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Paris Fashion Food Wine

December 2, 2013 by David Herd

Everyone loves

Paris Fashion Food Wine

Paris Fashion Food Wine

Paris Fashion Food Wine, even though generally the French are rather arrogant & rude to tourists. I’m guessing they love their city & resent the intrusion of so many foreigners.

It was years ago in 2005 when I was last there so I’m due to visit again soon. In 2014 I was in Amsterdam, Brussels and London, and in 2013 I got as close as BrugeVersailles  which of course is adjacent to the beautiful city.

Ella says it better than I can.

Notre Dame Hotel Paris.

Paris Fashion Food Wine

I imagine the attraction of Paris means different things to many people. The architecture, the food & restaurants, the culture & museums, etc etc.

Grand Cluny

Paris Fashion Food Wine

Everywhere you look in Paris there is a brasserie.

Champs-Élysées.

Paris Fashion Food Wine

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a street in Paris. With its cinemas, cafés, luxury specialty shops and clipped horse-chestnut trees, the Champs-Élysées is arguably one of the world’s most famous boulevards.

ZAZ - Champs Elysées (Clip officiel)

Dinner with friends in Paris

Paris Fashion Food Wine

Another great dinner with friends in Paris washed down with a nice Bordeaux. I’m with Gavin & Cheryl Kernot from Australia & Malvina who now lives in Paris. I first met Malvina a few years ago when she lived in Mexico city.

Paris Kebab.

Paris Fashion Food Wine

This is one of my favourite photos from Paris. I think the guy looks a little like Al Pacino.

Wonderful seafood street stall

Paris Fashion Food Wine

Malvina has a photo with this great Parisian character.

Paris Fashion Food Wine

Paris Fashion Food Wine

I rally need to plan another trip to Paris, perhaps in 2017.

David Herd loves Paris

Paris Fashion Food Wine

The Buddha Bar is a very cool trendy spot with good music, make sure you have plenty of money. You will find it at 8 Rue Boissy d’ Anglais M. Concorde.

Here is some Buddha bar music.

Buddha Bar.

Paris Fashion Food Wine

No prizes for guessing what dominates the floor space inside this ultra-cool Parisian imbibery. You might think it’s the Buddha that attracts the oh-so-trendy set here, as it’s always flattering to stand next to someone more rotund than yourself. A very popular haunt with drinkers and diners alike.

Royal St Michel hotel

Paris Fashion Food Wine

Sunset in Paris and another wonderful evening begins.

Cruising along the Seine.

Paris Fashion Food Wine

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Buildings along the Seine.

Paris Fashion Food Wine

Take a boat cruise you won’t regret it.

Restaurant on the Seine

Paris Fashion Food Wine

So many wonderful photo opportunities along this magic river.

Cruising on the Seine.

Paris Fashion Food Wine

I think an open top boat is more fun.

I wonder if there are bats in the belfry?

Paris Fashion Food Wine

The ancient buildings are amazing.

This structure looks familiar.

Paris Fashion Food Wine

Located on the Champ de Mars in Paris. It was named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. Erected in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair, it has become both a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The tower is the tallest structure in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world; 7.1 million people ascended it in 2011.

The tower received its 250 millionth visitor in 2010. The tower stands 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building. During its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to assume the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building in New York City was built in 1930. Because of the addition of the antenna atop the Eiffel Tower in 1957, it is now taller than the Chrysler Building by 5.2 metres (17 ft). Not including broadcast antennas, it is the second-tallest structure in France, after the Millau Viaduct.

Nymphs of the Seine

Paris Fashion Food Wine

The Pont Alexandre III is an arch bridge that spans the Seine, connecting the Champs-Élysées quarter and the Invalides and Eiffel Tower quarter, widely regarded as the most ornate, extravagant bridge in Paris. It is classified as a historical monument.

Wonderful Paris statue.

Paris Fashion Food Wine

Great hotel deals in Paris through Agoda.

Gavin reminds some people of Michael Caine.

Paris Art Fashion Food Wine

Every time I hear Edith Piaf sing I immediately think of Paris.

As I said at the beginning  Everyone loves Paris, such a beautiful romantic city.

Thanks for visiting my Paris Fashion Food Wine photo blog.

That’s all folks

Paris Art Fashion Food Wine

 

                   Here are some more posts to check out 

     

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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

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South Beach Miami

November 22, 2013 by David Herd

Art Deco South Beach

South Beach Miami

South Beach Miami was the attraction for me, and the Clay Hotel 1438 Washington Ave, Miami Beach was the perfect location. Far less expensive being 3 or 4 blocks back from the beach.

Hotel Shelley South Beach

Art Deco South Beach Miami

One of the many iconic hotels on South Beach Miami.

South Beach Miami

Art Deco South Beach Miami

South Beach Miami is one of my favourite people watching locations in the world. The cars, the gorgeous women, the bikinis on the beach, its got it all, throw in lots of great bars & restaurants and what else do you need?

How many movies has this deli been in?

South Beach Miami

The Architectural District (also known as Old Miami Beach Historic District, and the more popular term, Miami Art Deco District) is a U.S. historic district (designated as such on May 14, 1979) located in the South Beach neighbourhood of Miami Beach, Florida. The district is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Sixth Street to the south, Alton Road to the west, the Collins Canal and Dade Boulevard to the north. It contains 960 historic buildings. In 1989, it was listed in A Guide to Florida’s Historic Architecture, published by the University of Florida Press.

