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London Westminster Big Ben

April 3, 2014 by David Herd

You gotta love London

London Westminster Big Ben

London Westminster Big Ben

London Westminster Big Ben is one of the most popular tourist areas of the city, people swarm like ants around Big Ben, the Abby & Parliament house, they queue for hours to ride on the London Eye.

Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of  Westminster Palace in London, and often extended to refer to the clock and the clock tower.

Does anybody know what time it is?

London Westminster Big Ben

Or as “Chicago” would say, “does anybody really care”?


 

Westminster Abbey London

London Westminster Big Ben

Westminster Abbey, was originally known as the Collegiate Church of St Peter, it’s a large, mainly Gothic, church in the City of Westminster,  just west of the Palace of Westminster.

Westminster Abbey London

London Westminster Big Ben

Westminster Abbey London is steeped in more than a thousand years of history. Benedictine monks first came to this site in the middle of the tenth century, establishing a tradition of daily worship which continues to this day. The Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of seventeen monarchs. The present church, begun by Henry III in 1245, is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the country, with the medieval shrine of an Anglo-Saxon saint still at its heart.

Westminster Abbey Sanctuary

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In England, the right of sanctuary and officially recognized places of sanctuary had existed since the Anglo-Saxon days. The foremost among these places of refuge was Westminster Abbey London. 

The London Eye

London Westminster Big Ben

The entire structure is 135 meters (443 ft) tall and the wheel has a diameter of 120 meters (394 ft). It is currently Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom with over 3.5 million visitors annually.

One of my favorite places in Westminster

London Westminster Big Ben

When you tire of the crowds and monuments head for a pub.

Westminster Arms Hotel

London Westminster Big Ben

The are some terrific pubs in London, check out my London Pub link here.

Only a short walk to Downing St

London Westminster Big Ben

When I finished lunch I took a short walk to Downing Street. However the street that caught my eye was the one below, reminded me of a couple of people I know.

You gotta love this street

London Westminster Big Ben

Say no more, wink wink, nudge nudge.  😆


Downing St security

London Westminster Big Ben

There are so many nut cases in London which explains why they need high security at Downing St.

A very unusual sight

London Westminster Big Ben

 Blue sky in London, must be photoshopped. 🙂

Beautiful at night

London Westminster Big Ben

London Westminster Big Ben is a fantastic area to explore and enjoy, I will be there again in March 2015.

Sadly five people have died, with 50 injured – some critically – in a terror attack near the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday March 22 2017.

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That’s all folks

London Westminster Big Ben

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Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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

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Free Cancellation. 
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Pattaya live webcam
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Click here for another English post.

 

From London I flew to Cape Town

 

A short flight from London is the wonderful city of Lisbon

 

 
 

Here is a terrific London budget hotel. Great location opposite the Holiday Inn in Gloucester Rd. The hotel has just been refurbished and is very close to the underground which takes you direct to Heathrow for 6 Quid. Within 100 metres there are 3 Italian restaurants, 1 Thai and 1 Indian. Also a very good tavern & sports bar at the Holiday Inn.
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Canon Camera Love Travelling

December 25, 2013 by David Herd

Hoi An in Vietnam

Canon Camera Love Travelling

Canon Camera Love Travelling. When you grow up in Australia you soon realise that every other country in the world is beyond the sea. Somewhere in my teenage years I was bitten by the travel bug, I have been to 50 countries and 600 cities. Here is a collection of my favourite travel photos in no particular order, however the one above just happens to be my number one favourite.

Here is Bobby Darren with the appropriate song.

Copacabana

 

Perhaps the worlds best beach for people watching. Since my first trip there in January 1999, I returned another 7 times, with the last time being October 2010.

Future super models in Rio

Canon Camera Love Travelling

As soon as I raised my camera they struck a pose, did not have to be asked to do it, the spirit of Rio

My boulevard of broken dreams.

Canon Camera Love Travelling

W48th st & 8th ave Manhattan there is a nice French bistro, Pigalle. New York is my favorite city, it seems like six different cities molded together, there is such an exciting diversified collection of people and places make sure you give yourself enough time to soak up the atmosphere.

Tell us what you think Billy.

 
Canon Camera Love Travelling in Lisbon 

Canon Camera Love Travelling

Canon Camera Love Travelling Lisbon is recognised as a global city because of its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education and tourism. It is one of the major economic centers on the continent, with a growing financial sector and the largest/second largest container port on Europe’s Atlantic coast.

Koh Chang Thailand.

Canon Camera Love Travelling

Koh Chang is the 2nd largest Thai island after Phuket. Stay in a bungalow on the beach and enjoy the terrific Thai food. In many ways Koh Chang reminds me of Koh Samui 15 years ago. I used to love Koh Samui in the 90′s but the more it developed the more the attraction faded.

Valparaiso in Chile

Canon Camera Love Travelling

Valparaiso is by the sea in Chile about 100 kilometres from Santiago. I bet this fantastic house has been photographed millions of times, perched on the edge of a sheer drop you would not want to be a sleep walker. This is one of the escalators (Ascensores) connecting the harbor area to the hills, and the building is the restaurant Las Brujas.

Sanctuary Cove on Australia’s Gold Coast

Canon Camera Love Travelling

The Gold Coast has many world class golf courses, it was the home of Adam Scott who is currently number 2 in the world.

Canon Camera Love Travelling  in South Beach Miami 

Canon Camera Love Travelling

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.

Beautiful faces in Rio De Janeiro

Canon Camera Love Travelling

Carnival in Rio is awesome, it is really the greatest show on Earth. I was at the Sambadrome in 1999 and 2005, then I celebrated Carnival at a Bloco in Ipanema in 2008. I was way up in the bleachers in 1999 so in 2005 I paid about $500 to have a front row seat. Therefore I have been fortunate enough to have experienced Carnival from 3 different aspects.

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  Fishing fleet in Nha Trang Vietnam

Canon Camera Love Travelling

I went to Nha Trang twice in 2004 and hope to return July 2014.

Take us to your leader.

Canon Camera Love Travelling

Once a year, when the great Rio De Janeiro carnival takes place, the coastal town Paraty which is located 250 km south west to Rio, holds a unique carnival. In Paraty’s Mud Carnival – (Portuguese: Bloco da lama) the costumes that its participants wear is black sticky mud which is smeared on their bodies.

The carnival preserves the ancient local tradition when the Indians smeared their bodies with black mud for medical reasons, and held ritual ceremonies in order to bring cure to the ill. In contrary to Rio carnival where the participants wear marvellous coloured costumes, in Paraty carnival the fiesta is based mostly on the simplicity of the junction between men and nature.

Fantastic seafood in Salzburg.

Canon Camera Love Travelling

So much wonderful seafood on sale at a city nowhere near the ocean.

Salzburg is the fourth largest city in Austria and the capital of the federal state of Salzburg. Salzburg’s “Old Town” has internationally renowned baroque architecture and one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps.

The Old Bridge on the river Arno in Florence

Canon Camera Love Travelling

Florence is a beautiful city, I have been there 3 or 4 times and can’t wait to visit again. I saw a lot of the city and surrounding areas thanks to my good friend Francesca.

View from my condo in Pattaya Thailand.

Canon Camera Love Travelling

I wake up every morning to this wonderful view of Pattaya beach.

Bookmark my webcam and check it out. 

De Wallen Amsterdam

Canon Camera Love Travelling

One of the truly great European cities, this is their famous red light district.

Gorgeous girls & Manneken Pis.

Canon Camera Love Travelling

Brussels is a great city for food.

Roast pig at Tram Chim Saigon

Canon Camera Love Travelling

HCMC or Saigon is a truly wonderful experience, I was there in 2015 and millions of $$$$ are being spent to transform this amazing metropolis.

  From as early as 1980 I knew I would Have Camera Love Travelling around the world & often to Thailand, but I never thought I would live there permanently. However in October 2011 I left Australia and moved to Thailand. This is probably the final stage in my wonderful life.  

