of 15 knots and a range of 4606nm from her 63000 litre fuel tanks, she is the perfect combination of performance and luxury.

Beach resort French Riviera Nice

Beach Babes French Riviera

Sometimes written off as staid and sleepy, France’s fifth city is is thriving, tourism is a huge business in Nice, but the city also has one of Europe’s biggest technology parks, hosting 1,200 international companies.

Strolling along the promenade.

Beach Babes French Riviera

Nice’s Promenade des Anglais is part of the heart of this seaside French city. Nice’s Promenade des Anglais is lined with cafes situated directly on the beach, and it’s a bustling area active with cyclists, runners, walkers and roller bladers.

At this very spot in 2016 there was a shocking “terrorist” attack on revelers enjoying a Bastille Day fireworks display. Sadly 84 innocent people perished.

Hmm, which way to go?

Beach Babes French Riviera

Well I’m heading for Menton.

Beach Babes French Riviera  

Beach Babes French Riviera

Look closely you may see some rocks instead of sand. Rocks, what rocks? I don’t see any rocks. 🙂

Strolling along the esplanade in Nice.
Beach Babes French Riviera

Nice has a very good feel to it, I really should have stayed longer.

Fabulous boats in the harbour

Beach Babes French Riviera

 In fact there are thousands of luxury cruisers all along the Riviera.

Where there are boats…

Beach Babes French Riviera

 You are going to find the babes. 🙂

On the way to Nice.

Beach Babes French Riviera

This was only a few miles from Nice, I had driven from St Tropez and after Nice I headed for Monte Carlo.

Thanks for visiting my Beach Babes French Riviera photo blog.

                      Please check out these fabulous posts 

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          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

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

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

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

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

1g Duck

 

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Storms smash Pattaya beach

August 4, 2015 by David Herd

Here’s how it starts

Storms smash Pattaya beach

Storms smash Pattaya beach

 Storms smash Pattaya beach on a regular basis, especially in the wet season between July & November. Gutters & drains just can’t handle to huge downpours.

Here is the result

Storms smash Pattaya beach

It’s a never ending problem for the local council who can’t seem to cope with the problem.

Ugly & dangerous

Storms smash Pattaya beach

It’s both ugly & dangerous and won’t e solved until they improve the drainage problems.

Beach Road goes under

Storms smash Pattaya beach

There are no drains and gutters that can cope with the amount of water in such a short time.

The footpath disappears

Storms smash Pattaya beach

After 20 minutes of rain this is the result, no footpath. 🙂

Beach Rd Pattaya flooded, more water than Songkran.

You can see the sand being washed away

Storms smash Pattaya beach

In the wet season between June & November this is a regular occurrence.

Storms smash Pattaya beach

Storms smash Pattaya beach

The storm water also runs down from 2nd road to add to what is one Beach Road.

Find yourself an island

Storms smash Pattaya beach

The beach looks quite ugly after the storm.

 Sandbags

Storms smash Pattaya beach

Sandbags are used as a cunning plan to keep the beach intact, clearly it does not work. 🙂

Pattaya Weather

Storms smash Pattaya beach

 

The power of the tropical storm

Storms smash Pattaya beach

The council tried to come up with a solution in 2015, check out this link.

Sand is gone baby gone

Storms smash Pattaya beach

This problem has been happening for many years.

Not a pretty sight

Storms smash Pattaya beach

Life goes on as usual in Pattaya, the boats taking out the para-sailors are here every day.

Hilton Hotel

Storms smash Pattaya beach

The roads flood so quickly as the drains just can’t handle the incredible volume of water, it then spills over to the beach. Often these storms only last for 30 or 40 minutes however that’s enough time to cause havoc.

The cavalry arrives

Storms smash Pattaya beach

Normally soon after the storm you will see these guys busy restoring the damage. It’s now August 2015 & sadly in the last six months they have been strangely absent.

After the storm a beautiful day returns.

Storms smash Pattaya beach Thanks for visiting my Storms smash Pattaya beach photo blog.

 

                   
 

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

1g Duck

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Counter only started February 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Chinese storm Thailand beach

August 4, 2015 by David Herd

They arrive in their thousands every day

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Chinese storm Thailand beach

 Chinese storm Thailand beach every day of the year and climb aboard powerful speedboats which take them to nearby Koh Larn or para sailing in Pattaya bay

South Pattaya

Chinese storm Thailand beach

In the background on the right if the famous Walking St, you can see restaurants built (many illegally) over the water. The tall condo building has only recently been completed during the current Pattaya building boom.

Thousands arrive every day

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Of course there is some controversy about who receives the revenue as most of the money is paid on packaged tours in China when they book their trip. Pattaya is suffering from a downturn in tourism, here are comments made in a recent article in June 2015 in the Bangkok Post; “Pattaya hotels are struggling to survive and are being pressured by Chinese travel agents to reduce their room rates by 30-40%. Hoteliers in the resort city have been relying mainly on Chinese tourists after the sharp fall in European tourists, particularly Russians, due to the economic recession in their countries. Locally run Pattaya hotels have faced an oversupply since last year and the situation… “

Slightly over powered

Chinese storm Thailand beach

An example of one of the speedboats with three 225 HP Yamaha motors, a slight case of overkill. Are there any accidents you ask? Of course there are, many of the Thai skippers are unlicensed and high on drugs or booze, if an accident occurs they invoke the well used Thai strategy of “run & hide”. 🙂

Para sailing on Pattaya bay

Chinese storm Thailand beach

The buzz around like mosquitoes and yes sadly accidents often do happen here as you will see in the following news video.

