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Soi LK Metro Pattaya

September 7, 2015 by David Herd

LK Metro

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

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

Billabong in LK Metro

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

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

Soi LK Metro Pattaya  Billabong

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

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

i-rovers

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

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

Soi LK Metro Pattaya  i-Rovers 

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

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

State of Origin 2017

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

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

Champagne agogo LK Metro icon

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

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

The Office LK Metro

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 

My brother Warren, Ray and Lenny at Billabong in 2011

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 

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

Greg Johnstone at Billabong in 2011.

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

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

Soi LK Metro Pattaya bars

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

Some interesting names. 🙂

Kilkenny LK Metro

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 

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

View from Kilkenny

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 

A good bar for watching the passing parade.

Drinks at Kilkenny

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Gordon Shanks from New York and Jonathan Whiting from Brisbane.

Soi LK Metro Pattaya  bar location

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

New hotel rooms for $17 per night

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

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

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

Corner LK Metro and Soi Buakhao

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

One of the many go go bars in the area.

Sabai Wing Soi 1 North Pattaya

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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

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

 Thanks for visiting Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Check out some other blogs below.

           

 

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

         

 Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

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

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

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

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

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

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Favourite Pattaya restaurants

September 6, 2015 by David Herd

Big Fish, Siam @ Siam

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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

Patrick’s Belgium restaurant

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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

Favourite Pattaya restaurants for a birthday at Patrick’s 

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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

 The Mantra one of my Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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

All washed down with cold Japanese sake.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

I could eat a plate like this every day. 🙂

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

Take a look at our final feast HERE.

Siamese Cuisine

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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

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

Lovely Benjamina

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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

Holiday Inn pizza

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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

 Boscaiola at Bella Italia in 2nd Rd near Alcazar.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Very good food & great value.

 Another of my Favourite Pattaya restaurants is Mata Hari.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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

Hachiban Ramen

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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

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

Leckerle in Soi 33 Naklua

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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

The food here is terrific.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants    Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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

Hilton Sunday Buffet B1,500

Favourite Pattaya restaurantsAn exceptional feast.

A favourite photo of one of the Hilton Chefs.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Make sure you book as it’s very popular.

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

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

Holiday Inn

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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

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

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
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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
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 
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Check out these great food photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

September 4, 2015 by David Herd

A great place to buy fresh seafood.

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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

Very fresh

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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

Alive and Kicking

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Here is my friend Pothole choosing dinner.

Clams, mussels and prawns.

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

A great choice at the Pattaya Fish Market.

 These guys will cook for you

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Choose you lunch and they will cook it for you.

Live lobsters

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Rather expensive as you can see.

How about a Baby shark?

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

They even look dangerous when they a small. 🙂

Fresh vegetables as well

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

A good selection at reasonable prices.

Cleaning the fish

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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

Anyone for catfish?

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

The variety is incredible, anything you desire is here.

Man at work

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

A very interesting place to spend an hour or so.

A mountain of mussels

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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

Pattaya Fish Market

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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

Adjacent to the market

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Enjoy the view from the walkway beside the gulf.

Lamchabang port in the distance

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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

Low tide

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

High and dry at low tide at Pattaya Fish Market.

Low tide at Naklua

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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

Sanctuary of Truth

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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

Pattaya seafood market

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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

Holiday Inn

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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

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

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
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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
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

Pattaya live webcam
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Counter only started February 16 2020.

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Pattaya interesting transport options

September 3, 2015 by David Herd

Mean machine

Pattaya interesting transport options

Pattaya interesting transport options

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

The other side of the Ducati  Diavel

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

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

Harley Davidson Electra-Glide

Pattaya interesting transport options

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

Beautiful Harley Davidson

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

They certainly are a classic machine.

This is more my style

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

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

Now for something completely different

Pattaya interesting transport options

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

 675 HP perhaps

Pattaya interesting transport options

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

Upgraded to 750 Horsepower

Pattaya interesting transport options

Grossly overpowered, they are obviously making too much money.

Something with a little more character

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

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

I wonder if its for sale?

Pattaya interesting transport options

May need a little work. 🙂

Prefer something little more refined perhaps?

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

A very nice looking catamaran.

How about a Maverick?

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

What a wild looking road rocket.

Or a yellow one perhaps?

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

Yellow or green, either one will do.

This is a very cool jigger

Pattaya interesting transport options

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

Pattaya transport options

Pattaya interesting transport options

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

What a great bus

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

It certainly is an eye catcher.

Great design

Pattaya interesting transport options

Another fantastic paint job.

The iconic Baht bus

Pattaya interesting transport options

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

Pattaya interesting transport options you must have fat tyres

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

Not sure what the advantage is but it looks good.

Yellow Ferrari 458 Italia

Pattaya interesting transport options

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

I prefer the Orange Lamborghini Gallardo SV

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

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

 My reality

Pattaya interesting transport options

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

Jet Ski scammers

Pattaya interesting transport options

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

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

Be careful, you have been warned.

