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 Tweet Perfect Moments Photography | A Rene Pallesen Journal Blog Portfolio Packages Contact About Home 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. Perfect Moments Photography | A Rene Pallesen Journal Blog Portfolio Packages Contact About Home 27. August 2009 10:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Going Solar 27. August 2009 10:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetgoing solarShareWhen we came back from our holiday our watertank had started leaking significantly. Actually it had started leaking slightly back in May where at the same time the government was introducing the stimulus package as part of their rescue plan for the financial crisis. Part of this package was an increased rebate on Solar hot water which provided a total $3400 government funding. Back then I got a couple of quotes, but never proceeded hoping that the tank would last a little longer.When we came back the leak had become a lot worse and could burst any time. It therefore had to be replaced very fast. It seemed that just replacing the existing electric tank would cost almost the same as installing Solar hot water and would be more expensive in electricity. Besides we have already installed extra insulation and energy efficient appliances so it only made sense to use Solar hot water as well.It took them 3 hours to pull down the old 160 litre tank and install a new 300 litre tank on the roof. So far we are happy with the system. We have more hot water than before, it is not nearly as hot as the old system, but plenty hot for what is needed (The old system had water which was close to 90 degrees Celcius and the new is appx 60 degrees).It has an electric booster installed for cloudy days, but once summer is here I should be able to turn that off completely. And an extra advantage is that it has cleared out some space on the side of the house. 2. February 2018 00:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Temples - Laos 2. February 2018 00:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe temples in Luang Prabang are some of the most beautiful anywhere. Yes, Thailand has some amazingShareThe temples in Luang Prabang are some of the most beautiful anywhere. Yes, Thailand has some amazing temples, but these are different. They are smaller, and more intricately decorated. 1. February 2018 23:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Luang Prabang - Laos 1. February 2018 23:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetLuang Prabang is without a doubt the cultural highlight of Laos. The old part of the city is beautifShareLuang Prabang is without a doubt the cultural highlight of Laos. The old part of the city is beautiful and there are good reasons why is has been heritage protected.I believe it has the most beautiful temples of South East Asia - they are not the largest or even the oldest, but the amount of details that has been put into them is absolutely stunning.In addition to this there are a lot of other very interesting things to see in and do in the city, which I will cover in later posts.The city itself is situated between two rivers where one of them is the Mekong which is still fairly busy with slow boats and ferries (The chinese are building a large bridge across the river north of the city)The section between the two rivers form the city itself which consist of four parallel streets each about a kilometer long.Everything within the city itself can be covered on foot and in the evening the main streets are blocked for card and reserved for pedestrians.The place is dominated by a big hill with a small temple and stuba on top. It is very popular with tourists to climb the hill around sunset. And there is a great view of the mountains from the top.There are some things that have changed in the city since I was there the last time. The most noticeable is the amount of tourists and fine hotels - and here it is really the more wealthy middle aged Europeans you see. The main street of the old city is full of modern western European influenced restaurants, souvenir and antique stores.Fortunately you don't have to travel further that to the parallel streets to fine more low key Laos places to eat.Also, last time I visited, I stayed in a small guest house near the city centre called Tanoy Guest House. When I stayed here I became good friends with the family and the place was named after the oldest daughter who's name was Tanoy.The place is still there and apart from a larger fence it looks pretty much unchanged. 29. January 2018 21:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments The War - Laos 29. January 2018 21:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe 'secret' war in the 60's and 70's had a major impact on the country. A massive amount of bombs wShareThe 'secret' war in the 60's and 70's had a major impact on the country. A massive amount of bombs were dropped by mostly the Americans in mostly the Northern and Eastern part of the country. This was partly an internal civil war but also to stop the North Vietnamese using the country as a supply route. To get an insight into this was I can highly recommend the books by Christoper Robbins called 'The Ravens' and 'Air America'. The impact today is that un-exploded ordnance (mines, cluster bombs etc.) is covering large parts of the country and that every year lots of people including children gets injured or killed.It is also very noticable, especially in the Hmong villages that there is no presence of old men. This is because most of these were killed either during the war where especially they took heavy casualties despite the American support or through 'education' camps after the war.Last time I went to Laos I went to Plains of Jars which was one of the most heavily bombed areas and the debris was everywhere. We weren't going there on this trip, but to give the family and friends an insight into the history and the dangers to present people we visited the COPE organisation in Vientiane.Here is Aiden in front of an unexploded (disarmed) clusterbomb. Looks just like a ball and tempting for kids to play with.These were dropped from canisters on aircraft with several hundred in each load. It is estimated that 1/3 of these didn't explode on impact. This map shows the areas most effected.If you look for the bombs they you see them everywhere - mostly disarmed and used as fence posts.There is also remains of anti aircraft guns such as this one in Luang Prabang. The barrel had been removed but everything else still worked on it and they could turn it by rotating the handles, much to the amusement of the kids. During the war kids only a little older than our kids would have been fighting at the front lines. 18. January 2018 19:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Ally J Wilkinson 18. January 2018 19:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetModel: Ally J WilkinsonShareModel: Ally J Wilkinson 16. January 2018 21:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments People - Laos 16. January 2018 21:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne thing that I love taking photos of on my travels are People.A lot of the photos of the people ofShareOne thing that I love taking photos of on my travels are People.A lot of the photos of the people of my travels are in the other posts, but here is a selection that didn't really fit into the other stories.This is an old woman sitting doing preparing food or doing her handicraft outside her house while observing the street life.Someone was shooting a wedding, I used the opportunity to snap a photo of my own.A woman bathing in the MekongA girl posing for her boyfriend on top of the hill at Luang PrabangA woman walking down the streetAnother woman doing handicraft outside her shop 12. January 2018 00:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Fishing - Laos 12. January 2018 00:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe fishing along the rivers in Laos are still very traditional.It is the circular throw out nets, fShareThe fishing along the rivers in Laos are still very traditional.It is the circular throw out nets, fish traps and people foraging along the river banks to collect river seaweed and snails for eating.In most places they still use dugout canoes for the fishing.In the various town you see people sitting repairing their fishing nets.Kim told us that when she was a little girl she used to help the family repair the fishing nets, but that she's forgotten how to do it.One of the delicacies in Loang Prabang is the local riverweed. We saw multiple people collecting it and also sitting cleaning it. 11. January 2018 19:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Vang Vieng - Kids highlights 11. January 2018 19:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetSome of the other highlights for the kids in Vang Vieng was the gym at our hotel. The local guys useShareSome of the other highlights for the kids in Vang Vieng was the gym at our hotel. The local guys used it to train for kick boxing and the kids felt inspired.Also, one evening we spotted someone launching wishing lanterns. We asked where they came from and through a lot of pointing we found a local shop keeper selling them.We bought one and launched it an the kids loved the experience.Also, one of the trees at the hotel had two little monkeys staying there most of the day. The kids loved standing there shouting profanities at them. << Older posts Newer posts >> Newer posts12...101112131415161718...9293Older posts SearchInclude comments in search Newsletter Get notified when a new post is published. Enter your e-mail Please enter an e-mail address Please enter a valid e-mail Thank you
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. Perfect Moments Photography | A Rene Pallesen Journal Blog Portfolio Packages Contact About Home 27. August 2009 10:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Going Solar 27. August 2009 10:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetgoing solarShareWhen we came back from our holiday our watertank had started leaking significantly. Actually it had started leaking slightly back in May where at the same time the government was introducing the stimulus package as part of their rescue plan for the financial crisis. Part of this package was an increased rebate on Solar hot water which provided a total $3400 government funding. Back then I got a couple of quotes, but never proceeded hoping that the tank would last a little longer.When we came back the leak had become a lot worse and could burst any time. It therefore had to be replaced very fast. It seemed that just replacing the existing electric tank would cost almost the same as installing Solar hot water and would be more expensive in electricity. Besides we have already installed extra insulation and energy efficient appliances so it only made sense to use Solar hot water as well.It took them 3 hours to pull down the old 160 litre tank and install a new 300 litre tank on the roof. So far we are happy with the system. We have more hot water than before, it is not nearly as hot as the old system, but plenty hot for what is needed (The old system had water which was close to 90 degrees Celcius and the new is appx 60 degrees).It has an electric booster installed for cloudy days, but once summer is here I should be able to turn that off completely. And an extra advantage is that it has cleared out some space on the side of the house. 2. February 2018 00:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Temples - Laos 2. February 2018 00:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe temples in Luang Prabang are some of the most beautiful anywhere. Yes, Thailand has some amazingShareThe temples in Luang Prabang are some of the most beautiful anywhere. Yes, Thailand has some amazing temples, but these are different. They are smaller, and more intricately decorated. 1. February 2018 23:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Luang Prabang - Laos 1. February 2018 23:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetLuang Prabang is without a doubt the cultural highlight of Laos. The old part of the city is beautifShareLuang Prabang is without a doubt the cultural highlight of Laos. The old part of the city is beautiful and there are good reasons why is has been heritage protected.I believe it has the most beautiful temples of South East Asia - they are not the largest or even the oldest, but the amount of details that has been put into them is absolutely stunning.In addition to this there are a lot of other very interesting things to see in and do in the city, which I will cover in later posts.The city itself is situated between two rivers where one of them is the Mekong which is still fairly busy with slow boats and ferries (The chinese are building a large bridge across the river north of the city)The section between the two rivers form the city itself which consist of four parallel streets each about a kilometer long.Everything within the city itself can be covered on foot and in the evening the main streets are blocked for card and reserved for pedestrians.The place is dominated by a big hill with a small temple and stuba on top. It is very popular with tourists to climb the hill around sunset. And there is a great view of the mountains from the top.There are some things that have changed in the city since I was there the last time. The most noticeable is the amount of tourists and fine hotels - and here it is really the more wealthy middle aged Europeans you see. The main street of the old city is full of modern western European influenced restaurants, souvenir and antique stores.Fortunately you don't have to travel further that to the parallel streets to fine more low key Laos places to eat.Also, last time I visited, I stayed in a small guest house near the city centre called Tanoy Guest House. When I stayed here I became good friends with the family and the place was named after the oldest daughter who's name was Tanoy.The place is still there and apart from a larger fence it looks pretty much unchanged. 29. January 2018 21:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments The War - Laos 29. January 2018 21:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe 'secret' war in the 60's and 70's had a major impact on the country. A massive amount of bombs wShareThe 'secret' war in the 60's and 70's had a major impact on the country. A massive amount of bombs were dropped by mostly the Americans in mostly the Northern and Eastern part of the country. This was partly an internal civil war but also to stop the North Vietnamese using the country as a supply route. To get an insight into this was I can highly recommend the books by Christoper Robbins called 'The Ravens' and 'Air America'. The impact today is that un-exploded ordnance (mines, cluster bombs etc.) is covering large parts of the country and that every year lots of people including children gets injured or killed.It is also very noticable, especially in the Hmong villages that there is no presence of old men. This is because most of these were killed either during the war where especially they took heavy casualties despite the American support or through 'education' camps after the war.Last time I went to Laos I went to Plains of Jars which was one of the most heavily bombed areas and the debris was everywhere. We weren't going there on this trip, but to give the family and friends an insight into the history and the dangers to present people we visited the COPE organisation in Vientiane.Here is Aiden in front of an unexploded (disarmed) clusterbomb. Looks just like a ball and tempting for kids to play with.These were dropped from canisters on aircraft with several hundred in each load. It is estimated that 1/3 of these didn't explode on impact. This map shows the areas most effected.If you look for the bombs they you see them everywhere - mostly disarmed and used as fence posts.There is also remains of anti aircraft guns such as this one in Luang Prabang. The barrel had been removed but everything else still worked on it and they could turn it by rotating the handles, much to the amusement of the kids. During the war kids only a little older than our kids would have been fighting at the front lines. 18. January 2018 19:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Ally J Wilkinson 18. January 2018 19:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetModel: Ally J WilkinsonShareModel: Ally J Wilkinson 16. January 2018 21:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments People - Laos 16. January 2018 21:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne thing that I love taking photos of on my travels are People.A lot of the photos of the people ofShareOne thing that I love taking photos of on my travels are People.A lot of the photos of the people of my travels are in the other posts, but here is a selection that didn't really fit into the other stories.This is an old woman sitting doing preparing food or doing her handicraft outside her house while observing the street life.Someone was shooting a wedding, I used the opportunity to snap a photo of my own.A woman bathing in the MekongA girl posing for her boyfriend on top of the hill at Luang PrabangA woman walking down the streetAnother woman doing handicraft outside her shop 12. January 2018 00:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Fishing - Laos 12. January 2018 00:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe fishing along the rivers in Laos are still very traditional.It is the circular throw out nets, fShareThe fishing along the rivers in Laos are still very traditional.It is the circular throw out nets, fish traps and people foraging along the river banks to collect river seaweed and snails for eating.In most places they still use dugout canoes for the fishing.In the various town you see people sitting repairing their fishing nets.Kim told us that when she was a little girl she used to help the family repair the fishing nets, but that she's forgotten how to do it.One of the delicacies in Loang Prabang is the local riverweed. We saw multiple people collecting it and also sitting cleaning it. 11. January 2018 19:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Vang Vieng - Kids highlights 11. January 2018 19:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetSome of the other highlights for the kids in Vang Vieng was the gym at our hotel. The local guys useShareSome of the other highlights for the kids in Vang Vieng was the gym at our hotel. The local guys used it to train for kick boxing and the kids felt inspired.Also, one evening we spotted someone launching wishing lanterns. We asked where they came from and through a lot of pointing we found a local shop keeper selling them.We bought one and launched it an the kids loved the experience.Also, one of the trees at the hotel had two little monkeys staying there most of the day. The kids loved standing there shouting profanities at them. << Older posts Newer posts >> Newer posts12...101112131415161718...9293Older posts SearchInclude comments in search Newsletter Get notified when a new post is published. Enter your e-mail Please enter an e-mail address Please enter a valid e-mail Thank you
27. August 2009 10:07 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Going Solar 27. August 2009 10:07 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetgoing solarShareWhen we came back from our holiday our watertank had started leaking significantly. Actually it had started leaking slightly back in May where at the same time the government was introducing the stimulus package as part of their rescue plan for the financial crisis. Part of this package was an increased rebate on Solar hot water which provided a total $3400 government funding. Back then I got a couple of quotes, but never proceeded hoping that the tank would last a little longer.When we came back the leak had become a lot worse and could burst any time. It therefore had to be replaced very fast. It seemed that just replacing the existing electric tank would cost almost the same as installing Solar hot water and would be more expensive in electricity. Besides we have already installed extra insulation and energy efficient appliances so it only made sense to use Solar hot water as well.It took them 3 hours to pull down the old 160 litre tank and install a new 300 litre tank on the roof. So far we are happy with the system. We have more hot water than before, it is not nearly as hot as the old system, but plenty hot for what is needed (The old system had water which was close to 90 degrees Celcius and the new is appx 60 degrees).It has an electric booster installed for cloudy days, but once summer is here I should be able to turn that off completely. And an extra advantage is that it has cleared out some space on the side of the house.
2. February 2018 00:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Temples - Laos 2. February 2018 00:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe temples in Luang Prabang are some of the most beautiful anywhere. Yes, Thailand has some amazingShareThe temples in Luang Prabang are some of the most beautiful anywhere. Yes, Thailand has some amazing temples, but these are different. They are smaller, and more intricately decorated.
1. February 2018 23:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Luang Prabang - Laos 1. February 2018 23:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetLuang Prabang is without a doubt the cultural highlight of Laos. The old part of the city is beautifShareLuang Prabang is without a doubt the cultural highlight of Laos. The old part of the city is beautiful and there are good reasons why is has been heritage protected.I believe it has the most beautiful temples of South East Asia - they are not the largest or even the oldest, but the amount of details that has been put into them is absolutely stunning.In addition to this there are a lot of other very interesting things to see in and do in the city, which I will cover in later posts.The city itself is situated between two rivers where one of them is the Mekong which is still fairly busy with slow boats and ferries (The chinese are building a large bridge across the river north of the city)The section between the two rivers form the city itself which consist of four parallel streets each about a kilometer long.Everything within the city itself can be covered on foot and in the evening the main streets are blocked for card and reserved for pedestrians.The place is dominated by a big hill with a small temple and stuba on top. It is very popular with tourists to climb the hill around sunset. And there is a great view of the mountains from the top.There are some things that have changed in the city since I was there the last time. The most noticeable is the amount of tourists and fine hotels - and here it is really the more wealthy middle aged Europeans you see. The main street of the old city is full of modern western European influenced restaurants, souvenir and antique stores.Fortunately you don't have to travel further that to the parallel streets to fine more low key Laos places to eat.Also, last time I visited, I stayed in a small guest house near the city centre called Tanoy Guest House. When I stayed here I became good friends with the family and the place was named after the oldest daughter who's name was Tanoy.The place is still there and apart from a larger fence it looks pretty much unchanged.
29. January 2018 21:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments The War - Laos 29. January 2018 21:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe 'secret' war in the 60's and 70's had a major impact on the country. A massive amount of bombs wShareThe 'secret' war in the 60's and 70's had a major impact on the country. A massive amount of bombs were dropped by mostly the Americans in mostly the Northern and Eastern part of the country. This was partly an internal civil war but also to stop the North Vietnamese using the country as a supply route. To get an insight into this was I can highly recommend the books by Christoper Robbins called 'The Ravens' and 'Air America'. The impact today is that un-exploded ordnance (mines, cluster bombs etc.) is covering large parts of the country and that every year lots of people including children gets injured or killed.It is also very noticable, especially in the Hmong villages that there is no presence of old men. This is because most of these were killed either during the war where especially they took heavy casualties despite the American support or through 'education' camps after the war.Last time I went to Laos I went to Plains of Jars which was one of the most heavily bombed areas and the debris was everywhere. We weren't going there on this trip, but to give the family and friends an insight into the history and the dangers to present people we visited the COPE organisation in Vientiane.Here is Aiden in front of an unexploded (disarmed) clusterbomb. Looks just like a ball and tempting for kids to play with.These were dropped from canisters on aircraft with several hundred in each load. It is estimated that 1/3 of these didn't explode on impact. This map shows the areas most effected.If you look for the bombs they you see them everywhere - mostly disarmed and used as fence posts.There is also remains of anti aircraft guns such as this one in Luang Prabang. The barrel had been removed but everything else still worked on it and they could turn it by rotating the handles, much to the amusement of the kids. During the war kids only a little older than our kids would have been fighting at the front lines.
18. January 2018 19:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Ally J Wilkinson 18. January 2018 19:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetModel: Ally J WilkinsonShareModel: Ally J Wilkinson
16. January 2018 21:03 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments People - Laos 16. January 2018 21:03 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne thing that I love taking photos of on my travels are People.A lot of the photos of the people ofShareOne thing that I love taking photos of on my travels are People.A lot of the photos of the people of my travels are in the other posts, but here is a selection that didn't really fit into the other stories.This is an old woman sitting doing preparing food or doing her handicraft outside her house while observing the street life.Someone was shooting a wedding, I used the opportunity to snap a photo of my own.A woman bathing in the MekongA girl posing for her boyfriend on top of the hill at Luang PrabangA woman walking down the streetAnother woman doing handicraft outside her shop
12. January 2018 00:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Fishing - Laos 12. January 2018 00:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe fishing along the rivers in Laos are still very traditional.It is the circular throw out nets, fShareThe fishing along the rivers in Laos are still very traditional.It is the circular throw out nets, fish traps and people foraging along the river banks to collect river seaweed and snails for eating.In most places they still use dugout canoes for the fishing.In the various town you see people sitting repairing their fishing nets.Kim told us that when she was a little girl she used to help the family repair the fishing nets, but that she's forgotten how to do it.One of the delicacies in Loang Prabang is the local riverweed. We saw multiple people collecting it and also sitting cleaning it.
11. January 2018 19:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Vang Vieng - Kids highlights 11. January 2018 19:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetSome of the other highlights for the kids in Vang Vieng was the gym at our hotel. The local guys useShareSome of the other highlights for the kids in Vang Vieng was the gym at our hotel. The local guys used it to train for kick boxing and the kids felt inspired.Also, one evening we spotted someone launching wishing lanterns. We asked where they came from and through a lot of pointing we found a local shop keeper selling them.We bought one and launched it an the kids loved the experience.Also, one of the trees at the hotel had two little monkeys staying there most of the day. The kids loved standing there shouting profanities at them.