15. April 2012 07:39 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments High Tea in Royal National Park 15. April 2012 07:39 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweethigh tea in royal national parkShareToday we went to High Tea in Audley in the Royal National Park 30 minutes drive from where we live. Kim had bought a 2 for 1 deal and decided to try it.Verdict was that is wasn't anything special and even with the special deal it was a bit over priced.Afterwards we decided to go rowing up through the creek.Aiden was very keen to get to play with the water which was difficult in the rowing boat (next time we will get a Canoe).Afterwards we let him play a bit on land before heading back.
8. April 2012 06:18 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bora Bora Island Scenery 8. April 2012 06:18 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetbora bora island sceneryShareThe island itself is a beautiful place. I took a lot of photos of the lagoon and the beauty of Bora Bora....so many that it would be too many to have in the previous Bora Bora post. With the risk of creating a post full of Blue photos...I had to separate them out to prevent the other posts from getting too big. Here they are...I will let them speak for themselves...
6. April 2012 06:19 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Snorkeling with Sharks and Stingrays 6. April 2012 06:19 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetsnorkeling with sharks and stingraysShareOne of the days at Bora Bora we went with a boat around the lagoon to go snorkeling and have lunch on one of the Motu's (Islands). Along the way we went snorkeling in spots where we also could see sharks and stingrays. Our first spot was a snorkeling spot with lots of coral and different fish. I Even saw a big fat murray eel. Kim also had a bit of a snorkel in the clear blue water even though the water was deep and there was a slight current. Aiden was facinated by the fish and wanted to join mummy in the water to say hello to the fish'ies... After this we went to a more shallow spot on the reef with lots of reef sharks. Yes, that is me in the water with 12 sharks circling around me (and no safety net in place).These sharks would come swimming towards me and then turn around within a meters reach. Click here to see a video I uploaded to Facebook with the Sharks getting close After lunch we stopped to feed the Stingrays in the lagoon. They are fairly harmless and I was feeding them dead fish. While doing so I was bitten by one of them that mistook the camera I was holding in my other hand as a fish.
5. April 2012 06:10 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bora Bora 5. April 2012 06:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetbora boraShare Bora Bora is a beautiful island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Kim and I had promised eachother that we one day we will go there. It is about an hours flight from Tahiti and along the way you pass a number of other Polynesian islands and atolls. When we landed we were met by the stunning blue lagoon and the very characteristic mountain which is an old extinct volcano. Aiden especially was mesmerised by the view going on the boat from the airport to our hotel. On arrival we were met by traditional Tahitian music and someone blowing a seashell. And Aiden immidiately got into the mocktails. Our hotel was on the main island itself and we had a small hut facing the lagoon and had a beautiful view every morning waking up. Every morning we had breakfast overlooking the lagoon where Aiden would stuff his face with fruits, bread and youghurt. We spent a lot of time at the small beach close to the hotel just swimming in the clear water of the lagoon. The locals were out on the lagoon showing off their skills. Aiden loved the calm clear water and the beach...it was a pleasant 27-28 degrees. Every time he saw water he would point at it and shout BoBo (Water)...and insist on going swimming. One evening I did a couple of sunset portraits. Aiden again insisted on going in the water. I also went for a swim after we finished the photos, which was absolutely magical as the light was surreal and the water was absolutely calm. Across the lagoon from the hotel we had a little island (Motu) with beautiful place to go snorkeling. First I went in the water and notices a small reef shark circling around the corals...being kinda shy. I mentioned it to Kim and as soon as she also spotted it later in the day she rushed out of the water (A couple of days later she had a similar experience with a large stingray at the beach). It was hard to leave all this beauty behind
4. April 2012 04:09 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Flowers of French Polynesia 4. April 2012 04:09 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetflowers of french polynesiaShareI took a lot of photos of flowers...enough to warrant a separate blog entry.. If you are not a flower person then just scroll down the page past these...lots of other good stuff there. Anyhow...I will let them speak for themselves...