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

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

Beach Road boom box

Pattaya transport options Want to make some noise?

Thanks for visiting my post on Pattaya transport options

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

 

Thanks for visiting my Pattaya interesting transport options photo blog.


             

Holiday Inn

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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

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

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

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

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

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Sospel village near Monte Carlo

August 17, 2015 by David Herd

North of Monte Carlo

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

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

Briel Sur Roya to Sospel & Monte Carlo

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

A short drive to the coast.

Medieval town

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

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


 

Relaxing in the town square

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

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

Houses along the riverbanks

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

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

Toll Bridge

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

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

Viaduct beside the village

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

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

Coffee with Deborah

Sospel village near Monte Carlo

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

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

Seven deadly Songkran days

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

 

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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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La Brigue ancient French village

August 16, 2015 by David Herd

La Brigue

La Brigue ancient French village

La Brigue ancient French village

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

Donjon tower

La Brigue ancient French village

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

 Medieval stone structures

La Brigue ancient French village

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

ANCIENT STONE FOUNTAIN

La Brigue ancient French village

This fountain is dated 1741.

The water tastes so pure & cold

La Brigue ancient French village

This water is worth bottling.

Homes in La Brigue

La Brigue ancient French village

Wonderful ancient stone buildings.

La Brigue French village

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

St Martin collegiate church

La Brigue ancient French village

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

St Martin collegiate church

La Brigue ancient French village

A great shot of the local church.

Ancient buildings & narrow lanes

La Brigue ancient French village

One of the fascinating cobblestone lanes.

La Brigue ancient French village

La Brigue ancient French village

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

La Brigue is on the Roya river

La Brigue ancient French village

Perched on the banks of the Sur Roya.

Looks like it will last 1000 years

La Brigue ancient French village

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

Deborah Holliday & Jodie ONiell

La Brigue ancient French village

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

David Herd at La Brigue

La Brigue ancient French village

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

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A-One hotel on Beach Road

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

 

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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Saorge beautiful French village

August 15, 2015 by David Herd

This village is spectacular

Saorge beautiful French village

Saorge beautiful French village

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

Road to Saorge

Saorge beautiful French village

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

Saorge beautiful French village

Saorge beautiful French village

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


Bath house or wash house?

Saorge beautiful French village

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

Saorge homes

Saorge beautiful French village

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

Narrow streets & Alleys

Saorge beautiful French village

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

My travel buddies

Saorge beautiful French village

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

Thanks for visiting my Saorge beautiful French village photo blog.

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A-One hotel on Beach Road

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

 

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
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Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

August 13, 2015 by David Herd

Markland

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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

Opposite the beach

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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


Two bedroom apartment

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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

Best view in Pattaya

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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

Studio apartment 45 square meters

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

The south side has the better view.

Markland Hotel Pattaya beach northern view 

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

That is the Holiday Inn next door.

Pool at Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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

Holiday Inn

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Holiday Inn is next door to Markland.

Holiday Inn

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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

Amari, Holiday Inn & Markland.

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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

Mezzo coffee at Markland now closed

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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

The Coffee Club has replaced Mezzo.

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya

I am going to enjoy a daily coffee here. 🙂

Security at Markland

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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

Fabulous view from 27th floor

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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

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

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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

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

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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

 

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Holiday Inn

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

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

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

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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

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

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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

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               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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Antibes Mediterranean resort

August 11, 2015 by David Herd

Spanish Paella in Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Antibes Mediterranean resort

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

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

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

Stones instead of sand

Antibes Mediterranean resort

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

This does not look comfortable

Antibes Mediterranean resort

 

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


Warm sun & calm cool water

Antibes Mediterranean resort

No sandcastles here. 🙂

Toys for the boys.

Antibes Mediterranean resort

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

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

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Some of the wealth on display is astonishing.

An Aussie in Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Good name for a boat. 🙂

Antibes Mediterranean resort there is No Compromise 

Antibes Mediterranean resort

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

Fort Carré d’Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

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

 My two lovely travelling companions

Antibes Mediterranean resort

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

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

                    
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Storms smash Pattaya beach

August 4, 2015 by David Herd

Here’s how it starts

Storms smash Pattaya beach

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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

Here is the result

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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

Ugly & dangerous

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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

Beach Road goes under

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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

The footpath disappears

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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

Beach Rd Pattaya flooded, more water than Songkran.

You can see the sand being washed away

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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

Storms smash Pattaya beach

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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

Find yourself an island

Storms smash Pattaya beach

The beach looks quite ugly after the storm.

 Sandbags

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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

Pattaya Weather

Storms smash Pattaya beach

 

The power of the tropical storm

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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

Sand is gone baby gone

Storms smash Pattaya beach

This problem has been happening for many years.

Not a pretty sight

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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

Hilton Hotel

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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

The cavalry arrives

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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

After the storm a beautiful day returns.

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

 

                   
 

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