Wall Art in Frankston with Sis

I hadn’t originally planned any activities for my sister and niece on their first day in Melbourne, but it turned into quite a busy day. We ended up heading to Frankston beach to admire the stunning wall art from the recently concluded 2024 Big Picture Fest. I am linking this to Natalie’s Photographing Public Art…

The green doors in Nazare

As I have posted previously, Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré or the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazare has semicircular steps that lead to a Baroque portal. Outside the church are green doors. In the interior … still more green doors in the corridors of the church. I an linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors…

Tuesday Streetart – 33

PARIS, FRANCE You’ll find amazing urban art all over Paris – just walk the streets with your eyes wide open. This is a mural by Cannibal Letters. Cannibal Letters, originally from Paris, has been honing his skills since 1999, using various names and working with different groups. In 2010, he settled on his current name….

Exploring Portugal’s Coastal Gem

TRAVEL DIARY: NAZARE As we were leaving Fatima, the rain started again. We resumed our journey toward Nazare approximately an hour’s drive ahead. Glad to see the blue skies as we were approaching town. Nazare is one of the most picturesque seaside towns in Portugal Proceeded to the market stalls. Legend has it that nobleman…

Cats by the Window

NAZARE, PORTUGAL I don’t know why there are so many cat figurines in Nazare. Anyway, here they are … and they’re so cute sitting on the window ledge. I am linking this to Ludwig’s Monday Window

People…memories from the Philippines

I’m thrilled because my sister from the Philippines is finally visiting me here in Melbourne for the first time. Despite living here since 1991, I’ve always been the one to visit her because she felt Melbourne was too far. But now, she’s finally making the journey, arriving at midnight, and I couldn’t be more excited….

The Beatles Cafe

LIVERPOOL, UK This is the Chantilly Beatles Cafe located within the Cavern Walks Shopping area. Here you can see lots of Beatles memoribillia and artwork. I am linking this to Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge

Pandas at the Singapore Airport

Found this cute trail of Pandas at the Kuala Lumpur airport when we left for London in October 2023. I am linking it to Natalie’s PPAC

Doors in the old village of Fatima

Our short visit to the old village of Fatima took us to all these wonderful doors. It was where the three holy children (Francisco, Jacinta and Lucia) saw the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal, from May to October 1917. This first one is the front door of the house of Francisco and Jacinta. And…

Fatima then and now

TRAVEL DIARY: FATIMA The story begins in the village of Fatima, Portugal, on May 13, 1917. On that fateful day near that tiny village, The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, appeared to three young peasant children: Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia; ages 10, 9 and 7… As Catholics, hubby and I were interested to visit…

Lisbon windows through Tim’s Lens

Yes, yes my son, Tim, takes photos so much better than me and I am proud of it . Hubby and I stayed longer in Lisbon and when it was their last day, Tim and Leigh went out on their own to experience the city on a faster pace (without their 65 year old parents…

Cityscapes from Prague to London

In this week’s challenge, hosted by Patti, I will be showcasing Prague and London. While every city worldwide holds its own unique narrative, Prague and London hold a special place in my heart. Each snapshot I’ll be sharing is filled with cherished memories that resonate within me. (Well I really wanted to do Prague and…

Saturday Blue Skies in High Street

There are many High Streets in Melbourne, but the one I am talking about is the street that runs through the city’s inner north suburbs of Northcote, Thornbury and Preston. Surprising news this week, as Time Out magazine ranked High Street as the coolest street in the world. In my opinion it is not, but when…

Empty Chairs waiting patiently for diners

Passing by a restaurant in Porto at midday. I guess they don’t open up for lunch. Linked to Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge and Debbie’s Six Word Saturday – 6WS

Art Inside Pasteis de Belem

When in Belém, don’t miss trying the original Pastel de Nata. Just remember, if you’re having more than one, it’s called Pasteis de Nata. ( which I am sure you will be having two or more of them)😂😂😂 You can find tasty pastel de nata all over Lisbon, but the ones from this famous bakery…

Pena Palace Doorways

The doors at Pena Palace, Portugal, are famous for their colorful designs and intricate craftsmanship, reflecting various architectural styles like Romanticism and Moorish influences. Closed doors in the Queen’s Terrace Here are some of the doors from the interior of the palace. Opened doors and arched entry. Linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge

I love doing this…

What activities do you lose yourself in? When I engage in urban sketching, or other art forms mentioned below, I often find myself completely absorbed, losing track of time as I immerse myself in the process. This was in The Old Cheese Factory in Berwick where I went with my friends from the Casey Urban…

Flower in Monochrome

I haven’t joined this challenge for a long time, so here is my monochrome for today. And for Cee’s FOTD challenge

Tuesday Streetart – Banksy in London – 31

LONDON, UK In Cargo Bar’s Yard, behind the gate is Banksy’s ORIGINAL – Authorised Graffiti Area and Guard dog. This is in Rivington street. This has been there since the early 2000s and is still in good condition because they’ve put protective covering over it.

Exploring the Magic of Sintra’s Most Iconic Landmark

TRAVEL DIARY: SINTRA 2 Having marveled at the grandeur of the Quinta de Regaelera in the morning, we continue on our walk and immerse ourselves with the enchanting beauty of the Pena Palace in Sintra. My daughter Pat first introduced me to this palace in 2017 through a photo from her solo European trip, urging…

Weekend sky, weekend heat

It is already autumn in Australia but for the past few days it has been scorching hot here. Still feels like summer. It is Labour Day long weekend in Melbourne so this post technically is not late. Linking this to Hammad’s Weekend Sky Challenge

A circular journey

For this week’s Lens Artist Photo Challenge, Anne Christine leads us with the topic of Circular Wonders. Let me focus on images with circles or circular patterns on architecture. On windows… Double dipping for Ludwig’s Monday Windows. On signages… On different art forms… On everyday objects… It can also be found in nature…

Too Many Seats, Not Enough Takers

LISBON, PORTUGAL Photo taken 18th October 2023 when it was a sunny day for a change. Linking this to Xingfumama’s Pull up a Seat Challenge And for Debbie’s Six WordSaturday

On our way to Sintra

Some drive by shots of DOORS on our way to Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra. Linked to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge

Textures in B & W

I typically shy away from posting black and white photos as I tend to lean towards vibrant, colourful imagery. My posts usually reflect my love for bright hues and cheerful colours. However, today, Sarah has prompted us to share monochrome texture images. So here are some that I’ve gathered from my gallery. These are originally…

I hate to be asked …

What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain. “When will you have a grandchild?” That is one question Filipino acquaintance and friends often ask me—a question Australian friends don’t usually pose. It is in our culture to ask these questions. While it may seem harmless, it can actually be hurtful at times. (Especially…

A morning at Quinta da Regaleira

TAVEL DIARY: SINTRA 1 The Quinta da Regaleira is located near the historic centre of Sintra, Portugal. It is protected within the UNESCO World Heritage site and is a mix of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance architecture. It is an enchanting estate about half an hour from Lisbon. It was built by an eccentric Free…

Through the Tram 28 Window

TRAVEL DIARY: LISBON 3 Because of the wet weather, we opted for a tram ride to explore the significant sights of Lisbon rather than staying indoors. Went on the TRAM 28, one of the famous Lisbon icons. It passes through the popular tourist districts for about a 40-minute journey. It took us winding up (or…