Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

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

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

April 18, 2017 by David Herd

Driving south from Gosford to Sydney.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour were all waiting for me after my leisurely drive down the east coast from Surfers Paradise in QLD. 

It was a great drive down from from Surfers Paradise  to Sydney stopping at Kingscliff, Yamba, Port Macquarie, Forster-Tuncurry, Gosford & Coogee. Also dropped into Maroubra which is a place I have not seen for over 50 years. Just click on the links to see my photo blogs.

The historic Roseville Cinema

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

 On the road between Hornsby & Sydney is The historic Roseville Cinema on the Pacific Highway, noted for its art deco facade. It became Traynor’s Picture Palace in 1919, but did not become a full-scale cinema until 1936. Roseville Cinema was renovated & updated to two screens in 1995.

Approaching the Harbour Bridge

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Not too much traffic on a Sunday morning.

World famous Sydney Opera House.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

A fabulous iconic Sydney landmark.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Huge ships dock at Circular Quay because they are too tall to go under the Harbour Bridge.

Naturally Bill had to climb it. ?

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

 Being an ex Para Military man who has made over 500 parachute jumps my friend Bill Austin naturally had to climb to the top of the bridge, and what an amazing view he had from there.

Sydney Harbour Ferry

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Circular Quay ferry terminal.

The famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Opened in 1933 it is certainly Australia’s best known landmark.

 Holiday Inn Old Sydney

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

For a very good room rate at the Holiday Inn walking distance to Circular Quay just book through THIS LINK.

From the Manly ferry

Sydney World's Best Harbour

After leaving Circular Quay we pass the Opera House on the way to Manly.

Rose Bay 

Sydney City Boats Beaches Harbour

These boats are moored at the Royal Motor Yacht Club of NSW.

The Sydney Harbour foreshore.

Sydney City Boats Beaches Harbour

Sydney harbour is quite amazing, certainly the best in the world.

Arriving at Manly

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

About a 45 minute journey across the wonderful harbour.

My lovely friend Sue from Shanghai

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

A beautiful summers day at Manly.

A little further north.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Dee Why beach is about 7 kms north of Manly.

For a good place to stay 1/2 way between Manly & Dee Why just book through THIS LINK.

Lets jump to the South side of the harbour

Sydney City Boats Beaches Harbour

Here is the city skyline from Watsons Bay.

Doyles on the Beach

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

 On this the original site, Doyles opened Australia’s first seafood restaurant in 1885.

Catalina Restaurant Rose Bay

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

 Family-owned waterfront restaurant known for its upmarket seafood dishes and open veranda bar.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour Bondi Junction

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

The junction is very quite indeed of a Sunday. 

 Maroubra Beach

Sydney City Boats Beaches Harbour

This trip I skipped Bondi Beach & went further south straight to Maroubra. For lots more photos just follow THIS LINK.

Back a little north to Coogee

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

More photos HERE.

 Ronin Hood Hotel Waveley

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

ORIGINALLY BUILT BY TOOTH & CO. IN 1938 & RECENTLY RESTORED TO ITS ART-DECO GLORY, THE ROBIN HOOD HOTEL IS LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF BRONTE AND CARRINGTON ROADS IN WAVERLEY (CHARING CROSS).

Wonderful antique pub signs

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

When I was growing up I remember these great signs were on most Australian pubs. 

Typical old Australian home in Waverley.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

I would hate to think what it’s worth today, Sydney prices are outragious. 

House prices in Waverley

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

As you can see you need plenty of money to live in Sydney. 🙂 

My road trip from QLD has ended

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

My Honda rental car never missed a beat, time to head to the airport.

Apex Car rental

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

It’s worth checking their promotional prices, ofter you can get a terrific rate to relocate one of their vehicles. In my case I rented for 6 days at $19 aud per day. Picked it up at Surfers Paradise & dropped it off at Sydney airport.

A great trip down the coast.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Certainly one of the world’s great coastlines.

A Qantas kerosene canary

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

However I’m flying Singapore Air which leaves Qantas for dead.

Novatel Brighton Beach

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

As we taxi out you can see the Novatel at Brighton, so if you want to stay near the airport just book through THIS LINK for an excellent rate.

