One 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.

One 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.

After visiting the big Buddha we stopped to feed a baby elephant.

The kids were a little overwhelmed by its trunk, but fun nevertheless.

After 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).

One 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).

The 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.

Here 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.

The 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.

It is fruit season at the moment so we bought lots of really delicious fruits such as Rambutans, mangosteens, mangoes, jack fruit etc.

The street life in Thailand is as it always have been with lots of food stalls and other shops.

Home

11. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Germany

11. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

While visiting my dad we made a daytrip to Burg in Germany. It is a short ferry ride.

Share

While visiting my dad we made a daytrip to Burg in Germany. It is a short ferry ride.

10. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Denmark - Ailu

10. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

The boys joined a naming ceremony of my dads boat. It is named 'AILU' after AIden and LUcas.

Share

The boys joined a naming ceremony of my dads boat. It is named 'AILU' after AIden and LUcas.

9. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Denmark - Cemetry

9. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

We went past the Cemetry to where my Brother and Mum (Aiden and Lucas' Uncle and Grandmother) is bur

Share

We went past the Cemetry to where my Brother and Mum (Aiden and Lucas' Uncle and Grandmother) is burried.

While there we also say all the other ancestors on my Mum's side of the family back to Aiden and Lucas' Great-Great-Great-Great Grandmother and Grandfather.

8. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Denmark - Tivoli

8. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

One day in Denmark we went to Tivoli to see the christmas show.Lucas got a ride pass so that he coul

Share

One day in Denmark we went to Tivoli to see the christmas show.

Lucas got a ride pass so that he could jump on whatever ride he wanted, and Aiden was happy cheering.

We also saw the 'real' santa (Julemanden) and went past the Lego store.

7. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Denmark - Snow

7. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

While in Denmark it was snowing for a couple of days. The boys love playing with it.

Share

While in Denmark it was snowing for a couple of days. The boys love playing with it.

7. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Denmark - Little Mermaid and Queen

7. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

On the first day after arriving we went past the little mermaid from HC Andersens story and also pas

Share

On the first day after arriving we went past the little mermaid from HC Andersens story and also past the residence of the queen, Prince Frederik and Princess Mary.

7. November 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Denmark - Dads 80th birthday

7. November 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

This year it was my dad's 80th Birthday. I took the boys back to Denmark to celebrate with him. Aide

Share

This year it was my dad's 80th Birthday. I took the boys back to Denmark to celebrate with him. Aiden has been once before when he was 1yo, and it was Lucas' first time.

This lady used to be my dads babysitter when he was just born (she is 92yo)

30. October 2022 16:12
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Soccer 2022

30. October 2022 16:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

Both Aiden and Lucas were playing soccer again this winter.Especially Lucas is starting to get prett

Share

Both Aiden and Lucas were playing soccer again this winter.

Especially Lucas is starting to get pretty good when he gets 'hungry' to take the ball.

30. July 2022 17:12
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Skiing Thredbo 2022

30. July 2022 17:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

Home

22. August 2019 13:10
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Aiden - awards card

22. August 2019 13:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

It is not often that Aiden gets an award for good work at school, but when he does, he is very proud

Share

It is not often that Aiden gets an award for good work at school, but when he does, he is very proud.

10. August 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Camping - Barrington Tops

10. August 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

Earlier in the year at Easter time we went camping up at Barrington Tops 5 hours drive north of Sydn

Share

Earlier in the year at Easter time we went camping up at Barrington Tops 5 hours drive north of Sydney.

It is a very tall mountain range with some excellent walks, rivers etc.

We had a great weekend with friends sitting around the fire roasting marshmellows, walking and canoeing.

23. July 2019 10:07
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Kyoto - Fushimi Inari Shrine

23. July 2019 10:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

Share

8. July 2019 12:07
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Karate - Boys getting their red belts

8. July 2019 12:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

Fairly recently we started the boys on Karate.We thought it would be a good activity for them to bui

Share

Fairly recently we started the boys on Karate.

We thought it would be a good activity for them to build strength, motor skills and discipline.

Especially Aiden is really enjoying it and putting in the hard work at home practicing. He has become stronger throughout the classes which is great. Before we started he had almost no core strength and now he is able to do sit-ups and pushups.

This weekend both Aiden and Lucas were pulled up for their first proper graduation from the white belts to the red belts and they both passed.

17. June 2019 20:06
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Bali - 2018

17. June 2019 20:06 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

Photos from out trip to Bali with a couple of friends and kids.

Share

Photos from out trip to Bali with a couple of friends and kids.

2. April 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Japan - Osaka aquarium

2. April 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

The Osaka aquarium is massive and very impressive. The centre piece is the massive tank in the middl

Share

The Osaka aquarium is massive and very impressive. The centre piece is the massive tank in the middle with two large whale sharks and which is also full of other sharks such as hammerheads.

2. April 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Japan - Dontonburi Osaka

2. April 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

Tontonburi is know as the chefs/kitchen area. Here you can buy everything needed for a japanese rest

Share

Tontonburi is know as the chefs/kitchen area. Here you can buy everything needed for a japanese restaurant.

It is also full of actual restaurants and other oddities such as more exotic places. It has what is known as Osaka's best Ramen restaurant (the one with the long counter in the photos below) - and Yes, the Ramen was very good.

Here it is also possible to eat specialties such as the Puffa fish.

It was also one of the few places where I saw real Samurai swords for sale.

2. April 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Japan - Osaka tower

2. April 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

Below the Osaka tower is a restaurant area with lots of yummi food.The area was once a very modern p

Share

Below the Osaka tower is a restaurant area with lots of yummi food.

The area was once a very modern part of Osaka, and worth a visit during the night.

2. April 2019 20:10
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Japan - Osaka Castle

2. April 2019 20:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

Osaka castle is a beautiful multi story pagoda like castle inside these massive moats and ramparts w

Share

Osaka castle is a beautiful multi story pagoda like castle inside these massive moats and ramparts with several layers of defense.

2. April 2019 18:10
by Rene Pallesen
0 Comments

Japan - Toei Film Studio Osaka

2. April 2019 18:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments

Tweet

In Osaka we went to the Toei Film Studio.This is an area where they have filmed lots of traditional

Share

In Osaka we went to the Toei Film Studio.

This is an area where they have filmed lots of traditional Japanese movies and where they have all the old houses and also some theaters.

It is also used as a bit of an entertainment and cultural area to teach the Japanese about their culture. Surprisingly we seemed to be the only foreign tourists there and it was definitely worth the visit even though we didn't understand a word of what they were saying.

<< Older posts Newer posts >>

• Newer posts
• 1
• 2
• ...
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11
• 12
• 13
• ...
• 92
• 93
• Older posts