20. July 2014 14:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Cabramatta 20. July 2014 14:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetLast weekend we went to Cabramatta to have my car services and also make a bit of a day trip out of ShareLast weekend we went to Cabramatta to have my car services and also make a bit of a day trip out of it.Kim had a haircut while the boys has ice cream.She also went past the show shop where they sell boots in her size.Aiden got a new Lightning Mcqueen pyjamas that he was very excited about.Lots of street food about to make you hungry.So Lunch we had...All very tiring.
19. July 2014 14:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden recovering 19. July 2014 14:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne of the last days when the kids were still a bit sick we though we'd get them out of the house anShareOne of the last days when the kids were still a bit sick we though we'd get them out of the house and go to Darling Harbour.Aiden wanted to go on the tea-cups even though he was still suffering a bit.
18. July 2014 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Hospital again 18. July 2014 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetA few weeks ago I was in Melbourne for work.On the way back Kim called and said that Aiden had a reaShareA few weeks ago I was in Melbourne for work.On the way back Kim called and said that Aiden had a really high fever (41+ degrees) and that she was going to get him to the hospital because she was afraid that he'd collapse like he did last time. I jumped on an earlier flight and went straight to the hospital and spent the night with him. He was really miserable and it took 5 days (fortunately not in the hospital) before we got the fever under control. After that Lucas got sick and then Kim as well....what a week!!
17. July 2014 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Various play photos 17. July 2014 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetHere is some photos that I have taken from various places including work.They don't really belong anShareHere is some photos that I have taken from various places including work.They don't really belong anywhere but it is a pity to not share them.One day walking from the train station I walked past this pair of sandals under a tree. I don't know the story behind them or the reason why one was taped up.Did the owner climb the tree and then vanish? Did he (I assume it was a male) walk away bare feet? Where did he come from (Bata is a big brand in Africa and India)?This next one was taken on the train. I was bored and notices this girl with a small swallow tattoo. One day I was at Warriewood for a work meeting a dropped past Narrabeen beach (where I used to live). It was a beautiful day to have a play with the panorama function on the iphone.Here is another panorama. This time from Town hall in Sydney.We had our annual conference there and couldn't resist getting some photos of the beautiful architecture with my phone.A couple of weeks ago I went to Melbourne for work. On the way we flew over the Snowy Mountains and I could see the snow there.Here is another one from work that I took ages ago. When we all moved to the Campus from the city we were invited to hand our own avatar on this wall (mine is hanging somewhere in the top left hand corner).Here is a photo from the campus itself. It is a cool place to work. Just a pity it is so far from the city.
16. July 2014 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden Painting 16. July 2014 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetIt is not often that I see Aiden engaged in painting at daycare (he used to be reluctant to get dirtShareIt is not often that I see Aiden engaged in painting at daycare (he used to be reluctant to get dirty, but now he loves it).Here he is working on one of his masterpieces.
16. July 2014 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lucas Reading 16. July 2014 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetLucas loves reading books...he can sit and look at books for hours if he is allowed.One day at daycaShareLucas loves reading books...he can sit and look at books for hours if he is allowed.One day at daycare all the other kids were playing loudly in another room and I found him in a separate room sitting quietly sitting in a small cardboard box reading by himself.
16. July 2014 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Anything Thomas 16. July 2014 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe kids are really excited whenever they get something with Thomas (the tank engine) on it.Latest iShareThe kids are really excited whenever they get something with Thomas (the tank engine) on it.Latest is Aiden's new Bath rope. He was so excited that he asked me to take a photo.
30. June 2014 07:06 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Kims Birthday 2014 30. June 2014 07:06 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetIt was Kim's birthday on the weekend.In the morning the boys and I woke her up with singing Happy BiShareIt was Kim's birthday on the weekend.In the morning the boys and I woke her up with singing Happy Birthday to her.In the evening we had a babysitter so that we could have an evening just the two of us. We went to the Bridge Room restaurant in the city, food was nice!
30. June 2014 07:06 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Excursion to the city 30. June 2014 07:06 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetYesterday we decided to do a little excursion to Circular Quay and the Opera house with the boys.TheShareYesterday we decided to do a little excursion to Circular Quay and the Opera house with the boys.The both love trains, so we took the train into the city so that they could have the experience.It was a cold and windy winters day here in Sydney so standing still for too long was freezing.But it was great getting out and also get another family photo.
10. June 2014 11:06 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bumble Bee 10. June 2014 11:06 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetRecently Kim bought Aiden a yellow bumble bee umbrella and gumboots.They will come in handy now thatShareRecently Kim bought Aiden a yellow bumble bee umbrella and gumboots.They will come in handy now that winter is here.
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
14. November 2004 01:54 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Memphis - the Ancient Capital of Egypt 14. November 2004 01:54 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetmemphis the ancient capital of egyptShare
14. November 2004 01:52 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Kom Ombo's Temple - Dedicated to Horus & Sobek, the Crocodile God 14. November 2004 01:52 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetkom ombo s temple dedicated to horus sobek the crocodile godShare
14. November 2004 01:51 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Valley of the Kings 14. November 2004 01:51 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetvalley of the kingsShare
14. November 2004 01:49 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Karnak - "the Most Perfect of Places" - Part 4 14. November 2004 01:49 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetkarnak the most perfect of places part 4Share
14. November 2004 01:49 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Karnak - "the Most Perfect of Places" - Part 3 14. November 2004 01:49 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetkarnak the most perfect of places part 3Share
14. November 2004 01:47 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Karnak - "the Most Perfect of Places" - Part 2 14. November 2004 01:47 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetkarnak the most perfect of places part 2Share
14. November 2004 01:45 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Karnak - "the Most Perfect of Places" - Part 1 14. November 2004 01:45 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetkarnak the most perfect of places part 1Share
14. November 2004 01:45 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Temple of Horus - the Most Complete of Its Kind Part 4 14. November 2004 01:45 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweettemple of horus the most complete of its kind part 4Share
14. November 2004 01:44 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Temple of Horus - the Most Complete of Its Kind Part 3 14. November 2004 01:44 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweettemple of horus the most complete of its kind part 3Share
14. November 2004 01:40 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Temple of Horus - the Most Complete of Its Kind Part 2 14. November 2004 01:40 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweettemple of horus the most complete of its kind part 2Share
21. August 2015 08:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden Birthday 21. August 2015 08:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetI realised that I hadn't posted anything from Aidens birthday.On the weekend we had a bowling birthdShareI realised that I hadn't posted anything from Aidens birthday.On the weekend we had a bowling birthday party with all the kids (and mum and dad) dressed up as super heroes.We also had a family dinner where we celebrated both his, Kayla's and Adams (his cousins) birthdays.
21. August 2015 07:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Morning of Frost 21. August 2015 07:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAlthough we have had a beautiful winter with lots of sunny days and mild daytime temperatures, we haShareAlthough we have had a beautiful winter with lots of sunny days and mild daytime temperatures, we have also had some cold mornings.One morning the car had frost on it and it was only 5 degrees outside (most winter mornings it is 8-10 degrees with 18-22 degree daytime temps).
21. August 2015 07:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden graduating to Turtle 21. August 2015 07:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetLast weekend Aiden graduated in his swim class from being a Crab to being a turtle.He's been in the ShareLast weekend Aiden graduated in his swim class from being a Crab to being a turtle.He's been in the swim class for a couple of years now and never graduated. He would swim fine with me, but would cry and be scared with the swim teacher.After our trip to Thailand in June he gained a lot of confidence and was very happy to swim by himself, but the swim teacher was too careful so he was unable to show what a good swimmer he really is. So, last weekend I asked the swim teacher to let him swim with the result that she by the end of the lesson graduated him and moved him to the next class.He was so proud (and so was his dad).
18. August 2015 16:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Coastal walk with the boys 18. August 2015 16:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetIn the spirit of trying to keep the boys active Kim and I took them of a coastal walk from Coogee toShareIn 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.