The famous life guard towers

South Beach Miami

The fabulous art deco towers are unique examples of this form of architecture, they along the eight and a half mile stretch of  Beach. All told there are twenty five towers guarding those who use the beach. At once functional and decorative, they contribute beautifully to the overall aesthetic of this Floridian resort city. A great example of Art Deco South Beach Miami.

Quintessential South Beach Miami

Art Deco South Beach Miami

Such well known landmarks that is quintessential South Beach Miami.

The local sheriff

South Beach Miami

He is exercising his 2nd amendment rights. 🙂

Beautiful white sand on South beach.

South Beach Miami

Certainly one of the world’s best beach scenes.

Lots of bars & cafes opposite the beach.

South Beach Miami

Lots of cafes and restaurants along the strip.

Finnegans Way.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

Finnegans Way 1344 Ocean Dr,  was a good lay back Irish bar, as it was on the way to my hotel I could never walk past without calling in for a drink.

Drinking JD on South Beach Miami

South Beach Miami

Drinks with the manager of Finnegans Way on South Beach.

South Beach Miami, river cruise.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

A good way to see the sights  including some beautiful homes is to jump on a boat and cruise around the harbour.

Open the bridge, we are coming through.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

A boat cruise is a great way to see the city and surrounds. 

Huge condo block.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

Luxury hotels and condos are everywhere in Miami.

South Beach Miami, condos on the beach.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

Living on South Beach Miami can’t be all that bad. 🙂

Nice little runabout.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

Beautiful classic timber runabout.

Nice big runabout.

South Beach Miami

No matter how big your boat is there is always somebody with a bigger one.

Very nice little shack.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

Obviously there is lots of money in Miami.

Nice big shack

Art Deco South Beach Miami

It seems like a small boat for such a huge home. 🙂

The Versace home

South Beach Miami

 Gianni Versace was shot dead here on the steps of his home in 1997.

Thanks for visiting my South Beach Miami photo blog, next stop Rio de Janeiro.
 
Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 
 

Beautiful samba dancers in Brazil

 

A quaint little street in Tokyo

 

Beautiful Barcelona, put it on your bucket list

 

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Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

November 5, 2013 by David Herd

Ettalong

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Towns on the NSW coast are really worth visiting, starting 80 kilometres north of Sydney we have Ettalong on the Central coast. This small town has so many wonderful memories for me as it was the place my family spent the Xmas holidays from when I was a small baby until I was a teenager. In those days the road was quite dangerous and wound around the mountains like a snake around a pole. The journey in those days took about 2.5 hours, now it’s just over an hour on the motorway.

Ettalong in 1953

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Here I am at 10 years of age with young brother Warren and my grandmother Nan Tippett. Here is somewhere to stay in Ettalong with magnificent views over the water, the Tantra apartments.

Terrigal

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Thirty minutes further north and a little more upmarket is Terrigal, another very popular holiday destination. Terrigal was first settled in 1826 by European Settler John Gray, who called his property Tarrygal, after the indigenous Aboriginal place name, signifying ‘place of little birds’. The town’s long beach is highly popular with tourists.

Gosford

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia  Gosford is located just 80 km north of Sydney. Growing up in Sydney this area was where our family would spend our annual holidays.

Peppers is a very nice hotel opposite the beach in Terrigal.
Forster Tuncurry

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia A population of over 18,000 people it is a holiday destination for many Sydney people who are only a 4 hour drive away.

Port Macquarie

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

My favourite NSW coastal town, 400 kilometres north of Sydney, in fact my Australian residential address is here at my brother’s home. Warren has lived here for over 20 years and I always visit when I am in Australia.

Port Macquarie was first visited by Europeans in 1818 when John Oxley reached the Pacific Ocean from the interior, after his journey to explore inland New South Wales. He named the location after the Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie.

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Port Macquarie is a retirement destination, known for its extensive beaches and waterways. The town is also known for its koala population, being the home to the Billabong Koala Park, and the Koala Preservation Society’s Koala Hospital, caring for koalas injured through bushfire, dog attacks and collisions with vehicles.

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Coffs Harbour

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Coffs Harbour  is  located on the north coast of New South Wales about 540 km north of Sydney, and 390 km south of Brisbane.  Coffs Harbour is one of many regional cities along the Pacific Highway between Newcastle and The Gold Coast.

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

The Observatory hotel is just a short walk to several restaurants and cafes, the only downside is being woken early in the morning when the first train stops at the station 50 meters in front of the hotel.

Typical old Australian homestead

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

A beautiful example of an early Australian homestead. An other one of the great Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia.

Yamba

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia  Yamba Clarence River NSW Coast has a population of just over 6,000, which tends to triple in the holiday season. The economy is based on tourism & fishing. 

Iluka at the mouth of the Clarence River.

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Iluka is a small village at the mouth of the Clarence River on the NSW coast. It is situated directly across the river from the resort town of Yamba. At the 2006 census, Iluka had a population of 1,739 people.  The town’s name is derived from an aboriginal word meaning “near the sea”.  It has long beaches on the ocean side of the river. It is reached by turning off the Pacific Highway approximately 20 kilometres north of Maclean.  As Iluka is a popular tourist destination its population increases slightly in the holiday season with many Gold Coasters in the summer and Victorians in the winter.

Byron Bay

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Byron Bay is a beach-side town located in the far-north-eastern corner of the state of New South Wales. It is located 772 kilometres north of Sydney and 165 kilometres south of Brisbane.  The history of Europeans in Byron Bay began in 1770, when Captain James Cook found a safe anchorage and named Cape Byron after John Byron.

