Pulpit Rock, Cape Schanck, Mornington Peninsula for Sunday Best

 

I just returned from a whole day's trip around Taipei. This shot was from one of the adventures I had with Joel. The photo did look better now than the time I clicked the shutter. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Some of the dumplings I had: Soup dumpling and Wen zhou Wontons. 

Linking Sunday Best

Melbourne Murals for Mural Monday

 

Certain murals indeed evoke deep emotions, and exploring different painting styles allows me to appreciate and learn from them.

Regarding my time in Taipei, I am finally overcoming the effects of jet lag. However, I find myself feeling less adept at adjusting to new environments. Additionally, I have been inundated with a considerable number of work-related emails, which has been rather distressing. The constant demands of others can be quite overwhelming.

Panasonic G9

Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4

This is linking Mural Monday

Melbourne murals for Mural Monday

 

Some of the strange murals witnessed in Melbourne

Panasonic G9

Leica 12-60mm f2.8-6

Linking Mural Monday

Mum sustained some facial bruising and kneecap strain. And some teeth chipped in. That gave me a fright. 

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

Melbourne CBD signs and street photos for Sign2

 

Bourke St Mall - Myer is doing badly for business several decades in a row 

This souvenir shop has a strong yellow hint 

This is the time of the week showing signs of Melbourne!

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

More Melbourne Signs for Sign2

 

Some more signs spotted on my photo walk. Spellbox Cauldron sounds very supernatural. 

Sony A7RV

FE 50mm f1.2 GM

Linking Sign2

Melbourne Murals for Mural Monday

 

Some more murals discovered during the photo walk

Sony A7RV

FE 24mm f1.8 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Flinders Blowhole Sunset, Mornington Peninsula for Sky watch Friday

 

One might find it peculiar that recent posts lack actual images of the blowhole jet. This absence stems from the jet’s current lack of impressiveness or photogenic qualities. Given the coastline's name, it is not feasible to use an alternative title for the post.

The attached image was captured after Joel ascended the stairs and headed back to the car, intending to procure chicken nuggets en route homeward.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

I recently viewed the Netflix documentary chronicling the fraudulent activities of Belle Gibson. The narrative was, indeed, profoundly disturbing. When faced with a diagnosis of cancer, one finds that a regimen of natural diet and exercise often proves insufficient in altering the course of the disease. Truly, the unpredictability of human behavior remains a constant source of astonishment.

Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

Here are additional photographs captured at Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula, where I experimented with varying exposure times to capture the sea's motion. The previous week, the weather was rather unsatisfactory, prompting us to venture into more urban settings. Regrettably, we discovered that most abandoned sites had already been transformed into uninviting concrete structures that nobody desires to inhabit.

Joel is planning to attend yet another concert this Friday. His affinity for death metal has been unwavering, despite his persistent attempts over the years to convert my musical preferences to align with his own. Alas, he has not succeeded, as I remain partial to pop and country music, which does not sit well with him. Consequently, our journeys to various photographic locations often descend into silent disputes, with discussions revolving around politics or science.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Abandoned Bradmill Factory, Yarraville, Melbourne for Treasure Tuesday

 

The Bradmill factory, located in Yarraville, Melbourne, has a storied history that spans over seven decades. Established in 1927 as Bradford Cotton Mills in Sydney, the company expanded its operations to Victoria in 19402. By the late 1950s, a new factory was built on Francis Street in Yarraville, and the company rebranded as Bradmill.

At its peak, Bradmill was the largest producer of textiles in Australia, known for its innovative denim production. The factory produced an astounding 36 million square meters of cotton denim annually, enough to wrap the globe. Bradmill's products were renowned for their durability and strength, finding their way into various products, from fire hoses and deck chairs to tents and tarpaulins.

The factory was a hub of ceaseless activity, employing thousands of workers and integrating cutting-edge technologies. Despite facing challenges such as increased competition and inflation in the 1980s, Bradmill thrived on innovation. The company ventured into new export markets and developed pioneering products, attracting global attention.

Bradmill's success was not just due to its technological advancements but also its inclusive and vibrant community. The factory employed a diverse workforce of over 30 nationalities, fostering a culture of unity and warmth. Employees shared lunches, participated in music, sports, and outings, creating cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

However, the rise of global competition and changing market dynamics eventually led to the factory's closure in 2001. Despite its closure, the legacy of Bradmill lives on through urban explorers, artists, and reunions that keep its spirit alive. The site has now been transformed into a new community, Bradmill Yarraville, built on the foundations of this iconic Australian institution.

The Bradmill factory's history is a testament to the power of innovation, community, and resilience. It remains a cherished part of Melbourne's industrial heritage, inspiring future generations with its story of excellence and togetherness.

Sony A7RV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Linking Treasure Tuesday

The rest of the photographs are in this album Abandoned Bradmill

After enduring several hectic days at the clinic, Joel, too, faced a particularly challenging Monday. Consequently, we engaged in an extended conversation before retiring for the night, which proved to be an excellent opportunity to alleviate our frustrations.

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. 

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Silver Eye for Saturday Critter

The silvereye (Zosterops lateralis), also known as the white-eye, is a small, distinctive bird with a ring of white feathers around its eyes, hence the name. This petite bird, measuring just 11 to 13 centimeters in length, is a common sight in Melbourne's gardens, parks, and bushlands. Its adaptability and varied diet make it a resilient and successful species in urban environments.

Natural Habitat and Distribution

The silvereye is native to Australia and New Zealand, with its presence widely noted across the southeastern regions of the Australian mainland, Tasmania, and the islands of the South Pacific. In Melbourne, the silvereye thrives in both natural and urban landscapes, from dense forests to suburban backyards. Their adaptability to different environments is key to their survival, allowing them to coexist alongside human populations.

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

Silvereyes are easily recognizable by their olive-green upperparts, grey underparts, and the conspicuous white ring around their eyes. They have a slender, slightly curved bill, which aids in their varied diet. These birds are highly sociable, often seen in flocks, which helps in foraging and protection against predators.

During the breeding season, which typically runs from August to January, silvereyes build small, cup-shaped nests in dense foliage. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks, which fledge about ten days after hatching. This collaborative approach ensures high survival rates for their offspring.

Diet and Foraging

The silvereye's diet is diverse, consisting of insects, fruit, nectar, and small seeds. Their feeding habits play a crucial role in the ecosystem, as they help in pollination and seed dispersal. In Melbourne, silvereyes are often seen flitting around gardens, feeding on native plants like eucalyptus and bottlebrush, as well as exotic species such as berry bushes and fruit trees.

Adaptability and Urban Living

One of the remarkable traits of the silvereye is its ability to adapt to urban environments. In Melbourne, they have adjusted well to changes brought about by human development. They are often observed in public parks, gardens, and even city centers, taking advantage of the food sources provided by ornamental plants and residential gardens.

The presence of silvereyes in urban areas also highlights the importance of creating bird-friendly environments in cities. Planting native flora, providing water sources, and ensuring safe nesting sites can help support these birds and enhance biodiversity within urban settings.

Sony A7RV + FE 200-600mm f5.6-6.3

Linking Saturday Critter

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

Sony A7RV

FE 35mm f1.4 GM

Linking Sign2