Siam Sunset

Untitled

An hour away from Bangkok we have a beautiful sunset. Thanks for visiting my Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour photo blog.

                     Here are some more posts to check out
 

           Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants        a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021       IMG_0100

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

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

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy 

                                     

             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

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

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Click here to check out Beach Rd Pattaya.

Australian adventures


Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Road Trip South Australia

April 13, 2017 by David Herd

Road trip with Japanese students.

Road Trip South Australia

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Road Trip South Australia reminds me of the last frontier and the road trip I took in 2003. Three Japanese students, Yukako, Megumi & Noriko & I travelled from the Gold Coast in Queensland, through Broken Hill  NSW to Coober Pedy in South Australia, a fascinating opal mining town where most of the population live in underground houses, then on to Ayers Rock and back home to the Gold Coast via Hervey Bay where we went whale watching. On our marathon journey all through the Australian Outback we traveled 7,300 kilometers  which was around 82 hours behind the wheel. 

The above photo is at Tenterfield on the New England Highway.

Peter Allen Motor Inn

a87c5f32-93ed-48a3-9ce7-e1a600c5c54f (1)

This famous Australian singer son writer was born in Tenterfield. For a discounted room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Listen to Peter sing one of his famous songs about the Tenterfield sadler.

The first stage

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Across  NSW to South Australia.

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Our first day on the road, we will overnight in Broken Hill.

Trades Hall in Broken Hill.

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

 The Trades Hall is Broken Hill’s most historically important building. 

Broken Hill in outback NSW.

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Broken Hill over 1,100 km (680 mi) west of Sydney and  surrounded by semi-desert.

For a very good discount on a Broken Hill hotel just book through THIS LINK.

Typical outback building

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

 In the 19th and early 20th century Broken Hill was home to a community of Afghans. Afghans worked as camel drivers in parts of outback Australia, and they made a significant contribution to economic growth when transport options were limited. The camel drivers formed the first sizeable Muslim communities in Australia, and in Broken Hill they left their mark in the form of the first mosque in NSW (1891).

Wilmington South Australia

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

 Wilmington is a farming community, known for sheep, wheat and barley, but more recently for the planting of olive groves.

Road Trip South Australia, the general store

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Wilmington is 305 kilometres north of the state capital, Adelaide.

This was at Byron Bay near the start of our journey.

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Such lovely young girls,  Noriko Megumi & Yukako. Thanks for visiting my Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia photo blog. Next stop is Coober Pedy.

 Lots more posts here;

   Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants        a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021       IMG_0100

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

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

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy 

                                     

             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

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

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

April 11, 2017 by David Herd

The photos I like the best. 🙂

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

 FiveStarVagabond favourite photos taken over many years by me, David Herd. To many people they will be nothing special, however they are very special indeed to me. Sometimes it’s the image itself that appeals & other times it’s the memory of where I was at the time.

My boulevarde of broken dreams.

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

Where else but New York City, it was a cold February night on the corner of 8th & W 48th st, I was about to have dinner in a terrific French Brasserie called Pigalle.

Hoi Ann Vietnam

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

I doubt if there is any photo I have taken that I like better than this one.

 Songkran in Thailand

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

My number one Songkran photo taken in Pattaya. Each year a massive water fight is held to commemorate the new year.  The downside is the hundreds of lives that are lost on the roads during the Seven days of madness. 

Kanazawa Japan

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

This beautiful garden is at Kanazawa Castle. This great Japanese city west of Tokyo  was a real surprise packet.

A typical Sunday on Copacabana Beach

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

What more can you say about Rio De Janeiro that hasn’t already been said? A beautiful exciting city with some of the best beaches in the world.

Verona Italy

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

Coffee time in Verona. 

Sunset &  Silhouettes

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

Opposite my condo in Beach Rd Pattaya. 

Cloud over Pattaya

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

There is something special about clouds & I’m so lucky lving in Pattaya where the clouds & sunsets are spectacular.

Praia da Pipa north east Brazil

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

 Praia da Pipa may well be one of the most idealic spots on planet Earth, I really must return one day.

A quick paint job in Nha Trang Vietnam.

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

I really love these timber fishing boats.

Gold Hill Shaftesbury

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

This town in Dorset where the view looking down from the top of the street has been described as “one of the most romantic sights in England.

 Poolside in Koh Samui

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

A beautiful beachside pool on the island of Koh Samui.

The most beautiful skin colour in the world.

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

Copababana beach, where else 🙂

The saddest face I have ever seen.

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

I was in HCMC aka Saigon when approached by this little girl begging for money. I knew she would give it to her mother waiting nearby, & possibly the mother would have to hand it over to local gangsters. Consequently I filled a plate of food which she devoured rather quickly.

There is nothing quite like a Siam sunset in Pattaya.

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

This amazing view is from my Markland Condo in Beach Rd Pattaya.

Last but not least.

FiveStarVagabond favourite photos

Am I having fun in Paraty, you bet I am. Three hours from Rio & one of my favourite towns in Brazil.

Thanks for visiting my FiveStarVagabond favourite photos blog. Without a doubt there will be a volume two. 🙂

Here is THE LINK I use for hotel discounts.

Please check out some of the most popular below, and thank you for visiting.   

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

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

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

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

1g Duck

 

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

Check out these great photo blogs.

  • Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

April 5, 2017 by David Herd

New Pattaya Shopping Mall

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

 Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya started in November 2015 when they started demolishing the shopping complex. That seemed to take the best part of a year before actual building commenced. Now they are really making progress as you will see from this photo blog.

It’s a huge site adjacent to the Dolphin roundabout  as you can see from the above photo.

A popular cafe

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

I used to often have breakfast at this popular little Thai restaurant beside the Dolphin roundabout.

Above you see it, below you don’t. 🙂

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

November 2015 and they start demolishing.

The wrecking ball at work.

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

It’s a huge job pulling down this large building, it is taking months & months.

Slowly everything is coming apart

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

Escalators & elevators have already gone.

Here comes the heavy machinery

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

Now they are getting serious. 🙂

Workplace health & safety

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

Does not really exist in Thailand. 🙂 

Looking like a bomb site December 24 2015

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

You could be mistaken thinking this is a war zone.

Bye bye Hong Club

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

Not sure what went on here but it’s all over now folks.

All this has to be removed

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

Knocking it down seems like the easy part, now somebody has to remove the rubble.

 OK, we are getting somewhere May 21st 2016

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

In the top left hand corner you can see the Dolphin roundabout.

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

You may recognise 2nd Rd North Pattaya.

Pile drivers are here.

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

 June 28th 2016 8 months after the start.

 

Phoenix rising

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

February 6th 2017 and we see the start of the building.

March 27 2017

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

They are working at a frantic pace, 7 or 8 cranes are in operation.

April 2nd 2017

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

At this rate I think they will finish by mid 2018.

This shows the progress

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

Taken from the 26th flor of Markland Condo.

An exciting project.

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

This is only the shopping mall section, the 25 story hotel is going up at the back of the shops.

July 18 2017

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

The work never stops.

October 21 2017

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

The mall is really taking shape.

November 6 2017

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

These guys work 24/7.

Sky Bar  perhaps

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

 Looks like there will be a sky bat at Terminal 21. 

Waiting for take off. 🙂

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

No, it’s not Pattaya’s new airport. 🙂

We have lift off.

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

 July 29 and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Almost finished on the outside.

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

August 25th & the end is in sight.

Centrepoint Hotel

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

The entrance to the 400 room hotel.

Outside area almost finished.

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

 Normally you would see 100 workers here. 🙂

September 22nd 2018

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

Due to open October 19.

An impression of the final product

 photo Terminal-21-Pattaya-Shopping-.jpg

Thanks for visiting my Building Terminal 21 Pattaya photo blog.

The big opening day has arrived October 19 2018.

Building Terminal 21 Pattaya

 People are lining up 3 hours before opening hoping to receive some prizes.

Please check out some of the most popular below, and thank you for visiting.     

Holiday Inn

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

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

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

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

36555237616_da3ed73d6a_o

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

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

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

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

1g Duck

  • Breakfast Bake n’ Brew

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

April 4, 2017 by David Herd

Beach Road Pattaya

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

Pastry Addiction Pattaya is located at the Mera Mare Hotel on Beach Rd next to the Hard Rock hotel. I have been walking past every morning since it opened early 2015 & never realised what a hidden gem it was.

Beautiful decor

Pastry Addiction Mera Mare Hotel Pattaya

Overlooking Beach Rd & Pattaya bay the decor is as good as anything in Pattaya.

Coffee & pastry at the front

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

The room is made up of two adjoining sections, coffee shop at the front & the more formal restaurant & kitchen at the rear.

Looking towards the rear

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

Here is a modern version of Bugs bunny with one blue eye & one red. 🙂

The main restaurant section

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

The door at the far end connects to the Mera Mare Hotel. For an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Excellent food

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

This dish, Pork Belly & Prawns was quite different and perfectly cooked.

Mango Cheesecake

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

Desert is one of my many weaknesses and this mango cheesecake was to die for. 🙂

Many more varieties here

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

Plus a variety of ice cream flavours as well.

I’m coming back for the mango

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

 Pastry Addiction Mera Mare Hotel Pattaya is a great choice for afternoon tea, lunch or dinner. It’s a touch on the expensive side & a glass of house wine is priced way over the top at B260. 

Wine is too expensive.

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

 Sadly B260 for a glass of house wine will probably stop me & many of my friends coming for dinner, hopefully management with see the light and offer house wine at around B150.

Ultra modern kitchen

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

A fabulous looking kitchen which matches the rest of the decor.

How good is this?

Pattaya coffee shop reviewIndulge yourself. 🙂

Pastry Addiction Pattaya Location

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

Right next door to the Hard Rock Hotel.

Another look at the rabbit.

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

Rather risque showing off a nipple. 🙂

Pastry Addiction Pattaya serve Eggs Benedict

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

A perfect breakfast for B190 or $5.50 usd.

Mera Mare Hotel

Pastry Addiction Pattaya

Pastry Addiction is on the left. For an excellent room rate just book though 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 opposite the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

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

1g Duck

 

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

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

March 28, 2017 by David Herd

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

 Surfers Paradise Sydney  Trip seeing lots of friends & in particular caught up with Karen Greenwood an old girlfriend from 1991, 26 years ago. As you can see see still looks fantastic. 🙂 So many great memories came flooding back, it was certainly wonderful week Surfers Paradise. We are at Franks seafood cafe on Chevron Island.

Here we are 26 years ago.

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

I couldn’t resist posting this photo from 1991. 

Melbas on the Park

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

I first visited this iconic bar on New Years Day 1982, 35 years ago. The reason I am so sure of the date is it was the day after my unforgettable NYE on Sydney harbour with my overloaded boat being showered by sky rockets.

First stop Kingscliff only a 40 minute drive.

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

Just a quick stop for a very good breakfast and some photos.

Breakfast at Kingscliff

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

The name of the cafe was Kettles On & the breakfast was excellent.

Miles of deserted beach at Kingscliff

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

Certainly an idealic place to live.

Kingscliff to Yamba

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

About a 2 hour drive to Yamba on the Clarence river, this is my first visit to this pleasant little coastal town.

The sea was angry that day my friends….

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

Many thanks to George Castanza. 🙂

Discounted room rates at Yamba through THIS LINK.

 Mexican

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

Strangely Mexican food has never been on my list of favourites.

Mexican! That’s not a Mexican, this is a Mexican.

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

My apologies Pablo.

Yamba to Port Macquarie

Surfers Paradise Sydney Road Trip

A 3.5 hour drive with a stop at Grafton for a Maccas.

Old habits die hard…

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

Over the years I think I have stopped here at Grafton 20 times for a strawberry shake.

 

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip, Port Macquarie.

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

The mouth of the Hastings River in Port Macquarie.

Centre of town

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

Port has quite a large shopping centre & a population of 80,00 & growing rapidly.

Expected growth

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

A very popular area with a good climate and about a 4’5 hour drive to Sydney.

Port Macquarie to Gosford.

 

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

With a brief stop at Newcastle to say hi to my old mate Barry Madden.

Barry Madden

Surfers Paradise Sydney Road Trip

Barry & I worked together in the mid 90s with NRMA as financial planners. 