Thanks for visiting my “Have Camera Love Travelling” post

 Canon Camera Love Travelling

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

 

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
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Pattaya live webcam
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In Monte Carlo you can smell the money

 

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Penzance Par one bridge too far.

December 24, 2013 by David Herd

The Par Inn Cornwall

Penzance Par one bridge too far.

Penzance Par one bridge too far

Penzance Par one bridge too far, well rather than speak in riddles allow me to explain. Where Penzance is a bright & buzzy seaside town Par is quite the opposite, cold & bleak without too many redeeming features. My sincere apologies to the residents of this tiny Cornish fishing port.

I had a very good reason to visit Par, my grandfather Sam Tippett was born there around 1900. We stopped in the pub and asked if anyone had heard of the Tippetts but sadly no luck. Seeing we were in Cornwall I ordered a pastie, it was the worst I have ever tasted & I mentioned this to the barman. He said “talk to the fellow beside you, his wife makes them”.  😳

My friend Bill Austin & I had a good laugh about this and I surreptitiously hid the rest of the awful pastie in a paper bag ready to throw it in the garbage.

David Herd & Bill Austin in Par

Penzance Par one bridge too far

Notice the small oven on the right? That’s where the terrible tasting pasties are lying in wait for an unsuspecting customer.  😥

A typical street in Par.

Penzance Par one bridge too far

I did visit Par way back in the 60s to meet Minnie, one of my grandfathers (Sam Tippett) sisters. Penzance to Par is 61 miles or about 1.25 hours by car. Obviously I had a good reason to visit Par, otherwise I can’t see any features worth going there for.

Pop Tippett’s sister Minnie.

Penzance Par one bridge too far

This is  Minnie, one of my grandfathers (Sam Tippett) sisters.

This was Minnie’s home in Par

Penzance Par one bridge too far

I should have taken this photo with me because I’m sure somebody in the pub would have known its location.

Penzance Par one bridge too far

Penzance Par one bridge too far

Par is quite a lonely part of the English coast.

Penzance main street.

Penzance Par one bridge too far

Penzance is a town, civil parish and port in Cornwall, in England, United Kingdom. It is well known for being the most westerly major town in Cornwall and is approximately 75 miles west of Plymouth and 300 miles west-southwest of London.

Beachside

Penzance Par one bridge too far

 Penzance  is the most westerly major town in Cornwall and is approximately 75 miles (121 km) west of Plymouth and 300 miles (480 km) west-southwest of London. Situated in the shelter of Mount’s Bay, the town faces south-east onto the English Channel, is bordered to the west by the fishing port of Newlyn, to the north by the civil parish of Madron and to the east by the civil parish of Ludgvan.

Granted various royal charters from 1512 onwards and incorporated in 1614, it has a population of 21,168 (2001 census).

Main St Penzance

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Luck was with us providing a beautiful blue sky.

Penzance Par one bridge too far

Penzance Par one bridge too far

I can imagine it would be freezing cold in winter.

St Michael’s Mount

Penzance Par one bridge too far

St Michael’s Mount  meaning “grey rock in the woods”, also known colloquially by locals as simply the Mount) is a tidal island 366 metres (400 yards) off the Mount’s Baycoast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is a civil parish and is united with the town of Marazion by a man-made causeway of granite setts, passable between mid-tide and low water.

In prehistoric times, St Michael’s Mount may have been a port for the tin trade, and Gavin de Beer made a case for it to be identified with the “tin port” Ictis/Ictin mentioned by Posidonius.

Historically, St Michael’s Mount was a Cornish counterpart of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France (which shares the same tidal island characteristics and the same conical shape), when it was given to the Benedictines, religious order of Mont Saint-Michel, by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century.

St Michael’s Mount is one of 43 (unbridged) tidal islands which can be walked to from mainland Britain

In conclusion I guess I may be a little harsh on my description of Par, however travelling between Penzance Par you will find many interesting towns & villages worth a visit, St Ives for instance is a wonderful seaside village.


 Without a doubt AGODA is the best online Hotel booking site.

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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.

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.

 

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Lands End in Cornwall

December 15, 2013 by David Herd

Beautiful blue sky in…..

