19. September 2017 16:09 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lucas 5yo birthday 19. September 2017 16:09 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetLucas just had his 5th birthday.It was celebrated at the local park with his friends and we had hireShareLucas just had his 5th birthday.It was celebrated at the local park with his friends and we had hired an entertainer to do some activities with them.
19. September 2017 16:09 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Climbing with the boys 19. September 2017 16:09 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetWe have started to take the boys climbing occasionally. Especially Aiden enjoys it and is able to clShareWe have started to take the boys climbing occasionally. Especially Aiden enjoys it and is able to climb to the top without being afraid.
19. September 2017 16:09 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bedstefars visit 19. September 2017 16:09 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetMy dad was here earlier in the year visiting.ShareMy dad was here earlier in the year visiting.
19. September 2017 15:09 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Funny faces 19. September 2017 15:09 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetA couple of funny facesShareA couple of funny faces
19. September 2017 15:09 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden 7yo birthday 19. September 2017 15:09 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetSome photos from Aiden 7th BirthdayHis party was at the climbing gym. Unfortunately he was sick on tShareSome photos from Aiden 7th BirthdayHis party was at the climbing gym. Unfortunately he was sick on that day, so didn't enjoy it as much as he could have.One of his presents was a crystal growing dragon - here is before and after.
19. September 2017 15:09 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden starting Year 1 19. September 2017 15:09 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAiden is now in Year 1 at school. This photo is from his first day back at school.ShareAiden is now in Year 1 at school. This photo is from his first day back at school.
19. September 2017 15:09 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aidens missing teeth 19. September 2017 15:09 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAiden lost his front teeth.ShareAiden lost his front teeth.
19. September 2017 15:09 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden 7yo birthday 19. September 2017 15:09 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetSome photos from Aiden 7th BirthdayHis party was at the climbing gym. Unfortunately he was sick on tShareSome photos from Aiden 7th BirthdayHis party was at the climbing gym. Unfortunately he was sick on that day, so didn't enjoy it as much as he could have.One of his presents was a crystal growing dragon - here is before and after.
19. September 2017 15:09 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Chinese New Year 2017 19. September 2017 15:09 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetChinese new year with the boys.ShareChinese new year with the boys.
19. March 2017 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Zimbabwe - being chased by Leopards 19. March 2017 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetI just completed this photo of the boys about to be eaten by a leopard in the dark jungle.At the airShareI just completed this photo of the boys about to be eaten by a leopard in the dark jungle.At the airport in Victoria Falls they had these awesome stuffed animals that I though could be fun for some composite work.Trying to get the boys to act scared rather than just being silly was a different matter.Here are some more photos of the animals.
7. January 2018 21:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Tribes - Laos 7. January 2018 21:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe tribes of Laos still exist although it is no longer as noticeable. They no longer wear their traShareThe tribes of Laos still exist although it is no longer as noticeable. They no longer wear their traditional costumes but it is possible to glimpse the occasional traditional head wear or dress in one of the shops.It is especially sad to see the Hmong tribal wear gone as worn below by Mavis and Kim. The Hmong traditionally lived in the mountains. The government has forced them down into the lowlands where they can be controlled and 'integrated' into the the rest of Laos.
6. January 2018 20:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Vang Vieng Countryside - Laos 6. January 2018 20:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOn the first day in Vang Vieng we hired a local guide to take us through the country side and some oShareOn the first day in Vang Vieng we hired a local guide to take us through the country side and some of the villages around Vang Vieng. Hiking through the countryside in Laos is partly magical and at the same time an eye opener. It is not until you get into the country side that you get a glimse of the real Laos and its people, the way of living and their beliefs.Walking into the first village a group of boys came walking towards us. One of the kids was holding his head with blood dripping down his face. The other boys were taking him home to his parents. I couldn't help but notice that there was a green substance smeared across the wound and asked our guide is he knew what it was. He went over to some bushes and plucked a couple of leaves and said that if you crush them then they will help stop the bleeding. This is when you realise that a lot of the plants in the villages serve a purpose as natural herbal medicine or for eating.The village was a HMong village and at one of the houses we spotted the little girl above standing in a door opening with her grand mother. There are very few of the traditional bamboo shacks still standing and instead being replaced with brick buildings.A bit further up the road we heard a sound. Someone was hitting a gong and chanting. Thinking it might be a monk we went to investigate. The sound was coming from one of the local houses. At the back of the house the family was in the process of preparing food, but we couldn't see where the sound was coming from. Our guide asked them and was told that they had a newborn (possibly sick) child and that the Shaman was in the house talking to the 'other world to' attract the good spirits and chase the evil spirits away.As we walked on we could see him through the opening of the door and I snapped the above photo which is one of my favourite photos of the trip.In the village people go about their normal life such as this woman removing lice from her daughters hair.As we walked on we had to walk through the local school. It happened to be recess and the kids in the smaller classes were outside playing. There was a small stand selling them lunches who also sold lollies, so Kim got the idea to spoil the kids with lollies - but also turned out to be a great opportunity for our kids to interact and see what a classroom in Laos looks like.The area is still very un-developed. Although there seems to be electricity, this is mainly used for lighting. Cooking is still done by collecting wood and done on wood fired stoves and people still wash their clothes in the rivers and streams.Although there are still a number of water buffaloes these are mainly used for eating along with any other non-human living animal - such as pigs, dogs, birds etc.It was very healthy for the boys to see where their food 'potentially' comes from and understand that this is part of life.The area is full of rice paddies, but these are now worked with mechanical tools rather than buffaloes.The government has built bridges across the large river to allow access to the villages.But the smaller streams have bamboo bridges - in this case wide enough to drive a motorbike across, others just a single bamboo to allow a person walk across.At the far village (Lao and not Hmong) there was a limestone cliff with a small cave in it. This was called elephant cave and inside there was a small shrine along with some bizarre images.The whole area is spectacular - I can only imagine what it would be like during rice planting season - yes it would be muddy but also stunningly beautiful.During this whole hike we saw no other travelers. Other than at the cave we didn't get a sense that there frequently came any groups through and I think the feedback from all of us was that this was one of the highlights of the trip - no adrenaline required.
5. January 2018 16:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Vang Vieng - Laos 5. January 2018 16:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetVang Vieng is an interesting tourism destination in Laos that has undergone several iterations of reShareVang Vieng is an interesting tourism destination in Laos that has undergone several iterations of re-inventing itself.When I first visited for an overnight stopover it was a sleepy little town with maybe a handful of backpackers going tubing (more on that later). I also remember the deserted airport runway from the 'secret war' going through the sleepy little village (Lima site 6) and the stunning mountain scenery in the background. Other than that there wasn't much there.Ten years later my mum and dad visited the place and told me stories how the place had transformed. It had grown and was full of drunk backpackers with loud rave music and parties throughout the night. During the day they were floating down the river in car tubes again with beers and drinks in their hands.Then again about 5 years ago, Laos appeared in the Australian news media with stories of young backpackers breaking their necks doing somersaults off the tree branches on the river and lagoons and hitting the rocks. Stories of high highly available drugs were also emerged.The Lao government stepped in and closed the majority of the bars along the river, stopped the parties and the drugs and implemented a number of other safety restrictions. It worked, the parties stopped and the young party seeking backpackers fled.A new crowd has now moved in - this is bus loads of adrenaline seeking Koreans. They go there to go kayaking, zip lining, tubing, buggy riding etc. They eat at the Korean restaurants and stay at the same hotels, but otherwise mostly keep to themselves. This also means that some of the same old sleepy feeling has returned to this town. It also meant that is was easy (or just plain luck from our side) to avoid the tourists.The airstrip is still there, but I recon most visitors would walk across it and not notice and definitely wouldn't know the history behind the secret war in Laos, let alone the American involvement and the little airstrips around the place. It is a fascinating story and has very much shaped Laos into what it is today.The area is just absolutely stunning with steep limestone cliffs and rice paddies. I could easily have spent more time there taking photos in the surrounding area.
3. January 2018 21:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Pha That Luang - Laos 3. January 2018 21:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetA must see in Vientiane is Pha That Luang - It is on every bank note in Laos and they are very proudShareA must see in Vientiane is Pha That Luang - It is on every bank note in Laos and they are very proud of it.Unlike Buddha Park it is surprisingly quiet when it comes to tourists. The majority of people visiting seems to be either Laos or Thai people offering a prayer. The correct way here is to get the insense and flowers and then walk clockwise around the Stuba on the inside of the covered corridor (mostly to keep out of the sun I assume).Although it is not particularly old (The original 1st century structure was mostly destroyed and has undergone a number of more recent restorations), it is stunningly beautiful and impressive in size.For me to get some of the panorama photos here with the selection of lenses I'd brought along I had to take multiple photos that I then had to stitch together.Outside there is a temple that is equally interesting, although nothing compared to further north in Luang Prabang.There are also street vendors selling cage birds that are supposed to bring good luck and prayers to anyone releasing them.
2. January 2018 10:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Buddha Park - Laos 2. January 2018 10:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne of the sights we wanted to visit was Buddha Park outside Vientiane (close to the border crossingShareOne of the sights we wanted to visit was Buddha Park outside Vientiane (close to the border crossing back into Thailand).Trying to figure out the most comfortable way to get there we settled on taking the local bus. There aren't any taxis as such in Vientiane and we weren't keen taking a tuk-tuk for 30 kilometers. Most of the tuk-tuks are in an extremely poor shape with failing brakes, wobbling wheels and thick smoke coming out of the exhaust pipes. They are perfectly fine for shorter trips inside the city (such as hotel to bus station), but not recommended for longer trips.The bus turned out to be easy to find and we were early enough to all get a seat. The bus was later packed with passengers going to Thailand and it would have been tough to stand up for the one hour bus ride.The bus is also really convenient in that it stops right outside Buddha Park which is the last stop before the bus turns around and heads back to Vientiane. Buddha Park itself was apparently established by a Monk building the statues for religious purposes as education of his religious beliefs. It is actually a nice little area and quite interesting with lots of (to us) weird statues showing bizarre things.The most obvious is the massive 'pumpkin' at the entrance that you can climb. Each level inside the the sculpture itself represents hell, earth and sky.The entrance is a head with a clock above it - meaning swallowed up by time?There is also a massive reclining buddha.And my favourite was the large centre sculpture carrying the body of a woman...no idea what this is supposed to represent.
2. January 2018 09:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Vientiane - Laos 2. January 2018 09:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetVientiane is no longer the sleepy capital city it used to be. It is hustling and bustling with peoplShareVientiane is no longer the sleepy capital city it used to be. It is hustling and bustling with people, cars, motorbikes and shops everywhere.The once neglected colonial buildings have all been renovated and the red dust flying everywhere is long gone as the roads have been paved. In the outskirts of the city high-rise office towers have started shooting up and I think that given another decade this city will look like any other East Asian capital. The most striking difference was the banks of the Mekong River. Last time I was there it was really just a dirty path and following it north long enough there would be a string of wooden shacks with local restaurants that would serve some beautiful local dishes, fish and other seafood. The water then would come right up to the bank and the boats could pull up and during the day the local kids would jump from the trees and swim in the river. The old path has been replaced by a modern walk way (which actually is really nice) and the shacks have been replaced by some bars closer to the centre catering more for a western clientel - still with some nice seafood on the menu. The water of the Mekon has receeded and there is now a massive sand bank moving the river 2-300 meter back from the city.Although Vientiane doesn't have a massive amount of things to see, it is definitely worth a visit. The Wats are beautiful and the vertical runway (local Arc de Triumpe - called so because they used cement intended for building an airport) is worth the climb to get a view of the city (and the main road which used to be the only paved road). There is certainly plenty to do for a couple of days.About 100 meters from the Arc down a side street we had what was probably the best noodle soup of the whole trip. It was just a local mum, dad and grandma run place and it met the critia of being busy having locals eating there which means that it is likely that the food is good and relative fresh.Even with it being in the middle of the city there was no access to gas or running water, so everything was cooked over wood fired stoves with the broth for the soups likely cooking overnight and the rest cooked fresh on the spot.On the first afternoon we were sitting in a local coffee place and I started speaking to the girl working there. I asked her for local places to eat great authentic Lao food - not touristy. She recommended a place up neat That Dam (the black stuba) called Soukvinam and she showed me some photos. It looked more like a fine dining place, but the food looked delicious so we decided to give it a go. It was a quiet place with a nice ambience. We were sitting outside in the courtyard which was ideal with the kids. We ordered a lot of food sticking to specialties we had never tried before such as stuffed frogs, fermented fish eggs etc. and it was all really nice.By Lao standards it probably wasn't cheap, but for the whole group of us the entire meal ended up costing approximately $100 AUD. On that 'note' it is easy to be an instant millionaire as a foreigner in Laos - change $150 Australian dollars you are there.We also celebrated New Years Even in Vientiane which was fairly low key with a couple of late night drinks. Perfect Moments Photography | A Rene Pallesen Journal Blog Portfolio Packages Contact About Home 21. July 2013 07:47 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Orange Cake 21. July 2013 07:47 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetorange cakeShareKim likes baking too and these days she will ask Aiden to help her.Her cakes usually looks much better than any of my efforts. 