 It is a resort popular with both domestic and international tourists, including backpackers, who travel along the Australian coast; the scenery also attracts skydivers. The area is also noted for its wildlife, with the whale watching industry a significant contributor to the local economy.

Byron Bay

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Only a 60 drive from where I lived in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, I would occasionally drive down for lunch at the famous pub near the beach. One of the great Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia.

Byron Bay lighthouse NSW coast

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Australia’s most easterly point.

Magnificent deserted beach near Byron Bay

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Miles of deserted beaches are all along this part of the coast. I intend to live somewhere along this coast around 2022. Hopefully I will find a little bolt hole where I can live in peace until I die. 🙂

Kingscliff Northern Rivers Coast NSW

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia 

A fairly typical coastal town with lots of coffee shops, tourists & terrific beaches.

Point Danger NSW coast

Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia

Port Danger is on the border of New South Wales and Queensland. It’s a very popular location for surfers.

Port Danger

Seaside Towns NSW Coast AustraliaThanks for visiting my Seaside Towns NSW Coast Australia photo blog, it certainly is one of the world’s great coastlines.

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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.

 

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Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy

November 3, 2013 by David Herd

Monte Carlo casino

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy, they are squeezed into this tiny principality like sardines. In fact Monaco is the most densely populated piece of dirt on Earth.

Mind blowing wealth is everywhere.

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy

The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling Grimaldi family first seized temporary control in 1297, and again in 1331, but were not able to permanently secure their holding until 1419.

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy, an amazing city

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy

Monaco, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The principality also is a banking center and has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. Monaco, however, is not a tax-free shelter; it charges nearly 20% value-added tax, collects stamp duties, and companies face a 33% tax on profits unless they can show that three-quarters of profits are generated within the principality. Monaco’s reliance on tourism and banking for its economic growth has left it vulnerable to a downturn in France and other European economies which are the principality’s main trade partners.


I could happily live aboard this awesome ship

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy

Lady Moura is a private luxury yacht. She was the ninth largest private yacht when she was launched in 1990, but has moved down the list in 2011 to number 24. She is owned by Saudi Arabian businessman, Nasser Al-Rashid.

Lady Moura in Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy

Both the hull and the superstructure are made of steel. The propulsion plant consists of two KHD-MWM diesel engines, each with a power of 5050 kW (over 6700 bhp), and controllable pitch propellers producing a speed of over 20 knots. A crafty hydraulically operated system of shell ports, doors, flaps, roofs, bath platforms, gangways and cranes provide the most possible ease of operation and comfort. Even the boats, anchors, life-rafts and navigation lanterns are hidden behind covers and do not disturb the aesthetics of the yacht. Both the name and the escutcheon that can be seen at port, starboard and at Stern are carved in 24 carat gold.

I would be happy with the gold one.

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy

We were staying in a small French village Breil Sur Roya about 45 minutes drive from Monte Carlo, a great location to explore surrounding French and Italian historic villages.

Perhaps a Mercedes as well.

Monte Carlo Crowded Charismatic Wealthy

That is one beautiful motor vehicle.

Magnificent Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy

The castle dominates and overlooks the city.

 Reclaiming the Mediterranean

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy

Obviously there is no more land so they are building out into the sea. I believe there is another similar project about to start, it is expected to take 10 years to complete.

My Australian friends in Monte Carlo.

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy

Jodie O’Neill & Deborah Holliday from Australia’s Gold Coast.

Café de Paris Monte-Carlo

Monte Carlo Charismatic Wealthy

Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is the place to watch the passing parade in Monte Carlo, right next door to the casino and rather expensive, as you would expect.

 A brief 17 second video of the harbour.

Monaco, I can smell the money.

Thanks for visiting my Monte Carlo haven for the rich & famous photo blog.

 

 
 
                         Please check out these fabulous posts 

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 

 

 

 

Not far east along the coast is Cinque Terre

 

Vernazza is a good place to stay in Cinque Terre

 

 

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Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

October 31, 2013 by David Herd

Magnificent animals

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya also has lots of crocodiles and elephants. It is a very entertaining theme park, they even have racing pigs.

King of the hill

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

This tiger is waiting for food to drop from above, the public have guns they fire at small cages, if the score a bulls-eye the meat drops down for the tigers to grab.

Tiger show

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

I was a little sad seeing these tigers in the show, they looked undernourished and frightened. I’m sure when they are being trained they are treated cruelly. I would certainly support banning these types of shows.


Feeding the tiger cub.

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

 This little guy is the son of my friend John Martin aka Pothole, and believe it or not his name is Tiger. So here we have Tiger feeding the Tiger. 

Ferocious crocodile at Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

These fascinating creatures have not changed in millions of years. The Siamese crocodile is a small, freshwater crocodilian, with a relatively broad, smooth snout and an elevated, bony crest behind each eye. Overall, it is an olive-green colour, with some variation to dark-green. Young specimens measure 1.2–1.5 m (3.9–4.9 ft) and weigh 6–12 kg (13–26 lb), growing up to 2.1 m (6.9 ft) and a weight of 40–70 kg (88–150 lb) as an adult. The largest female specimens can measure 3.2 m (10 ft) and weight 150 kg (330 lb) Large male specimens can reach 4 m (13 ft) and 350 kg (770 lb) in weight.  Most adults do not exceed 3 m (10 ft) in length, although hybrids in captivity can grow much larger.

 Two crocs having a chat about lunch.