Para sailor killed on honeymoon

This sad incident happened in 2011 however the safety situation does not seem to have changed since then.

Hundreds of boats

Chinese storm Thailand beach

This is a huge business in Pattaya taking Chinese tourists to Koh Larn.

About to land

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Lets hope he has a soft landing. 🙂

Whew! back safe & sound

Chinese storm Thailand beach

I’m sure many of these tourists will never forget their Pattaya holiday.

Buzzing like mosquitoes

Great vision of Parasailing in Pattaya, Thailand

Even the storms don’t stop the boats.

Chinese storm Thailand beach

An awesome sight watching the storm roll in over Pattaya bay.

Screaming Yamahas

Screaming Yamahas Pattaya beach

I mentioned earlier I don’t have much confidence in the Thai boat divers, here is how they cope with sandbanks.

 Chinese storm Thailand beach. If you build it they will come. 🙂

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Every day of the week they come from China and elsewhere.

Lined up ready to go

Chinese storm Thailand beach

The fleet is ready and waiting.

August 4th 2016 at 7am

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Lots of boats and one rainbow. 🙂

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Chinese storm Thailand beach

 The busses roll into Beach Road of a morning and the tourists flock to the boats.

The mob arrives

Chinese storm Thailand beach

I have a sneaking suspicion some of these boats may be overloaded.

May 27 2021 see no Chinese tourists in Pattaya

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Many tour boats based in this resort city will be moored for at least the next three months, based on the number of cancellations by Chinese tour group agents, according to a large tour operator.

The Chinese government’s suspension of outbound Chinese tours to contain the coronavirus had  been a direct hit for boat operators, who mainly serve Chinese tour groups.

“Chinese tour agencies were closed for a month from Jan 29 to wait and see how the situation developed… As a result, boat operators have to halt services for three months, based on the agencies’ tour programs.

“Since the closure of Chinese outbound tours, there has not been a single customer.”

Here is a perfect Pattaya day

Chinese storm Thailand beach

What a view from the balcony of my apartment.

Peace & quiet at sunset

Pattaya life FiveStarVagabond 2017

Thanks for visiting my Chinese storm Thailand beach post, there is never a dull moment in Pattaya.

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.

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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    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)

More great posts here;

Rio beach babes

Florianopolis Brazil 

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Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Hiroshima Japan

Sydney Harbour

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

July 27, 2015 by David Herd

Soho Village Plaza

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

  Soho Village Plaza Pattaya is an outdoor market on 2nd Rd near Soi 1 & Big C. Good low price food and a pleasant outdoor atmosphere & lots of fresh seafood. 250 Baht is about $7.20 USD as at July 2015.

Decisions decisions

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Decisions decisions. 

Scallops, Calamari, Octopus & roast pig

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

 

Too much food is never enough. 🙂

Vietnamese tourists

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

  Last year in 2014 the place was full of Russians but with the collapse of the Rouble they have all disappeared. I much prefer these gorgeous Vietnamese girls anyhow. 🙂  

Fresh fish, wine from 7 11 and my Kindle.

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

  They do sell Thai wine at the market however if you prefer an Australian drop just buy it from 711 across the road.  

Location

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya is diagonally opposite the Sabai Empress, which is a good value budget hotel with nice rooms.  

Sabai Empress

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Also around the corner is the Sabai Wing which is a little cheaper.

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

    Fabulous Thai street food here.

Open air dining

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

  Good food at low prices.

Beautiful fresh prawns & scallops

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

    Fresh seafood is hard to beat.

Barbecue

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Watch the food being cooked.

Thai wine

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

  It’s drinkable and very cheap, however as I said if you prefer an Australian drop just buy it from 711 across the road.  

 Fresh fruit

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Mango & sticky rice is a Thailand specialty. 

Sophisticated cocktail bar.

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya


There is a clown in every market. 🙂

Lots of variety available here

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Lots of fresh product to choose from.

Eye candy as well

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

 

A long legged Russian no doubt. 🙂

Phad Thai

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

 

Only B100.

Roast chicken

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

 

This stall has gone since the renovation in 2016.

Ribs

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

 

The ribs are excellent.

Fresh seafood

Market seafood 1

 

The seafood is my favourite.

What a way to finish

IMG_5100

Mango and sticky rice one of Thailand’s great dishes, only 50 Baht here or $2 aud.

A very pleasant place to eat

Soho Village Plaza Pattaya

Check out my webcam 24/7.

                        Here are some more posts to check out         

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. 

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

1g Duck

 

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

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

Check out some of the crazy things I see every day at my home in Thailand

 

Before I arrived in Cape Town I was in Brussels

 
 

Here is my post on the Italian Alps

Counter only started February 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos