13. March 2005 07:33 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Mum and Dad in Sydney 2005 13. March 2005 07:33 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetmum and dad in sydneyShareAt the end of 2005 my Mum and Dad escaped the winter in Denmark by travelling to Sydney for a couple of weeks. They stayed here over Christmas and New Years Eve. While they were here we went for a drive up to Graemes house at Taylors Lake near Port Macquarie where we Christmas Eve cooking traditional danish Roast Duck, and Ris-a-la-mande. New years even we celebrated at Graemes place at McMahons Point here in Sydney. New Years day was the hottest on record...48 degrees. Click here to see more photos from: Christmas and New Years Eve 2005/Slideshow
14. November 2004 12:59 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Afternoon Sailing in a Felucca 14. November 2004 12:59 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetafternoon sailing in a feluccaShare
14. November 2004 12:58 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Grandchildren's Meal for Bedstemor 14. November 2004 12:58 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetgrandchildren s meal for bedstemorShare Normally Bedstemor's fest is for paid by her children, but this year, all of Bestemor's grandchildren decided to also treat the family in return. They chose the Italian restaurant in the hotel. It was a 3-course set menu at US$8 per person. For starters, it was thin minestrone with salad vegetables and grated cheese. For entrée, it was 3 pieces of ravioli with mushrooms and white sauce (ravioli suprisingly had cinnamon in it...) For mains, we had a choice of either chicken or veal scallope with fettucine... But all our meals were served with the same sauce and somehow we all ended up getting french fries... When we asked the waiters about the fettucine listed on the menu, no-one had any idea... And our surprise dessert was a scoop of ice-cream swimming in fruit salad and syrup. These breadsticks were really very nice, although surprisingly these contained cumin, instead of Italian herbs or cheese. With Bedstemor in the middle, the oldies at one end, we sat at the other end with Kim, Rasmus and their respective girlfriends. Rasmus and his g-friend told us about their trip around Asia, toVienChan and Laos. Kim and Birit had spent 6 months backpacking around India, Nepal and Thailand. In the meanwhile, there was an Egyptian engagement party that started in the hotel lobby. The musicians stood around the couple, playing oboe-like instruments, tambourines and drums, whilst the guests clapped and danced to the music. It was deafening, the sound echoing throughout the hotel. They eventually made their way up to one of the function rooms to party all night long. =
14. November 2004 12:54 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments The Citadel & Mohammed Ali Mosque 14. November 2004 12:54 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetthe citadel mohammed ali mosqueShare Our first sightseeing trip after arriving in Egypt was the Citadel and the Mohammed Ali Mosque. The Citadel was once the home of the royal family until 1870, then the military took over this joint until the 1970s. It is still used occasionally by the military but mostly opened to visitors although certain sections are closed off to them. Neither did our guide tell us much about the Citadel, nor give us the opportunity to explore. So most of the photos here are of the Mohammed Ali Mosque sitting on the Citadel. The mosque is famous for its alabaster corridors, columns and floors. Alabaster is a cheaper form of marble that seems to be slightly more porous and does not have the smoothness or coolness of normal marble. Adam, our guide sat everyone down in one corner of the mosque like school kids, and gave everyone some sort of history lesson about Islam and marriage. The interior of the mosque was magnificent, with globes of light hanging in multiple rings from the ceiling. In the far right corner, there is a gilded green and gold staircase that leads to some sort of pulpit. Local women were allowed into this mosque, but clad from head to foot. Female tourists were provided with a green abaayas if they were sleeveless or wearing shorts. During Adam's chat about Islam and its history, René asked for more information about the Citadel, and was rudely scolded for not listening. Adam did not give any more information about the Citadel for the rest of the trip... Left: In another corner of the mosque was an enclosure containing the marble sarcophagi and burial place of the mosque's namesake - Mohammed Ali.Right: The ceiling was also quite beautiful, but I could not use the camera flash and it was a little dark. In each "corner" of the dome were large arabic inscriptions in gold Cairo has a brown haze over the city. The buildings are made of mud bricks. Dirty-white and grey are the only other colours one can see. Apparently there is a number 7 written above one of the doors of the Citadel. History says Napoleon and his troops numbered each of the entrances around the Citadel as he could not understand the local language.