21. July 2013 07:42 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Baking Ciabata 21. July 2013 07:42 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetbaking ciabataShareA couple of weeks ago I tried to bake Ciabata bread.It is a long process that takes about 24 hours (first you have to make this yeast and flour sponge which you then later use for the end result).I substituted normal flour for wholemeal. This was the end result.The taste was ok, but it was too dry for my liking...so will have to try again one day. 28. June 2013 07:40 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments The Lightbulb 28. June 2013 07:40 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetthe lightbulbShareLight bulbs are really rare now as you can't buy them in the shops any longer.We still have one in the cupboard so I decided to have a bit of fun with it one evening... 28. June 2013 07:25 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Vivid Sydney 2013 28. June 2013 07:25 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetvivid sydney 2013ShareVivid Sydney was on again this year and in my opinion better than the previous years.Because of the kids it was hard to find the time to explore, but I did manage to head in there one evening to get some photos from the classic angles. 13. June 2013 09:48 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lucas 9 months 13. June 2013 09:48 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetlucas 9 monthsShareLucas is now 9 month old and the other day we went to the park to do some Autumn photos with him.The photo of the day was definitely this one of Kim and Lucas having a moment together.It was hard because he wanted to crawl around and play and because it was the middle of the day the light was pretty harsh.We also tried to take some at one of the small bridges in the park but they were shooting a commercial shoot there and Lucas was more interested in trying to get into the water than posing.And when we tried a family photo he didn't want to sit still. 13. June 2013 09:45 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lucas 8 Months 13. June 2013 09:45 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetlucas 8 monthsShareFor Lucas 8 month photo we decided to do a profile photo of the four of us just like we had with Aiden.A bit more difficult this time because there we two kids and getting them to look in the right direction and keep the right face expression. 13. June 2013 09:42 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aidens 3 year birthday 13. June 2013 09:42 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetaidens 3 year birthdayShareLast week it was Aidens 3rd Birthday.We celebrated it by singing happy birthday and having cake. For his birthday he got a new car as well as some new shoes. 13. June 2013 09:40 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden insect bite 13. June 2013 09:40 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetaiden insect biteShareThe other day was in the park with his daycare group to play at the playground.While he was there he was bitten by some unknown insect and the morning after his whole face was swollen.Fortunately he was happy enough and it didn't require any visits to a doctor. 30. May 2013 10:47 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Emma's Birthday 30. May 2013 10:47 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetemma s birthdayShareLast weekend it was our Niece Emma's first birthday.This was celebrated with lots of cakes and a jumping castle on which Aiden had lots of fun. 2. May 2013 09:16 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Countries I have been to 2. May 2013 09:16 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetcountries i have been to 61ShareI just updated the map of the countries I have set my foot in...now 69 countries. AfricaRene(69)KimAidenLucas Kenya YES Tanzania YES Uganda YES Egypt YES Tunesia YES Morocco YES Gambia YES Senegal YES South Africa YES YES YES YES Zimbabwe YES YES YES YES Zambia YES YES YES YES Europe Turkey YES Spain YES YES France YES YES Swizerland YES YES Austria YES YES Greece YES YES Italy YES Lictenstein YES Vatican YES YES Yougoslavia YES Croatia YES YES YES Slovenia YES YES YES Bosnia YES YES YES Montenegro YES YES YES Poland YES East Germany YES West Germany YES YES YES Belgium YES YES Holland YES YES Denmark YES YES YES Sweden YES Norway YES Finland YES Portugal YES Luxenbourg YES San Marino YES Monaco YES YES Cyprus YES Hungary (YES) (YES) (YES) United Kingdom YES YES (YES) Americas USA YES YES Canada YES Mexico YES YES Chile YES YES Peru YES YES Bolivia YES YES Argentina YES Brasil YES YES Asia Japan YES Russia YES Malaysia YES YES Thailand YES YES YES YES Singapore YES YES (YES) Cambodia YES Laos YES YES YES YES Phillipines YES YES YES YES Burma/Myanmar YES Hong Kong YES Yemen YES Qatar YES Indonesia YES YES Diego Garcia YES Vietnam YES India YES Australia/Pacific Australia YES YES YES YES New Zealand YES YES YES YES New Caledonia YES YES YES French Polynesia (Tahiti / Bora Bora) YES YES YES (YES) Vanuatu YES YES YES YES Fiji YES YES YES YES Cook Islands YES YES YES YES << Older posts Newer posts >> Newer posts12...414243444546474849...9394Older posts SearchInclude comments in search Newsletter Get notified when a new post is published. 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21. July 2013 07:47 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Orange Cake 21. July 2013 07:47 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetorange cakeShareKim likes baking too and these days she will ask Aiden to help her.Her cakes usually looks much better than any of my efforts.
