Nico's sandwich Deli Signs in Fitzroy for Sign2

 

For reasons known only to him, Joel has developed an unwavering fondness for the sandwiches served at Nico's in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Though the area is notoriously devoid of parking, he insists upon making the pilgrimage, often compelling me to circle the surrounding streets for what feels like hours in search of a suitable space. The inconvenience, however, seems a small price to pay in his eyes, for the sandwiches at Nicco's are, by many accounts, nothing short of extraordinary.

Renowned for their impeccable flavour and generous portions, Nico’s has earned a devoted following and frequently draws a queue that winds well beyond its modest storefront. Indeed, numerous patrons—both local and visiting—have hailed it as offering some of the finest sandwiches in the city, a reputation that appears well deserved given the crowds it consistently attracts. Despite the logistical challenges of the location, it is clear that the culinary experience alone justifies the effort.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Signs 2

I had intended to take a leisurely stroll through The Rocks in Sydney this evening; however, my plans were unceremoniously thwarted by the sudden onset of rain, which began to pour down in earnest.

Fitzroy street murals Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

Though somewhat daunting to behold, these nevertheless offer a faithful representation of the area. I am presently in the Sydney Central Business District, where the conference has coincided with the Vivid Sydney light festival. I expect to remain out for the greater part of each evening. It has been almost impossible to make booking of the hotels. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

I am currently watching a new Australian drama on Netflix entitled Survivors. It is truly a pleasure to hear the familiar Australian accent and behold the well-known landscapes. One cannot help but feel there ought to be more locally produced programmes of this kind. Joel has suggested that I subscribe to Stan, which, he assures me, offers a wide array of Australian series, including those in the Walking undead series. He appears to advocate for nearly every available pay television platform.

Fitzroy St Murals for Mural Monday

 

These photographs, taken during my former wanderings through the storied precincts of Fitzroy in Melbourne, form a modest yet treasured archive of days past. Though some images have weathered time gracefully and others appear worn or unrefined, each holds a certain charm for me—vestiges of solitary afternoons spent observing the character of the city through the lens of my camera.

Fitzroy, long regarded as Melbourne’s cradle of bohemian culture, has earned renown for its vibrant and often provocative street art. From the 1970s onwards, its laneways and brick facades became the canvas for an evolving urban dialogue—first through political slogans and stencil art, and later through intricate murals and large-scale commissions that drew artists from across the globe. The suburb’s walls speak in colour and form, telling stories of rebellion, community, and cultural transformation.

In such an environment, every corner bore the potential for artistic revelation. My photowalks, humble though they were, sought to capture fleeting intersections between light, decay, and expression. Some of the images reflect this energy vividly; others merely hint at it. Regardless of composition or clarity, these photographs are to me what relics are to a historian: fragments that, when assembled, speak not only of place, but of time and of one’s quiet presence within it.

They may not all gleam with technical finesse, but they are, in their own right, memory’s keepsakes—witness to an era in which Fitzroy’s streets breathed with defiant creativity and untamed spirit.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Mural Monday

Murals in Fitzroy for Mural Monday

 

Fitzroy Murals are vibrant and hippie. 

Fitzroy, Melbourne's oldest suburb, has transformed into a vibrant canvas of street art, reflecting its evolution from a working-class area to a bohemian hub. Its laneways and building facades are adorned with an eclectic mix of murals, graffiti, and installations by both local and international artists. Notable works include the iconic 1984 Keith Haring mural on Johnston Street, the photorealistic portraits by Smug, and the intricate blue patterns of Lucas Grogan. Artists like Rone and Adnate have also left their mark, contributing to the suburb's dynamic and ever-changing art scene. Streets such as Brunswick, Smith, and Gertrude, along with hidden alleys, offer a free, open-air gallery that celebrates creativity and cultural expression.

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FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Notes from a podcast

1.          Genuine Confidence: People are drawn to those who are secure in themselves without being arrogant. Confidence shows through body language, tone of voice, and how someone carries themselves. 

2.          Active Listening: Truly paying attention when someone speaks, asking follow-up questions, and showing interest in others’ stories makes people feel valued and appreciated.

3.          Empathy and Understanding: Being able to relate to others’ feelings and perspectives builds trust and deepens connections.

4.          Positive Body Language: Open gestures, eye contact, and a warm smile can instantly make you more approachable and likable.

5.          Authenticity: Being true to yourself instead of trying to fit into someone else’s expectations resonates with people. Authenticity often comes across as refreshing and trustworthy.

6.          Humor and Playfulness: A good sense of humor and the ability to not take yourself too seriously makes interactions light-hearted and enjoyable.