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

This shot reminds me of two neighbours chatting over the back fence, they could be saying, “I’m swimming along the river and a guy is sitting on the bank, I hadn’t eaten all day, what the hell was I supposed to do?”  

Toss a couple of chooks in here please.

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

Absolutely prehistoric. 

Swimming is not recommended at Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

If you fell in here it would be over rather quickly. 🙂

Twitter

Up close & personal with a crocodile.

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

I hope she has hospital insurance.

Relax, I’m a dentist.

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

You don’t have to be crazy but it helps.

Here is what can happen if you put your head in his mouth.

 You should always take kids to a theme park.

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

It’s always more fun at the Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya when you have kids with you. However, as you can see from their faces, childcare is not one of my strong points.

Chang is Thai for Elephant

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

Thailand’s current population of domesticated elephants is about 2,700. After a precipitous decline from about 100,000 domesticated elephants in 1850, numbers are now stable. About 95% of Thai elephants are in private ownership, with the Thai Elephant Conservation Center’s 80 elephants being Thailand’s only government-owned elephants apart from a few in zoos and the King’s ten revered ‘white’ elephants in the Royal Elephant Stable.

Wild elephants in Thailand are very difficult to count given their dense, forested habitat, but most experts would agree there are between 2,000-3,000.

In 1989 the Thai government banned all logging in protected areas, effectively closing all remaining natural forests. While undoubtedly a very wise choice, one unfortunate side effect was that it threw many logging elephants out of work. Luckily, that loss coincided with a rapid rise in tourism, which was able to employ many elephants. Today, probably more than half of Thai elephants work in tourism.

Disturbingly, some overseas animal rights groups have argued that tourists should not visit elephant camps, claiming it promotes cruelty. In fact, most Thai elephants are very well cared for, partly because most Thai people are intrinsically kind and humane but also because elephants are simply too valuable to abuse. (A beautiful calf or a healthy, young breeding female is worth as much as 700,000 baht or US$22,000.) Although the camp to be visited should be carefully selected, the kindest thing that ethical, elephant-loving tourists can do is to visit a camp and enjoy elephants. Without work in tourism, elephant owners will have no means to care for their animals.

The use of the term ‘domesticated’ elephants, although it is the most common description, is a bit confusing because it can be misinterpreted to imply that (like domesticated dogs, cats, horses, water buffalo, etc.) these captive elephants are a different strain from wild elephants. The fact is that nowhere in Asia has the elephant ever been selectively bred, the process required to bring rapid genetic change to wild species. Thus, both behaviourally and genetically, so-called domesticated elephants are in reality captive wild elephants, virtually the same as their wild cousins roaming protected areas.

Take an Elephant ride at Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya.

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

I really would prefer elephants were not used for this purpose.

Or is pig racing more your style?

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

Let the games begin, the crowd is in a state of sheer excitement waiting for the race to begin.

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

There is a huge selection of hotels in Pattaya, check out AGODA for great deals.

David Herd & Tiger Martin

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

Well folks, many thanks for visiting my blog on the Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed being here.

The Squabblers can have the last word.

Siracha Tiger zoo near Pattaya

Let’s kill a few plants before we go. 🙂

Please send the link to your friends https://fivestarvagabond.com/                 

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.

Pattaya live webcam

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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

 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Sadly today 2-5-2021 the zoo announced they were closing permanently, check out THIS LINK.                                         

Retraction May 4, reporters spoke with the owner of the Si Racha tiger zoo today, who stated that reports in other media about the zoo closed permanently is wrong.

If you enjoyed this post check out Walking Street as well.

Feeding crocodiles at Tiger Zoo in Thailand

Feeding crocodiles at Tiger Zoo in Thailand

 


Check out the amazing street food in Thailand.

 

Here is a back street beer bar

 

Lots of good restaurants in Pattaya

 

Some excellent views in Pattaya

 

Counter only started February 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Cascais Portuguese fishing village

October 27, 2013 by David Herd

Portuguese fishing village

Cascais Portuguese fishing village

Portuguese  fishing village Cascais is a coastal town in Cascais Municipality in Portugal, 30 kilometres (19 miles) west of Lisbon, with about 35,000 residents. It is a cosmopolitan suburb of the Portuguese capital and one of the richest municipalities in Portugal. The former fishing village gained fame as a resort for Portugal’s royal family in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Nowadays, it is a popular vacation spot for both Portuguese and foreign tourists.

Hotel at Cascais.

Cascais Portuguese fishing village

The town is small enough to explore entirely by foot, up the hill beyond the town centre there are numerous narrow cobbled streets to explore with interesting architecture, plants and animals to see.

Portuguese fishing village

 Cascais Portuguese Atlantic fishing village

I am really not sure what this building is, if I find out I’ll let you know. 😳

The  Citadel

Cascais Portuguese Atlantic fishing village

The Citadel is actually a prolongation of the Nossa Senhora da Luz Fortress and is the only part that can actually be visited today. It housed the Soldiers’ Hospital, considered the most well equipped and competent infirmary in the whole Portuguese military history.

Portuguese  fishing village

Portuguese fishing village

Kate afternoon walk along the seaside.

Guincho Beach

Portuguese Atlantic fishing village

Praia do Guincho is a popular Atlantic beach located on Portugal’s Estoril coast, 5 km from the town of Cascais, and  in the District of Lisbon. Wikipedia

Boca do Inferno

Portuguese fishing village

Boca do Inferno (Portuguese for Hell’s Mouth) is a chasm located in the seaside cliffs close to Cascais Portuguese fishing village, in the District of Lisbon. The seawater has access to the deep bottom of the chasm and vigorously strikes its rocky walls, making it a popular tourist attraction.

