This is a Heliconia Bihai which I found in the Philippines. It is also commonly known as Red Lobster Claw, False abird of Paradise or Balisier. Floral Friday
Category: Travels
Travel Diary: Lady Buddha – Day 12
After spending the previous day under grey skies and rain, we were hoping for better weather on our last full day in Da Nang. To our delight, we woke up to brilliant sunshine streaming through the window. Eager to take advantage of the perfect day, I wasted no time booking a ride and setting off…
Flowing Water
This week’s theme for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness Challenge is Flowing Water.
Tuesday Streetart: Moana – 126
Ethnic tribe of Sapa which can be seen on the walls of the restaurant in Moana.
Floral Friday: Plumeria – 39
This was in the garden of our AirBnB in Dauin, Negros Oriental. In the Philippines, Plumeria is popularly known in the Philippines as Kalachuchi. Floral Friday
Travel Diary: Ba Na Hills Day 11
That morning, we had a 9 AM tour to catch, with a pickup point just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel in Da Nang. It felt easy, almost effortless, as we made our way there, still easing into the day. About an hour later, we arrived at Sun World Ba Na Hills — and…
Pisa in Monochrome
There’s no set theme for this week’s Monochrome Madness Challenge, so I’ve decided to feature monochrome shots from my travels. Close up shots of the intricate design found in the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) in Pisa, Italy.
Mall of Asia Windows
And this is happy Dog Momo in front of the windows at the Mall of Asia Main Atrium. Mall of Asia, or MOA for short, is a sprawling waterfront shopping and entertainment hub in Pasay in the Philippines. Monday Window Challenge
Art & Seats in Da Nang Beach
These are traditional Vietnamese coracle boats found near the shores of Da Nang Beach. These are part of a public beach art installation painted by groups of local artists and craftsmen who turned everyday fishing boats into decorative artworks. I am linking this to Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge More art pieces scattered around I…
Floral Friday: Hibiscus – 38
A Hibiscus in the gardens of our AirBnB in Dauin in Negros Oriental, Philippines. Floral Friday
The Doors in Sunworld Fansipan
From temple doors to garden gates to a European-style station…Fansipan really takes you everywhere. I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge. But one door stood out—and not quite in a good way. A modern Starbucks sat among the historic facades. However, on a cold day at the peak, a hot coffee would feel…
Travel Diary: On the Road to Da Nang – Day 10
On our last day in Hoi An, Jack and I started the morning with breakfast before heading out to savour our final moments in the town. We wandered aimlessly, browsing for little things we could bring back home to Australia, and a few for my family in the Philippines. … when we stumbled upon a…
Hydrant Droids in BGC
I love seeing old, forgotten things come back to life in the most unexpected ways. These non-working hydrants have been transformed into Star Wars-inspired art, and honestly, I couldn’t help but smile when I walked past them. These were created by Filipino artist Jasmin Lacay. It’s part of BGC’s public art program, where artists transform…
Floral Friday: Bougainvillea – 37
Bougainvillea thrives in the Philippines’ hot tropical climate. Here are some colours I found on the grounds of Villa Escudero. Floral Friday
Doors and Seats in Hoi An
In Hoi An, even the simplest details feel like art. The old wooden doors, raw or painted in bright yellows and deep blues carry the marks of time.. Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge Just outside, low wooden seats sit patiently along the streets, inviting you to pause. These are part of the rhythm of daily life,…
Venice in Monochrome
There’s no set theme for this week’s Monochrome Madness Challenge, so I’ve decided to feature monochrome shots from my travels. Venice at night in monochrome feels timeless. The canals darken into mirrors, lights flicker softly, and every alley is etched in shadow. Without colour, the city becomes quieter. Venice by day feels alive and luminous….
Travel Diary: Still in Hoi An Day 9
Another full day in Hoi An with no real plan… just wandering. We stepped out of the hotel and let the streets lead us, with only one mission in mind: to find that little stamp shop that can turn one of our photos into a custom piece. No map, no rush… just exploring until we…
Windows in Sa Pa Stone Church
The Sapa Stone Church showcases classic Roman Gothic architecture through its sturdy stone walls, pointed arches, and simple yet striking bell tower. The structure feels both solid and graceful, with its weathered stones adding character and a sense of history. Its windows are a standout feature—tall, arched, and adorned with coloured stained glass that softly…
Silence in Ba Na Hills
In Ba Na Hills, silence is something you feel. As the fog wraps itself around the statues and along the edges of the balconies, there’s a softening and muffling sound. Silent Sunday Johnbo’s Cellpic Sunday
Floral Friday: Marguerite Daisy – 36
Saw this in the front of our hotel n Sa Pa. Floral Friday
Travel Diary: Hoi An Day 8
Unfortunately, our plans shifted a little as my sister and niece had to cut their trip short due to my brother-in-law’s health situation. It wasn’t the ending we had imagined for this part of the journey. So from here on, it’s just Jack and I continuing on our own in Hoi An. With no set…
Monday Window in Hoi An
I stumbled upon this little restaurant in Hoi An Ancient Town and ended up gazing at it longer than planned. There’s something about those windows and lanterns that just pulls you right in.
Quotes Inspired by Unforgettable Times
I don’t usually write with quotes in my blog, but this week is different. Ann-Christine has invited us to focus on quotes, letting them lead us to some of our favourite images. “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” — John Muir One autumn day in the Dandenong…
Floral Friday: Tulips in Ba Na Hills – 35
At Ba Na Hills, tulips on a foggy day feel less like a flower garden and more like stepping into a dream suspended in the clouds. You don’t just see the tulips, you discover them slowly. One moment, they’re hidden behind thick white clouds; the next, they appear in clusters along cobblestone paths in the…
Travel Diary: Sa Pa to Hoi An – Days 6 & 7
Day 6 It was supposed to be our rest day, but we found this place just beside our hotel in Sa Pa, so of course, we had to check it out. This is Moana. Definitely one of those spots you visit at least once, even just out of curiosity. It’s very Instagrammable, with carefully styled…
Travel Diary in Fansipan: Day 5
We started our day at Sun Plaza Sapa, a striking landmark right in the heart of town. Jo’s Monday Walk From there, we took the mountain train, slowly making our way upward. As we ascended toward the Fansipan Mountains, the landscape transformed into a dreamy scene of mist-covered mountains. The fog drifted gently over the…
On the Water …
This week, Beth of Wandering Dawgs challenges us with the theme of “on the water”. “In the stillness of the water, even wings seem quieter.” These beautiful creatures were captured during the pandemic…when the world grew quiet, and we learned to find beauty and peace just beyond our doorsteps. “Where the water whispers and the…
Travel Diary in Muong Hoa Valley, Ta Van Village: Day 4
Today we went on an afternoon tour to Hoa Valley and Ta Van Village, with a 2 pm pickup near Sa Pa Square at the Sa Pa Stone Church. Our van made its way along winding mountain roads, revealing sweeping views of terraced rice fields and quiet villages, each scene more beautiful than the last….
P is for…
This week’s Monochrome Madness Challenge is from Sarah of Travel with Me with the theme of “it begins with a P”. So here goes… P is for … PEDICABS go by many different names around the world—often depending on language, culture, and slight design differences. In Vietnam they are called Cyclos and they’re one of…
Sun Plaza Windows
Sun Plaza Sapa is a beautiful building in the center of Sapa. It was designed by architect Bill Bensley in a French colonial style. The building is bright yellow and very eye-catching, with a tall clock tower, big arched windows, and detailed European designs. It is not only a landmark but also a train station,…