14. November 2004 12:53 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Khefren's Pyramid - Limestone Tips 14. November 2004 12:53 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetkhefren s pyramid limestone tipsShare Khefren, Khafre's son, did not seem to have the same desire to outbuild his father. His pyramid is not as tall as Khafre's pyramid, but looks so because it stands on higher ground. Each of these blocks of granite came to about shoulder height on the average man - they were about one cubic metre each in size. The few people who tried to climb up the pyramid were called down by security guards patrolling the area. We noticed the granite blocks further up the pyramid seemed smaller. The quality of the workmanship worsened as the pyramids neared completion and smaller blocks were used. Just imagine - these pyramids would have once glinted in the sunlight like diamonds in the desert. Kefren's pyramid was once covered with a smooth and shiny layer of limestone. Unfortunately, most of the limestone has been stripped off, used in mosques and palaces. Only a small portion remains at the tip of Khefren's pyramid.
14. November 2004 12:45 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments More Photos of Cairo 14. November 2004 12:45 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetmore photos of cairoShare We did not have a lot of opportunities to explore the city of Cairo. Our hotel was located on the other side of the Nile from downtown Cairo, so there was not a lot happening. In Cairo, we noticed a lot of large carcasses hanging along the streets outside the butcher shops. Most of the shops and restaurants were closed due to Ramadan, but Sunday heralded the last day of Ramadan, so many were preparing for the final feast. We tried in vain to find a restaurant for the family to eat dinner, but no such luck. However, we did try to stop for some beers at a small café along the Nile - no beers because it was still Ramadan till that night, so we settled for some softdrink and hot potato chips. The city of Cairo looks hazy and grey, with all the buildings a muddy colour. It was nice to sit by the Nile. The view from our Hotel Pyramisa at sundown.
14. November 2004 11:13 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lunch on the Nile 14. November 2004 11:13 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetlunch on the nileShare
14. November 2004 11:06 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Pyramid of Cheops 14. November 2004 11:06 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetpyramid of cheopsShareThe largest pyramids were built by Khafre (Cheops) and his son Kefren (Chephren).Khafre's pyramid stood 147 metres tall. Each side was 230 metres (with only 0.2% margin error - can you believe that?)René's mum stands at the foot of Kefren's pyramid.It is almost a one-kilometre walk around the whole pyramid.It is taller than Kefren's pyramid but does not look so as it sits on lower ground. It is estimated that something like 2.3 million blocks were used to build the pyramid.Right: There once lay a solar-boat. Khafre's mummy was placed into this boat as the ancient Egyptians believed the pharaoh sailed to the after-life. The boat is now housed in a building next to the pyramid. Created: Dec 2004Last Updated: 24-Jan-2005
14. November 2004 11:05 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Cairo's Hotel Pyramisa Coffee-shop 14. November 2004 11:05 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetcairo s hotel pyramisa coffee shopShareWhilst we were waiting to check-in, the family decided to get something to eat as we had not eaten anything since breakfast on the plane. Created: Dec 2004Last Updated: 24-Jan-2005
14. November 2004 11:04 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bedstemor's 85 års fødselsdag ( 13 - 20 Nov 2004 )b 14. November 2004 11:04 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetbedstemor s 85 rs f dselsdag 13 20 nov 2004 bShareBedstemor's 85 års fødselsdag ( 13 - 20 Nov 2004 )Oversættelse Freddy Pallesen © 2004Det gamle Ægyptens historier og legender har længe markeret sig gennem film som "Kleopatra", "Mumien" og begejstret os kvinder med Omar Sharifs optræden i "Lawrence of Arabia" og "Doctor Zhivago og senere i tegnefilm som "The Prince of Egypt". Der er en vis mystik omkring mellemøsten skildret for os i en meget ung alder, når vi hørte godnathistorier som "Ali Baba og de 40 røvere" eller "Sinbad Søfareren" - de fleste af os har en drøm om at se pyramiderne.Jeg var meget heldig at få muligheden for 20 år siden sammen med mine forældre at komme til Ægypten, men som 10 årig er der ikke så meget et barn kan huske. Men dette år samles Familien Pallesen igen engang for "Matriarkens" 85 års fødselsdag. Det er tradition for familien at samles og rejse til et eksotisk land - tidligere har det været Tunesien, Marokko, Tyrkiet og Gambia - og nu for Bedstemors ønske om at se Ægyptens pyramider, som hendes mand så for 50 år siden.Bedstemors tre børn, seks børnebørn (Nikolai kunne ikke komme med), fire oldebørn og respektive ægtefæller, alle tog sammen til det magiske Ægypten. Det er efterår med varme dage og kølige nætter - en kontrast til den kommende vinter i Danmark.Lørdag 13. November 2004 Afrejse til ÆgyptenVores familie måtte af sted kl. 3.30 for at nå flyet kl. 6.55; 4½ time senere ankom vi til Cairo lufthavn. Jeg har en svag hukommelse om en meget varm lufthavn med komplet kaos, med mennesker, der skubber for at få deres kufferter igennem, råbende gennem en masse larm. Nu fandt vi en næsten ren og ikke tætpakket lufthavn.Vi mødte AP-Travels repræsentant, som tog os til Hotel Pyramissa, hvor vi tilsyneladende blev glemt i Pianobaren, til en af os fik den lyse ide, at bede om vores værelsesnøgler.Vores familie deltes om en toværelses suite med et stort fællesrum. Vores første eftermiddag blev brugt til en spadseretur rundt i kvarteret for evt. at finde et sted for familien at spise. Vores hotel lå på den anden side af floden i forhold til centrum, så der var ikke meget at se på sammen med, at mange butikker var lukket p.g.a. Ramadanen, den Islamiske fasteperiode fra daggry til solnedgang. Søndag var sidste dag i Ramadanen, så mange var i gang med at forberede den sidste faste. Sluttelig spiste familien til aften i hotellets "Orientel" restaurant i Ægyptisk stil. Vi regnede med at få ordentlig Ægyptisk mad, men blev skuffede over at få lunkent mad. Risen var meget tør, lammekødet var meget småt og maden var en blandet fornøjelse. Til vores overraskelse, efter vores kommentarer, fik vi serveret ekstra tallerkner med lokal Ægyptisk frugt så som friske dadler og duava. Til vores morskab smagte alle Ægyptiske vine ens, uanset mærke. Der var masser af Ægyptisk øl og selvfølgelig levede danskerne op til deres drikkeevner og Bedstemor gav maden til alle.Søndag 14. november 2004Første nat sov vi ikke så godt - at sove i en fremmed seng kombineret med koranbøn fra en nærliggende moske gav os ikke ligefrem en fredfyldt søvn. Imidlertid var vi alle tidlig oppe for at mødes i Bedstemors værelse for at overraske hende med danske fødselsdagssange til flimmer med danske flag og små gaver. Denne familie overrasker fødselaren og alle synger unisont denne meget søde fødselsdagssang.Citadellet Muhammad Ali MoskeenVores første besøg gjaldt Citadellet. Det er byens fort og husede engang den kongelige familie og skønt det meste af komplekset er åben for besøgende, besidder militæret stadig en del, som er lukket område. Det tager en halv dag at komme gennem hele Citadellet, hvilket vi ikke havde mulighed for. I stedet tilbragte vi vores tid i Muhammed Ali moskeen.<== Der er en fantastisk panorama over byen fra den Vestlige terrasse - fantastisk at Cairo ikke et bygget af ens mudderfarvede stenbygninger. Det mest bemærkelsesværdige ved Cairo er imidlertid mangelen på farver og farverne stemmer overens med ørkenens farver.Vores guide Adam/Mohammed gav os en ringe indsigt i funktionen eller historien af Citadellet, og i stedet pladserede gruppen i hjørnet i hjørnet af Muhammed Ali moskeen som en gruppe skolebørn, og gav en lektion om Islamisk lov og sædvane.Da René vovede sig til at spørge om mere om Citadellet, blev han skældt ud for at afbryde og fik besked på at lytte. Vi fik aldrig muligheden for at finde 7-tallet Napoleons tropper hade malet over port for at undgå de uvante arabiske navne, eller det halvrunde tårn, da vores guide simpelthen ikke vidste, hvor de var.I den tid havde jeg muligheden for at spadsere lidt for mig selv og gå i moskeens skønne alabaster arkader. Den himmelhvælvede centrale bederum var et glimmer af hundrede af lys, der hang i koncentriske cirkler. På loftet var der arabiske inskriptioner i guld. Kvinder skulle være anstændig klædt og kunne ikke bære ærmeløse trøjer eller korte shorts eller skørter. I et hjørne af