Have camera will travel

Portuguese Atlantic fishing village

The one day trip was a great experience, if you find yourself in Lisbon make sure you take this tour.

Thanks for visiting my Portuguese fishing village photo blog.

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Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Click here to see a great post of France.

 

Lisbon is not too far away from Cascais.

 

Check road trip to Salzburg

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Lake Como Lake Garda

October 18, 2013 by David Herd

Bellagio on Lake Como

Lake Como Lake Garda northern Italy

Lake Como Lake Garda

Lake Como Lake Garda northern Italy are two beautiful lakes in this wonderful country. Lake Como has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times, and a very popular tourist attraction with many artistic and cultural gems. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.

Lots of stairs in Bellagio.

Lake Como Lake Garda

Beautiful Bellagio is situated at the tip of the peninsula separating the lake’s two southern arms, with the Alps visible across the lake to the north.

Bellagio on Lake Como

Lake Como Lake Garda

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.


Western shore of Lake Como

Lake Como Lake Garda

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.

Lake Como

Lake Como Lake Garda

Lake Como is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. It has an area of 146 square kilometres, making it the third largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. Wikipedia

Como cathedral

Lake Como Lake Garda

Please click on Google +  

Como

Lake Como Lake Garda

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 Scaloppini

Lake Como Lake Garda

One of my favourite meals is veal scaloppini and this dish I had in Como was perhaps the best I have ever experienced.

Lake Garda

Lake Como Lake Garda

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

Lake Como Lake Garda northern Italy

Lake Como Lake Garda

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

Lake Como Lake Garda

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

Beautiful Lake Garda

Lake Como Lake Garda

A beautiful summer day in July.

Lake Garda

Lake Como Lake Garda

There are many small towns and villages all around the lake.

North of Lake Garda.

Lake Como Lake Garda

Heading towards the Italian alps.

The Castle of Sirmione on Lake Garda.

Lake Como Lake Garda

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. Which one do you prefer Lake Como Lake Garda?

Thanks for visiting my Lake Como Lake Garda northern Italy photo blog.

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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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                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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Click here to see a fantastic coastline.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Rocinha favela Brazil’s largest

October 16, 2013 by David Herd

 Vidigal favela just behind the Rio Sheraton

Rocinha favela Brazil’s largest

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Rocinha favela Brazil’s largest is about a mile past the Sheraton, Vidigal favela in Rio is just behind the five star Sheraton hotel, it really is a clash of cultures.

Just a little further along is  Rocinha favela (little farm) it is the largest favela in Brazil, and is located in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone between the districts of São Conrado and Gávea. Rocinha is built on a steep hillside overlooking Rio de Janeiro, and is located about one kilometre from a nearby beach. Most of the favela is on a very steep hill, with many trees surrounding it. 69,161 (census 2010)  people live in Rocinha, making it the most populous favela in Brazil.

Although Rocinha is technically classified as a neighbourhood, many still refer to it as a favela. It developed from a shanty town into an urbanized slum. Today, almost all the houses in Rocinha favela are made from concrete and brick. Some buildings are three and four stories tall and almost all houses have basic sanitation, plumbing, and electricity. Compared to simple shanty towns or slums, Rocinha has a better developed infrastructure and hundreds of businesses such as banks, medicine stores, bus lines, cable television, including locally based channel TV ROC (TV Rocinha), and, at one time, a McDonalds franchise. These factors help classify Rocinha as a favela bairro, or favela neighbourhood.

I guess Monday is washing day.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Rocinha favela Brazil’s largest and one of the most developed.  Rocinha’s population was estimated at between 150,000 and 300,000 inhabitants in 2000s (decade)  but the IBGE Census of 2010 counted only 69,161 people. In November 2011, a security operation was executed where hundreds of police and military patrolled the streets of Rocinha to crackdown on rampant drug dealers and bring government control to the neighborhood.

The smell here was rather unpleasant.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

I’ll say this, the smell was hard to cope with and it was not a hot day.

Garbage waiting for collection.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

No one knows where and when the name Rocinha favela emerged, but the most likely theory is that in the 1920s there was a famous open air market in what is today the Santos Dumont Plaza in Gávea. The middle class and elite who bought their fresh produce there would ask the vendors where the produce came from and they would answer that they came from their ‘little farm’ or Rocinha.

No council approval here.  😳

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Rochinha favela is the largest in Rio.

Master electrician on the job.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

This incredible mish mash of electrical wiring reminds me very much of Thailand. In Rocinha it is an illegal system, in Thailand however a mess like this is legal. Take a look at my Thai photo blog here.

Exploring Rocinha is an incredible experience.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

200,000 people live here in Rocinha, in fact 20% of Rio’s population live in Favelas. Personally I found seeing this close up was a very humbling experience.

Rocinha (little farm) is the largest Favela in Brazil

Rocinha favela Rio de Janeiro

Life in the Favela is very much like any other Brazilian community.

Life in the favela is fascinating.

Houskeeping

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

He sweeps while madame supervises.

A typical walkway

Rocinha favela Brazil's largestRather depressing don’t you think?

Kids will always find somewhere to play.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Happy children playing on the roof top.

Happy kids are everywhere.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Kid’s are happy no matter where they live.

Beautiful faces in the slums.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

No matter where in the world you travel one of the most wonderful sights are the children’s beautiful faces.

