Despite their artificial nature, these entrances near St. Martin Lane in Covent Garden, London, radiate beauty in their own unique way. Linked to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge
Category: challenges
White Dahlias
Took my sister and niece to one of my favorite spots for urban sketching, eager to share my go-to location with them. Here are some white Dahlia at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick. For Cee’s FOTD
First impressions of Porto
TRAVEL DIARY: PORTO DAY 1 After a brisk journey aboard the Alfa Pendular, Portugal’s flagship Pendolinoa high-speed train, we arrived in Porto just past midday, so we were starving from the trip. Near our Airbnb, we stumbled upon a nearby restaurant where, unsure of what to choose, we trusted the owner’s recommendations for our meal….
St Mary’s Cathedral and its Windows
St Mary’s Cathedral is the largest church in Australia. It is an active place of worship and an important landmark in Sydney. Let me take you inside to see the beautiful stained glass windows which I am linking to Ludwig’s Monday Window.
Each stone tells a story
This week’s challenge is being led by Donna, and the topic is Rock my World. So welcome to my world of rocks, where each stone tells a story—not of scientific origins, but of cherished memories. Let me start with my most recent trip to Sydney with my sister, Pilar, my niece, Pam and Jack. We…
My Lord…it must be Jesus!
This is the St James Church on the bustling intersection in Sydney. Walking on the right side of the church I noticed a homeless person covering himself in a blanket with only his feet protruding. But then I thought, is it a real person or just a sculpture? Looking at it more closely, I noticed…
Chairs & Benches — still on the Rocks
While walking in the Rocks area of Sydney… I saw these chairs and benches. I am linking this to Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge
The Rocks
We explored Sydney’s oldest neighborhood, The Rocks, where we found olden style cobblestone streets intertwined with modern cafes and restaurants. The rich history of Sydney’s roots are seen in some of its public art. “First Impressions” is a sculpture located in Playfair Street in The Rocks. This sandstone relief was created by Bud Dumas in 1979…
A walk through Chinatown (and its doors)
Our time in Sydney started off at night. Walked the streets and saw these bright doors of shops on the way to our booking in one of the restaurants there. So colourful aren’t they? And then had dinner with a niece and nephew both living in Sydney. This was on the 8th of April. I…
Around town on our last day
TRAVEL DIARY: LISBON DAY 4 Did you know that Uber fares are incredibly cheap in Portugal? We stumbled upon this discovery during our visit to Sintra when we opted for a taxi. Glad we found out because since then, Uber has become our go-to mode of transportation. So this was our last day in Lisbon…
From the plane window…
I am on a few days trip to Sydney with hubby, sister and niece… Some views from the plane window which I am linking to Ludwig’s Monday Window Challenge Glad to see the Sydney Opera House from the plane window before it touched down…
Before & After
Today’s challenge is from Johnbo, the before and after of photo edits. While I adore snapping photos, I often find myself hesitating to delve into the meticulous world of editing with dedicated software. My go-to approach involves minor tweaks on my phone, focusing on cropping and color adjustments to bring out the best in my…
Limestone stacks and turbulent sea waters
Sofia leads us this week with the topic of “Water in motion”. And just in time, I together with my family, went to the Great Ocean Road to take them for a sight seeing roadtrip. I am also linking this to Jez’s Water Water Everywhere and for Debbie’s Six Word Saturday First stop was the…
Geelong by the Waterfront
This morning I took my sister, Pilar, and my niece, Pam, to Geelong. (They are both here for a month long holiday from the Philippines). Geelong is the second largest Victorian city behind Melbourne and is the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road. Here we found these amazing sculptures which I…
Quaint town of Obidos and its doors
Obidos, just a half-hour’s drive from Nazare, is our third stop for our day trip. It is a quaint and charming escape with its cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, colourful shops and many local cafes. These doors add to the town’s aesthetic charm. Here are doors that become more appealing because they are surrounded with greeneries….
Discovering the charm of Obidos
TRAVEL DIARY: OBIDOS The next stop on our day trip is Obidos. This is one place not to be missed when in Lisbon … a gorgeous medieval town perched on top of a hill. As we entered the town through Porta da Vila, the main gate, we were greeted by a stunning balcony adorned with…
Lovely Yellow Windows in a Corner Shop
NAZARE, PORTUGAL A yellow restaurant by the sea. I am linking this to Ludwig’s Monday Window
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…
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