23. August 2023 20:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments New Zealand 2023 - Driving and Various 23. August 2023 20:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe trip in New Zealand first landed us in Christchurch where we picked up our rental car and stayedShareThe trip in New Zealand first landed us in Christchurch where we picked up our rental car and stayed the first night.Next day we drove through Arthurs Pass to Franz Josef (a long drive) where we stayed for three nights. This was mainly so that we had a spare day in case the weather closed in and we couldn't fly to the glacier.From there we drove to Queenstown via Wanaka and the Crowns Range (another long drive). We were lucky that this was open and that snow chains weren't required.Here we stayed for 5 nights whereafter we went to Twizel near Mount Cook for two night.Lastly we drive back to Christchurch to fly out.Queenstown is a scenic place, but lost of other scenic places along the way.
23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments New Zealand 2023 - Lake Pukaki chapel 23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAt Lake Pukaki there is this little beautiful chapel at the lake. Again this is a really photographeShareAt Lake Pukaki there is this little beautiful chapel at the lake. Again this is a really photographed location and much more busy than I remember it.
23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments New Zealand 2023 - Skiing 23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAt Queenstown we did 4 days of skiing at the Remarkables.The boys did two days of lessons and were wShareAt Queenstown we did 4 days of skiing at the Remarkables.The boys did two days of lessons and were with me the other two days. Some friends of our joined us in Queenstown, so for the other days I had Tod to go with, who is a very decent snowboarder.Aiden and Lucas are both becoming good skiers, but especially Lucas is getting really good to the point where I can bring him onto black runs.Although Kim is still very much a beginner she still did two days of skiing sticking to the beginner slope where there is a 'magic carpet' lift. I did see some improvement to last year, but she is still too scared to go on the proper lifts.I bought my own ski boots last year and brought them along (my feet are not compatible with rental ski boots).
23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments New Zealand 2023 - West coast 23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe west coast of New Zealand is really beautiful.It is not very populated and there are not a lot oShareThe west coast of New Zealand is really beautiful.It is not very populated and there are not a lot of tourists either as it is hard to get to.We did a lot of walks in the area both around beautiful lakes and also at the beach outside Fox Glacier and Franz Josef villages.
23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments New Zealand 2023 - Lake Wanaka and the famous most photographed tree. 23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetDriving back towards Queenstown we had to go through Wanaka. Boy, has it changed! It used to be a smShareDriving back towards Queenstown we had to go through Wanaka. Boy, has it changed! It used to be a small place with maybe fifty houses, but now it is a proper town with lots of cars and traffic.It is very scenic approaching Lake Wanaka, and the lake itself has this tree growing in the water that photographers from all around the world come here to take photos of.
23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments New Zealand 2023 - Lindis Pass 23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetA place that I have always found really magical is driving through the Lindis Pass.Kim doesn't thinkShareA place that I have always found really magical is driving through the Lindis Pass.Kim doesn't think much of it, but since I visited it the first time, I've alwas found the rolling hills and the colours absolutely stunning.
23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments New Zealand 2023 - Glacier Tour 23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetKims highlight on the trip was to go up on a real glacier.She had booked a helicopter tour that woulShareKims highlight on the trip was to go up on a real glacier.She had booked a helicopter tour that would take up up on a section of the glacier between the two major ice falls.This is a section of the glacier that Andy and I dreaded having to walk through 20 years ago when we were climbing higher up on the glacier. Mind you, back then there was probably another 100 metres of ice on top of where we landed on this day.
23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments New Zealand 2023 - Castle Hill Boulders 23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetDriving from Christchurch toward the west coast we passed the Castle Hills boulders.This is a phenomShareDriving from Christchurch toward the west coast we passed the Castle Hills boulders.This is a phenomenal place to go climbing if you are a good boulderer. It is also quite scenic to just go for a walk.We saw lots of people with their bouldering mats (a soft mat to land on when you are climbing).