rummet lå sarkofaget med Muhhamed Ali - grundlægger af moskeen og Albanisk handelsmand, grundlægger af dynastiet, som herskede til revolutionen i 1952.Cairo Ægyptisk MuseetJeg huske turen rundt i dette museum, hvor jeg kiggede ind i smudsige gright; padding-left:10px" class="FacebookShareButton">ShareIn the spirit of trying to keep the boys active Kim and I took them of a coastal walk from Coogee to Clovelly on a beautiful winters day.The water in the little bays were calm and clear.Half way we sat down and had a snack.Kim braved it with the aerial yoga.And the boys were being themselves...best mates.They loved being outside and they managed to walk the whole way (bribed by ice cream) even though Lucas on the last stretch was asking to be picked up. 18. August 2015 16:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Steam train day 18. August 2015 16:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThis Sunday we took the boys to Thirlmere trainworks. This is a large train museum with lots of old ShareThis Sunday we took the boys to Thirlmere trainworks. This is a large train museum with lots of old steam trains.Here we learned that steam trains in NSW were running up until 1973 which means that we were born in the era of steam trains...makes me feel really old.We went for a ride on one of the old steam trains (I think I was more excited than the kids).As usual Aiden and Lucas were monkeying around being best mates. This is a bus on rails.This is an instruction carriage used to teach how to operate the brakes on a steam train. 10. July 2015 09:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Kims Birthday 10. July 2015 09:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOn the day we were flying out it was Kims birthday.I had arranged a cake for her in the morning ordeShareOn the day we were flying out it was Kims birthday.I had arranged a cake for her in the morning ordered through one of the local cafes a couple of days earlier.The hotel provided a fairly average cream and jam pile that no one ate. 9. July 2015 15:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Kims Birthday show 9. July 2015 15:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetTo celebrate Kims birthday she organised for the family to go and see a show called Siam Niramit.ThiShareTo celebrate Kims birthday she organised for the family to go and see a show called Siam Niramit.This show was about a 45 minutes drive from the hotel but transport was as usual included (as it is in pretty much all activities you organise).Unfortunately Kims dad couldn't join us as he had been severely dehydrated from not drinking enough water and wearing too many clothes in the heat.We were greeted at the show by actors in their beautiful costumes.We then proceeded into the venue where we had a large buffet style dinner. KC organised for the staff to come and sign birthday song for Kim.After dinner there were some pre-show activities such as kick boxing, tug of war with elephants as well as an elephant parade. More actors were dressed in their costumes.After this was the show. The staging and props were absolutely amazing. Everything was big, and very well made. They even had a small river flowing through the stage in which actors rowed their canoos and swam in. They also had a massive monsoon rainfall in one of the acts.The various acts despicted important historical chapters of the Thai history and mythology.The had fabled creatures and real elephants, water buffaloes as part of the acting. Actors went flying across the stage with more that 100 actors as part of the show.Below are some of the photos I could find to 'borrow' as I didn't take any photos during the show itself (not allowed). 8. July 2015 09:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Muay Thai 8. July 2015 09:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne evening I went to see Thai boxing. I asked the rest of the family if anyone wanted to join me, bShareOne evening I went to see Thai boxing or Muay Thai as it is called locally. I asked the rest of the family if anyone wanted to join me, but they all said no (it is the national sport of Thailand). I had been once before long time ago in Bangkok and wanted to experience it again.I decided to pay the bit extra and get a VIP seat right next to the ring and that was definitely worth the extra money.There were 8 fights that evening. The first fight was between two kids around 11 years old. Especially the kid in black shorts was very strong and was dominating the fight throughout.The second fight was between two older teenagers. Again the kid in black was dominating the match.The third fight was between to women, a Canadian and a Thai. The canadian girl looked very relaxed and was definitely ready to fight. The Thai girl had no chance against her and the match ended in knockout.Before each fight they go through this unique dance ritual.I was privileged to sit next to one of the judges who has happy to talk, so between each round I could ask him questions about the scoring system which is rather confusing.The 4th match was between a French and a Thai. The foreigners are really dominating this sport now and the Thai's were generally struggling.As with all the fights wit foreigners this fight also ended in a knockout.The 5th fight was back to two Thais fighting.One of the last fights was between a brazilian and a Thai. When walking into the ring you could tell that the brazil was very strong.He started by kicking the Thai in the chest and then punched him in the face.The fight lasted less than a minute before a knockout.The last fight was more in the heavyweight class, again between a brazilian and a Thai.This fight was full of power and again it ended up in knockout.After the fights I happened see the winners lining up out the back. I managed to get a photo with a couple of them....yeah, I look really convincing there.This evening was definitely one of my highlights from the trip and if we were going back then I would probably go again. The atmosphere is amazing and if the fighters are good then the experience is phenomenal. 6. July 2015 07:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Island trip 6. July 2015 07:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne morning Kim booked a trip out to some of the smaller islands of Phuket.The trip was in a large sShareOne morning Kim booked a trip out to some of the smaller islands of Phuket.The trip was in a large speed boat and initially the family didn't want to go because they were worried about getting seasick, but eventually they changed their minds.The boys loved the experience and were very proud wearing their life jackets.On the island we could feed the fish from the beach.And there was time to play in the water for the boys (and a bit of snorkeling for me).It is also good to see that they are still using their long tail boats for traditional fishing. 5. July 2015 12:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Baby elephant 5. July 2015 12:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAfter visiting the big Buddha we stopped to feed a baby elephant.The kids were a little overwhelmed ShareAfter visiting the big Buddha we stopped to feed a baby elephant.The kids were a little overwhelmed by its trunk, but fun nevertheless. << Older posts Newer posts >> Newer posts12...222324252627282930...9394Older posts SearchInclude comments in search Newsletter Get notified when a new post is published. Enter your e-mail Please enter an e-mail address Please enter a valid e-mail Thank you
18. August 2015 16:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Steam train day 18. August 2015 16:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThis Sunday we took the boys to Thirlmere trainworks. This is a large train museum with lots of old ShareThis Sunday we took the boys to Thirlmere trainworks. This is a large train museum with lots of old steam trains.Here we learned that steam trains in NSW were running up until 1973 which means that we were born in the era of steam trains...makes me feel really old.We went for a ride on one of the old steam trains (I think I was more excited than the kids).As usual Aiden and Lucas were monkeying around being best mates. This is a bus on rails.This is an instruction carriage used to teach how to operate the brakes on a steam train.
10. July 2015 09:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Kims Birthday 10. July 2015 09:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOn the day we were flying out it was Kims birthday.I had arranged a cake for her in the morning ordeShareOn the day we were flying out it was Kims birthday.I had arranged a cake for her in the morning ordered through one of the local cafes a couple of days earlier.The hotel provided a fairly average cream and jam pile that no one ate.
9. July 2015 15:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Kims Birthday show 9. July 2015 15:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetTo celebrate Kims birthday she organised for the family to go and see a show called Siam Niramit.ThiShareTo celebrate Kims birthday she organised for the family to go and see a show called Siam Niramit.This show was about a 45 minutes drive from the hotel but transport was as usual included (as it is in pretty much all activities you organise).Unfortunately Kims dad couldn't join us as he had been severely dehydrated from not drinking enough water and wearing too many clothes in the heat.We were greeted at the show by actors in their beautiful costumes.We then proceeded into the venue where we had a large buffet style dinner. KC organised for the staff to come and sign birthday song for Kim.After dinner there were some pre-show activities such as kick boxing, tug of war with elephants as well as an elephant parade. More actors were dressed in their costumes.After this was the show. The staging and props were absolutely amazing. Everything was big, and very well made. They even had a small river flowing through the stage in which actors rowed their canoos and swam in. They also had a massive monsoon rainfall in one of the acts.The various acts despicted important historical chapters of the Thai history and mythology.The had fabled creatures and real elephants, water buffaloes as part of the acting. Actors went flying across the stage with more that 100 actors as part of the show.Below are some of the photos I could find to 'borrow' as I didn't take any photos during the show itself (not allowed).
8. July 2015 09:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Muay Thai 8. July 2015 09:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne evening I went to see Thai boxing. I asked the rest of the family if anyone wanted to join me, bShareOne evening I went to see Thai boxing or Muay Thai as it is called locally. I asked the rest of the family if anyone wanted to join me, but they all said no (it is the national sport of Thailand). I had been once before long time ago in Bangkok and wanted to experience it again.I decided to pay the bit extra and get a VIP seat right next to the ring and that was definitely worth the extra money.There were 8 fights that evening. The first fight was between two kids around 11 years old. Especially the kid in black shorts was very strong and was dominating the fight throughout.The second fight was between two older teenagers. Again the kid in black was dominating the match.The third fight was between to women, a Canadian and a Thai. The canadian girl looked very relaxed and was definitely ready to fight. The Thai girl had no chance against her and the match ended in knockout.Before each fight they go through this unique dance ritual.I was privileged to sit next to one of the judges who has happy to talk, so between each round I could ask him questions about the scoring system which is rather confusing.The 4th match was between a French and a Thai. The foreigners are really dominating this sport now and the Thai's were generally struggling.As with all the fights wit foreigners this fight also ended in a knockout.The 5th fight was back to two Thais fighting.One of the last fights was between a brazilian and a Thai. When walking into the ring you could tell that the brazil was very strong.He started by kicking the Thai in the chest and then punched him in the face.The fight lasted less than a minute before a knockout.The last fight was more in the heavyweight class, again between a brazilian and a Thai.This fight was full of power and again it ended up in knockout.After the fights I happened see the winners lining up out the back. I managed to get a photo with a couple of them....yeah, I look really convincing there.This evening was definitely one of my highlights from the trip and if we were going back then I would probably go again. The atmosphere is amazing and if the fighters are good then the experience is phenomenal.
6. July 2015 07:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Island trip 6. July 2015 07:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne morning Kim booked a trip out to some of the smaller islands of Phuket.The trip was in a large sShareOne morning Kim booked a trip out to some of the smaller islands of Phuket.The trip was in a large speed boat and initially the family didn't want to go because they were worried about getting seasick, but eventually they changed their minds.The boys loved the experience and were very proud wearing their life jackets.On the island we could feed the fish from the beach.And there was time to play in the water for the boys (and a bit of snorkeling for me).It is also good to see that they are still using their long tail boats for traditional fishing.
5. July 2015 12:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Baby elephant 5. July 2015 12:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAfter visiting the big Buddha we stopped to feed a baby elephant.The kids were a little overwhelmed ShareAfter visiting the big Buddha we stopped to feed a baby elephant.The kids were a little overwhelmed by its trunk, but fun nevertheless.