Lands End, Cornwall.

Lands End in Cornwall

Here we are at England’s most westerly point. Wind levels in winter reach around 20-25 knots, which is windier than most of England. The highest temperature recorded is 28.9 °C, and the lowest temperature recorded is -3.4 °C.

Penwith House

Lands End in Cornwall

This historic building dating from 1860 houses a hotel, a gift shop with maritime gifts, toys and confectionery. Coordinates:   50°3’56″N   5°42’51″W.


Beautiful old building

Lands End in Cornwall

In 1987 Peter de Savary purchased Land’s End for almost £7 million from David Goldstone. He had two new buildings erected and much of the present theme park development was instigated by him. He sold both Land’s End and John o’ Groats to businessman Graham Ferguson Lacey in 1991. The current owners purchased Land’s End in 1996 and formed a company named Heritage Great Britain PLC. Attractions at the theme park include children’s playgrounds and recorded music. Twice a week in August there are firework displays. Nearby is the Land’s End Hotel. In May 2012, Land’s End received widespread attention as the starting point of the 2012 Summer Olympics torch relay.

 Blue sky and lots of wind.

Lands End in Cornwall

Land’s End is a headland and small settlement in western Cornwall, England. It is the most westerly point of mainland Cornwall and England. It is on the Penwith peninsula, about eight miles west-southwest of Penzance.

Rugged coastline.

Lands End in Cornwall

This is certainly not a good place for a swim. 🙂

Lands End England’s most westerly point.

Lands End in Cornwall

The sea pounds these rocks 24/7.

Lands End Hotel.

Lands End in Cornwall

We were so lucky to have the beautiful blue sky, photos look so much better. What you can’t see in the shots is the howling wind that nearly blew us off our feet.  😆

 Air Ambulance.

Lands End in Cornwall

I guess this choppers working days are over. 🙂

Neihboring property

Lands End

Not too inspiring realy 🙂

David Herd, intrepid traveller.  😎

Lands End in Cornwall

Many thanks for visiting my Lands End post, please pass it on to your friends and

St Ives is a 40 minute drive, put it on your list.

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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

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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.

 

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London pubs people food

December 3, 2013 by David Herd

The Colbert in Sloane Square

London pubs people food 

London pubs people food atmosphere

London pubs people food are  favorite pastimes of mine, even though London is not famous for great cuisine you can find hundreds of terrific places to eat.

London pubs people food

London pubs people food atmosphere

This is the same restaurant as the Colbert, in 2009 it was called Grande Brasserie.

The Colbert

London pubs people food atmosphere

Like most of the restaurants in Sloane Square this is a great “people watching” place, one tends to go there for that reason more than the food. The food however is fine and the place is always busy.

London pubs people food, The Botanist

London pubs people food atmosphere

 The Botanist is definitely one of the good London pubs,  a great place to watch the super trendy crowd go through their mating rituals. It gets so busy the crowd spills out onto the footpath, sometimes it’s a struggle to get to the bar for a refill.


Did I mention the super trendy crowd?

London pubs people food atmosphere

Well here are three people that don’t fit that description, I am enjoying drinks at the Botanist with friends Teresa & Debbie.

Da Scalzo restaurant.

London pubs people food atmosphere

Good food, nice atmosphere and great music.

Great Jazz trio at Da Scalzo.

London pubs people food atmosphere

I went back just to hear the band again.

15 minutes walk from Sloane Square

London pubs people food atmosphere

Da Scalzo is a nice little restaurant about 15 minutes walk from Sloane Square at 2 Elizabeth St, London SW1W 9RB, Phone:+44 20 7730 5498. The food is good without being great, so don’t expect too much, however at weekends they have a very good jazz band playing all the old fashioned songs which really adds to the atmosphere. Have a look at them on the video below.

Aint misbehaving at Da Scalzo

 OK, lets go upmarket

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

68 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HP

London pubs people food atmosphere

Fabulous food as you would expect at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay with a price to match. However lets face it, you need to spoil yourself every now & then and the food is great. Check out the menu for this rather special restaurant. I will be back in London in March 2014 and another visit is certainly on my agenda.  😎

London pubs people food atmosphere

Gordon Ramsay’s wine list 2009.

London pubs people food atmosphere

As you would expect it is rather expensive.

Cafe Rouge.

London pubs people food atmosphere

There is a chain of these excellent restaurants all over London, very good French food at a reasonable price.

Cafe Rouge French Bistro.

London pubs people food atmosphere

Definitely no complaints with the food. I also enjoyed their branch at Brighton.

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Courtfield London pubs Earls Court

London pubs people food atmosphere

Situated at 187 Earl’s Court Rd the Courtfield’s is one of the good London pubs, not very flash but the upstairs restaurant serves very good pub food at reasonable prices, worth a visit if you are in the area.


London pubs people food Mozzarella and More

London pubs people food atmosphere

Mozzarella and More Italian Kings Rd Chelsea good food & nice atmosphere, certainly worth a visit.

Jump on a London bus

London pubs Harrods Thames

A very good way to see this fabulous city.

Super travel tips. Great Britain has an excellent rail service, save up to 80% by booking your ticket before you arrive, just click here. London Underground’s Piccadilly Line provides the most cost-effective rail route between Heathrow Airport and the capital, so look for accommodation around Earl’s CourtGloucester Rd or Knightsbridge. For more information click here.

Jump on a train and visit Bath

 More posts for you to see

English restaurants     City of Bath      Lands End

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

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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

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HCM city is fantastic

 

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Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

September 7, 2013 by David Herd

Scottish Highlands

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow, Both cities are vastly different, Edinburgh rather cultured and conservative and Glasgow brash and noisy.

Amazing country

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

If you don’t like having nosey neighbours just buy this house. 🙂

Beautiful Country.

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

The area is very sparsely populated, with many mountain ranges dominating the region, and includes the highest mountain in the British Isles, Ben Nevis. Before the 19th century the Highlands was home to a much larger population, but due to a combination of factors including the outlawing of the traditional Highland way of life following the Jacobite Rising of 1745,

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

A very cold rugged landscape.

Road trip Edinburgh to Glasgow.

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow taking the long way and ending up in Fort William, from there we drove down along Loch Lomond to Glasgow. One interesting hold up on the highway for a crew shooting a movie, turned out to be the James Bond film Skyfall.

David Herd at Loch Lomond

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

Very chilly as you would expect.

Bill Austin at Loch Lomond.

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

Bill spent many years in the Paras and a lot of his training took place in the Scottish Highlands. He also did two years in Belfast during “the Troubles” then a further two year under cover in Ireland.

On the banks of Loch Lomond

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

I looked everywhere but didn’t see any ducks.

David Herd & Bill Austin in Glasgow.

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

Many thanks for visiting my blog on my road trip Edinburgh Glasgow photo blog with my friend Bill Austin, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed being there. 

             Have a look at some of my London posts.        

   

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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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

 

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

For no particular reason I am including some paintings from my favourite artist Jack Vettriano who just happens to be a Scotsman.

The Singing Butler.

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

His most popular painting.

Dancer For Money.

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

My favourite.

 

Billy Boys

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

 

Heartbreak

Road trip Edinburgh Glasgow

  Rod Stewart is one of my favourite singers, he eventually married the blonde with the long legs, she is one of the sexiest ladies I have ever seen.

AAA Penny

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Click here to see my post on Brussels’

 

 

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Good English restaurants exist

July 27, 2013 by David Herd

The Westbeach in Bournemouth.

Good English restaurants exist

Good English restaurants exist

 Good English restaurants exist, many people think they are few and far between, but here are a couple to consider. The Westbeach restaurant in Bournemouth is certainly worth a visit, great location on the beach, with a good menu offering a nice selection. I first visited Westbeach December 2007 then returned in 2009 so things may have changed. 

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The Priory hotel in Bath

Good English restaurants exist

 The Priory in Bath is very good, receiving a Michelin star in 2012. Sam Moody is the chef.

Excellent food

PrioryhotelBath14

The Priory is old world charm at its best, for more information please click here.

 The Mission in Plymouth.

Good English restaurants exist

The Mission has great atmosphere and very good food.

 The Well at Buckington, Wiltshire.

Good English restaurants exist

Here are my nieces Laura & Elyssa hamming it up at the Well in Bulkington, a nice English pub with good food.

The Bridge Tea Room, Bradford on Avon

Good English restaurants exist

One of Britain’s Great Tea Rooms is in Bradford on Avon, the afternoon ritual of serving tea has been developed to a fine art here, and is so accomplished that the Bridge Tea Rooms has been recognized as excellent by the prestigious UK Tea Guild for many years. Delicate bone china, the finest leaf teas, and friendly staff in Victorian costumes serving home-made cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Housed in a former blacksmith’s cottage dating from 1502, the Bridge Tea Rooms positively oozes atmosphere, and the classical music playing gently in the background sets a tranquil tone.

One of Britain’s Great Tea Rooms

Beautiful Historic English Village

If you are ever in this delightful village make sure you visit this tea room.

MY LOVELY NIECE LOVED THE SCONES.

Good English restaurants exist

Laura really loved the scones.

My other lovely niece Elyssa preferred the sponge cake.

Good English restaurants exist

Either one would do me.

La Chateaux Du Vin in Brighton

Good English restaurants exist

  AgnesPaulo and Nikki at my favourite Brighton restaurantLa Chateaux Du Vin, open for lunch and dinner, if you go there please pass on my regards.  :-D Good English restaurants exist

Good English restaurants exist

Above is Smoked salon on Matzo which  is an unleavened bread traditionally eaten by Jews during the week-long Passover holiday.

The Bath Arms Hotel in Brighton 

Good English restaurants exist

 A terrific ham & salad sandwich.

The Par Inn, Cornwall

Good English restaurants exist

  This is definitely not one of the Good English restaurants, worst Cornish pasties I’ve ever tasted were here. The  reason I paid this town a visit was because it was the birth place of my grandfather Sam Tippett.

Thanks for visiting my Good English restaurants exist photo blog.

                       Here are some more posts to check out           
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

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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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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

 

 

  

 

 

Click here to brighten up your day with a taste of Brazil.

 

A nice city in South West England

 

I now live in Pattaya in Thailand

 

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London pubs Harrods Thames

June 30, 2013 by David Herd

London, June 2013 & July 2009

London pubs Harrods Thames

London pubs Harrods Thames

London pubs Harrods Thames, certainly one of my favourite cities, here I am enjoying a few drinks at The Botanist hotel in Sloane Square with Teresa Hamilton-Smith who was a favourite girlfriend of mine in Sydney in the early 80s. Her lovely friend Debbie joined as well.  Here is a comparison of photos taken 31 years apart. The one below was Terry & I with Helen Burke another girlfriend of mine on my balcony at 72 Wrights Rd Drummoyne in Sydney in 1982. I often wonder in which decade did I have the most fun, when I see a photo like this I vote for the 80s, however when I think really hard about the question, the fabulous 70s win every time.

Sydney in 1982.

London pubs Harrods Thames

As I said in my first blog it seems to me you go to sleep one night, wake up the next morning, and 30 years have flashed by. No matter how many years have passed I will always remember the wonderful people and the great times we had together.

London pubs Harrods Thames Kings Rd Chelsea

London pubs Harrods Thames

Kings road is Chelsea’s main road. It was once a private road- used only by royalty seeking access to Hampton Court. Starting at Sloane Square, Kings Road stretches south-west and round Worlds End before becoming New Kings Road and crossing Putney Bridge. The Kings Road has always been synonymous with fashion and small clothes stores can be found all along the route. Such stores have been responsible for such fashion tends as the miniskirt and Vivien Westwood’s punk-inspired shop ‘Sex’ can be found here.  Many of the original clothes boutiques have made way for more exclusive and corporate clothing labels in modern times. The Kings Road is also a treasure trove of antiques stores- the famous Chelsea Antiques Market for example. Many established stores such as Habitat, Heals and Bluebird have grown from the Kings Road.

Chelsea Bridge

 

London pubs Harrods Thames

Chelsea Bridge is a bridge over the River Thames in west London, connecting Chelsea on the north bank to Battersea on the south bank. There have been two Chelsea Bridges, on the site of what was an ancient ford.

The first Chelsea Bridge was proposed in the 1840s as part of a major development of marshlands on the south bank of the Thames into the new Battersea Park. It was a suspension bridge intended to provide convenient access from the densely populated north bank to the new park. Although built and operated by the government, tolls were charged initially in an effort to recoup the cost of the bridge. Work on the nearby Chelsea Embankment delayed construction and so the bridge, initially called Victoria Bridge, did not open until 1857. Although well received architecturally, as a toll-bridge it was unpopular with the public, and Parliament felt obliged to make it toll-free on Sundays. The bridge was less of a commercial success than had been anticipated, partly because of competition from the newly built Albert Bridge nearby. It was acquired by the Metropolitan Board of Works in 1877, and the tolls were abolished in 1879.

The bridge was narrow and structurally unsound, leading the authorities to rename it Chelsea Bridge to avoid the Royal Family’s association with a potential collapse. In 1926, with the bridge unable to handle increased volumes of users, caused by population growth in the surrounding area and the introduction of the automobile, it was proposed that the old bridge be rebuilt or replaced. Between 1934 and 1937 it was demolished and replaced by the current structure, which opened in 1937.

London pubs Harrods Thames The Albert Bridge

London pubs Harrods Thames

The Albert Bridge is a road bridge over the River Thames in West London, connecting Chelsea on the north bank to Battersea on the south bank. Designed and built by Rowland Mason Ordish in 1873 as an Ordish–Lefeuvre system modified cable-stayed bridge, it proved to be structurally unsound, so between 1884 and 1887 Sir Joseph Bazalgette incorporated some of the design elements of a suspension bridge. In 1973 the Greater London Council added two concrete piers, which transformed the central span into a simple beam bridge. As a result, today the bridge is an unusual hybrid of three different design styles. It is an English Heritage Grade II listed building. Built as a toll bridge, it was commercially unsuccessful. Six years after its opening it was taken into public ownership and the tolls were lifted. The toll booths remained in place and are the only surviving examples of bridge tollbooths in London. Nicknamed “The Trembling Lady” because of its tendency to vibrate when large numbers of people walked over it, the bridge has signs at its entrances that warned troops to break step whilst crossing the bridge.

Eaton Square Belgrave

London pubs Harrods Thames

Eaton Square Belgrave is just opposite this corner, and the photo below is Hyde Park. Beautiful, imposing Eaton Square lies at the heart of Belgravia, a superb discreet location bordered by Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Buckingham Palace, Pimlico and Hyde Park. Eaton Square is London’s prime residential square. Eaton Square is arranged around six private gardens, including a tennis court which is for the exclusive use of residents.

Eaton Square Belgrave

 

London pubs Harrods Thames

If money is not a problem then this is where you would live.

Wellington Arch Hyde Park

London pubs Harrods Thames

Wellington Arch, also known as Constitution Arch or (originally) the Green Park Arch, is a triumphal arch located to the south of Hyde Park in central London and at the western corner of Green Park (although it is now isolated on a traffic island). Built nearby between 1826-1830 to a design by Decimus Burton, it was moved to its present position in 1882-83. It once supported an equestrian statue of the 1st Duke of Wellington; the original intention of having it topped with sculpture of a “quadriga” or ancient four-horse chariot was not realized until 1912.

Beautiful Hyde Park

 

London pubs Harrods Thames

Just a beautiful place to explore, find a shady spot and relax.

 Hyde Park

London pubs Harrods Thames

 Hyde Park is a real gem in the heart of London.

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London Eye

London pubs Harrods Thames

The London eye  opened in March 2000 the EDF Energy London Eye and has become an iconic landmark and a symbol of modern Britain. The London Eye is the UK’s most popular paid for visitor attraction, visited by over 3.5 million people a year. A breathtaking feat of design and engineering, passengers in the London Eye’s capsules can see up to 40 kilometres in all directions.

Westminister Bridge & Big Ben

London pubs Harrods Thames

Westminster Bridge is a road and foot traffic bridge over the River Thames in London, linking Westminster on the north side and Lambeth on the south side.

The bridge is painted predominantly green, the same colour as the leather seats in the House of Commons which is on the side of the Palace of Westminster nearest the bridge. This is in contrast to Lambeth Bridge which is red, the same colour as the seats in the House of Lords and is on the opposite side of the Houses of Parliament.

Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, and often extended to refer to the clock and the clock tower. The tower is now officially called the Elizabeth Tower, after being renamed in 2012 (from “Clock Tower”) to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. The tower holds the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world and is the third-tallest free-standing clock tower. The tower was completed in 1858 and had its 150th anniversary on 31 May 2009, during which celebratory events took place.  The tower has become one of the most prominent symbols of both London and England and is often in the establishing shot of films set in the city.

London pubs Harrods Thames, where does it all end? There are so many things to see and do in this great city.

Palace of Westminster

London pubs Harrods Thames

The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

London pubs Harrods Thames Waterloo Bridge

London pubs Harrods Thames

Waterloo Bridge is a road and foot traffic bridge crossing the River Thames in London, between Blackfriars Bridge and Hungerford Bridge. The name of the bridge is in memory of the Anglo-Dutch and Prussian victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Thanks to its location at a strategic bend in the river, the views of London (Westminster, the South Bank and London Eye to the west, the City of London and Canary Wharf to the east) from the bridge are widely held to be the finest from any spot at ground level.

The Hungerford Bridge

London pubs Harrods Thames

The first Hungerford Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, opened in 1845 as a suspension footbridge. It was named after the then Hungerford Market, because it went from the South Bank to Hungerford Market on the north side of the Thames. The footbridge gained a reputation for being narrow, dilapidated and dangerous – it was the scene of a murder in 1999. In the mid-1990s a decision was made to replace the footbridge with new structures on either side of the existing railway bridge, and a competition was held in 1996 for a new design.

Trafalgar Square

 

London pubs Harrods Thames

This could be London’s most famous landmark.

Trafalgar Square

London pubs Harrods Thames

  Here I am at Trafalgar Square in July 2009. Trafalgar Square, designed by Sir Charles Barry, was constructed in the 1840s on the site that was originally the Royal Mews for hawks and then royal stables.  Barry was also responsible for the Houses of Parliament.  

Trafalgar Square Lions

London pubs Harrods Thames

The children love the Trafalgar Square lions.

Prince Edward Theatre.

London pubs Harrods Thames

The Prince Edward Theatre is a West End theatre situated on Old Compton Street, just north of Leicester Square, in the City of Westminster.

London pubs Harrods Thames Jersey Boys

London pubs Harrods Thames

One of the best shows I have ever seen. Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward theater in London’s West End. Perhaps I liked it so much because I grew up listening to FrankieValli. It is on my list to see it on Broadway as well.

London’s West End

London pubs Harrods Thames

I must say I was a little disappointed in this show.

Porsche Panamera

London pubs Harrods Thames

 The first time I saw the beautiful Porsche Panamera was outside Harrods in July 2009.  

The Comfort Inn

London pubs Harrods Thames

An excellent location near Victoria station and the bus station.

Good value hotel, the Comfort Inn near Victoria station, just use this link for a good discount.

Jump on a London bus

London pubs Harrods Thames

A very good way to see this fabulous city.

THE END

London pubs Harrods Thames

Until next time. 🙂

One of my favourite songs about London.

Thanks for visiting my London pubs Harrods Thames photo blog.

                              More posts for you to see

     English restaurants          City of Bath                     Lands End

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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
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Ok, please relax and watch the slide show.

 

 

Great Britain has an excellent rail service, save up to 80% by booking your ticket before you arrive, just click here.

   

Click here for another interesting post.

 

Escape the cold weather in London and slip down to Barcelona

 

 

 


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