Life in a Favela

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest These children don’t know any different, they are just happy being kids. 🙂

At carnival time most of the favela population celebrate in the streets of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Rocinha favela bakery

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Tasty pastries in the local bakery.

Lucy is checking out the goodies.

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

                       The bakery is no different to what you would find down-town
 

Rocinha favela Brazil’s largest

Rocinha favela Brazil's largestHard to have any privacy in this environment.

What’s the plan today Boys?

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

Some serious business going down here.

25 killed in city’s deadliest police raid on favela

Rocinha favela Brazil's largest

On May 7 2021 at least 25 people have been killed after heavily armed police stormed one of Rio de Janeiro’s largest favelas in pursuit of drug traffickers, in what was the deadliest raid in the city’s history.

About 200 members of Rio’s civil police launched their incursion into Jacarezinho in the early hours of Thursday, sprinting into the vast redbrick community as a bullet-proof helicopter circled overhead with snipers poised on each side. By lunchtime at least 25 people were reported dead, among them André Frias, a drug squad officer who was shot in the head. Police and local media described the other victims as “suspects” but offered no immediate evidence for that claim.

 
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Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

The tour through Rocinha favela in Rio de Janeiro was one of the highlights of my trip.

Here is my post on Sugarloaf Mountain

 

Here is one of my favourite posts on Rio

 


Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Wongamat & Cosy Beach Pattaya

October 14, 2013 by David Herd

Wongamat skyline

Cosy Beach Pattaya

https://fivestarvagabond.com/best-pattaya-beach-thailand-webcam/

Wongamat & Cosy Beach Pattaya  are located north & south of the main Pattaya beach and offer far better conditions than the very busy and noisy Pattaya beach. There are no noisy speedboats taking people para sailing and to the islands so it is much easier to relax and enjoy the warm waters of the gulf of Thailand.

Hi rise condos at Wongamat.

Cosy Beach Pattaya

There are some huge condos and hotels at both locations, so if you want a more peaceful environment pick one of these relaxing places. I prefer Wongamat as it is much easier to visit the the Pattaya action plus there are many more restaurants and bars close by.

Many new condos at Wongamat

Cosy Beach Pattaya

There is an explosion of new high-rise condominiums overlooking Wongamat beach.


 

Centara Grand Mirage hotel Wongamat.

Cosy Beach Pattaya

The Centara is one of the many luxury five star hotels in Pattaya, the grounds here are like the lost city of Atlantis.

Centara Grand Mirage hotel

https://fivestarvagabond.com/best-pattaya-beach-thailand-webcam/

Centara is perfect for families as there are lots of pools to keep the children occupied.

Wongamat view

https://fivestarvagabond.com/best-pattaya-beach-thailand-webcam/

My friend has a condo with this breathtaking view over Wongamat beach.

Nathan Corbett at the beach club.

Cosy Beach Pattaya

My favourite bar is the Beach Club at the Pullman Hotel in Wongamat, here is my Australian friend Nathan Corbett relaxing with a cool drink. Nathan has held 10 World titles for Muay Thai kickboxing in 3 separate weight divisions. He likes to come to Pattaya and train at Fairtex gym on Pattaya north rd.

Beach Club at Wongamat.

Cosy Beach Pattaya

I think this is the best spot in Pattaya to watch the magnificent sunsets while sipping a half price cocktail at happy hour, between 5pm and 7pm every day.

Oysters from France

Oysters Beach Club Pattaya

On special every Tuesday from 3pm, only B420 per dozen, or $17 AUD.

Sunset at the Beach Club

Cosy Beach Pattaya

As good as any place in the world for beautiful sunsets.

 

Nice view at the Beach Club.

Cosy Beach Pattaya

There always seems to be something nice to look at when you visit the Beach Club.

Excellent view at Cosy Beach also.  🙂

Cosy Beach Pattaya

There is no doubt about it, these Russian girls at Cosy Beach Pattaya have given us guys more incentive to go to the beach.

Cosy Beach Pattaya is beside the Royal Cliff hotel.

Cosy Beach Pattaya

The Royal Cliff was the hotel I stayed in on my first visit in 1980.

Cosy Beach & Royal Cliff hotel.

Cosy Beach Pattaya

The Royal Cliff has an elevator to take guests down to the beach.

Cosy Beach Pattaya gets crowded in the high season.

Cosy Beach Pattaya

Things have changed somewhat in these days, firstly the huge numbers of Russian tourists are not coming due to the crash of the Rouble, and secondly the food outlets have been removed due to orders from the Navy who control the area. Very few people come here now.

 Cosy Beach Pattaya.

Cosy Beach Pattaya

                                            Much quieter now, nothing stays the same. It’s now July 2020 & there is a fantastic entertainment centre at Cosy Beach call Sky Gallery, just follow THIS LINK.                                    

Those were the days my friend….

Cosy Beach Pattaya We thought they would never end.

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 Cosy Beach Pattaya photo blog.

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.


 

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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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So you with Wongamat & Cosy Beach Pattaya you have two nice alternatives to the very busy Pattaya beach. 

x

Check out my Pattaya webcam



Click here to see more hot babes in Pattaya.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

October 2, 2013 by David Herd

Always something to see in Pattaya Beach

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach, that is an understatement, this post is dedicated to showing you some of the weird and amusing things I come across nearly every day. The drainage system in Pattaya and most of Thailand is no match for the torrential Tropical storms. However as you can see in the photo above it does not deter the dedicated local beer drinkers.

Here is my live webcam from my balcony overlooking Pattaya beach in Thailand.

