In Osaka, I spotted several smiling golden figures sitting proudly in Japanese restaurants and shopfronts. This is Billiken, a beloved good-luck character. Originally inspired by a Western statue and introduced to Japan in the early 1900s, Billiken has become a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. Billiken is usually shown seated, with pointy ears…
Tag: Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge
Free Train Weekends in Melbourne
To celebrate the Metro Tunnel opening, public transport is free on weekends (that means trains, trams, buses — all across Victoria) from: 30 Nov 2025 through to 1 February 2026. So Jack and I grabbed the chance. We went down at the Melbourne Central Station and spotted something new. Along the walls are large-scale murals…
Travel Diary Azubadai Hills – Day 5
Our main itinerary for today was to visit TeamLab Borderless, since we had a free day on our tour. So we took our time exploring the area before heading in on our designated entry time of 12 noon. Azabudai Hills is a modern shopping centre with a sleek architecture and High end shops inside. There…
Another visit to Hosier Lane
I hadn’t visited Hosier Lane in Melbourne’s CBD in what felt like forever. Somehow, it took Jack’s boss flying in from the Philippines to bring me back. As we walked through the laneway, I was reminded of why I used to love coming here … the colours, the chaos, the way the artwork changes every…
Asakusa & its Doors
As I wandered through Asakusa, I found myself slowing down for something most people probably walk past without a second thought—the doors. Unlike the ornate temples or the colourful bustle of shopping Streets, the doors here are simple, clean, and almost understated. Some are plain wooden panels softened by age, others are neatly painted with…
Travel Diary in Roppongi – Day 1 (Part 2)
Our first day in Tokyo wasn’t over yet, but my last post was getting a little long—so here’s the continuation. We hopped on a train to Roppongi, known for its artsy vibe, and ended up arriving earlier than our booking to a Museum. Perfect excuse for lunch. We found a spot at Mohri Salvatore, with…
The adventure begins at Changi Airport
We are travelling to a country I have never been but first is a four hour layover. The adventure begins at Changi Airport … from strolling through the Enchanted Garden … to chasing sunrise in the Sunflower Garden and saying hello to butterflies before takeoff. With every turn there is so much to see and…
Monday walk in Bruno’s Garden
Backstory: On Black Saturday, February 7, 2009, a massive bushfire tore through Marysville in Victoria. It destroyed the town and wiped out Bruno Torfs’ home, gallery, and beautiful art garden. Almost all of his 300 handmade sculptures were lost in the fire. Despite everything, Bruno chose to stay in Marysville and slowly rebuilt his home…
Healesville
Healesville is located less than an hour from Melbourne, right in the heart of the Yarra Valley’s renowned food and wine region. With nothing better to do, Hubby and I decided to go on a day trip. I am linking this to Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge and to Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge….
Tuesday Streetart: Ladies of Berlin – 107
You probably know by now that I love sharing photos my kids send me from their adventures. This time it’s from Tim — he went to a festival where his work was shortlisted (so proud!). On his free days, he thought of his mumma and sent me some great shots of murals, street art, doors,…
Mornington Peninsula walk
With Melbourne’s weather finally improving, hubby and I went on an impromptu walk. Our first stop was brunch, and I was delighted to see murals brightening the walls of the café. Our next stop was a new find for us—The Studio & Co in Moorooduc. Set amid rolling farmland, this expansive creative hub captures the…
Tuesday StreetArt: Drive through Coffee – 105
Had our car fixed and happened to see this on our way near DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) at Moorabbin Airport. Cute isn’t it? I am also linking this to Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge
Streetart on Utility Doors in Christchurch
I’ve mentioned in some earlier posts from my South Island trip that Christchurch has some pretty amazing murals. This time, I came across something a little different—art on utility doors all over the city. It was such a fun little surprise to spot them as I wandered around. A bonus find of a streetart and…
Melbourne & its Mural Doors
Melbourne’s laneways are alive with colour, where murals spill across doors and walls. In Hosier Lane, the art shifts constantly—fresh paint layered over what came before. It’s the classic spot to show off to visitors from overseas. But wander a little further, and you’ll find other laneways that feel even more vibrant and full of…
Monday Walk in Melbourne CBD
As expected, I did plenty of walking while showing my cousin and cousin-in-law around during their short stay in Melbourne. I’m starting with a walk from their third day here—just in time to join this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, which has the theme “Market.” Walk Our day started with an 11am mass at the St…
At Prahran Square
Iwagumi Air Scape by ENESS is a tribute to the Japanese love for natural rock formations. It is a larger than life temporary sculpture at the Prahran Square which started yesterday. During the day, visitors can walk through giant inflatable forms that look like massive stones. As night falls, the installation comes alive with colourful…
Back in Cloudehill Gardens
I’ve been to Cloudehill Gardens & Nursery in Olinda more times than I can count— with my sister on holiday, after brunch with hubby, and even with my two besties. This time, it was my brother-in-law’s turn while he’s visiting from the Philippines. I almost forgot to post about this walk which was already about…
At the Old Cheese Factory
BERWICK, VICTORIA I love spending time at the Old Cheese Factory. It’s a great spot to just unwind—there’s always something to see, from beautiful flowers to interesting sculptures. It’s one of those places that’s perfect for a slow stroll and a bit of me-time. Here are red flowers and wooden wheels for Becky’s Simply Red…
Tuesday Streetart: Giant Spray Cans – 92
Before the earthquakes hit Christchurch in 2011, street art was mostly seen as graffiti or vandalism. But after the quakes, the damaged buildings gave artists a chance to turn the city into something more colourful and creative. In 2017, these giant spray cans were set up as a way to give artists a proper space…
Day Trip to Arrowtown
TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 9 DAYTRIP TO ARROWTOWN Arrowtown is a small town near Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island. It began as a gold mining town, and you can still see that history in its old cottages and stone buildings. Many of the houses were built in the 1860s, when Chinese miners and European settlers…
The Giant’s House
In the charming town of Akaroa, New Zealand, artist Josie Martin has turned an old 1880s villa, known as The Giant’s House, into a colourful and imaginative sanctuary. It is said the be the “Happiest Garden on Earth.” The Giants House has become a part of Akaroa’s folklore, earning its name when a small child,…
From Lake Tekapo to Queenstown
TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 6 ON THE ROAD FROM LAKE TEKAPO TO QUEENSTOWN We loved our stay at the AirBnb but we had to move on. It was a bit overcast when we left for our day. Driving through Lindi’s Pass felt like stepping into another world — endless golden hills, quiet roads, and that feeling…
A stroll in Northcote
Pat just moved into her new place—still renting, but no more share house for her! She was super excited to show us around her neighbourhood so we could pick a spot to eat next time we visited. We wandered through a few nearby streets, and I noticed some cool front doors, mosaic public art, and…
A Day in Akaroa
TRAVEL DIARY: Day 2 AKAROA I don’t know how it always happens—no matter how much I plan for a relaxing trip, I end up packing in so much! This was especially true on our second day in Christchurch, when we found ourselves heading out to explore even more places, including the beautiful town of Akaroa….
Roadtrip in Christchurch
TRAVEL DIARY: Day 1 CHRISTCHURCH STREETART To be honest, Christchurch wasn’t part of my original plan for our South Island trip. I was more excited to see nature and all the beautiful landscapes. But when my husband said Christchurch is known for its street art, I got curious. After a bit of research, I was…
My Go-to Place: Phillip Island
Phillip Island has always been my go-to place. No matter how many times I’ve been, it never gets old. There’s something about the mix of wild coastline, chilled vibes, and the sound of waves that just resets everything. Whether it’s grabbing fish and chips by the beach, watching the pelicans having their daily feed or…
The Lilliput Libraries
Lilliput Libraries are small, friendly book-sharing boxes found all over New Zealand. They work on a simple idea: take a book, leave a book. These little libraries help bring communities together and make it easy for people to enjoy reading and share stories with others. Here are two that I saw in Te Anau while…
First Glimpse of Christchurch
Touchdown …Christchurch, New Zealand. All of these public art were taken at the airport. I am linking this to Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge
Tuesday Streetart: Traffic Signal Boxes & more – 78
Hobart is a vibrant and artistic city, something I’ve experienced firsthand. One of the best ways to see its creativity is through its street art, especially the painted traffic signal boxes. So far, over 100 signal boxes have been transformed into unique works of art, adding colour and character to the city. Leave it to…
Veg Out … a walk in the community garden
We visited this place a few years ago, but as we passed the wire gates of Veg Out Community Gardens this time, we noticed countless new things to discover. Curiosity got the best of us, so we decided to step inside and explore once again. Veg Out Community Garden is an organic, chemical-free oasis in…