21. July 2013 07:42 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Baking Ciabata 21. July 2013 07:42 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetbaking ciabataShareA couple of weeks ago I tried to bake Ciabata bread.It is a long process that takes about 24 hours (first you have to make this yeast and flour sponge which you then later use for the end result).I substituted normal flour for wholemeal. This was the end result.The taste was ok, but it was too dry for my liking...so will have to try again one day.
28. June 2013 07:40 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments The Lightbulb 28. June 2013 07:40 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetthe lightbulbShareLight bulbs are really rare now as you can't buy them in the shops any longer.We still have one in the cupboard so I decided to have a bit of fun with it one evening...
28. June 2013 07:25 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Vivid Sydney 2013 28. June 2013 07:25 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetvivid sydney 2013ShareVivid Sydney was on again this year and in my opinion better than the previous years.Because of the kids it was hard to find the time to explore, but I did manage to head in there one evening to get some photos from the classic angles.
13. June 2013 09:48 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lucas 9 months 13. June 2013 09:48 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetlucas 9 monthsShareLucas is now 9 month old and the other day we went to the park to do some Autumn photos with him.The photo of the day was definitely this one of Kim and Lucas having a moment together.It was hard because he wanted to crawl around and play and because it was the middle of the day the light was pretty harsh.We also tried to take some at one of the small bridges in the park but they were shooting a commercial shoot there and Lucas was more interested in trying to get into the water than posing.And when we tried a family photo he didn't want to sit still.
13. June 2013 09:45 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lucas 8 Months 13. June 2013 09:45 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetlucas 8 monthsShareFor Lucas 8 month photo we decided to do a profile photo of the four of us just like we had with Aiden.A bit more difficult this time because there we two kids and getting them to look in the right direction and keep the right face expression.
13. June 2013 09:42 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aidens 3 year birthday 13. June 2013 09:42 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetaidens 3 year birthdayShareLast week it was Aidens 3rd Birthday.We celebrated it by singing happy birthday and having cake. For his birthday he got a new car as well as some new shoes.
13. June 2013 09:40 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden insect bite 13. June 2013 09:40 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetaiden insect biteShareThe other day was in the park with his daycare group to play at the playground.While he was there he was bitten by some unknown insect and the morning after his whole face was swollen.Fortunately he was happy enough and it didn't require any visits to a doctor.
30. May 2013 10:47 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Emma's Birthday 30. May 2013 10:47 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetemma s birthdayShareLast weekend it was our Niece Emma's first birthday.This was celebrated with lots of cakes and a jumping castle on which Aiden had lots of fun.
2. May 2013 09:16 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Countries I have been to 2. May 2013 09:16 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetcountries i have been to 61ShareI just updated the map of the countries I have set my foot in...now 69 countries. AfricaRene(69)KimAidenLucas Kenya YES Tanzania YES Uganda YES Egypt YES Tunesia YES Morocco YES Gambia YES Senegal YES South Africa YES YES YES YES Zimbabwe YES YES YES YES Zambia YES YES YES YES Europe Turkey YES Spain YES YES France YES YES Swizerland YES YES Austria YES YES Greece YES YES Italy YES Lictenstein YES Vatican YES YES Yougoslavia YES Croatia YES YES YES Slovenia YES YES YES Bosnia YES YES YES Montenegro YES YES YES Poland YES East Germany YES West Germany YES YES YES Belgium YES YES Holland YES YES Denmark YES YES YES Sweden YES Norway YES Finland YES Portugal YES Luxenbourg YES San Marino YES Monaco YES YES Cyprus YES Hungary (YES) (YES) (YES) United Kingdom YES YES (YES) Americas USA YES YES Canada YES Mexico YES YES Chile YES YES Peru YES YES Bolivia YES YES Argentina YES Brasil YES YES Asia Japan YES Russia YES Malaysia YES YES Thailand YES YES YES YES Singapore YES YES (YES) Cambodia YES Laos YES YES YES YES Phillipines YES YES YES YES Burma/Myanmar YES Hong Kong YES Yemen YES Qatar YES Indonesia YES YES Diego Garcia YES Vietnam YES India YES Australia/Pacific Australia YES YES YES YES New Zealand YES YES YES YES New Caledonia YES YES YES French Polynesia (Tahiti / Bora Bora) YES YES YES (YES) Vanuatu YES YES YES YES Fiji YES YES YES YES Cook Islands YES YES YES YES