Nothing stops the Baht bus.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya 

This was taken in Pattaya south rd in front of Tukcom.

Houston, we have a problem.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya

Two weeks ago a section of the new footpath on Beach rd collapsed due to the storms. They laid new concrete and repaired it, then planted two large palm trees. I guess the Thais think concrete sets hard immediately, (in reality it takes 28 days) however the weight of the palms was too much for the new base with is only about 2.5 inches thick. Well the picture tells the story, “BANG, CRASH, BOOM,” back to where they started.

Here is an update, the same section just collapsed again for the 3rd time.

After the storm.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Some cleaning up is required.

Not a pretty sight.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya 

Between Wongamat and Pattaya.

Beer drinking Germans

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

You gotta love the Germans, they are so organised they buy the beer that reflects their build.


Sexy beach babes, I don’t think so.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach 

I bet she is asking the question women all over the world are concerned about, “does my bum look big in this?” 

Chick Magnet

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

He waltzed into town and sent all the local girls into a frenzy.

OK, Ok, I realise you need to see more.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

I think he was only in town for a week or two, who knows how many hearts he broke when he left?

Always something to see on Beach Rd.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach  

I walk down beach road every morning and there is always something unusual to see, hansum man? I don’t think so. 🙂

Three cool dudes on Beach road.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach 

This is one of my favorite photos on Beach road, the three amigos.

Cute pups in Soi 3 North Pattaya

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

 

Great looking dogs.

Beach Road Babushkas.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

I am told many super models smoke to help keep their weight under control, clearly in this case it has not worked.

8.30 am & time for a rest

Strange amusing sights Pattaya

Our Pattaya street cleaner decided she needed a rest, after all it is 8.30 am.

Master electrician at work

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Workplace health & safety is not a high priority in Thailand, however there is a guy holding the ladder  😆

Not the leaning tower of Pisa

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

It’s the leaning pole of Pattaya. 🙂

Beach road bride

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Why pay for a photographer when you can do it yourself?

Thirty degrees & no refrigeration.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

I’m not sure how far this guy travels with these baby pigs in the 30 degree heat, I just think packing them in ice may be a good idea.

While on the subject of pigs

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Here is  typical Thai street kitchen roasting a pig, he sells portions for 100 Baht or $3. If the police tell him to move he will simply set up around the corner.  😆

Two are better than one.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Too many roast pigs is never enough.

Not another roast pig?

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

As you have guessed by now roast pork is hugely popular in Thailand, in fact every time someone in a beer bar has a birthday you can be certain a huge pig will be roasting on the spit to celebrate.

Thai people will eat anything

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

These are bugs, grubs & grasshoppers, I have never been brave enough to sample them.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach Thai butcher

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

This almost convinces me to turn into a vegetarian.  😕

 

Spiderman in Pattaya.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach 

I used to see this guy jogging every morning along beach road, he has a very unusual action. I have seen him for months, I hope he is still alive and kicking.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach 23 stories high without a safety net.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya

Workplace safety is really not a priority in Pattaya, this guy is cleaning windows on a new hotel Siam @ Siam 23 stories in the air.

Hot pink music machine.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach 

For those who like a little noise.

Looks like the truck got a makeover in 2014

Strange amusing sights Pattaya

Pink, orange & now blue.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

I think they are the same beast with a different paint job.

Check out the look on his wife’s face.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach 

This is a classic, the husband is impressed, the wife is thinking “if you keep staring at her you will be in big trouble mister”.  👿

Very difficult for a lady to get any privacy in Pattaya.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya

There is nothing like a relaxing bath.

Another bathing beauty in Soi 3

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Just beside the Cherry Bar on the corner of Soi 3 & 2nd Road Grandfather cooks while the little one takes a bath.

Against the traffic on a busy one way street.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach 

Hi ho hi ho it’s off to work we go. 🙂

Precision engineering?

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Nothing surprises me in Thailand.  😆

Same scene 2 years later in August 2015

Strange amusing sights Pattaya

Two things have changed, a lot of sand has disappeared and been replaced by rubbish.

The sea was angry that day my friends.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Pardon me for borrowing a line from Seinfeld.


Lady-Boy? you can’t be serious?

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

My two friends from Australia had their photo taken in Walking St with the most beautiful Lady-Boy I have ever seen in the 33 years I have been coming to Pattaya.

High fashion in Pattaya

Strange amusing sights Pattaya      Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach 

Generally when you think of state of the art fashion, Paris & Milan come to mind, however Pattaya is now throwing down a challenge, particularly in cutting edge beach haute couture as you can clearly see. Follow THIS LINK for more cutting edge fashion.


 

 

Anyone fancy a frog kebab?

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach 

If the weird sights have not put you off, get a great hotel deal through AGODA.

Sleeping rough in Pattaya.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya 

Sleeping off a big night.

Sleeping peacefully 

Strange amusing sights Pattaya

Beach Rd at 9am January 9 2021, not a care in the world. 🙂

Gorgeous girls at my local bar.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya

I guess it was time to throw in a photo of some of the girls who used to work at my local Cherry bar, Jaeb,Jan & Anne. This shot goes back to 2009 however they have all moved on now.

Fast asleep at 9.30 am

Strange amusing sights Pattaya

She obviously had a tough night but can still strike a pose while asleep.

The sun only shines on certain people

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Living in Markland condo on beach road is the perfect place to watch the beautiful sunsets.