The Settlers Tavern Gosford

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

A terrific T Bone at Settlers Tavern at 2 Hely Street, West Gosford. They have a great menu for a local pub, check it out on THIS LINK.

Early morning workout

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

It was a perfect Sunday morning for a workout for these rowers.

Gosford to Sydney 

Surfers Paradise Sydney Road Trip

The final leg of my Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip.

Maroubra Beach

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

One of Sydney’s famous southern beaches.

Chaotic Coogee Beach.

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

Late afternoon & most people have gone home or to the pub. 🙂

For a great room rate in Coogee or anywhere in the world just book through THIS LINK.

Classic Australian pub picture

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

This is the Robin Hood hotel at Waverly, however years ago these fabulous pictures were found on most Aussie pubs.

It was a great drive down from from Surfers Paradise  to Sydney stopping at Kingscliff, Yamba, Port Macquarie, Forster-Tuncurry, Gosford & Coogee. Also dropped into Maroubra which is a place I have not seen for over 50 years. Just click on the links to see my photo blogs.

Thanks for visiting my Surfers Paradise Sydney  Trip photo blog. 

           

                    Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
 497d0b6e-c0bd-4ba2-86be-c02100f050a8        65470622-d17a-4b90-bf97-2574df4c412d        1a2160c1-41f7-465a-954c-631e083eb229
          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
f59e958e-8eaf-48b4-8e96-c291a0c13d1a        f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4        a6a948cd-f30a-49ea-a905-82be4d202cc9
           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
2246c6cf-5fa6-4fbe-ac30-b569253ad2a6        f65d714b-f44c-4b2e-9505-3511ebecbb80        4e82052a-24d0-41e1-ab84-10e8f27634d1
 
            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
                book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
                                               Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
                                            d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037            01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f
 

Slide show here.

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

  • Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach

March 26, 2017 by David Herd

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

 Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney where on a sunny weekend thousands of people head for the pubs & restaurants as well as the famous beach. 

Beach or the pool

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Decisions decisions, the answer is whatever you prefer. 🙂

The pool & surf club are an iconic landmark

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

What a fabulous setting, absolutely breathtaking. Located right beside the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club.

The main attraction is the beautiful beach.

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

This is around 5pm so most of the crowd have gone home or to the pub.

Rock pool at northern end of Coogee Beach.

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Late afternoon as the sun sinks in the west. 

Copacabana or Coogee

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Seeing the beach volley ball always reminds me of Copacabana where I have been lucky enough to visit 8 times between 1999 & 2010.

This is what brings the crowds

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Magnificent Coogee Beach.

Wonderful views from these homes.

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Can you imagine how much it would cost to live here?

The average Coogee home price is $2,627,000 for a house & $1,o39,500 for a condo. However these overlooking the ocean & beach would be double that.

 Here are serviced apartments for rent.

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Amazing location overlooking the beach, ideal for a long stay. Use THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.

Would you prefer to stay in a Dive?

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Don’t be fooled by the name, the location is fantastic overlooking Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney. Book the Dive Hotel through THIS LINK.

Picnic in the park

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Check out the seagulls waiting for some scraps. 🙂

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach BBQ

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Cooking facilities are available here.

 Coogee Bay Road

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Lots of restaurants, cafes & flash cars.

Lots of sidewalk cafes

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Plenty of places to eat in Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney.

Coogee Bay Road

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

 Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney.

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

 

As you can see the traffic is bumper to bumper & finding a car park is like winning the lottery.

 Coogee Bay Hotel

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

One of the most famous hotels in Sydney and possibly the busiest.

Sunday afternoon session

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Noisy and busy at the Coogee Bay Hotel.

Coogee Pavilion

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

  Coogee Pavilion is a multi-storey dining destination created by Sydney hotel baron Justin Hemmes.

 Surf club entrance at southern end of the beach

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

What a perfect day for taking photos.

Southern end of Coogee

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Grand Pacific accommodation & the Barzura Cafe.

Coogee Crown Plaza

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Sunday session at the Crown Plaza.

Crown Plaza is a great location 

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Great views over the beach from this excellent hotel, Use THIS LINK for a terrific discount on a room with a view.

The older side of Coogee

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Many parts of Coogee are quite ancient as you can see, probably worth several million as a development site here in Arden Street.

This one is certainly worth preserving.

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

Not sure if it will be kept as a private residence or a guest house.

Overlooking Coogee Bay

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

As you can see Coogee is quite hilly.

Important safety message

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney

 When on the beach in Australia make sure you always use sun block-out, wear a hat & swim between the flags.

In recent years I have had many skin cancers removed, doctors tell me the damage was done many years ago before I turned 16 years of age. In those days we NEVER wore hats or used sun protection.

Things looked a little different in 1936

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach

It was called Belmore Rd in 1930

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach

 Fabulous old photos.

How about 1905?

Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach

It certainly wasn’t Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach then. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Busy Chaotic Coogee Beach Sydney photo blog, before you leave please check out Maroubra Beach which is a few kms south of Coogee.         

 Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants        a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021       IMG_0100

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

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

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy 

                                     

             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

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

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.


Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Gosford Central Coast NSW

March 24, 2017 by David Herd

Brisbane Water

Gosford Central Coast NSW

 Gosford Central Coast NSW is located on Brisbane Water just 80 km north of Sydney. Growing up in Sydney this area was where our family would spend our annual holidays.

Breakfast at Tommys Cafe at Gosford

Gosford Central Coast NSW

Before driving to Coogee in Sydney I decided I needed a good breakfast.

Scrambled eggs & avocado

Gosford Central Coast NSW

On Turkish toast of course. 🙂 TripAdvisor rate #6 of 101 Restaurants in Gosford.

A delightful spot in Gosford Central Coast NSW

Gosford Central Coast NSW

I wish I could find Turkish bread in Thailand.

Perfect sunday morning in Gosford

Gosford Central Coast near Sydney

From Gosford it’s just a short cruise to the magnificent Hawksbury River, 

Starship Cruises

Gosford Central Coast NSW

The “Lady Kendall” will take you on a 2.5 hour cruise for $37.

 Gosford Sailing Club Club

Gosford Central Coast NSW

 Located on the foreshore of Brisbane Water. Check it out through THIS LINK.

Shooting some photos

Gosford Central Coast NSW

I never go anywhere without my Canon. 🙂 

A perfect place for a row.

Gosford Central Coast NSW

Opposite the Leagues club.

Gosford Central Coast NSW Central Coast Stadium

Gosford Central Coast NSW

 The stadium has picturesque views over the Brisbane water.

Quality Inn the Willows

Gosford Central Coast NSW

Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

The Settlers Tavern

Gosford Central Coast NSW

A terrific T Bone have Settlers Tavern at 2 Hely Street, West Gosford. They have a great menu for a local pub, check it out on THIS LINK.

All the meals were excellent

Gosford Central Coast NSW

My friend Geoff had the pasta & his ex fiance Nana ordered a huge meal of steak & seafood. Geoff is a regular visitor to Thailand, follow THIS LINK to see his 50th birthday party.

Time to head south to Sydney.

Gosford Central Coast NSW

The last leg of my road trip is just a short drive south to Sydney along the Pacific Highway. 

And here I am approaching the bridge.

Gosford Central Coast NSW

It’s been a great drive down from from Surfers Paradise  to Sydney stopping at Kingscliff, Yamba, Port Macquarie, Forster-Tuncurry, Gosford & Coogee. Also dropped into Maroubra which is a place I have not seen for over 50 years. Just click on the links to see my photo blogs.

Thanks for visiting my Gosford Central Coast NSW photo blog.

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

     Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837        IMG_7425    Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

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

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

  • Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Forster Tuncurry north coast

March 24, 2017 by David Herd

Arriving at Tuncurry

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

 Forster Tuncurry north coast NSW was my first stop on the way from Port Macquarie to Sydney in March 2017. A population of over 18,000 people it is a holiday destination for many Sydney people who are only a 4 hour drive away.

Over the bridge to Forster

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

The bridge is 631 metres long and was built around 1956, prior to that it was a half hour ferry trip between the two towns.

 View from Forster to Tuncurry

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

It is really a magnificent looking structure.

A fisherman & a pelican

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

Who is going to catch the first fish? My money is on the Pelican. 🙂

Up a lazy river……

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

There are so many places here you can go by boat.

A boating paradise.

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

More water than land around Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW.

 Talking about boats….

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

This one is almost identical to the boat I owned in Sydney in the 80s. One of my most interesting experiences occurred on NYE 1981 on Sydney Harbour, follow THIS LINK for the story of THE GREAT ESCAPE.

The main St in Forster

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

As you can see the main street is nothing to get excited about.

Nice little coffee shop

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

I’m happy as long as I find a good coffee shop with the daily newspaper. 🙂

If you have the time take a cruise

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

Unfortunately I was heading south to Gosford so I didn’t have time for a cruise.

Cruise prices

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

 Not too many alternatives here.

You could have fun on this boat

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

As long as your friends contributed to the fuel cost. 🙂

Forster Tuncurry north coast weather

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSWAn absolutely beautiful climate in Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW.

We always seem to come back to the bridge

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

No doubt it is the most memorable landmark in the area, and probably even the whole NSW coast.

Over the bridge & back to the highway.

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

Next stop Gosford, thanks for visiting my Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW  photo blog.

For an excellent discount on your room rate in this area just book through THIS LINK.

                    Please check out these fabulous posts 

         Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837        IMG_7425    Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

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

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

March 19, 2017 by David Herd

Fabulous Robina food court

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

 Kitchens Robina Town Centre Gold Coast is the largest and most expensive in QLD costing a whopping $160,000,000. Combining bars, cafes, restaurants along with 40 fresh food retailers. Spread over two levels it features eateries from local hospitality heavyweights such as the Honeyeater Kitchen from ex-Songbirds chef Trent Scarr, David Hayles’ Betty’s Burgers and James Brady’s Mr Pigs Bakehouse; alongside celebrity chef George Calombaris’ first Queensland restaurant, Jimmy Grants.

Kitchens Robina Town Centre Gold Coast

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

The whole place is quite spectacular, I will certainly visit again next time I’m on the coast.

Pure Meats

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

Butchers have come a long way since I grew up, I clearly remember them having sawdust on the floor. Here is an explanation from an old butcher explaining why; 

When my Dad and I butchered, we used it as a safety enhancement and for ease of cleanup as was mentioned. No, we wouldn’t have meat on the floor, but it seemed as the floor would get slippery over time, and without sawdust, it was only a matter of time before someone would slip and it didn’t matter much what you had for footwear.

Often we wore cowboy boots as you basically stand for 8 to 14 hours at a time and it seemed easier on you, but as you can imagine they aren’t known for tractive abilities. If you are packing a 135# or so hind, you really want your feet to stay under you. We never would have worked without sawdust on the floor in the back, the front we left sawdust free but eventually it would make its way up there.

It is a pain though tracking sawdust all over the place, in your vehicle, etc.

Naturally the beef must be hung. 🙂

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

Why is meat hung you may well ask; 

Meat hanging is a culinary process, used in beef ageing, that improves the flavor of meats by allowing the natural enzymes in the meat to break down the tissue through dry ageing. The process also allows the water in the meat to evaporate, thus concentrating the flavor.

Fish Lab by William Wu

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

Not only is this a good looking restaurant they also have a “drying room” next door. Follow THIS LINK for more about it.

The drying room

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

I have never seen anything like this before in a food court.

One of the many cafes

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

There is certainly lots of choices where to have a coffee here.

Too many coffee shops are never enough. 🙂

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

Not too sure if they are all making a living, and I’m guessing the rents are astronomical. 

Such a feeling of space.

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

The high ceilings and open plan gives a feeling of space.

 Spectacular roof at Kitchens Robina Town Centre Gold Coast

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

The architects have really done a great job here.

Lucky Luciano’s

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

I wonder if it’s a mafia hangout? 🙂

Woolworth’s for some serious shopping.

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

As you can see Kitchens Robina Town Centre Gold Coast caters for everything.

Farewell from Robina

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

Thanks for visiting my Kitchens Robina Town Centre Gold Coast photo blog.

   Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets EuropeHungarian Parliament Building (2)The Walkie Talkie (5)   

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

                     43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837IMG_7425Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                    

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

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

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

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

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

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

Check out these great food photo blogs.

  • Tokyo fabulous food
  • Steakhouse New York


Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos