Wine Connection Central World Bangkok is called the Grill at the Groove, & is ideally located in the best location in Ratchaprasong district, this central business district is easily accessible via three different Skywalk links between BTS Siam station and BTS Chitlom Station.
Each Wine Connection restaurant has a liquor store where you can purchase wines from all over the world at very reasonable prices.
Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect place to live for a guy like me. Good friends & great restaurants, what more could I want? Plus a reasonably short plane ride to many outstanding locations. Above is the incredible view from my Markland apartment on the 20th floor.
We went to Chiang Mai for 4 days which was excellent then 8 days in Cambodiawhich was not so good. Reason being we all caught a dose of the flu which really took the shine off our holiday.
A terrific beach side restaurant with very good food.
Surf & Turf hamburger
Guaranteed to fix your appetite.
Geriatrics are us. 🙂
I think the combined ages were 272 years, from the right we have David Herd, Richard (Stingy) Blair, John Hunjadi & David Robertson who is even more Stingy than Stingy. 🙂
Bali Hai wharf.
This was supposed to be completed by October 2017, however given the fact that this is Thailand it will more likely be Xmas 2018.
And so this is Xmas….
Light show at the A-One hotel.
One last Mantra dinner on December 28
Hamish & I had a 20% discount voucher. 🙂
Fabulous food as usual.
Finally on the subject of food which is very dear to my hear.
Fresh prawns & Aussie lamb chops & cutlets from Big C.
Now you can understand why I make the following claim “Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect.”
Newport peninsular Sydney is my personal photo history not part of my travel blog.
Newport peninsular Sydney
Newport peninsular Sydney was my home for three years from 1984 to 1987. After becoming engaged to a beautiful Melbourne lady Karen Smith, I purchased a timber home perched on a hill above the Royal Motor Yacht Club. The cost was $128k, and I sold it after our engagement fizzled out 4 years later for $360K. I guess it would be worth nearly 2 million dollars today.
Absolutely gorgeous.
As you can see Karen was a beautiful lady, it took me anther 10 years before I realised I was just not cut out for marriage or long term relationships. There is probably a multitude of reasons why, fear of commitment, too independent etc etc.
Dinner party at Herbert Avenue
We were very happy at Newport 80% of the time, I tried hard to settle down and enjoy life as a couple, every now and then however the “call of the wild” would interrupt our utopia.
Wolf Wottke (with the beard) had been my best friend for a number of years, I left him renting my Drummoyne apartment for a year or so until I got fed up chasing the rent. Consequently I sold it which in hindsight was probably a mistake.
Lots of birds & wildlife
These beautiful Rainbow Lorikeets would visit every day for their snack on the balcony.
Life was very good
I had all the toys, a beautiful Mercedes Sports, a cabin cruiser moored at the yacht club, a liquor store in Sydenham which I was in the process of selling and a good sales job with Canon Australia.
Lion Island
This great photo (excuse the quality) was taken on Lion Island in the Hawksbury River, from left to right we have Graham La Roche aka “Biff”, his girlfriend at the time Mona,Ross Ansell from Melbourne and Karen Smith & I.
Me Tarzan
Ross doing his Tarzan impersonation on Lion Island.
31 Herbert Avenue Newport
About 25 years later around 2012 I paid a visit to Herbert Avenue to see if things had changed. Apart from the colour scheme and far less vegetation nothing much had changed.
Another day on Pittwater
My good friend Tony Murphy and his beautiful wife Inge join Karen & I on my 26 foot cabin cruiser. After 29 years I caught up with Inge in Melbourne in 2014.
My back veranda overlooked Bayview
Here is my good friend Paul Slaughter with two gorgeous girls, on the left is Trish and on the right an old girlfriend of mine Shirley.
Big Tim Bristow, dinner at Herbert Avenue.
Tim Bristow was a friend of mine dating back from the time we met in 1971 when he was on my tail to give me a hiding, but that’s another story just follow THIS LINK. In the 70s just the name Tim Bristow struck fear into the heart of all those who knew him, an enforcer with a reputation of being one of the most brutal street fighters in Australia. Put simply he was legend, a bouncer at the Newport Arms hotel, would be contenders for his crown would travel from all over Sydney to try their luck, many came and all of them were sent packing battered and bruised.
Sydenham Cellars
I sold my liquor store in late 1984 which took the pressure off me. I had been working with Canon for a few months and travelling to Sydenham (a one hour drive each way) at weekends to work in the liquor store. Meanwhile I dug a wine cellar underneath my Newport home and stored a huge amount of wine that I took home from the shop.
Unwins Bridge Road
That’s Madison my beautiful 4 year old German Shepherd who used to diligently guard the store overnight.
Brian Millard on Newport peninsular Sydney
Brian was a boat broker at Newport and a regular drinker at the Newport Arms hotel. He lived just up the road at Bungan Beach before moving to Noosa where I believe he still resides.
Richard on the left and Rob Carnahan
Two very nice guys who were customers of mine when I was with Canon. Their office was opposites the Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay so more often than not we would meet in the pub.
A bunch of my nephews & nieces come to visit.
Amazing seeing these old photos, all of these cute kids now have children of their own.
Sue and John Heatherington
A lovely couple who lived in the next street from us, John also worked at Canon in the computer division.
Malaysia 1985
John & Sue, Karen & I went on a Canon conference to Penang, here we are driving from Penang to Singapore via Kuala Lumpur.
Singapore Xmas 1985
Here we are in Singapore, notice the cigarette. I smoke on and off for most of my life until 2003. Usually 2 or 3 years then I would quit for a similar time before returning to the grip of the nicotine.
Newport peninsular Sydney with Phil Parkinson
Phil has lived most of his life on the Newport peninsular Sydney and I believe still does in 2016. He is the brother of my ex girlfriend Di Parkinson.
Melbourne Cup 1985
Karen & I at the cup with friends including another ex girlfriend Helen Burkewho is on the left of the photo. Helen has a vineyard at Dromana on the Mornington Peninsular, I spent a few day there in October 2014 drinking wine with her and her partner Jack.
Oscars Coolangatta 1985
I can’t remember the name of the beautiful dark haired princess, she was the girlfriend of my crazy chiropractor from North Sydney.
Newport peninsular Sydney
Prior to buying my cabin cruiser I had this little run-about, it was a lot of fun, do you like the name?
Another guy from my rogues gallery.
Danny Rose one of Adelaide’s true characters, we had a day of the water, you can see “Stamped Urgent” in the background.
Beautiful Karen Smith
Certainly my life on the Newport peninsular Sydney revolved around lots of good friends and my beautiful fiancee Karen. My thanks to her for being the most important part of my life for those great years.
Thanks also to you for visiting my Newport peninsular Sydney photo blog.
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
Sokha Beach Resort Sihanoukville has a great pool & a beautiful private sandy beach. Exceptional food & very good rooms, what more could you possibly want? 🙂
Pool bar
Cocktails or a cold beers at the pool bar.
There are two room sections, we stayed at the cheaper option, the Sokha Express. You still have full use of all the facilities, for a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.
Rarely were there many pople in the pool which made it absolutely ideal.
But wait, there’s more……
The beautiful beach has pure white sand and warm tropical water.
The beach goes on forever, where are the people???
Generally Asian people like to stay out of the sun so us foreigners have the place to ourselves. 🙂
The main building
Breakfast is served here & it’s as good as it gets a you can imagine.
The property is huge
The deck is around 500 meters from the main building & pool. It’s worth the walk however, you have the choice of two excellent restaurants, Lemongrass & the Lotus.
Why do they call it “The Deck”?
Well it’s pretty bloody obvious if you ask me. 🙂
Lemongrass Restaurant
Food was very good & the place almost deserted.
Soup to die for.
I really do love my soup.
Serendipity Beach
This is where most people dine at night, it’s the net beach & all the action is here. Only a 10 minute Tuk Tuk ride.
Tuk Tuk
The ten minute ride to Serendipity is only $2 or $3 USD.
Lovely ladies They were working at a wedding that was in the hotel grounds.
This is supposed to be happy hour. 🙂
Nobody looks happy, & in fact there certainly were not. 🙂
Drinks are 2 for one at happy hour between 5 & 7 pm.
Pizzas & burgers are reasonably priced as well.
The Beach Bar
Sadly is closes around 7.30 pm.
I guess they want you at their casino.
Part of the hotel & when we went there there were more staff than customers.
Sadly this lovely coastal village is never going to be the same, just read THIS STORY.
Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai Thailand, Wat Ban Den is the most impressive I have ever seen. It was totally renovated in 1998 after the new Abbott Kru Ba Tuang raised huge amounts of money from people all over the country.
Work is still in progress
As you can see from the first 2 photos work is still in progress. 🙂
Incredible works of art
The detail and the beauty really takes your breath away.
They could be twins. 🙂
Patrick Taylor is an Aussie living in Singapore, he loves having his photo taken & is fully certified selfie expert. 🙂
The Tigers are here.
Everywhere you look there is another fabulous statue.
Totally spectacular
As I said before Wat Ban Den is the most impressive Thai Temple I have ever seen.
Absolutely brand new.
It’s a huge credit to Abbott Kru Ba Tuang & all the generous Buddhists who donated money to completely renovate the original structures as well as adding new.
Magnificent dragon
This would be a great location for an Asian version of “Game of Thrones.” 🙂
Renovated in 1804 & 1998.
In 1804, Kruba Thueang Natsilo, a former abbot, also had the temple renovated. It became far more exquisite with Lanna-style architecture. The abbot intended to turn it into a beautiful place of worship with religious teachings. He hoped this would attract more people to the temple so that they would have a chance to learn about the religion.
Ring the bell folks. 🙂
The temple stands prominently on top of a small hill and can be easily seen from afar.
Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai Thailand
As you can clearly see this Temple is a photographer’s dream.
Attention to detail…
Perfection is everywhere you look.
My favorite shot
I think I captured a special moment here.
Reach for the sky
Surely this has to inspire you? 🙂
Patrick & I enjoying Wat Van Den
As you can see Pat is a very tall happy character.
I have found a new friend.
Many thanks for visiting my Remarkable Temple Chiang Mai Thailand photo blog.
Buildings Chao Phraya River Bangkok are one of the many interesting sights in this great city. Take the Sky Train to Saphan Taksin station or grab a taxi. The river ferries leave from just below the station.
Above is the free shuttle to Asiatique an excellent night market 10 minutes away. Lots of terrific restaurants, be careful if you want to take a taxi home from there, they will quote B400 for an B80 ride, the Bangkok taxi Mafia is in full operation here.
Sathorn Unique Tower
Planned as a high-rise condominium complex, construction of the building was halted during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, when it was about 80 percent complete. It’s now the most prominent of Bangkok’s many derelict buildings, and has become a destination for urban explorers.
One of the many skyscrapers.
Bangkok is really going through a building boom, particularly along the mighty Chao Praya river.
One of the very tall buildings.
Check out my Bangkok building photo blog on THIS LINK.
Sunset on the river
There are many ferries large & small taking people on a cruise along the mighty Chao Phraya river, follow THIS LINK for another of my photo blogs.
Sirocco Sky Bar is the world’s highest open-air bar on the 64th floor of the State Tower located on Silom Road, Bang Rak business district, Bangkok, Thailand, the second tallest building in Thailand.
Centre Point Hotel Silom is the white building close to the State Tower, excellent 45 M2 rooms, for a discounted room rate just book through THIS LINK.
All shapes & sizes
So many interesting boats on the river.
Buildings Chao Phraya River Bangkok
How would you ever find a life-jacket if there was a problem with the ferry?
Thanks for visiting my Buildings Chao Phraya River Bangkok photo blog, follow THIS LINK for the Asiatique market.
Spectacular Bangkok Sky Bars, I really doubt if any city in the world has as many amazing rooftop bar/restaurants than Bangkok. This photo is from the 56th floor of the Red Sky Bar located above CentralWorld.
Generally as you can imagine Sky Bars are expensive venues, however between 5 & 7 pm buy one get one free is a good deal, for instance a Jack Daniels or a beer is B360 or $10.50 usd, so getting 2 for 1 is a good value.
Long Table sky bar Bangkok is located on the 25th floor of the Colomn serviced apartments in Soi 16 Asoke. Obviously not as high as many of the Bangkok sky bars but still offers an incredible view of this great city.
I rate Longtable 4 stars.
Spectacular entrance
Walk in the door and this is the fabulous view of Bangkok. Obviously not as high as many of the Bangkok sky bars but still offers an incredible view of this great city. Photo credit Asia Web Direct.
Use THIS LINK for a great rate of around $80 USD + tax for a 62 M2 serviced apartment.
Another spectacular venue to add to the many other “must do” places to visit in this great city. Located between Sukhumvit 69 & 71 only five minutes walk from Phra Khanong BTS station.
A small beautifully designed intimate restaurant
The Cielo Sky Bar & Restaurant menu caters to a variety of budgets and offers a small selection of well known international dishes. Try the simple Spaghetti Carbonara (250 Baht), the fancy Roasted Duck with Fresh Orange Thyme Sauce (320 Baht), or for those wanting to splash out: the grilled Australian ribeye steak (850 Baht).
Sirocco Sky Bar State Tower Bangkok is one of the best rooftop restaurants bars in the world. In fact I really doubt if any city in the world has more roof top bars than Bangkok. I would certainly like to know if there is any place more spectacular than Siroccowhich is located of the 64th floor of the State Tower building in Bangkok.
I rate Sirocco 5 stars.
Top floor Lebua Hotel
Great location close to the Sky Train and the river ferries. One of the nicest ways to spend an hour in Bangkok is cruising along the mighty Chao Phraya river. The river ferry takes you up the lazy river for only B150 for the whole day. It is a great way to see many of Bangkok’s wonderful landmarks. A ticket to Chinatown is only B40, get off at pier number 5 at Ratchawong and walk 10 minutes up the road.
For a great room rate at the Lebua Hotel just book throughh THIS LINK.
Located on the 38th floor of theMode Sathorn Hotelwhich is right next door to Surasak sky train. A nice relaxing atmosphere and the drinks are rather expensive as you would expect.
Rawiwan (Lucknam) Thaikam @ Roof 38
The lovely lady is the Roof manager, very friendly with a beautiful smile. She has worked at some other bangkok Roof bars and I think the 38 bars is very lucky to have her on the staff.
Brewski Sky Bar Radisson Blu Bangkok on Sukhumvit Road near Soi 25 claim to be the only rooftop craft beer bar in Bangkok. I’m not into craft beers however an Asahi bottle was reasonably prices at B160, or $4.50 USD.
Book your Bangkok hotel through THIS LINK for a great discount, you can pay later or cancel if you wish.
On the left is the Westin Hotel which is next door to Terminal 21, & on the right is the Sheraton.
I rate Sofitel 4.5 stars.
Farewell from the Sofitel & the Spectacular Bangkok Sky Bars
Thanks for visiting my Spectacular Bangkok Sky Bars photo blog. One popular Sky Bar Cloud 47 closed the end of March, see the story on THIS LINK. Soon I will reveiw Above 11 & the new Park Hyatt which open on May 12th 2017.
Book your Bangkok hotel through THIS LINK for a great discount, you can pay later or cancel if you wish.
iCheck Inn Soi 11
When I’m in Bangkok I like to stay in Sukhumvit Soi 11, here is an excellent budget hotel, if you USE THIS LINKyou will get a great rate of around B1100 per night, or $30 USD.
Please check out some of the most popular below, and thank you for visiting.
Pirate Chambre Excellent Bangkok Restaurant at Chit Lom, a little hard to find the restaurant’s entrance located on the 3rd floor of the Maneeya Centre building, which directly links to BTS Chit Lom at the Siam end.
Pirate Chambre Excellent Bangkok Restaurant
Walk down the narrow stairs & through the bar into the beautiful restaurant.
Excellent decor
I really like the fact the tables are not too close together which certainly improves the atmosphere.
Book your Bangkok hotel through THIS LINK for a great discount, you can pay later or cancel if you wish.
Baked seafood entree
This tasty dish is prepared and served in a traditional snail serving tray.
This is a superb dish beautiful served
This superb entree featured morsels of French mussels, clams & prawns, flavoured & baked with herb butter, cheddar, Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
If you lean closer to the screen I’m sure you will be able to smell the garlic. 🙂
An important message
This really is the best advice I can give you. 🙂
Beef Ribs
Another dish cooked perfectly was the bone-in braised beef short rib in red wine sauce (750 baht), slow-cooked until the meat became soft and fell off the bone, yet still retained a pleasant chewy texture. Notice the packet of baked garlic which was very tasty indeed.
A choice of vegetables
Choose the vegetables that you prefer with your ribs.
Here is my favourite main course
The slow cooked lamb shank is absolutely delicious.
Anyone for cake?
It would not be a proper Italian restaurant without cake. 🙂
Many thanks for visiting my Pirate Chambre Excellent Bangkok Restaurant photo blog.
Book your Bangkok hotel through THIS LINK for a great discount, you can pay later or cancel if you wish.
Location
Hard to find but persevere. 🙂
iCheck Inn Soi 11
When I’m in Bangkok I like to stay in Sukhumvit Soi 11, here is an excellent budget hotel, if you USE THIS LINKyou will get a great rate of around B1100 per night, or $30 USD.
Spectacular Bangkok Rooftop Bars, I really doubt if any city in the world has as many amazing skybar/restaurants than Bangkok. This photo is from the 56th floor of the Red Sky Bar located abbove CentralWorld.
Generally as you can imagine Sky Bars are expensive venues, however between 5 & 7 pm buy one get one free is a good deal, for instance a Jack Daniels or a beer is B360 or $10.50 usd, so getting 2 for 1 is a good value.
Long Table sky bar Bangkok is located on the 25th floor of the Colomn serviced apartments in Soi 16 Asoke. Obviously not as high as many of the Bangkok sky bars but still offers an incredible view of this great city.
I rate Longtable 4 stars.
Spectacular entrance
Walk in the door and this is the fabulous view of Bangkok. Obviously not as high as many of the Bangkok sky bars but still offers an incredible view of this great city. Photo credit Asia Web Direct.
Use THIS LINK for a great rate of around $80 USD + tax for a 62 M2 serviced apartment.
Another spectacular venue to add to the many other “must do” places to visit in this great city. Located between Sukhumvit 69 & 71 only five minutes walk from Phra Khanong BTS station.
A small beautifully designed intimate restaurant
The Cielo Sky Bar & Restaurant menu caters to a variety of budgets and offers a small selection of well known international dishes. Try the simple Spaghetti Carbonara (250 Baht), the fancy Roasted Duck with Fresh Orange Thyme Sauce (320 Baht), or for those wanting to splash out: the grilled Australian ribeye steak (850 Baht).
Sirocco Sky Bar State Tower Bangkok is one of the best rooftop restaurants bars in the world. In fact I really doubt if any city in the world has more roof top bars than Bangkok. I would certainly like to know if there is any place more spectacular than Siroccowhich is located of the 64th floor of the State Tower building in Bangkok.
I rate Sirocco 5 stars.
Top floor Lebua Hotel
Great location close to the Sky Train and the river ferries. One of the nicest ways to spend an hour in Bangkok is cruising along the mighty Chao Phraya river. The river ferry takes you up the lazy river for only B150 for the whole day. It is a great way to see many of Bangkok’s wonderful landmarks. A ticket to Chinatown is only B40, get off at pier number 5 at Ratchawong and walk 10 minutes up the road.
For a great room rate at the Lebua Hotel just book throughh THIS LINK.
Located on the 38th floor of theMode Sathorn Hotelwhich is right next door to Surasak sky train. A nice relaxing atmosphere and the drinks are rather expensive as you would expect.
Rawiwan (Lucknam) Thaikam @ Roof 38
The lovely lady is the Roof manager, very friendly with a beautiful smile. She has worked at some other bangkok Roof bars and I think the 38 bars is very lucky to have her on the staff.
Brewski Sky Bar Radisson Blu Bangkok on Sukhumvit Road near Soi 25 claim to be the only rooftop craft beer bar in Bangkok. I’m not into craft beers however an Asahi bottle was reasonably prices at B160, or $4.50 USD.
On the left is the Westin Hotel which is next door to Terminal 21, & on the right is the Sheraton.
I rate Sofitel 4.5 stars.
Spectacular Bangkok Rooftop Bars
Thanks for visiting my Spectacular Bangkok Rooftop Bars photo blog. One popular Sky Bar Cloud 47 closed the end of March, see the story on THIS LINK. Soon I will reveiw Above 11 & the new Park Hyatt which openen on May 12th 2017.
Book your Bangkok hotel through THIS LINK for a great discount, you can pay later or cancel if you wish.
iCheck Inn Soi 11
When I’m in Bangkok I like to stay in Sukhumvit Soi 11, here is an excellent budget hotel, if you USE THIS LINKyou will get a great rate of around B1100 per night, or $30 USD.
Please check out some of the most popular below, and thank you for visiting.
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.
Asoke Nana Sukhumvit Bangkok starting at Terminal which is adjacent to the Grande Centre Point Hotel. You will notice the Sheraton on the left & the Westin in the middle.
Rooftop Restaurant Bar is on the 32nd floor of the hotel. L’Appart restaurant at the recently opened Sofitel, a delightful multi-faceted venue occupying the entire 32nd top floor of the hotel tower.
Passing traffic
Glad to see the driver wearing a helmet, helmet! What helmet? I don’t see a helmet. 🙂
New bar in Soi 11 Nana.
Opening night Friday February 10 2017.
The drummers & the Golden Girls.
Luckily I was on the VIP list at “8 on Eleven” & enjoyed a couple of hours drinking Moscow Mules, a classy place that should succeed.
Asoke Nana Sukhumvit Bangkok Russian Golden Girls
These four girls looked rather spectacular.
Late night snack
I really love this photo, it sums up a typical 5am Bangkok morning.
Thanks for visiting my Asoke Nana Sukhumvit Bangkok photo blog.
iCheck Inn Soi 11
When I’m in Bangkok I like to stay in Sukhumvit Soi 11, here is an excellent budget hotel, if you USE THIS LINKyou will get a great rate of around B1100 per night, or $30 USD.
Wine Connection Central World Bangkok is called the Grill at the Groove, & is ideally located in the best location in Ratchaprasong district, this central business district is easily accessible via three different Skywalk links between BTS Siam station and BTS Chitlom Station.
These guys really earn their money.
They both love the food at Wine Connection.
My favourite dish at Wine Connection Central World.
The bar area is rather spectacular as you can clearly see.
The terrific slow cooked lamb shank.