3. April 2012 07:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Tahiti 3. April 2012 07:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Perfect Moments Photography | A Rene Pallesen Journal Blog Portfolio Packages Contact About Home 8. August 2012 10:12 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Love the new camera 8. August 2012 10:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetlove the new cameraShareI love the new camera...it performed abosolutely amazing on the weekend when I did a photoshoot with the family. The 36 Megapixels mean that every detail such as pores in the skin, hairs etc. is visible and sharp.This photo below shows one of the photos of Chong and Emma zoomed in at 100 percent..the small photo on the left shows the original photo. 8. August 2012 08:37 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Emma 8. August 2012 08:37 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetemmaShareA couple of months ago Chong and KC had a new addition to their family.Last week they asked me if I'd take some photos for them. It was a good chance for me to have a play with the new camera as well as some light setups.Emma was very good and only had one 'accident'.It was also a good practice session for when our next addition arrives in a couple of months.I love the new camera, the details are absolutely amazing in the studio and the autofocus is accurate now after I had it fixed by Nikon. 31. July 2012 10:06 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Satellite Tracking Facility 31. July 2012 10:06 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetsatellite tracking facility at belroseShareYesterday I went to a work conference where at the end of the day they offered us to do some site visits.I was fortunate enough to visit the satellite tracking facility in the Northern part of Sydney. The company I work for owns a number of satellites (at a cost of around $400 million each) and they will be launching their 10th satellite later this year...the 'O10'.This photo is from the control room where they look after all the locations, transponders and media broadcasts from the satellites. It was interesting to be able to see the raw/unedited broadcasts from areas such as the London Olympics, the conflict in Syria etc.The actual electronics was equally impressive.I even found the box that currently is receiving all the media broadcasts from the 2012 London Olympics. This is the Satelite Dish controller...On the display you can see the current position of the dish (and from that you could probably calculate the location of the actual satellite). Outside was the array of dishes. Most of the satellites are being launched from French Guyana by the European space agency. 30. July 2012 07:34 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Big Birthday 30. July 2012 07:34 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetbig birthdayShareA couple of days ago it was my birthday...I wish it was my 27th...but it wasn't!Kim took me out for dinner on the day itself to a nice place at Circular Quay...very nice, but absolutely freezing and windy in there.Day after we went out for dinner with the family to a Japanese restaurant and they ordered a shameful amount of food!After the dinner we went back to our place for cake. 15. July 2012 12:26 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Thomas Trains and Warragamba Dam 15. July 2012 12:26 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetthomas trains and warragamba damShareAiden is a big fan of the Thomas Trains, so a few weeks ago when Kim saw some vouchers for the Train Shed she bought some tickets.This morning we went out there with the whole family to go riding on the trains. Aiden was very excited...to the point where he didn't want to get off the train.The kids had 5 rides each and they also had lunch and scones provided for us.Aiden had to check out anything that remotely looked like a train (looks like he is taking a wee here). It was also a good day to try out the new camera (just came back after 5 weeks in the repair shop for recalibration). Kim was using it most of the day and said she loves it compared to my old camera. On the way in I had seen a signpost towards the Warragamba Dam. This is where 80-90 percent of Sydneys drinking water supply comes from. 8. July 2012 10:57 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Duck feeding at Centenial Park 8. July 2012 10:57 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetduck feeding at centenial parkShareThis morning it was a beautiful winter day here in Sydney and we decided therefore to go duck feeding in Centenial Park with Aiden and Dylan (I was supposed to have been doing a course, but it was cancelled).Aiden eventually figured out that it was fun to tear off small pieces of bread and throw it in the water for the ducks and swans to eat.I showed him how to hand feed the big swans with a flat hand, but he still didn't like them much...and even less so when one of them stole his bread after sneaking in from behind.Stupid Swan!!!!But eventually the swan apologised and he was happy to feed the smaller birds.Also the pond is full of fat eels (and on one occation I have seen turtles there). Some of them would surface to try and steal the bread from the ducks. 10. June 2012 09:37 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Emily's birthday party 10. June 2012 09:37 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetemily s birthday partyShareYesterday we went to Emily's birthday party in Centennial park. We were there on time at 10.30 on a very cold morning (it had been 7 degrees overnight) but there was no-one else there...the host and the birthday child turned up two hours later (I cannot stand people who consistently have no respect for other people time).We had brought Aiden tri-cycle that he got as a birthday present from his grandma last year.We also spend some time exploring the forest next to the playground. 10. June 2012 08:18 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden's 2yo Birthday with the Family 10. June 2012 08:18 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetaiden birthday with the familyShareToday we celebrated Aidens birthday with the family. In the morning we all had Yum Cha and afterwards we took all the kids to Little Dynamos to play.In the evening we had the family over for steamboat and cake. Great opportunity to take a new family photo with the latest member of the family...Emma. 8. June 2012 11:00 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments One year 8. June 2012 11:00 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetone yearShareToday it was one year ago that my my Mum and Aidens Grandma passed away. I am still sad that Aiden never met her but I am hoping that he will get to know Bedstefar better as he is growing up. I am also glad that Aiden will have a brother to keep each other company and I hope the two of them will be close and grow old together.I still have a suitcase sitting here full of photos that I one day will get the courage tp go through...but not anytime soon. 7. June 2012 04:26 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden's 2 yo Birthday 7. June 2012 04:26 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetaiden s 2 yo birthdayShareToday was Aidens second birthday...time flies! We had a Birthday cake for him with the family and sang Happy Birthday and let him blow out the candle. << Older posts Newer posts >> Newer posts12...505152535455565758...9394Older posts SearchInclude comments in search Newsletter Get notified when a new post is published. Enter your e-mail Perfect Moments Photography | A Rene Pallesen Journal Blog Portfolio Packages Contact About Home 20. October 2012 11:21 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Setup Shot - Funny face 20. October 2012 11:21 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetsetup shot funny faceShareWhen I setup for my photos I normally have to take a range of setup shots to check if the light is the way that I want it. Sometime I managed to volunteer Kim to help me set up and on the rate occasion she pulls a funny face. 13. October 2012 12:50 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lucas 1 Month Photos 13. October 2012 12:50 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Perfect Moments Photography | A Rene Pallesen Journal Blog Portfolio Packages Contact About Home 9. February 2018 07:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Water fall - Laos 9. February 2018 07:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetJust outside Luang Prabang there is this amazing waterfall cascading down a limestone creek.We decidShareJust outside Luang Prabang there is this amazing waterfall cascading down a limestone creek.We decided to get up early to go a take photos, so that we could be there early before all the crowds arrived.At the entrance to the park there is also a Bear rehabilitation centre. They rescue bears from captivity and keep them until it is safe to release them back into the wild (if ever). The bears have a big area and seem to love climbing and sleep in the hammocks provided. 8. February 2018 22:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Our kids - Laos 8. February 2018 22:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOur kids had a blast of a time in Laos. They loved each other company (for the most part) and sometiShareOur kids had a blast of a time in Laos. They loved each other company (for the most part) and sometime looked like real little travellers.They were respectful at the temples and even offered a prayer.At other times they behaved like animals and should be lock away in a cage.But for the most part they liked exploring things that us adults wouldn't see such as this crater from a crash landed U.F.O. 8. February 2018 22:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments The kids and families of Laos 8. February 2018 22:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetWhat I especially remember from my last trip to Laos was the kids. One of my most cherished photos iShareWhat I especially remember from my last trip to Laos was the kids. One of my most cherished photos is one of two little girls holding a bouquet of flowers that I took 20 years ago (it is on this blog if you look for it through the search function).The children are still there. They are still very shy, dirty and smiling.They make up their own games such as these kids at a school playing marbles with tamarind seeds. These kids were playing a game where the kid under the table had to poke the feet of the kids above the table.And some things never change, kids teasing each other.The girls in the school yard 'hang out'.Visiting a local school was great for our kids to get a glimpse of how other kids live.Along the road we stopped and a family was outside with the mother breastfeeding her son in their outdoor living room. This is where everything happened such as the cooking, washing, feeding etc. The chicken were running around freelyHere is a rare shot that Kim took with my camera in it.It is a very family oriented life they live 7. February 2018 21:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Catching local transport - Laos 7. February 2018 21:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetFor getting around the towns in Laos we mainly used Tuk-Tuks. These are small motorbike powered miniShareFor getting around the towns in Laos we mainly used Tuk-Tuks. These are small motorbike powered minibuses and the experience can be very mixed. Most of them are generally good, but some have bad brakes have a plume of smelly two stroke engine smoke trailing behind them. We could easily fit our two families into one and I'd joke that there would even be room for another couple of adults.The kids loved the tuk-tuks and have the fresh air blowing in their hair while riding.The only downside is that you'd never quite know what the fare would be until you started bargaining and from town to town the fares seemed to be very different. Even though I believe I am reasonable proficient at bargaining, I'm still confident that we paid more that the locals would be paying for the same trips.For the longer trips we would catch either local buses (mini vans) or in some instances it was worthwhile us hiring a private bus as we were enough people to fill it.From Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang we hired a private van taking us across the mountain pass at Kasi. Last time I went through here it was in an open bus and at the pass it was raining and really cold. This time round we had a beautiful clear day with a great view of the valley below from the top.The week before they had a lot of rain and a landslide had taken out large parts of the last section of road (I read in the local newspaper a few days earlier that the road was closed). Our little van was struggling getting enough grip and our driver had to reverse to get enough of a run-up in the next attempt to make it through the steep and muddy section.The larger trucks were really struggling getting through. 6. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Morning Markets - Laos 6. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe morning markets are interesting. This is where the locals still go to buy their fresh produce anShareThe morning markets are interesting. This is where the locals still go to buy their fresh produce and all kinds of specialties are being sold here. It would be easy to go here and get the ingredients for some really delicious food.There are also some unusual things that we don't see in our western kitchens. such as:Dried Squids:Fresh fish - of cause, but this have sharp teeth.A protein and herb table that would make most chefs (and diners) salivate:The Chillies in Lao are more hot than in Thailand - We loved the heat.A pig:River crabs:Beetles:Dried rats:Caterpillar - these are yummi when fried:Frogs:River snails:Dried squid, shrimps and fish: 5. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bamboo Bridges - Laos 5. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetDuring the dry season the people of Luang Prabang builds traditional bamboo bridges across the smallShareDuring the dry season the people of Luang Prabang builds traditional bamboo bridges across the smaller river. This saves them a lot of time (and cost) to cross directly into the centre of town rather than a long detour to the other larger bridges.It also earns them a small income to charge foreigners a small fee to cross the bridges. 5. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Silk - Laos 5. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThey still manufacture silk they way they used to. It was interesting for the kids to see the procesShareThey still manufacture silk they way they used to. It was interesting for the kids to see the process from small caterpillar eggs that hatch to worms to the production of the silk itself.I had always wondered where the colour blue (Indigo) came from. I knew it used to come from a seashell, but I was fairly certain that this wouldn't be the case here. It turns out that they use a special leaf from a plant that when mixed with water and left fermenting/oxidising turns into a blue dye.They also use plants for most of the other colours.After they spin the thread they use traditional weaves to make it into pieces of garment. These days the silk garments are fairly expensive - hundreds of dollars, but it used to be really cheap. 4. February 2018 22:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Pak Ou cave - Laos 4. February 2018 22:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetA two hour boat ride north of Luang Prabang is the Pak Ou cave. Since we were traveling two familiesShareA two hour boat ride north of Luang Prabang is the Pak Ou cave. Since we were traveling two families the best way to get there was to hire a slow boat just for us. The flow boats are long narrow boats that are ideal for navigating the Mekong River. This part of the river is full of underwater rocks but the boats seem to navigate these treacherous waters with ease.Having the boat for ourselves gave us more flexibility with regards to how long we wanted to spend at the cane and also meant that we have more room to move around.The front of the boar is where the captain sits and steers the boat. After this there is a section for the passengers followed by a small pump toilet and then the living quarters for the captain and his family. Out the back there is a small kitchen for them to do the cooking.The cave is upstream into an area full of limestone mountains.The many boats moor at a long and wobbly floating bamboo bridge that takes you to the cave itself. The cave itself is not big but it is full of small Buddhas that have been put there over hundreds of years. You can tell that this used to be an important place of worship.Now however the place is so crowded with tourists (guilty here too) coming in on boats that it is hard to move around. I could not stop myself from taking this photo of Buddha holding up his hands to stop more boats arriving.At the top of the hill the hill there is what I think is a more 'pleasant' cave. It is equally interesting and much less crowded because most tourists don's make it up the many steps to the top. 4. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lao Lau (rice whiskey) - Laos 4. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe traditional Lao Lau is still being made. Just north of Luang Prabang on the river there is a litShareThe traditional Lao Lau is still being made. Just north of Luang Prabang on the river there is a little village on the river called Whiskey village whos main income is from the production of Lao Lau.When I was there two decades ago this is what the locals were drinking (now they drink beer instead). I still remember the foul taste from the home brew that was distilled in large oil drums after having been fermented in large clay pots. Whenever I see it I always wonder if distilling strong alcohol right next to an open flame is the wisest of ideas!?!?The process itself hasn't changed, but these days most of the whiskey is sold to tourists and I tastes a lot more pleasant that it did back then. 3. February 2018 15:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Food - Laos 3. February 2018 15:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe food in Laos is good. It is traditional cooking mostly still cooked over an open fire.You see thShareThe food in Laos is good. It is traditional cooking mostly still cooked over an open fire.You see them start cooking the food well before sunrise in big pots.The food itself is mostly a fusion of Thai and Vietnamese. It has all the noodle soups from Vietnam, but with the more street food and spice of Thailand. The picture below is a typical noodle soup with a traditional cube of coagulated blood.We were eating a lot from small street type restaurants following the rule that is had to be popular with the locals. The logic behind this is that the locals would know what is good and would also be choosy regarding the quality of the food, so chances are that it would be fresh and not cause food poisoning (none of us or the kids had any issues on the trip).There are some dubious food there, such as some of the meat BBQ where they sometimes have the meet cooked earlier on the side of the BBQ and then just re-heat it when you order it.Also be careful with some of the food stalls where the food may have been sitting there for most of the day and often from the day before.From a 'snack' perspective there are some personal favourites that I absolutely love such as the BBQ fried squid - the packet stuff is just not the same.Also the Bamboo and coconut fried rice is delicious - they sell them at bus and train stations and especially the purple rice one is yummi!The freshly made puffed breads over an open fire - they will use two rakes to flip them until they are done. << Older posts Newer posts >> Newer posts12...111213141516171819...9394Older posts SearchInclude comments in search Newsletter Get notified when a new post is published. 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8. August 2012 10:12 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Love the new camera 8. August 2012 10:12 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetlove the new cameraShareI love the new camera...it performed abosolutely amazing on the weekend when I did a photoshoot with the family. The 36 Megapixels mean that every detail such as pores in the skin, hairs etc. is visible and sharp.This photo below shows one of the photos of Chong and Emma zoomed in at 100 percent..the small photo on the left shows the original photo.
8. August 2012 08:37 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Emma 8. August 2012 08:37 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetemmaShareA couple of months ago Chong and KC had a new addition to their family.Last week they asked me if I'd take some photos for them. It was a good chance for me to have a play with the new camera as well as some light setups.Emma was very good and only had one 'accident'.It was also a good practice session for when our next addition arrives in a couple of months.I love the new camera, the details are absolutely amazing in the studio and the autofocus is accurate now after I had it fixed by Nikon.
31. July 2012 10:06 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Satellite Tracking Facility 31. July 2012 10:06 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetsatellite tracking facility at belroseShareYesterday I went to a work conference where at the end of the day they offered us to do some site visits.I was fortunate enough to visit the satellite tracking facility in the Northern part of Sydney. The company I work for owns a number of satellites (at a cost of around $400 million each) and they will be launching their 10th satellite later this year...the 'O10'.This photo is from the control room where they look after all the locations, transponders and media broadcasts from the satellites. It was interesting to be able to see the raw/unedited broadcasts from areas such as the London Olympics, the conflict in Syria etc.The actual electronics was equally impressive.I even found the box that currently is receiving all the media broadcasts from the 2012 London Olympics. This is the Satelite Dish controller...On the display you can see the current position of the dish (and from that you could probably calculate the location of the actual satellite). Outside was the array of dishes. Most of the satellites are being launched from French Guyana by the European space agency.
30. July 2012 07:34 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Big Birthday 30. July 2012 07:34 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetbig birthdayShareA couple of days ago it was my birthday...I wish it was my 27th...but it wasn't!Kim took me out for dinner on the day itself to a nice place at Circular Quay...very nice, but absolutely freezing and windy in there.Day after we went out for dinner with the family to a Japanese restaurant and they ordered a shameful amount of food!After the dinner we went back to our place for cake.
15. July 2012 12:26 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Thomas Trains and Warragamba Dam 15. July 2012 12:26 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetthomas trains and warragamba damShareAiden is a big fan of the Thomas Trains, so a few weeks ago when Kim saw some vouchers for the Train Shed she bought some tickets.This morning we went out there with the whole family to go riding on the trains. Aiden was very excited...to the point where he didn't want to get off the train.The kids had 5 rides each and they also had lunch and scones provided for us.Aiden had to check out anything that remotely looked like a train (looks like he is taking a wee here). It was also a good day to try out the new camera (just came back after 5 weeks in the repair shop for recalibration). Kim was using it most of the day and said she loves it compared to my old camera. On the way in I had seen a signpost towards the Warragamba Dam. This is where 80-90 percent of Sydneys drinking water supply comes from.
8. July 2012 10:57 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Duck feeding at Centenial Park 8. July 2012 10:57 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetduck feeding at centenial parkShareThis morning it was a beautiful winter day here in Sydney and we decided therefore to go duck feeding in Centenial Park with Aiden and Dylan (I was supposed to have been doing a course, but it was cancelled).Aiden eventually figured out that it was fun to tear off small pieces of bread and throw it in the water for the ducks and swans to eat.I showed him how to hand feed the big swans with a flat hand, but he still didn't like them much...and even less so when one of them stole his bread after sneaking in from behind.Stupid Swan!!!!But eventually the swan apologised and he was happy to feed the smaller birds.Also the pond is full of fat eels (and on one occation I have seen turtles there). Some of them would surface to try and steal the bread from the ducks.
10. June 2012 09:37 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Emily's birthday party 10. June 2012 09:37 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetemily s birthday partyShareYesterday we went to Emily's birthday party in Centennial park. We were there on time at 10.30 on a very cold morning (it had been 7 degrees overnight) but there was no-one else there...the host and the birthday child turned up two hours later (I cannot stand people who consistently have no respect for other people time).We had brought Aiden tri-cycle that he got as a birthday present from his grandma last year.We also spend some time exploring the forest next to the playground.
10. June 2012 08:18 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden's 2yo Birthday with the Family 10. June 2012 08:18 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetaiden birthday with the familyShareToday we celebrated Aidens birthday with the family. In the morning we all had Yum Cha and afterwards we took all the kids to Little Dynamos to play.In the evening we had the family over for steamboat and cake. Great opportunity to take a new family photo with the latest member of the family...Emma.
8. June 2012 11:00 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments One year 8. June 2012 11:00 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetone yearShareToday it was one year ago that my my Mum and Aidens Grandma passed away. I am still sad that Aiden never met her but I am hoping that he will get to know Bedstefar better as he is growing up. I am also glad that Aiden will have a brother to keep each other company and I hope the two of them will be close and grow old together.I still have a suitcase sitting here full of photos that I one day will get the courage tp go through...but not anytime soon.
7. June 2012 04:26 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Aiden's 2 yo Birthday 7. June 2012 04:26 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetaiden s 2 yo birthdayShareToday was Aidens second birthday...time flies! We had a Birthday cake for him with the family and sang Happy Birthday and let him blow out the candle.
20. October 2012 11:21 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Setup Shot - Funny face 20. October 2012 11:21 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetsetup shot funny faceShareWhen I setup for my photos I normally have to take a range of setup shots to check if the light is the way that I want it. Sometime I managed to volunteer Kim to help me set up and on the rate occasion she pulls a funny face.
13. October 2012 12:50 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lucas 1 Month Photos 13. October 2012 12:50 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Perfect Moments Photography | A Rene Pallesen Journal Blog Portfolio Packages Contact About Home 9. February 2018 07:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Water fall - Laos 9. February 2018 07:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetJust outside Luang Prabang there is this amazing waterfall cascading down a limestone creek.We decidShareJust outside Luang Prabang there is this amazing waterfall cascading down a limestone creek.We decided to get up early to go a take photos, so that we could be there early before all the crowds arrived.At the entrance to the park there is also a Bear rehabilitation centre. They rescue bears from captivity and keep them until it is safe to release them back into the wild (if ever). The bears have a big area and seem to love climbing and sleep in the hammocks provided. 8. February 2018 22:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Our kids - Laos 8. February 2018 22:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOur kids had a blast of a time in Laos. They loved each other company (for the most part) and sometiShareOur kids had a blast of a time in Laos. They loved each other company (for the most part) and sometime looked like real little travellers.They were respectful at the temples and even offered a prayer.At other times they behaved like animals and should be lock away in a cage.But for the most part they liked exploring things that us adults wouldn't see such as this crater from a crash landed U.F.O. 8. February 2018 22:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments The kids and families of Laos 8. February 2018 22:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetWhat I especially remember from my last trip to Laos was the kids. One of my most cherished photos iShareWhat I especially remember from my last trip to Laos was the kids. One of my most cherished photos is one of two little girls holding a bouquet of flowers that I took 20 years ago (it is on this blog if you look for it through the search function).The children are still there. They are still very shy, dirty and smiling.They make up their own games such as these kids at a school playing marbles with tamarind seeds. These kids were playing a game where the kid under the table had to poke the feet of the kids above the table.And some things never change, kids teasing each other.The girls in the school yard 'hang out'.Visiting a local school was great for our kids to get a glimpse of how other kids live.Along the road we stopped and a family was outside with the mother breastfeeding her son in their outdoor living room. This is where everything happened such as the cooking, washing, feeding etc. The chicken were running around freelyHere is a rare shot that Kim took with my camera in it.It is a very family oriented life they live 7. February 2018 21:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Catching local transport - Laos 7. February 2018 21:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetFor getting around the towns in Laos we mainly used Tuk-Tuks. These are small motorbike powered miniShareFor getting around the towns in Laos we mainly used Tuk-Tuks. These are small motorbike powered minibuses and the experience can be very mixed. Most of them are generally good, but some have bad brakes have a plume of smelly two stroke engine smoke trailing behind them. We could easily fit our two families into one and I'd joke that there would even be room for another couple of adults.The kids loved the tuk-tuks and have the fresh air blowing in their hair while riding.The only downside is that you'd never quite know what the fare would be until you started bargaining and from town to town the fares seemed to be very different. Even though I believe I am reasonable proficient at bargaining, I'm still confident that we paid more that the locals would be paying for the same trips.For the longer trips we would catch either local buses (mini vans) or in some instances it was worthwhile us hiring a private bus as we were enough people to fill it.From Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang we hired a private van taking us across the mountain pass at Kasi. Last time I went through here it was in an open bus and at the pass it was raining and really cold. This time round we had a beautiful clear day with a great view of the valley below from the top.The week before they had a lot of rain and a landslide had taken out large parts of the last section of road (I read in the local newspaper a few days earlier that the road was closed). Our little van was struggling getting enough grip and our driver had to reverse to get enough of a run-up in the next attempt to make it through the steep and muddy section.The larger trucks were really struggling getting through. 6. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Morning Markets - Laos 6. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe morning markets are interesting. This is where the locals still go to buy their fresh produce anShareThe morning markets are interesting. This is where the locals still go to buy their fresh produce and all kinds of specialties are being sold here. It would be easy to go here and get the ingredients for some really delicious food.There are also some unusual things that we don't see in our western kitchens. such as:Dried Squids:Fresh fish - of cause, but this have sharp teeth.A protein and herb table that would make most chefs (and diners) salivate:The Chillies in Lao are more hot than in Thailand - We loved the heat.A pig:River crabs:Beetles:Dried rats:Caterpillar - these are yummi when fried:Frogs:River snails:Dried squid, shrimps and fish: 5. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bamboo Bridges - Laos 5. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetDuring the dry season the people of Luang Prabang builds traditional bamboo bridges across the smallShareDuring the dry season the people of Luang Prabang builds traditional bamboo bridges across the smaller river. This saves them a lot of time (and cost) to cross directly into the centre of town rather than a long detour to the other larger bridges.It also earns them a small income to charge foreigners a small fee to cross the bridges. 5. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Silk - Laos 5. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThey still manufacture silk they way they used to. It was interesting for the kids to see the procesShareThey still manufacture silk they way they used to. It was interesting for the kids to see the process from small caterpillar eggs that hatch to worms to the production of the silk itself.I had always wondered where the colour blue (Indigo) came from. I knew it used to come from a seashell, but I was fairly certain that this wouldn't be the case here. It turns out that they use a special leaf from a plant that when mixed with water and left fermenting/oxidising turns into a blue dye.They also use plants for most of the other colours.After they spin the thread they use traditional weaves to make it into pieces of garment. These days the silk garments are fairly expensive - hundreds of dollars, but it used to be really cheap. 4. February 2018 22:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Pak Ou cave - Laos 4. February 2018 22:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetA two hour boat ride north of Luang Prabang is the Pak Ou cave. Since we were traveling two familiesShareA two hour boat ride north of Luang Prabang is the Pak Ou cave. Since we were traveling two families the best way to get there was to hire a slow boat just for us. The flow boats are long narrow boats that are ideal for navigating the Mekong River. This part of the river is full of underwater rocks but the boats seem to navigate these treacherous waters with ease.Having the boat for ourselves gave us more flexibility with regards to how long we wanted to spend at the cane and also meant that we have more room to move around.The front of the boar is where the captain sits and steers the boat. After this there is a section for the passengers followed by a small pump toilet and then the living quarters for the captain and his family. Out the back there is a small kitchen for them to do the cooking.The cave is upstream into an area full of limestone mountains.The many boats moor at a long and wobbly floating bamboo bridge that takes you to the cave itself. The cave itself is not big but it is full of small Buddhas that have been put there over hundreds of years. You can tell that this used to be an important place of worship.Now however the place is so crowded with tourists (guilty here too) coming in on boats that it is hard to move around. I could not stop myself from taking this photo of Buddha holding up his hands to stop more boats arriving.At the top of the hill the hill there is what I think is a more 'pleasant' cave. It is equally interesting and much less crowded because most tourists don's make it up the many steps to the top. 4. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lao Lau (rice whiskey) - Laos 4. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe traditional Lao Lau is still being made. Just north of Luang Prabang on the river there is a litShareThe traditional Lao Lau is still being made. Just north of Luang Prabang on the river there is a little village on the river called Whiskey village whos main income is from the production of Lao Lau.When I was there two decades ago this is what the locals were drinking (now they drink beer instead). I still remember the foul taste from the home brew that was distilled in large oil drums after having been fermented in large clay pots. Whenever I see it I always wonder if distilling strong alcohol right next to an open flame is the wisest of ideas!?!?The process itself hasn't changed, but these days most of the whiskey is sold to tourists and I tastes a lot more pleasant that it did back then. 3. February 2018 15:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Food - Laos 3. February 2018 15:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe food in Laos is good. It is traditional cooking mostly still cooked over an open fire.You see thShareThe food in Laos is good. It is traditional cooking mostly still cooked over an open fire.You see them start cooking the food well before sunrise in big pots.The food itself is mostly a fusion of Thai and Vietnamese. It has all the noodle soups from Vietnam, but with the more street food and spice of Thailand. The picture below is a typical noodle soup with a traditional cube of coagulated blood.We were eating a lot from small street type restaurants following the rule that is had to be popular with the locals. The logic behind this is that the locals would know what is good and would also be choosy regarding the quality of the food, so chances are that it would be fresh and not cause food poisoning (none of us or the kids had any issues on the trip).There are some dubious food there, such as some of the meat BBQ where they sometimes have the meet cooked earlier on the side of the BBQ and then just re-heat it when you order it.Also be careful with some of the food stalls where the food may have been sitting there for most of the day and often from the day before.From a 'snack' perspective there are some personal favourites that I absolutely love such as the BBQ fried squid - the packet stuff is just not the same.Also the Bamboo and coconut fried rice is delicious - they sell them at bus and train stations and especially the purple rice one is yummi!The freshly made puffed breads over an open fire - they will use two rakes to flip them until they are done. << Older posts Newer posts >> Newer posts12...111213141516171819...9394Older posts SearchInclude comments in search Newsletter Get notified when a new post is published. 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9. February 2018 07:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Water fall - Laos 9. February 2018 07:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetJust outside Luang Prabang there is this amazing waterfall cascading down a limestone creek.We decidShareJust outside Luang Prabang there is this amazing waterfall cascading down a limestone creek.We decided to get up early to go a take photos, so that we could be there early before all the crowds arrived.At the entrance to the park there is also a Bear rehabilitation centre. They rescue bears from captivity and keep them until it is safe to release them back into the wild (if ever). The bears have a big area and seem to love climbing and sleep in the hammocks provided.
8. February 2018 22:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Our kids - Laos 8. February 2018 22:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOur kids had a blast of a time in Laos. They loved each other company (for the most part) and sometiShareOur kids had a blast of a time in Laos. They loved each other company (for the most part) and sometime looked like real little travellers.They were respectful at the temples and even offered a prayer.At other times they behaved like animals and should be lock away in a cage.But for the most part they liked exploring things that us adults wouldn't see such as this crater from a crash landed U.F.O.
8. February 2018 22:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments The kids and families of Laos 8. February 2018 22:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetWhat I especially remember from my last trip to Laos was the kids. One of my most cherished photos iShareWhat I especially remember from my last trip to Laos was the kids. One of my most cherished photos is one of two little girls holding a bouquet of flowers that I took 20 years ago (it is on this blog if you look for it through the search function).The children are still there. They are still very shy, dirty and smiling.They make up their own games such as these kids at a school playing marbles with tamarind seeds. These kids were playing a game where the kid under the table had to poke the feet of the kids above the table.And some things never change, kids teasing each other.The girls in the school yard 'hang out'.Visiting a local school was great for our kids to get a glimpse of how other kids live.Along the road we stopped and a family was outside with the mother breastfeeding her son in their outdoor living room. This is where everything happened such as the cooking, washing, feeding etc. The chicken were running around freelyHere is a rare shot that Kim took with my camera in it.It is a very family oriented life they live
7. February 2018 21:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Catching local transport - Laos 7. February 2018 21:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetFor getting around the towns in Laos we mainly used Tuk-Tuks. These are small motorbike powered miniShareFor getting around the towns in Laos we mainly used Tuk-Tuks. These are small motorbike powered minibuses and the experience can be very mixed. Most of them are generally good, but some have bad brakes have a plume of smelly two stroke engine smoke trailing behind them. We could easily fit our two families into one and I'd joke that there would even be room for another couple of adults.The kids loved the tuk-tuks and have the fresh air blowing in their hair while riding.The only downside is that you'd never quite know what the fare would be until you started bargaining and from town to town the fares seemed to be very different. Even though I believe I am reasonable proficient at bargaining, I'm still confident that we paid more that the locals would be paying for the same trips.For the longer trips we would catch either local buses (mini vans) or in some instances it was worthwhile us hiring a private bus as we were enough people to fill it.From Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang we hired a private van taking us across the mountain pass at Kasi. Last time I went through here it was in an open bus and at the pass it was raining and really cold. This time round we had a beautiful clear day with a great view of the valley below from the top.The week before they had a lot of rain and a landslide had taken out large parts of the last section of road (I read in the local newspaper a few days earlier that the road was closed). Our little van was struggling getting enough grip and our driver had to reverse to get enough of a run-up in the next attempt to make it through the steep and muddy section.The larger trucks were really struggling getting through.
6. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Morning Markets - Laos 6. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe morning markets are interesting. This is where the locals still go to buy their fresh produce anShareThe morning markets are interesting. This is where the locals still go to buy their fresh produce and all kinds of specialties are being sold here. It would be easy to go here and get the ingredients for some really delicious food.There are also some unusual things that we don't see in our western kitchens. such as:Dried Squids:Fresh fish - of cause, but this have sharp teeth.A protein and herb table that would make most chefs (and diners) salivate:The Chillies in Lao are more hot than in Thailand - We loved the heat.A pig:River crabs:Beetles:Dried rats:Caterpillar - these are yummi when fried:Frogs:River snails:Dried squid, shrimps and fish:
5. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bamboo Bridges - Laos 5. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetDuring the dry season the people of Luang Prabang builds traditional bamboo bridges across the smallShareDuring the dry season the people of Luang Prabang builds traditional bamboo bridges across the smaller river. This saves them a lot of time (and cost) to cross directly into the centre of town rather than a long detour to the other larger bridges.It also earns them a small income to charge foreigners a small fee to cross the bridges.
5. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Silk - Laos 5. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThey still manufacture silk they way they used to. It was interesting for the kids to see the procesShareThey still manufacture silk they way they used to. It was interesting for the kids to see the process from small caterpillar eggs that hatch to worms to the production of the silk itself.I had always wondered where the colour blue (Indigo) came from. I knew it used to come from a seashell, but I was fairly certain that this wouldn't be the case here. It turns out that they use a special leaf from a plant that when mixed with water and left fermenting/oxidising turns into a blue dye.They also use plants for most of the other colours.After they spin the thread they use traditional weaves to make it into pieces of garment. These days the silk garments are fairly expensive - hundreds of dollars, but it used to be really cheap.
4. February 2018 22:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Pak Ou cave - Laos 4. February 2018 22:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetA two hour boat ride north of Luang Prabang is the Pak Ou cave. Since we were traveling two familiesShareA two hour boat ride north of Luang Prabang is the Pak Ou cave. Since we were traveling two families the best way to get there was to hire a slow boat just for us. The flow boats are long narrow boats that are ideal for navigating the Mekong River. This part of the river is full of underwater rocks but the boats seem to navigate these treacherous waters with ease.Having the boat for ourselves gave us more flexibility with regards to how long we wanted to spend at the cane and also meant that we have more room to move around.The front of the boar is where the captain sits and steers the boat. After this there is a section for the passengers followed by a small pump toilet and then the living quarters for the captain and his family. Out the back there is a small kitchen for them to do the cooking.The cave is upstream into an area full of limestone mountains.The many boats moor at a long and wobbly floating bamboo bridge that takes you to the cave itself. The cave itself is not big but it is full of small Buddhas that have been put there over hundreds of years. You can tell that this used to be an important place of worship.Now however the place is so crowded with tourists (guilty here too) coming in on boats that it is hard to move around. I could not stop myself from taking this photo of Buddha holding up his hands to stop more boats arriving.At the top of the hill the hill there is what I think is a more 'pleasant' cave. It is equally interesting and much less crowded because most tourists don's make it up the many steps to the top.
4. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Lao Lau (rice whiskey) - Laos 4. February 2018 16:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe traditional Lao Lau is still being made. Just north of Luang Prabang on the river there is a litShareThe traditional Lao Lau is still being made. Just north of Luang Prabang on the river there is a little village on the river called Whiskey village whos main income is from the production of Lao Lau.When I was there two decades ago this is what the locals were drinking (now they drink beer instead). I still remember the foul taste from the home brew that was distilled in large oil drums after having been fermented in large clay pots. Whenever I see it I always wonder if distilling strong alcohol right next to an open flame is the wisest of ideas!?!?The process itself hasn't changed, but these days most of the whiskey is sold to tourists and I tastes a lot more pleasant that it did back then.
3. February 2018 15:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Food - Laos 3. February 2018 15:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe food in Laos is good. It is traditional cooking mostly still cooked over an open fire.You see thShareThe food in Laos is good. It is traditional cooking mostly still cooked over an open fire.You see them start cooking the food well before sunrise in big pots.The food itself is mostly a fusion of Thai and Vietnamese. It has all the noodle soups from Vietnam, but with the more street food and spice of Thailand. The picture below is a typical noodle soup with a traditional cube of coagulated blood.We were eating a lot from small street type restaurants following the rule that is had to be popular with the locals. The logic behind this is that the locals would know what is good and would also be choosy regarding the quality of the food, so chances are that it would be fresh and not cause food poisoning (none of us or the kids had any issues on the trip).There are some dubious food there, such as some of the meat BBQ where they sometimes have the meet cooked earlier on the side of the BBQ and then just re-heat it when you order it.Also be careful with some of the food stalls where the food may have been sitting there for most of the day and often from the day before.From a 'snack' perspective there are some personal favourites that I absolutely love such as the BBQ fried squid - the packet stuff is just not the same.Also the Bamboo and coconut fried rice is delicious - they sell them at bus and train stations and especially the purple rice one is yummi!The freshly made puffed breads over an open fire - they will use two rakes to flip them until they are done.