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Top tips London sightseeing

July 22, 2019 by David Herd

Top tips London sightseeing

Top tips London sightseeing

Top tips London sightseeing, very few cities offer the history, architecture and culture of London, so it’s understandable if you are eager to nail all the sightseeing spots on your visit. Londoners have many qualities, but they’re not typically known as the friendliest bunch in the world, so take a look at some of our tips to help you in the UK’s capital. After a few days of experiencing busy underground stations, charming pubs and bustling shopping centres, you’ll feel just like a local.

Tip 1, Stand on the right on an escalator.

Top tips London sightseeing

Nothing annoys Londoners more than tourists blocking their path when they’re running late for a train. It’s an easy mistake to make, especially if no-one’s pre-warned you, but standing on the left on an escalator is an unforgivable sin come rush hour. Just to make things clear: stand on the right, walk down or up on the left – it will make your life a lot easier without the sound of frustrated tutting behind you.

I hope this word of warning hasn’t put you off using the Underground, because it’s the best way to get around Central London.

Top tips London sightseeing Tube map

Top tips London sightseeing It isn’t too tricky to figure out, just watch out for the destination on the front of the train and you’ll be fine. 

Tip 2, Go on a free walking tour

Top tips London sightseeingEvery city worth visiting hosts a wealth of companies offering free walking tours and London is no exception. They’re by far the best way to see the city: they’re free (though it is always polite to leave a tip for the guide), it gives you a better sense of direction and it provides some exercise in the fresh London air. Why spend £20 on an open-top bus tour when you can burn off the fish and chips from the night before, admiring the beauty of Buckingham Palace?

Tip 3, visit the pub.

Top tips London sightseeing Even if you’re not the biggest drinker, it’s still worthwhile basking in the quintessential English atmosphere that consumes a London pub. If you are into your alcohol, most pubs will pride themselves on their selection of booze, ranging from pale ales to exotic cocktails. For the more sociable visitors that are planning on making friends with the locals on your visit, the pub is your best option. Brits quickly open up once they have a cold pint in their hand.

Tip 4, Make sure to check out the museums and galleries.

Top tips for London sightseeing 

London has so much to offer, yet the free entry into its art galleries and museums may just be the jewel in its crown. The British Museum, The Natural History Museum and The Science Museum are all hugely popular and in very close proximity, making the perfect itinerary for a day of history and culture.

Tate Modern is one of the most popular galleries and is ideally located right in the heart of Southbank, allowing you the chance to take a stroll along the Thames after enjoying some modern art.

Tip 5, Book your accommodation in advance

Top tips London sightseeing London can be a touch pricey, especially if you’re booking your hotel at the last moment. Make sure you’re prepared well ahead of time – saving money before you go creates some more funds to splash on a fancy dinner in Covent Garden. Don’t worry if you still haven’t found your perfect place to stay, there are plenty of companies designed to give you a helping hand with your search. Think of all the extra souvenirs you’ll be able to bring home.

One of my favourite songs about London.

Thanks for visiting my Five top tips London sightseeing photo blog.

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.


Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

May 3, 2017 by David Herd

A great street for bars & pubs.

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

 

 Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes along with it’s neighbour Soi 8 is one of Pattaya’s most popular drinking, eating & partying areas. Above is the corner of Soi 7 & Beach Rd.

Hello Welcome from Silver Star A go go

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

 

I was waiting for the Silver Star lady to yell out “HELLO WELCOME” which is heard nearly every time you walk past a Pattaya bar. 🙂

Olala bar & restaurant

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

 Above is Ola la specializing in Norwegian and Thai food.

Breakfast at Olala.

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

They claim on their website to offer the beat breakfast in Pattaya which I strongly dispute. It’s no better or worse than many other Thai style bacon sausages & eggs. The eggs were excellent, the bacon average & the typical Thai sausages I didn’t eat. The cost was B145 including toast, jam, tea or coffee. 

Eastiny Bella Vista

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

Located just behind Olala on the side road to Soi 8. Rooms here are around $25 per night if you book through THIS LINK.

Shower B20 & toilet B5. 🙂

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

What a bargain, especially if you have just come off the beach.

Lots of beer bars

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

Rather quiet through the day and very busy at night. 

2nd Road entrance.

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

Soi 7 runs from Beach Rd through to 2nd Rd which is very convenient if you are travelling by Baht Bus.

 Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

  The Pig & Whistle Pub one of the popular pubs in Soi 7.

Breakfast at The Pig & Whistle Soi 7.

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

I always ask them to remove the fried potato & tomato, this is what remains for B135 or $5aud.

Rosie O Gradys

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

Another popular pub & guest house, book through THIS LINK for a good discount.

Happy girls at Rosies

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

Service with a smile, certainly one of the great attractions of Thailand.

Chris from Wiltshire.

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

A flashback to January 2013 when 4 English friends including Chris came to Pattaya for the first time, naturally I was their tour guide. 🙂

The mob from England

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

It was a lot of fun seeing the reaction of these guys on their first trip to Pattaya.

 Flashback to Soi 7 in 2004.

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

It’s hard to believe how time flies, 13 years have flashed by.

I remember it as if it were yesterday.

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

 

Drinks in Soi 7 with lovely Evie from Bangkok.

Aussie out of control, he is known as Mr Stingy.

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

As it so often happens Pattaya brings out the “idiot” in the newbies. 🙂

Flipper House Hotel

Soi 7 Pattaya Pubs Bars Babes

One of the hotels right in the center of the action, for an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK. 

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

Here are some more posts to check out 

         

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

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

1g Duck

 
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Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

February 8, 2017 by David Herd

A personal photo collection, not a travel blog.

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive 

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive Los Angeles were regular stop off points for me between 1998 & 2005 on my way to Rio di Janeiro. My inspiration to pull out these old (poor quality early digital) photos came from watching Billy Bob Thornton in the series Goliath, which of course was shot in Santa Monica.

My great friend Denise McKay

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

Denise was the main reason to stop in L.A., we met when she was living on the Gold Coast & continued our friendship for a number of years after she moved back to the U.S.A.

Venice Beach

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

Sadly this mural is not there anymore however the photo remains a favourite of mine.

Denise dressed to blend in with the wall. 🙂

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

She is one of those ladies who always looks terrific,

Lunch at Fisherman’s wharf Marina Del Ray

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive Los Angeles

We had the restaurant to ourselves. 🙂

At least it will wash of in a week or so.

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

The only tattoos I like are the ones that wash off. 🙂

 Rodeo Drive

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

I can’t remember where I parked my car.

Oh! here is is. 🙂

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

Yellow matches my Mercedes Sports at home. 🙂

Wiltshire Boulevard

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

Classy neighborhood & classy lady. 🙂

 Back to Santa Monica

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

Outside the New York Deli which was one of my favourite places to eat, sadly I believe it closed in 2010.

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive Los Angeles featuring the Central Garden at the Getty Center

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

There were more than 500 varieties of plants used in the landscaping of the Central Garden.

Patrezia from Salerno

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive Los Angeles

We hooked up with this crazy Italian lady from Salerno, she was a lot ot fun. 🙂

Denise & Petrezia

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

We had a bit to talk about as it was only a year ago when I was in Salerno.

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

Santa Monica Rodeo Drive

Had a great time with Denise in Santa Monica now it was time to head to Rio di Janeiro for Carnival. Thanks for visiting my Santa Monica Rodeo Drive photo blog.

             

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

 
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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

 

 

Check out these great photo blogs.

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Times Square New York City

November 18, 2015 by David Herd

The Big Apple

Times Square New York City

Times Square New York City

 Times Square New York City is one of the world’s most iconic locations. When I last visited in February 2008 I stayed at the Hotel Edison only 100 meters from Broadway.

For an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK.

The fabulous Broadway shows

Times Square New York City

In seven days I saw five Broadway shows. My favourite was A Bronx Tale by Charles Palminteri, closely followed by August Osage County.

A Bronx Tale

Times Square New York City

A small theatre with one man on stage talking about his life, it was fantastic.


Times Square New York City

Times Square New York City

At night Times Square comes alive.

The song said it all

Times Square New York City

They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway…….

Alicia Keys - Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down LIVE @ AOL Sessions

M & M

Times Square New York City

Great colours and lots to see around Times Square.

Gallagher’s Steakhouse at 228 W 52nd St

Times Square New York City

Not quite Times Square but only a short walk away. Gallagher’s lived up to it’s reputation as being on of New York’s best steakhouses, in fact my Surf & Turf could have fed two people easily. I believe the restaurant was refurbished in 2014.

 Times Square New York City

Times Square New York City

There are enough bars, restaurants and shows within a couple of blocks of Times Square to keep you occupied for weeks.

You gotta love New York

Times Square New York City

What a city, I often say to friends, if the cities of the world could be likened to a horse race, New York would win by 10 lengths over the next bunch of cities which would include Paris, London, Sydney, Bangkok, Tokyo, Rome, Rio De Janeiro & Cape Town, not necessarily in that order.

7th Avenue

Times Square New York City

One of my all time favourite photos, I call it “my boulevard of broken dreams.”

Thanks for visiting my Times Square New York City post

Times Square New York City

Please take a look at some of my other posts if you have the time.

Here is a link to my NYC 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

 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

 

Click here to see my post on Uluru in the Australian desert.

 
 

Carnival in Brazil is fantastic

 
 

Tokyo is my 2nd favourite city after New York

 
 

Nobody does it quite like Frank.

Theme From New York New York - Frank Sinatra | Concert Collection

Pattaya webcam

 

That’s all folks

David Herd Thailand

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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London cold winter wind

March 5, 2015 by David Herd

The Shipwrights Arms

London cold winter wind

London cold winter wind

 London cold winter wind & lots of great pubs. I arrived March 1st 2015 the same date I arrived in 2014, at least unlike last year there was no rain, just icy cold wind. At least there are hundreds of great pubs to visit and escape from the wind.

The Hereford Arms

London cold winter wind

about 300 meters from Gloucester Road underground, a delightful little pub with a nice atmosphere and good food.

Hereford Arms

London cold winter wind

About a 8 minute walk from my hotel the Villa Kensington, I had dinner here on 3 occasions.

The Villa Kensington 10-11 Ashburn Gardens SW7

London cold winter wind

This excellent budget hotel is in a great location, only 2 blocks from Gloucester Road underground and surrounded by dozens of good restaurants. I booked through Agoda as usual and stayed in a newly renovated room for only 50 Quid or $98 usd including breakfast. Get a good discount through THIS LINK.

London cold winter wind

London cold winter wind

London cold winter wind and sunshine, but as I said before, the wind was icy. 🙂  

 Enoteca da Luca

London cold winter wind

I stumbled this delightful Italian restaurant at 21 Wattling St which is very close to St Pauls Cathredral.

Enoteca da Luca

London cold winter wind

  The Terrine was excellent as was the red wine. I found the wine a little expensive however sadly I think that is just the norm in London.  

Here is Julia at Enoteca da Luca

London cold winter wind

An excellent wine selection at Enoteca da luca, apparently there are a couple of other branches of this restaurant as well.

Jamie Oliver Barbecoa

London cold winter wind

  Also is Wattling Street is this fabulous Jamie Oliver butchery.  

London cold winter wind at St Pauls Cathredal

London cold winter wind

     It’s so cold even the statues are hugging.

The Walkie Talkie and The Gherkin

London cold winter wind

  There are some incredible glass skyscrapers being built in London.   Check out my post of these exciting new buildings.

The Tower Bridge

London cold winter wind

The Tower bridge is still one of London’s best places to visit and photograph.

Leadenhall Market

London cold winter wind

Quite a beautiful old building.

The Bloomsbury Tavern 236 Shaftsbury Avenue

London cold winter wind

Typical London architecture.

The Princess Louise

London cold winter wind

Princess Louise 208 High Holborn is a traditional English pub that is very popular at lunch time. I enjoyed a nice sandwich and a couple of bloody Mary’s.

For London & UK hotels there are great discounts through this link.

The Princess Louise

London cold winter wind

One of the great joys of visiting London are the unique pubs.

Little Venice near Paddington station

 

London cold winter wind

My first visit to this area triggered by a crime novel I recently read. 🙂

Nice cafe in Little Venice

London cold winter wind

Coffee and cake at this delightful cafe.

Newton Abbott in Devon

London cold winter wind

I an find only two reasons anybody would want to visit Newton Abbott in Devon. First I understand it is quite famous for horse racing, secondly, and this was my reason, there is a low security prison where I paid a very good friend a visit. This is the 4th English prison I have been to in the last 8 years. Last year it was Stafford, before that Dovegate and finally Dorchester.

London Underground

London cold winter wind

If you are spending a few days in London make sure you buy an Oyster Card for the underground as well as the London busses. Only 30 Quid for unlimited travel, a terrific saving.

Holiday Inn Kensington

London cold winter wind

  This is also a terrific location, in fact it is opposite my budget hotel the Villa Kensington. There is a huge price difference, 300 Quid for the Holiday inn  and 65 for Villa Kensington.  

One of my favourite songs about London.

Thanks for visiting my London cold winter wind photo blog.

                   Please check out these fabulous 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
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)

 

Here are the fantastic new London buildings

 

Before I arrived in London I spent 4 days in Istanbul

 

Check out my blog on the rest of my fabulous trip.

 

A stand out feature of this trip was my selection of hotels and apartments, everyone of them was in a perfect location…

Posted by Travel blogger Fivestarvagabond.com” on Thursday, March 26, 2015

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

 


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Capetown-waterfront-VA

March 11, 2014
by David Herd
Comments Off on Visited Seven Super Cities 2014

Visited Seven Super Cities 2014

First stop Hong Kong Seven Super Cities 2014 Visited Seven Super Cities 2014, left in February I traveled over a period of 5 weeks to Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Capetown & Sydney. It may well be my last … Continue reading

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf

December 15, 2013 by David Herd

The city of San Francisco

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf are synonymous with  San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate strait, the mile-wide, three-mile-long channel between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The structure links the U.S. city of San Francisco, on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, to Marin County. It is one of the most internationally recognised symbols of San Francisco, California, and the United States. It has been declared one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Trans America Pyramid

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf

The Transamerica Pyramid is the tallest skyscraper in the San Francisco skyline. The building no longer houses the headquarters of the Transamerica Corporation, who moved their U.S. headquarters to Baltimore, MD, but it is still associated with the company and is depicted in the company’s logo. Designed by architect William Pereira and built by Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company, at 260 m (850 ft), on completion in 1972 it was the eighth tallest building in the world.

San Francisco Ferry Building.

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf

The San Francisco Ferry Building is a terminal for ferries that travel across the San Francisco Bay, a marketplace, and also has offices, located on The Embarcadero in San Francisco.

Spear Street

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf

It was 2005 when I visited SFC on my way to Rio de Janeiro for Carnival.

St Francis of Assisi church

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf

Situated in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Italian neighbourhood, the Norman Gothic Church of Saint Francis of Assisi was dedicated as a parish church on 17 March 1860. The twin towers and walls survived the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, but the interior was gutted. The parish built a new church within the surviving walls and rededicated it on 2 March 1919.

Aquarium of the Bay.

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf

Aquarium of the Bay is a public aquarium located at Embarcadero and Beach Street, at the edge of Pier 39 in San Francisco, California. The Aquarium is focused on local aquatic animals from the San Francisco Bay and neighbouring waters.

Please click on Google + to help my page ranking.

 

Alcatraz.

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf

Alcatraz Island is located in the San Francisco Bay, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) offshore from San Francisco, California, United States. Often referred to as “The Rock”, the small island was developed with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison (1868), and a federal prison from 1933 until 1963. Beginning in November 1969, the island was occupied for more than 19 months by a group of Aboriginal peoples from San Francisco who were part of a wave of Native activism across the nation with public protests through the 1970s. In 1972, Alcatraz became a national recreation area and received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf Pier 39 Sea Lions

Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf

A few California sea lions began “hauling out” on PIER 39′s K-Dock shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake hit San Francisco in October 1989. By January 1990, the boisterous barking pinnipeds started to arrive in droves and completely took over K-Dock, much to the exasperation of PIER 39′s Marina tenants. The Marina Staff turned to The Marine Mammal Center, an organization devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals, for advice about their new slippery tenants. After much debate and research, the experts from The Marine Mammal Center recommended that the sea lions stay in their new found home.

With a plentiful supply of food from the Bay and an environment protected from predators, the PIER 39 Marina proved to be an ideal living situation for the sea lions. Within a few short months, the number of sea lions grew to more than 300 and hit an all-time record of 1,701 in November 2009.

While the number of sea lions at K-Dock rise and fall with the seasons, available food supply and natural migration patterns, the world famous sea lions always have a home at PIER 39.

Ferry Plaza Seafood

Golden Gate Fisherman's Wharf

Ferry Plaza Seafood is one of the original tenants from the initial revitalization project of the San Francisco Ferry Building. People ask us all the time if we are a family owned restaurant, the answer is that we are not a family owned restaurant, but we all feel like family. Our story is pretty simple, our owner was a frequent guest of Swan’s Oyster Depot. 

She was inspired by their menu and wanted to open a restaurant that served the kind of fresh seafood she always wanted to eat with a spectacular view. She found it really difficult to find affordable seafood that wasn’t blackened, fried, covered in bread crumbs or sauced up in some mysterious way. You will often see her at the restaurant and she is likely to sit down and have a cup of tea or a glass of wine with you. Probably she will ask you if you “watched the game on Sunday? Or if you liked your fish?”

He is doing a shucking good job.

Golden Gate Fisherman's Wharf

The mussels were OK but I do prefer oysters.

 Mussels, fresh bread & a cold beer.

Golden Gate Fisherman's Wharf

Golden Gate Fisherman’s Wharf and fresh seafood, what more could you want?

David Herd at Fisherman’s wharf

Golden Gate Fisherman's Wharf

Thanks for visiting my San Francisco post & apologies for the silly little beard. The one I have now is much better.  😳

Flashback to 1982

Golden Gate Fisherman's Wharf

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because my air conditioned car was just a few meters away. 🙂

I remember driving from Las Vegas to San Francisco in 1982 through Death Valley then down the coast to L.A.

It was sad to see the number of homeless begging on street corners, in fact on many corners in the city there were four each taking up one corner of the intersection. This song could be about any of them. Take it away Otis.

 

Golden Gate Fishermans wharf

Golden Gate Fisherman's Wharf

   Thanks for visiting my Golden Gate Fishermans Wharf photo blog, now I am heading for Rio de Janeiro via Miami.
 
 
  Please check out these fabulous posts 
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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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

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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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               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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HCM city is fantastic

 

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South Beach Miami

November 22, 2013 by David Herd

Art Deco South Beach

South Beach Miami

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

Hotel Shelley South Beach

Art Deco South Beach Miami

One of the many iconic hotels on South Beach Miami.

South Beach Miami

Art Deco South Beach Miami

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

How many movies has this deli been in?

South Beach Miami

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

The famous life guard towers

South Beach Miami

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

Quintessential South Beach Miami

Art Deco South Beach Miami

Such well known landmarks that is quintessential South Beach Miami.

The local sheriff

South Beach Miami

He is exercising his 2nd amendment rights. 🙂

Beautiful white sand on South beach.

South Beach Miami

Certainly one of the world’s best beach scenes.

Lots of bars & cafes opposite the beach.

South Beach Miami

Lots of cafes and restaurants along the strip.

Finnegans Way.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

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

Drinking JD on South Beach Miami

South Beach Miami

Drinks with the manager of Finnegans Way on South Beach.

South Beach Miami, river cruise.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

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

Open the bridge, we are coming through.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

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

Huge condo block.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

Luxury hotels and condos are everywhere in Miami.

South Beach Miami, condos on the beach.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

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

Nice little runabout.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

Beautiful classic timber runabout.

Nice big runabout.

South Beach Miami

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

Very nice little shack.

Art Deco South Beach Miami

Obviously there is lots of money in Miami.

Nice big shack

Art Deco South Beach Miami

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

The Versace home

South Beach Miami

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

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

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

1g Duck

 

 
 

Beautiful samba dancers in Brazil

 

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Beautiful Barcelona, put it on your bucket list

 

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New York worlds best city

August 22, 2013 by David Herd

My favourite photo in my favourite city.

New York worlds best city

“my boulevard of broken dreams”

New York world's best city

New York worlds best city, & I like to call the photo above “my boulevard of broken dreams”, 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. As I said before New York is my favorite city, I like to say to friends, if the cities of the world could be likened to a horse race, New York would win by 10 lengths over the next bunch of cities which would include Paris, London, Sydney, Bangkok, Tokyo, Rome, Rio De Janeiro & Cape Town, not necessarily in that order.

Midtown New York.

New York world's best city

Theater, food & fascinating people is what New York is to me, on my last trip I saw 5 Broadway shows in 7 days, my favorite two were August Osage County & A Bronx Tale by Charles Palminteri, which was a fabulous one man show. Ceila was also very good, a musical based on the life and songs of Cuban singer Celia Cruz.  Mama Mia was a lot of fun for Abba fans like myself, and last but not least I saw Spamalot, which was a gem for us Monty Python tragics.

You can feel the energy

NYC New York world's best city

This city really grabs you. 🙂

Gallagher’s Steakhouse at 228 W 52nd St

New York world's best city

Certainly Gallagher’s lived up to it’s reputation as being on of New York’s best steakhouses, in fact my Surf & Turf could have fed two people easily. Another absolute favorite on mine is Todai, a Japanese buffet at 6 E. 32nd St. The choice of food was amazing, in fact the restaurant is so large you can enter from 32nd St and exit from 33rd St, one whole city block. It was the best value I found in New York for $29.95, priceless.

Gallagher’s will not be the same

New York world's best city

I believe Gallagher’s is being renovated in September 2013 so it will obviously change somewhat. I’m sure however the food will still be excellent.

Aged beef at Gallagher’s

New York world's best city

Naturally all their meat is aged and on display as you enter the restaurant.

David Herd on Wall St.

New York world's best city

Without a doubt I was the quintessential wide-eyed traveller wandering around the streets of this great city, jumping on and off trains, busses & ferries and silently complaining that there were not enough hours in the day to do the city justice.

I’ll have a double decaf skinny latte to go please.

New York world's best city

If I was the quintessential traveller then the guys above were the quintessential New Yorkers, everyone in the city seems to walk around wearing denim & black & gripping a take away coffee, Starbucks must make a fortune.

  I wonder if they allow dogs here?

New York world's best city

The outfit and the dogs seem to go together. 🙂

New York Deli

New York world's best city

A typical NYC deli, you can usually get a great sandwich.

Cnr Bleecker and Macdougal Streets, now closed.

New York world's best city

There are so many places you remember from various movies,

NYC New York world’s best city & Snowing in Harlem

12th NYC (32)

Yes, it was bloody cold.

Rockefeller Center

NYC New York world's best city

Ice skaters enjoying the winter.

Phil barkin and Gordon Shanks

NYC New York world's best city

I originally met these guys in Rio de Janeiro, now in 2015 I live in Thailand and both of them are regular visitors to Pattaya.

Todai Sushi

New York world's best city

Was at 6 E 32nd St where the great buffet was only $29, sadly the restaurant is now closed.

Empire State building

New York world's best city

Probably the most iconic building in this great city.

View from Battery Park.

New York world's best city

Every single area in Manhattan is worth visiting.

 New York world’s best city The Brooklyn Bridge

 

New York world's best city

You certainly can’t visit New York without seeing the Brooklyn bridge. The Bridge is is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Completed in 1883, it connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River.

Freezing in New York in February.

New York world's best city

Of course I had just arrived from Brazil where temperatures were around 35 degrees.

Staten Island Ferry

New York world's best city

 The ferry operates 24/7 & runs 5.2 miles between Manhattan and Staten Island. In October 2002 a Staten Island ferry slammed into a pier as it was docking killing at least 10 people, tearing off some victims’ limbs and reducing the front of the huge vessel to a shattered mass of wood, glass and steel. At least 34 people were injured.

Cross dressing tour guide

New York world's best city

Nothing surprises you in NYC, this is our cross dressing tour guide on the tour bus.

Brooklyn home

New York world's best city

The open top buses are a great way to view New York, I took one that included Brooklyn and as you know, you can hop on & off any time you want.

The Peking Clipper

NYC New York world's best city

The masts and rigging of the South Street Seaport Museum’s clipper ship, Peking, tower over Pier 16. No visitor to the Seaport could miss seeing this titan that stretches almost the full length of the pier. But it has been years since members of the public have been able to climb aboard. On Saturdays through Oct. 19 2013, the Peking is open to visitors from noon to 4 p.m. Peking was built in Hamburg, Germany 102 years ago to transport nitrate from the west coast of South America to Europe. Even at that time, sailing ships had mostly been replaced by steamships except for long trips with heavy cargo, where the cost of fuel would have been prohibitive.

The Edison hotel

New York world's best city

The Edison hotel at  228 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, is fairly old, built in 1931 in fact, however the location is perfect. In the heart of the theatre district just off Times Square. I spent some pleasant evenings listening to the jazz band. OK, there are 101 great photos in this slideshow to show you why New York is my favorite city, you only have to ask yourself one question, “do you have the time punk”?  😆

For a good discount at the Edison or elsewhere just book through THIS LINK.

New York world’s best city Times Square 1908 

New York world's best city

What an amazing photo in New York world’s best city.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

New York world's best city

Certainly one of the best ways to see this wonderful city.

 

new york alicia keys

Well folks, thank you for visiting my photo blog on New York world’s best city, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed being in my favourite city.

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

                            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

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

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

1g Duck

 

Click here to see my post on Uluru in the Australian desert.

 

Carnival in Brazil is fantastic

 

Tokyo is my 2nd favourite city after New York

 

Nobody does it quite like Frank.

Theme From New York New York - Frank Sinatra | Concert Collection

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