7.          Generosity of Spirit: Complimenting others genuinely, being kind without expecting something in return, and celebrating others’ successes foster goodwill.

8.          Consistency and Reliability: Being dependable and keeping your word builds respect and trust over time.

9.          Non-Judgmental Attitude: People feel safer and more comfortable around those who don’t pass judgment easily and create an accepting environment.

10.        Passion and Enthusiasm: Expressing excitement and passion for your interests can be contagious, making people naturally gravitate towards you.

Fitzroy Melbourne Murals for Mural Monday

 

Having learned that walking may serve not only as exercise but also as a gentle aid to muscular recovery, I resolved to take a stroll through the streets of Fitzroy—a suburb renowned for its walkability and rich artistic heritage. As I wandered amidst its laneways and thoroughfares, I passed beneath the storied murals that adorn its brick facades, each a testament to the suburb’s longstanding tradition of street art, born in the countercultural movements of the late twentieth century. These vibrant expressions seemed to echo the rhythm of my steps, weaving history and healing into every stride.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Fitzroy Signs in Melbourne for Sign2

 

Fitzroy is such a cultured suburb. I avoid visiting the area at night. Joel and I often played snooker there. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

This is linking Sign2

Fitzroy Murals for Mural Monday

 

These portrait murals have stood there in Fitzroy for many years. 

Fitzroy, Melbourne, is renowned for its vibrant street art and murals, reflecting the suburb’s rich cultural and political history. Murals began appearing in the 1970s, influenced by global political movements and local activism. One of the earliest and most famous is the Charcoal Lane mural (1985) by Megan Evans and Les Griggs, which celebrates Fitzroy’s Indigenous heritage and the community’s struggles.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Fitzroy’s walls became canvases for graffiti artists and muralists alike, with iconic works appearing in laneways like Johnston Street and Rose Street. The area’s murals often feature themes of social justice, environmentalism, and Aboriginal rights, blending traditional and contemporary styles.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Mural Monday and FACE OFF

Brown Sugar Sign in Fitzroy for Sign2

 

I like this old sign photo from Fitzroy St Melbourne. Quite artistic.

It is raining in Bendigo. Overcast for a couple of days on forecast. Time to explore indoor exhibitions with Joel this weekend. 

Panasonic G9

Leica 15mm f1.8 limited

Linking Sign2

Footie Mural for Mural Monday

 

Spotted this mural off Victoria parade Melbourne

Theese teeth are so shiny for a toothpaste ad! 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4

Linking Mural Monday

Fitzroy Mural for Mural Monday

 

It was a really low key weekend. Joel and I did not get the skating rink candid as they are all kids. We want to avoid the controversy. So it was just a lovely Italian lunch that we end up reading about climate change being the worst in 2023. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4

Linking Mural Monday

Fitzroy Mural for Mural Monday

 

The lips are very thick in this fish. The eyes look possessed too. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Mural Monday

Fitzroy Mural Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

Back from a trip to Noojee on Saturday. The hiking was exhausting but the photos were worth it. Both Joel and I fell into the cold creeks and we both got our injuries. So I am still sore from the trip.

This mural is really reminding me to cover my nose too. Stench is everywhere in that area. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Mural Monday

Gelato Girls & Boys for Sign2 Event

 

I was testing out Sigma 17mm f4 pancake lens last week. The stroll was quite relaxing as I observed all sorts of weird design and colours in the hippy Fitzroy Street. 

I did not realise it was a full moon last night. No wonder all the people at my clinic were super mad. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Sign2

Fitzroy Street Signs for Tom's Sign2 Event

 

Last Friday, a stroll in Collingwood area with my new Sigma 17mm f4. It was a pleasant walk while I tried a few cafes along the way. Not good for my weight loss journey. 

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Sigma 17mm f4

Linking Tom's Sign2

Cecil Street, Fitzroy for Mural Monday

 

Apparently face portrait like this one sits in this street for about 5 years. I never knew about this. 

I received my new toy pancake lens Sigma 17mm f4. I had to take it for a test run in the nearby streets.

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Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Mural Monday 

Fitzroy Street Mural, Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

This was sitting next to a carpark. Feels cartoon like.

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FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Linking Mural Monday 

Fitzroy Mural for Mural Monday

 

I am busy finishing my piled up work this week before taking off to overseas again. Time to get things in order in my home country - Taiwan.

The weekend was a stormy one. I cannot even get into CBD due to congested traffic at 21 pm!!! 

This shot was from a stroll a while back. It was nice that I discovered the best deli for sandwich. 

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FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Brunswick St Fitzroy

Testing out the new 14mm f2.8

Love that perspective

Fitzroy artefact

Spotted an interesting view