23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments New Zealand 2023 - Mount Cook 23. August 2023 19:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAt Mount Cook we did a long 10km walk to the start of the Hooker glacier. It is a beautiful walk wheShareAt Mount Cook we did a long 10km walk to the start of the Hooker glacier. It is a beautiful walk where you walk past the Tasman Glacier and Muller Glacier before you eventually come to the Hooker Glacier lake.The lake was frozen with an iceberg floating around in it.
25. December 2022 18:12 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Christmas Day - 2022 25. December 2022 18:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAs usual, we did a family thing at Kims sisters house.At home I had Aiden make Havregryns Kugler (oaShareAs usual, we did a family thing at Kims sisters house.At home I had Aiden make Havregryns Kugler (oat balls).
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.
4. July 2015 14:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Big Buddha 4. July 2015 14:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAfter Wat Chalong we went up to see the Big Buddha on top of a big hill.The Buddha itself is 45 metrShareAfter Wat Chalong we went up to see the Big Buddha on top of a big hill.The Buddha itself is 45 metres tall and is very impressive.They have been building there for the past 10 years and will probably be building for at least another 10.While there we also did a little prayer for Kim's mum.And Aiden being his cheeky self did the 3 monkeys pose.And they loved the big gongs (which you actually rub rather than gong).Surprisingly they also in a far corner of the compound had some indian gods, but maybe not so surprising since we were close to Myanmar with a large indian based population (lots of Myanmar people in Phuket).
3. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Wat Chalong 3. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne morning we ventured out to see one of the islands biggest temples, the Wat Chalong.It is a magniShareOne morning we ventured out to see one of the islands biggest temples, the Wat Chalong.It is a magnificent temple with lots to see and it was a pity that the rest of the family didn't want to join us.The temple contains what is said to be a bone fragment of buddha.And the temple itself is full of golden buddhas.Outside there are some elephant sculptures and across from that an areas where they fire of ceremonial fireworks which really scared the boys (as seen of Lucas face).
2. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Food 2. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe food in Thailand is delicious.There are so many variations that we cannot get at home and they dShareThe food in Thailand is delicious.There are so many variations that we cannot get at home and they don't add all that sugar.Lucas was a bit tired after a morning at the beach at this one.On KC's birthday we went to an ocean front seafood place.I don't think the family liked the food in Thailand much though, because they wanted to eat japanese and wanted air conditioned restaurants even though the evenings generally were a bit cooler.
1. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Various 1. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetHere are some various photos that I haven't posted earlier.Here is one of a jumpshot with Kim and I ShareHere are some various photos that I haven't posted earlier.Here is one of a jumpshot with Kim and I in front of the big Buddha.Down at the beach there was this artificial wave surfing centre.
1. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Shopping 1. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe family did lots of shopping.Kim's family had suits and shirts made and the girls bought lots of ShareThe family did lots of shopping.Kim's family had suits and shirts made and the girls bought lots of shoes.We also found some great tshirts for the kids.Although the kids were more interested in the ice cream.
1. July 2015 12:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - fruits 1. July 2015 12:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetIt is fruit season at the moment so we bought lots of really delicious fruits such as Rambutans, manShareIt is fruit season at the moment so we bought lots of really delicious fruits such as Rambutans, mangosteens, mangoes, jack fruit etc.
30. June 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Street life 30. June 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe street life in Thailand is as it always have been with lots of food stalls and other shops.PetroShareThe street life in Thailand is as it always have been with lots of food stalls and other shops.Tweet
1. July 2015 12:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - fruits 1. July 2015 12:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetIt is fruit season at the moment so we bought lots of really delicious fruits such as Rambutans, manShareIt is fruit season at the moment so we bought lots of really delicious fruits such as Rambutans, mangosteens, mangoes, jack fruit etc.
30. June 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Street life 30. June 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe street life in Thailand is as it always have been with lots of food stalls and other shops.PetroShareThe street life in Thailand is as it always have been with lots of food stalls and other shops.