2. January 2007 10:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments New Years Eve 2007 2. January 2007 10:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetnew years eveShare New Years eve this year was celebrated on the Lawn at the Botanical Gardens near the opera house. We had a nice combined view of the fireworks in the city, on the harbour and on the bridge. We were there with a group of friends and and we brought picnic blankets and food to eat. The 9pm fireworks were a bit disappointing compared to other years but the midnight one was really good. This year they use the whole area, so simultaneously fireworks were being fired from the harbour, the bridge as well as the high rise buildings in the city. Fireworks are illegal to buy and sell here in Australia, so instead the city (and most other cities) instead put on large firework displays. This means that you every year get professional firework displays instead of the sporadic stuff you get in other countries where people themselves buy it. Besides, if firework was allowed then the State Emergency Services would be spending three weeks after New Years Eve fighting bushfires every year. Click here to Download video of Firework Display #1 Click here to Download video of Firework Display #2 Click here to Download video of Firework Display #3 Click here to Download video of Firework Display #4 Click here to see more photos from New Years Eve
20. March 2006 01:50 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Tokyo 2006 20. March 2006 01:50 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweettokyoShareIn September 2006 I went on a business trip to Tokyo along with a colleague of mine Tsukada-san. Most of the trip was hard work and very long days, but I did manage to snap a couple of photos here and there. We did get the deal in Tokyo, so the trip was worthwhile, and we are now installing our solution across all of Asia. Click here to see more photos from: Tokyo/Slideshow
19. March 2006 03:56 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Thailand 2006 19. March 2006 03:56 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetthailandShareIn Mid 2006 I went to a work meeting in Krabi in Thailand. This happens to be a few kilometers away from one of the best rock climbing destinations in the world. So, after the meeting I took a few days off to go rock climbing. Kim happened to be travelling in the Northern part of Thailand with some friends who had to leave on the same day my meeting ended. Kim flew down to Krabi where I picked her up at the airport. Unfortunately it was rainy season, so most of the time in Railay it was raining, but we did manage to get one day of climbing done and the rest of the time we spend in the restaurants and playing cards. Click here to see more photos from: Thailand/Slideshow
19. March 2006 03:54 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Holland 19. March 2006 03:54 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetHollandShareIn 2006 I went to Holland a couple of time for work. We have an office in Vianen 50 milometers outside Amsterdam. I normally don't take a lot of photos when I go there, but if you click on the link below then you can see some of the ones I did take. Click here to see more photos from:Holland/Slideshow
19. March 2006 03:53 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Skiing USA 19. March 2006 03:53 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetskiing usaShareIn early 2006 I went a trip to Seattle for our annual kick-off event. Some of us flew over there a few days early to go skiing in Wanatchee east of Seattle. If was a weekend of perfect skiing. It was my first time skiing so I took some lessons after which I was doing fine (blue slopes). During the week we had lots of meetings and dinners. There were award nights as well as just social nights where we could meet up with the rest of the company. The following all of us in International went down to Crystal Mountain at Mount Raineer to do some more skiing. It was a lot of fun and we all had a great time. Click here to see more photos from: USA/Slideshow
19. March 2006 03:53 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Skiing Thredbo Australia 19. March 2006 03:53 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetskiing thredbo australiaShareMid 2006 I went with Soeren and his family (visiting from Thailand) to Thredbo to do some skiing. We drove down there Friday night and returned Sunday night. Thredbo is located in the Australian Alps 5 hours drive south of Sydney. Generally the skiing conditions are pretty good, but last year was pretty bad, but we did get some skiing done. Click here to see more photos from:Skiing in Australia 2006/Slideshow
19. March 2006 03:51 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Denmark 2006 19. March 2006 03:51 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetdenmarkShareIn early 2006 my Mum had a stroke while my parents were on holiday in Thailand. A few months later in April when I was in Europe for work I used the opportunity to go and visit and check up on how my mum is doing. She is now in a wheelchair and still getting used to finding new ways of doing things. I didn't do much while I was there, because it was mainly a social visit to help my mum and dad. Click here to see more photos from: Denmark/Slideshow
19. March 2006 03:51 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Various 19. March 2006 03:51 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetvariousShareI have a number of photos that don't really justify being in individual albums. I have now added all these photos from 2006 into one album. Click here to see more photos from: Miscellaneous/Slideshow
19. March 2006 03:48 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Rock Climbing & Blue Mountains 2006 19. March 2006 03:48 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetrock climbing blue mountains 2006ShareI quite regularly head up to the Blue Mountains to go Rock Climbing. We normally camp overnight and then depending on the weather and temperature decide on the day what walls we are going climbing on. The photos in the gallery are a selection of some of the photos I've taken in 2006, but there will be more to come in 2007. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of photos of me climbing as I tend to forget to pass my camera to someone else. Most of the time I go with my friend Sarah, but she has now moved to Canberra so she doesn't come up there as often as she used to. Click here to see more photos from: Climbing in the Blue Mountains/Slideshow
19. March 2006 03:46 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Portugal 2006 19. March 2006 03:46 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetportugal 2006ShareIn Mid 2006 I was in Portugal for our International Partner Conference with the company. It was a week of being busy setting up for the conference, socialising but also a lot of fun and partying. Click here to see more photos from:Portugal/Slideshow
8. July 2015 09:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Muay Thai 8. July 2015 09:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne evening I went to see Thai boxing. I asked the rest of the family if anyone wanted to join me, bShareOne evening I went to see Thai boxing or Muay Thai as it is called locally. I asked the rest of the family if anyone wanted to join me, but they all said no (it is the national sport of Thailand). I had been once before long time ago in Bangkok and wanted to experience it again.I decided to pay the bit extra and get a VIP seat right next to the ring and that was definitely worth the extra money.There were 8 fights that evening. The first fight was between two kids around 11 years old. Especially the kid in black shorts was very strong and was dominating the fight throughout.The second fight was between two older teenagers. Again the kid in black was dominating the match.The third fight was between to women, a Canadian and a Thai. The canadian girl looked very relaxed and was definitely ready to fight. The Thai girl had no chance against her and the match ended in knockout.Before each fight they go through this unique dance ritual.I was privileged to sit next to one of the judges who has happy to talk, so between each round I could ask him questions about the scoring system which is rather confusing.The 4th match was between a French and a Thai. The foreigners are really dominating this sport now and the Thai's were generally struggling.As with all the fights wit foreigners this fight also ended in a knockout.The 5th fight was back to two Thais fighting.One of the last fights was between a brazilian and a Thai. When walking into the ring you could tell that the brazil was very strong.He started by kicking the Thai in the chest and then punched him in the face.The fight lasted less than a minute before a knockout.The last fight was more in the heavyweight class, again between a brazilian and a Thai.This fight was full of power and again it ended up in knockout.After the fights I happened see the winners lining up out the back. I managed to get a photo with a couple of them....yeah, I look really convincing there.This evening was definitely one of my highlights from the trip and if we were going back then I would probably go again. The atmosphere is amazing and if the fighters are good then the experience is phenomenal.
6. July 2015 07:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Island trip 6. July 2015 07:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne morning Kim booked a trip out to some of the smaller islands of Phuket.The trip was in a large sShareOne morning Kim booked a trip out to some of the smaller islands of Phuket.The trip was in a large speed boat and initially the family didn't want to go because they were worried about getting seasick, but eventually they changed their minds.The boys loved the experience and were very proud wearing their life jackets.On the island we could feed the fish from the beach.And there was time to play in the water for the boys (and a bit of snorkeling for me).It is also good to see that they are still using their long tail boats for traditional fishing.
5. July 2015 12:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Baby elephant 5. July 2015 12:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAfter visiting the big Buddha we stopped to feed a baby elephant.The kids were a little overwhelmed ShareAfter visiting the big Buddha we stopped to feed a baby elephant.The kids were a little overwhelmed by its trunk, but fun nevertheless.
4. July 2015 14:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Big Buddha 4. July 2015 14:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAfter Wat Chalong we went up to see the Big Buddha on top of a big hill.The Buddha itself is 45 metrShareAfter Wat Chalong we went up to see the Big Buddha on top of a big hill.The Buddha itself is 45 metres tall and is very impressive.They have been building there for the past 10 years and will probably be building for at least another 10.While there we also did a little prayer for Kim's mum.And Aiden being his cheeky self did the 3 monkeys pose.And they loved the big gongs (which you actually rub rather than gong).Surprisingly they also in a far corner of the compound had some indian gods, but maybe not so surprising since we were close to Myanmar with a large indian based population (lots of Myanmar people in Phuket).
3. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Wat Chalong 3. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne morning we ventured out to see one of the islands biggest temples, the Wat Chalong.It is a magniShareOne morning we ventured out to see one of the islands biggest temples, the Wat Chalong.It is a magnificent temple with lots to see and it was a pity that the rest of the family didn't want to join us.The temple contains what is said to be a bone fragment of buddha.And the temple itself is full of golden buddhas.Outside there are some elephant sculptures and across from that an areas where they fire of ceremonial fireworks which really scared the boys (as seen of Lucas face).
2. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Food 2. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe food in Thailand is delicious.There are so many variations that we cannot get at home and they dShareThe food in Thailand is delicious.There are so many variations that we cannot get at home and they don't add all that sugar.Lucas was a bit tired after a morning at the beach at this one.On KC's birthday we went to an ocean front seafood place.I don't think the family liked the food in Thailand much though, because they wanted to eat japanese and wanted air conditioned restaurants even though the evenings generally were a bit cooler.
1. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Various 1. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetHere are some various photos that I haven't posted earlier.Here is one of a jumpshot with Kim and I ShareHere are some various photos that I haven't posted earlier.Here is one of a jumpshot with Kim and I in front of the big Buddha.Down at the beach there was this artificial wave surfing centre.
1. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Shopping 1. July 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe family did lots of shopping.Kim's family had suits and shirts made and the girls bought lots of ShareThe family did lots of shopping.Kim's family had suits and shirts made and the girls bought lots of shoes.We also found some great tshirts for the kids.Although the kids were more interested in the ice cream.
1. July 2015 12:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - fruits 1. July 2015 12:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetIt is fruit season at the moment so we bought lots of really delicious fruits such as Rambutans, manShareIt is fruit season at the moment so we bought lots of really delicious fruits such as Rambutans, mangosteens, mangoes, jack fruit etc.
30. June 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Phuket - Street life 30. June 2015 13:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe street life in Thailand is as it always have been with lots of food stalls and other shops.PetroShareThe street life in Thailand is as it always have been with lots of food stalls and other shops.Petrol for all the bikes is bought in these small shops as well.You can even get your feet cleaned by fish.And handicraft is created there as well (The large elephant piece took him 2 weeks to create).A new addition is the popup cocktail bars.It reminds me of the good old days of backpacking where nothing was arranged beforehand. I would just organise accommodation when I arrived to a new place. There is still plenty of accommodation options everywhere if you look for it.
5. February 2019 09:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Japan - Tokyo Robot Restaurant 5. February 2019 09:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetShare
5. February 2019 09:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Japan - Shinjuku 5. February 2019 09:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetShare
28. August 2018 19:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Outdoor Artnude photography workshop 28. August 2018 19:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetallShareI did an art nude photoshoot over on the other side or Botany bat at Kurnell with a group of photographers and a Elen who was the model and organiser.
26. August 2018 16:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Camping - Wombeyan Caves 26. August 2018 16:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetWe made another camping trip. This time to Wombeyan caves with one of Kims colleagues.It was just beShareWe made another camping trip. This time to Wombeyan caves with one of Kims colleagues.It was just before winter set in, so the nights were cold and it was nice sitting around the fire at night.There are a lot of limestone caves in the area that are worth visiting. We did this one which was self guided.I tried to teach the boys how to shoot with a bow - kept them busy for a while.We also rigged up a badminton net for both adults and kids to play.But mostly it was the fire that the boys had fun with.We also did a really long 8km walk - almost lost the track at one point.
26. August 2018 15:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Blue Mountains 26. August 2018 15:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThis winter we went to the Blue mountains with a group of friends. We hired a house at Leura and speShareThis winter we went to the Blue mountains with a group of friends. We hired a house at Leura and spend the days going for walks.This is from the Grans Canyon walk.And some from the other walks.
26. August 2018 15:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Thailand - Ayutthaya 26. August 2018 15:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAyutthaya is the old capital of Thailand. It is a couple of hour north of Bangkok, and the easiest wShareAyutthaya is the old capital of Thailand. It is a couple of hour north of Bangkok, and the easiest way to get there (by far) is by Train (we learned this the hard way).The capital was only moved 250 years ago after it was ransacked by the Burmese, but now most of what used to be some extraordinary buildings are now mostly rubble.It is a large area with lots of temples, so it is worthwhile having plenty of time and not rush it. We just visited three of the main sites, and that was plenty with the kids around.Some of the highlights are the big lying down Buddha.People still use this as a place of worship.And apparently it is good luck if you can make a coin stick on the buddhas feed (without resorting to chewing gum).At one of the temples there is also the head of Buddha stuck in the roots of the tree.And as usual it is worthwhile keeping a look out for other moments involving people.
26. August 2018 15:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Thailand - Ayutthaya Train 26. August 2018 15:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetWe took the train back to Bangkok after visiting Ayutthaya on 2nd class tickets.There is not much diShareWe took the train back to Bangkok after visiting Ayutthaya on 2nd class tickets.There is not much difference between the classes except extra bolstering on the seats. We however found a more open carriage where the kids could better play, draw and read books during the ride. There was also a bit more life here. I went for a couple of walks through the train and found a lot of interesting sights.The carriages were open between the carriages, so people used these areas to sit sown and get some fresh air or a smoke.There was also a section that was reserved for monks, where I got permission to take this shot.The mail/cargo carriage was more open with this man sitting keeping an eye on things.As we approached Bangkok the man from the little kitchen chased people away from a part of our carriage as this was his place to sleep.
26. August 2018 15:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments My dad's 75th birthday 26. August 2018 15:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThis year it was my dad's 75 birthday. I traveled back for the party.The party was at a little hotelShareThis year it was my dad's 75 birthday. I traveled back for the party.The party was at a little hotel (in danish called a 'Kro') at Soroe.While there I also got to see the new house they are living in.
26. August 2018 14:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Thailand - Floating market 26. August 2018 14:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe floating market is 2 hours drive south of Bangkok. We made a bargain with a taxi driver to driveShareThe floating market is 2 hours drive south of Bangkok. We made a bargain with a taxi driver to drive us all there in a minivan. In the process he tried to take us to the wrong place 5 kilometers from the market and tried to rip us off by saying we should pay an exorbitant amount to take a boat from there - Kim and I had been there before and remembered that it was possible to drive there. With the assistance from Kim's colleague, the driver was put in his place and took us to the right location, so we still came out ahead and it turned out to be a nice day trip.The market is very much for tourists these days, but they still have the original boats selling food, although the market itself is all souvernirs.It is however interesting to observe the other tourists and I managed to capture a couple of good moments.
26. August 2018 14:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bangkok 26. August 2018 14:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAfter Laos we went back to Bangkok.Bangkok is much the same, however it feels a lot cleaner with regShareAfter Laos we went back to Bangkok.Bangkok is much the same, however it feels a lot cleaner with regards to smoke from all the bikes, but the traffic itself is horrendous. The tuk-tuks are still there, but they try to charge exorbitant prices, so it was far cheaper and more convenient to get a taxi.As usual there are still lots of interesting choices for food, such as braised pigs head.Or Scorpions (which are mostly sold to tourists)When it comes to shopping, Kim was in shoe shop heaven.The boys however was in their own upside down ice cream heaven.The nightlife is also much the same, with the more relaxes and romantic atmosphere along the river.As opposed to the more thrashy massage parlour atmosphere just around the corner from our hotel.While we were there it was childrens week, much to the joy of the boys.This also gave me some unique photo opportunities such as the Thai version of Wonder woman.Evening were spend having nice dinners with friends, Kim's colleagues and by ourselves.This photo was my all I packed for the entire trip (only thing missing is my camera and the two lenses I brought along). Everything fitted into a small carry-on backpack.