Stepping back in time

Coming from Melbourne’s southeast suburbs, it took us just about an hour to reach San Remo. From there, we crossed the bridge and made our way to Churchill Island. I’ve been to Phillip Island countless times—so many that it feels like second nature to me. From its stunning beaches and rugged coastline, to the feeding…

Market Walk

My husband and I love exploring local markets, but this Saturday, we decided to try something different. Jack, Patricia, and I headed to St. Andrew’s Market, nestled among the gum trees in the Yarra Valley. It’s Victoria’s oldest and most unique market, offering a delightful mix of local produce and artisan goods. I love admiring…

Tuesday StreetArt – Mordi 62

Mordialloc, or Mordi as the locals call it, is a charming seaside suburb in Melbourne. When I went back there to see the finished murals of the Wall to Wall Festival, I saw this abandoned vehicle. It’s cute isn’t it?

Bayside Walk

We wanted to go to the beach for a stroll because the weather seemed great for it. We decided to pass by this trail of murals in Mordialloc, which we saw previously but then it was still in the process of completion during the festival. It was like this then click here and it is…

It is nearly Spring…

Five more days and it’s officially Springtime. Here are 7 types of flowers that I saw in Wilson Botanic Gardens when I went for my morning walk this today. I am posting this for Becky’s Seven in September and for Cee’s FOTD Challenge

Walking in My Neighbourhood

Tina of Travels and Trifles is hosting the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week, with the theme of Walking the Neighbourhood. I know that I have posted about this part of my neighbourhood way too often, but I can’t help it. The wetlands have become my favourite retreat. Every time I visit, I’m struck by the…

Seven Stools

“You have stools, because sometimes you need a seat that understands you’re just here for a quick break, not a full sit-down meeting.” I am linking this to Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge and for Becky’s Seven in September.

A return to Montsalvat with Sis

TRAVEL DIARY: MONTSALVAT WITH SIS Its funny to experience the same thing with different people. You see how they react, and how they meet or subvert your expectations. I had a fantastic time at Montsalvat earlier this year with friends, so when my sister came to visit in April, I was excited to introduce her…

Exploring Forest Glade Gardens

“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden I previously posted the rebuilding of the Forest Glade Gardens, and now I’m excited to share a special walk my husband and I enjoyed there last May. I almost overlooked posting about it, but Anne-Christine’s Lens-Artists…

Being a tourist (in Melbourne)

We parked near Federation Square to take advantage of discounted parking—only $16 instead of $25. Great deal, right? Then we hopped on the tram, which was free within the tram zone area, so that didn’t cost us anything either. Headed straight to Askal. Traditional Filipino flavours in an upscale contemporary experience. Another birthday celebration for…

Floral Monotone

“I think I like wildflowers best. They just grow wherever they want. No one has to plant them. And then their seeds blow in the wind and they find a new place to grow.” ~ Rebecca Donovan Here is my interpretation of MONOTONE for this week’s One Word Challenge from Debbie. Photo taken with my…

A short stroll in Mornington

TRAVEL DIARY: MORNINGTON It was a sunny weekend so hubby and I decided to go out and enjoy our Sunday. About half an hour drive to Mornington Walked around the main town. And saw some stools and got envious of these cuties sitting on sun chairs. Then it was lunch at Betty’s Burgers. Heading away…

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

TRAVEL DIARY: SYDNEY I’ve visited Sydney numerous times, yet I’ve never had the chance to explore the Botanic Gardens until now. One of the perks of hosting visitors from overseas is discovering places I wouldn’t typically think to visit. This is the entrance to the Gardens, Austtalia’s oldest botanic gardens with all its natural beauty….

Cellpic Sunday in Melbourne CBD

Here is a picturesque Melbourne street where I captured moments with my iPhone camera. I am linking this to Cellpic Sunday.

York

TRAVEL DIARY: YORK After a scenic 4.5-hour drive from Bristol, we reached York around 7 p.m. Hungry from the journey, we headed to Riverside Farm near our hotel for a delicious dinner of traditional English Roast with mash and gravy. It was the ideal way to unwind after our travels. After dinner, we were all…

Tuesday Streetart 40 – Under Construction

The last time I visited Melbourne CBD, the roadside was undergoing construction, presumably for renewal, reconstruction, or extension. Surprisingly, instead of typical signage, it boasted charming street art featuring Australian animals. Adorable, isn’t it? I am linking this to Becky’s SquareRenew

Autumn Leaves

It’s Day 3 of Becky’s SquaresRenew and here is a symbol of change. The autumn leaves on the ground symbolize the beauty of transformation and renewal, as nature undergoes its seasonal cycle of change.

Succulents

This is a photo taken on the 14th of April while my sister and niece were still here in Melbourne having a holiday. These are succulents at the Cloudehill Garden & Nursery. For Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge – FOTD

Wandering in Porto

TRAVEL DIARY: PORTO 2 Since we were in Porto, we started our day with, you guessed it right, Portuguese tarts. Had it in the cafe right in front of the Livraria Lello. Livraria Lello is celebrated for its stunning blend of Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, making it a must-visit. Established in 1906, it’s among…

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…

Around town on our last day

TRAVEL DIARY: LISBON 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 and…

Tuesday Streetart – 34

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA I forgot where this streetart is actually located and I also don’t know who the artist is. I just know that it is from the streets of Melbourne. This street art got me thinking… it seems to reflect on how people are trapped by things like money, addiction, and social media. The image…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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