Chinese tourists

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

OK, you are a Chinese tourist in Pattaya, you want your wife to shave all the unsightly hair off your back. Just pick a busy Mezzo coffee shop and tell the other customers to like it or lump it.

Photo shoot in Soi 6

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Thai girls love to dress up, however in this group I can see at least 2 LadyBoys. 🙂

The look on her face says it all.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach Forget that bitch, I’m prettier.

The highly skilled whistleblower

 

I have a suggestion for the Thai tourist authority, many tourists, particularly from China don’t understand & are confused by highly skilled complex whistle blowing. A 20 minute lesson at the airport on arrival would clear up this confusion. 🙂

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 $30 usd per night as of August 15. I live in the high-rise in the background, Markland. For a great room rate book here.

The prancing Pothole.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

No, this has not been photo-shopped, it’s a real person, it’s our resident lunatic John Martin aka Pothole. I have known him for over 20 years and in that time have noticed the gradual deterioration in his erratic behaviour. He probably provides a large % of my entertainment here in Pattaya, which is much appreciated. In many ways he is a role model, the antithesis of everything you do not want to be or become. 😆

Think about this scenario, earlier this year after receiving his well deserved reward for Thailand’s “most dysfunctional family” I imagine Pothole Martin could give this interview to the the local paper;

Long before I abandoned all hope I had a dream that one of my sons would compete in the Olympics. I never new what sport would suit until the birth of my youngest child. Recently when I heard that “crying & screaming” was to be included in in the Tokyo Olympics and I knew my time had come.

I have actually been training young Tyrone since birth, his mother & I spent up to 5 hours each day screaming at each other knowing this would form a vital part of his future personality. We knew we had a winner from the moment his slipped out of his mother’s hands and fell on his head on the concrete floor, his piercing screams all the way to the hospital inspired me to continue his training.

I am well qualified to coach him as I have cried in front of detectives at North Sydney police station in Australia on a number of occasions, and have screamed in many of Pattaya’s top hotels & restaurants. Please also remember that being irresponsible is not as easy as I make it out to be.

Finally, you are most welcome to view my training sessions, just meet me at any shopping center when I have the children with me, or better still ride in the car while they are in the back shrieking & screaming at a championship level.

I have recently developed a very good “low impact” training exercise called “weeping and whaling”, I use it on a daily basis in front of my bathroom mirror each morning. For some reason the image staring back at me tends to encourage both the weeping and the whaling.

Pothole’s Squabblers, Tiger & Tyrone aka Chang.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Terrific kids with a crazy father.  😳

My favourite cartoon.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Thanks to Mike Baird.

Some people just have to have the last word.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

 Bookmark this page folks as the strange & weird sights never stop in Pattaya.

Business for sale

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

 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”

An Aussie bar in Walking St

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

You gotta love this sign, try this in Australia. 🙂

Honesty in advertising

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

 Located in a Pattaya Baht bus, brutally honest. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Perched high on Beach Rd

Strange amusing sights Pattaya 

Pattaya is a great town for seeing funny unusual sites, it was 7 pm at night & this lady was perched 3 meters above the ground beside the excavator texting her heart out.

Thanks for visiting my Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach photo blog.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach 

Strange Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach, have I convinced you? 🙂

To receive my latest posts please follow me on Twitter 

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

The prancing Pothole.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

No, this has not been photo-shopped, it’s a real person, it’s our resident lunatic John Martin aka Pothole. I have known him 15 years and in that time have noticed the gradual deterioration in his erratic behaviour. He probably provides a large % of my entertainment here in Pattaya, which is much appreciated. In many ways he is a role model, the antithesis of everything you want to be or become. 😆

Think about this scenario, earlier this year after receiving his well deserved reward for Thailand’s “most dysfunctional family” I imagine Pothole Martin could give this interview to the the local paper;

Long before I abandoned all hope I had a dream that one of my sons would compete in the Olympics. I never new what sport would suit until the birth of my youngest child. Recently when I heard that “crying & screaming” was to be included in in the Tokyo Olympics and I knew my time had come.

I have actually been training young Tyrone since birth, his mother & I spent up to 5 hours each day screaming at each other knowing this would form a vital part of his future personality. We knew we had a winner from the moment his slipped out of his mother’s hands and fell on his head on the concrete floor, his piercing screams all the way to the hospital inspired me to continue his training.

I am well qualified to coach him as I have cried in front of detectives at North Sydney police station in Australia on a number of occasions, and have screamed in many of Pattaya’s top hotels & restaurants. Please also remember that being irresponsible is not as easy as I make it out to be.

Finally, you are most welcome to view my training sessions, just meet me at any shopping center when I have the children with me, or better still ride in the car while they are in the back shrieking & screaming at a championship level.

I have recently developed a very good “low impact” training exercise called “weeping and whaling”, I use it on a daily basis in front of my bathroom mirror each morning. For some reason the image staring back at me tends to encourage both the weeping and the whaling.

Pothole’s Squabblers, Tiger & Tyrone aka Chang.

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

Terrific kids with a crazy father.  😳

Nothing backwards about me.

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

Here are some more posts to check out          

 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
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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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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
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

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

 

If you enjoyed this post check out Walking Street as well.
 


 

 

 

HERE IS A NICE LITTLE MOVIE ABOUT SOME DANGERS IN PATTAYA
 
 

Click on the photo for the LadyBoy show.

 

Flashback to 2005 when I had lots of trips to Thailand.

 

Soi Cowboy in Bangkok is a lot of fun

 

Check out one of my Italian posts

 

Lots of low priced restaurants in Pattaya

 

 


Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos