Star War Lego Exhibition in Melbourne Museum for Treasure Tuesday

 

Last weekend, under a persistent rain, I persuaded Joel to accompany me to an exhibition, for which the admission was thirty-five Australian dollars per person. The venue was teeming with children—so many, in fact, that it quite diminished the enjoyment of the experience. Joel was particularly vexed by the presence of plastic panel barriers before most exhibits, which rendered it impossible to capture clear photographs.

In his frustration, he hastened our departure, and we made our way to Mensho Ramen in the Central Business District. There, we endured a queue of nearly forty-five minutes in the open air before partaking in a bowl of richly stewed pork bone broth—without noodles, of course, as both of us are presently adhering to a ketogenic diet.

Joel possesses a far greater familiarity with the Star Wars franchise than I. In an effort to redress this disparity, I have undertaken to rewatch the entire series, hoping at last to comprehend the intricacies of its narrative—an endeavour long postponed due to the many years I devoted to specialist examinations and the pursuit of my professional career.

In 2025, Melbourne Museum proudly hosts the world premiere of LEGO® Star Wars: The Exhibition, a groundbreaking collaboration between LEGO® Certified Professional Ryan 'Brickman' McNaught and the iconic Star Wars franchise. This immersive exhibition, running from May 4th to January 26th, 2026, showcases over 8 million LEGO® bricks meticulously assembled into life-sized models of beloved characters, starships, and scenes from across the Star Wars universe. Highlights include a towering four-metre-high AT-AT and the iconic X-wing Red 5, constructed from 64,759 bricks over 382 hours. Visitors can engage in interactive zones, participate in hands-on building activities, and explore the Droid Hall of Fame, featuring a shimmering C-3PO crafted from 'Pearl Gold' LEGO® bricks. This exhibition offers fans of all ages a unique opportunity to experience the Star Wars galaxy through the creative lens of LEGO® artistry

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Collins Street Road Sign in Melbourne for Sign2

 

These are simply candid street photographs taken along Collins Street. As some signs appeared incidentally within the frames, I have chosen to feature them as part of this week’s theme.

Earlier this week, I received a call from Joel, who shared with me a rather troubling incident involving his son. The boy, during a philosophy class at school, had quoted the words of the philosopher Nietzsche, saying, “We have killed God. Humans have killed God...”—a reference, of course, to Nietzsche’s profound critique of modernity and the decline of religious faith in Western society.

Regrettably, the teacher, evidently young and unfamiliar with Nietzsche’s work, misconstrued the remark as an act of blasphemy. Rather than recognising the statement as a pivotal moment in philosophical discourse, she responded by issuing the boy a detention.

It is both disheartening and perplexing that one entrusted with the instruction of philosophy should possess so little acquaintance with its foundational thinkers. How is one to teach the great questions of existence, morality, and belief without a proper understanding of those who have shaped the discipline through the ages?

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Sign2 and FACE OFF

I am enjoying Micky 17 on Max. What a good story!

Pastuso and Majorca signs for Sign2

 

It was great to walk through the CBD streets and lanes again. The photowalk was therapeutic.

The Pastuso and Majorca buildings, located in the heart of Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD), are notable for their striking designs that blend modern aesthetics with historical influences. Pastuso, an iconic structure in the area, stands out with its bold and contemporary architectural features, often celebrated for its innovative use of space and design elements that cater to both commercial and residential purposes. Nearby, the Majorca building exudes an old-world charm with its classic Victorian-era architecture, showcasing Melbourne's rich heritage. Both buildings add to the architectural diversity of the CBD, serving as a testament to the city's evolving skyline, where the past and future coexist harmoniously.

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FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Sign2

Over the years I have dedicated myself to serving regional and remote areas of Victoria. Yet, I am continually taken aback by the prevailing attitude that my work does not warrant fair compensation. Every aspect of what I do entails considerable cost—be it the long hours spent driving, the expense of motel accommodation, the effort required to reach often inaccessible health facilities, or the challenges posed by poor communication. It is disheartening that such sacrifices are met with disregard. After all, this too is a matter of humanity.

Hosier Lane Graffiti for Mural Monday

 

In earlier years, I found little appeal in these murals and graffiti; their aesthetic did not resonate with me. Yet, time alters perception. Now, with a changed eye and amidst the evolving discourse on public art and civic expression—particularly in a place as politically charged as Hosier Lane in Melbourne—I find myself regarding them anew. What once seemed chaotic now appears as a layered dialogue between artist, space, and society.

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Mural Monday

The election over the weekend proved to be quite a nuisance. The traffic was excessively congested, and every car park was fully occupied. Labour has secured a second term in office. However, I remain uncertain about how the government's extensive expenditure on healthcare will be sustainable in the long term. According to the Australian Financial Times, there are concerns that Australia may follow in the footsteps of Greece, facing bankruptcy due to excessive welfare spending, coupled with a lack of manufacturing and economic output.

While Joel and I were at Rabbit Rock, he persuaded me to invest in additional physical gold. We certainly find ourselves living in intriguing times.

Bambi and Finch murals in Footscray and Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

Off Elizabeth St

Hopkins St Footscray

There are sometimes pleasant mural arts to admire on Melbourne Streets. 

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FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Springvale Fair for Sign2

 

There were really simple snaps as I was carrying a lot of shopping for mum. So framing was a little off. 

Springvale, Melbourne, is a veritable melting pot of cultures. Traditionally, it has been one of the trios of renowned Asian street grocery regions, providing access to a plethora of Asian goods and produce. Remarkably, Springvale is one of the few suburbs that remains open during Easter weekend, Christmas, and indeed, every day of the year. However, the area is plagued by a dearth of parking facilities, an abundance of outdoor smokers, and the conspicuous presence of drug addicts loitering in the streets during broad daylight.

Some of these Vietnamese street foods were exotic and lovely

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FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Sign2

More Murals from Melbourne CBD for Mural Monday

 

The upcoming three days will be exceedingly busy for me, as I have to travel extensively for work across regional Victoria. I thoroughly enjoyed my self-imposed break during the Lunar New Year. Joel has informed me that Sony is set to release the Sony A7RVI, which features a new sensor capable of encoding 100MB for photos. The cost will undoubtedly be significant, so we should start saving.

Furthermore, my house in Bendigo requires substantial work, estimated to cost up to 20,000 AUD. Additionally, my mother's house will necessitate the installation of a new solar battery, which is projected to add approximately 45,000 AUD to the expenses. This situation is becoming increasingly burdensome.

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Safety Beach Melbourne for Water H2O Thursday

 

On the eve of Australia Day, Joel and I embarked on an exploration of Safety Bay. There remain a few corners of the area that are relatively unknown to visitors. This particular location holds promise as one of the few points of interest that might be explored in the near future. Upon our arrival, we discovered a significant gap between two landing platforms, thus hindering our access to the lower waters for extended observation. Consequently, we perched ourselves upon the cliff's edge, where we gazed upon the setting sun. It was, indeed, a most delightful experience.

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FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Indeed, recent reports have confirmed that Dimboola is currently engulfed in flames, necessitating the evacuation of all its residents. My visits to that quaint town during my locum tenens assignments in Horsham, Victoria, remain vivid in my memory. It is almost inconceivable that such a locale, with its once serene yet now desolate Pink Lake, is capable of being overtaken by fire.

Hosier Lane, Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

It has become a considerable challenge to discover commendable murals upon Hosier Lane in Melbourne. Numerous vagrant individuals now inhabit the byways. The murals I encountered were swiftly besmirched by graffiti within a mere week. I frequently observed tours proceeding along Hosier Lane, yet the countenances of the participants often bore expressions of fatigue and disinterest.

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FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Monday is Invasion Day. I gonna head out to photograph violence in city streets. 

Birrarung Marr Carnival for Melbourne Street Signs

 

My recent photo series included many candid shots, with various signs appearing in the frames. It was an enjoyable challenge to limit myself to just a 35mm f/1.4 lens. Despite the constraints, it required creative thinking to capture unique moments.

On Christmas Day, Joel and I are planning to visit an inland area to fly our drone, after enjoying some festive feasting with family, of course. I've noticed that there aren't many photography lenses on sale this year, so it's probably wise to save the money for next year.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy your photography adventures!

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Sign2

Merry Christmas to all my blogger friends!

 

As we gather around the twinkling lights and festive decorations, let's take a moment to cherish the beauty of this magical season. May your hearts be filled with joy, your homes with laughter, and your days with love. Thank you for being a part of our journey this year. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a bright, prosperous New Year!

Cheers to capturing more wonderful memories together in the coming year! 📸🎅🎁

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FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Melbourne Night at Birrarung Marr

 

Just too many people in the city. After that long gig 2 nights ago, I am binge watching Lord of the Rings on Netflix instead. Such a tragic story to watch. 

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM