Taiwan blue magpie (Urocissa caerulea) mural for Miural Monday

 

At the base platform before the majestic Wulai Waterfall in Taipei, Taiwan, lies a magnificent mural sprawling across the ground—an artistic tribute both vast and intricate. Capturing its entirety proved a formidable challenge for me, given my modest stature. Yet what truly arrests the eye is the splendid depiction of Taiwan’s national bird, the Formosan Blue Magpie (Urocissa caerulea), rendered in vivid and graceful detail.

Known locally as the "long-tailed mountain lady" (長尾山娘), the Taiwan Blue Magpie is an endemic species celebrated for its striking cobalt plumage, elongated tail, and gregarious nature. These birds, often seen in social groups, inhabit the broadleaf forests of Taiwan’s mid-elevation mountains, where their intelligent behavior and bold presence have become symbols of vitality and resilience. In both indigenous lore and modern Taiwanese identity, the magpie holds an esteemed place, embodying a connection between the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The mural, in its grand design, captures not merely the form but the very spirit of this emblematic bird, echoing the lush canopies and mist-laden cliffs that surround Wulai. It is a tableau where nature, art, and national pride converge—a challenge to photograph, perhaps, but an indelible memory to behold. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

More Circular Quay at Sydney for Sunday Best

 

Since my return from Sydney, the chill of winter has set in, accompanied by mounting demands at work. In the midst of these burdens, I have found solace in revisiting old photographs from the journey—each image a portal that revives the vivid impressions of my time there. Among them, scenes of Circular Quay stir particular nostalgia. Once the site of Sydney’s first European landing in 1788, this historic harbour has transformed over the centuries from a modest cove into a vibrant nexus of culture and commerce. To linger upon these images is to retrace, in spirit, the footsteps of the past while recalling the quiet splendour of the harbour’s sweeping vistas.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

I recently observed that a fellow photographer and blogger has at last returned to the Instagram scene. He appears to have gained weight and has parted ways with his long-term companion. It seems he has endured a considerable period of personal turmoil, a sentiment reflected not only in his demeanour but also in the manner in which he now edits his photographs. There is a quiet sadness that permeates his work, suggesting deeper emotional undercurrents.

Bridgewater Bay Blairgowrie for Skywatch Friday

 

Winter sunsets often display warmer and more vivid hues than those of summer. This is partly due to the sun being farther from the Earth during the winter months. I find particular enjoyment in photographing sunsets during this season, as Joel and I are then able to visit the local fish and chip shop afterwards, with the sun setting conveniently around five o'clock.

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FE 20-70mm f4

Linking Skywatch Friday

Signs around Circular Quay for Sign2

 

There is a quiet singularity to solitary travel—a certain freedom that allows one to follow the whim of the moment, to drift where the feet may lead without constraint or consultation. I find myself spending less, yet gaining more in reflection and spontaneity. The first photograph captures a curious figure—a monkey with its eyes covered, glowing luminously in the darkness like a beacon. The second portrays a street scene imbued with a sense of ease, the leisurely manner of passers-by framed beneath the familiar signage of Hero Sushi. The final image was taken within a bustling Malaysian eatery, its tables crowded with young Australians, drawn perhaps by the warmth, the spice, and the communal spirit of the place.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

Convention Centre in Darling Harbour Sydney for Treasure Tuesday

 

The Convention Centre commands a view across the harbour towards Barangaroo, once a busy container terminal and now transformed into a modern waterfront precinct. Regrettably, the nearby shopping centre and adjoining food court were obscured by substantial construction works, detracting somewhat from the immediate surrounds. Fortuitously, the Australian National Maritime Museum—home to the historic submarine HMAS Onslow—lies in close proximity. Commissioned in 1969 and serving with distinction during the Cold War era, Onslow now rests in dignified retirement as a museum vessel. I took the opportunity to capture several photographs in the vicinity of the submarine and its maritime environs before attending the conference.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Redfern Murals in Sydney for Mural Monday

 

I traversed the entirety of the suburb of Redfern in Sydney, a locale steeped in historical and cultural significance. Once the heart of Sydney’s working-class life and a focal point of Indigenous activism, Redfern has evolved into a vibrant precinct known for its rich artistic expression. Among its many features, I encountered a number of compelling murals—visual testaments to both its heritage and contemporary spirit. The winter solstice, which fell yesterday, brought with it a biting chill, and the air was sharp with the austere beauty of the season.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Circular Quay at night for Sunday Best

 

The Vivid Sydney 2025 festival, though notably more subdued in its scale and spectacle compared to previous years, still offered moments of charm and quiet wonder. While the grandeur of earlier editions may have been tempered, it remained a pleasant experience to wander through the illuminated streets, capturing the glow of the light installations that adorned the city. The event, now a well-established fixture in Sydney’s cultural calendar since its inception in 2009, continues to draw visitors with its blend of creativity, innovation, and public art—even in its more restrained form.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Crimson Rosella in Queensland for Saturday Critter

 

The Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans) is a strikingly colorful parrot native to eastern and southeastern Australia, including the rainforests and woodlands of Queensland. In this region, particularly in the higher altitude areas such as the Lamington and Bunya Mountains, the crimson subspecies (P. e. elegans) is most commonly observed. These birds thrive in temperate forests, often found flitting through eucalyptus canopies or foraging on the forest floor for seeds, fruits, berries, and insects. Juveniles display a greenish plumage that gradually transitions into the vivid red and blue adult coloring over their first year. The Crimson Rosella plays an important ecological role in seed dispersal and is known for its melodic calls and strong site fidelity, often returning to the same nesting hollows in old trees each breeding season. Despite some habitat pressures, the species remains common and well-adapted to both natural forests and urban gardens throughout its Queensland range.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Saturday Critter

Bridgewater Bay, Mornington Peninsula Sunset for Skywatch Friday

 

No foreground is discernible save for the advancing waves, their restless motion ever drawing the eye. Above, the golden sky is suffused with a deep, rich orange hue, casting a solemn glow upon the scene. Upon the distant horizon to the right, two ships are faintly discerned, their silhouettes a testament to the era when maritime vessels plied these waters, linking the burgeoning settlements of Melbourne with distant lands. The cliffs of Bridgewater Bay, steeped in history, stand guard nearby—once a silent witness to the passage of explorers and traders who shaped the destiny of this southern shore.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Sky Watch Friday

Montforts Beach Sunset Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

Montforts Beach, nestled along the wild and windswept southern coast near Melbourne, remains one of the few coastal enclaves where photographers may still pursue the elusive golden hour even during the rise of high tides. This hidden gem, rarely frequented due to its seclusion, offers a dramatic tableau of nature’s enduring craftsmanship. Towering cliffs of ancient sandstone, layered with millennia of geological memory, descend into tessellated basalt formations—remnants of long-extinct volcanic activity that once shaped the Mornington Peninsula. The beach itself, a narrow strip of coarse golden sand, lies hemmed in by rock pools, tidal shelves, and kelp-strewn shallows, all bathed in the shifting hues of the setting sun.

Yet the approach to this remarkable place has grown increasingly difficult. What was once a discernible trail has, in recent seasons, been overtaken by vigorous coastal vegetation. Low-hanging tea-trees twist and arch over the track, their limbs heavy with salt-laden air, while dense undergrowth of banksia, bracken, and coastal wattle obscure the path beneath. The bush seems to reclaim the land with a quiet persistence, and each step forward requires both care and instinct.

On this most recent journey, Joel and I found ourselves disoriented amid the overgrowth. The once-familiar route seemed to vanish into the thicket, and we moved forward more by memory and determination than by sight. Despite the hardship of the passage—scratched limbs, uncertain footing, the whisper of the wind bearing no answer—we pressed on, compelled by the promise of what lay beyond. And at last, as the trail opened up to the vast, moody expanse of sea and stone, we were reminded why Montforts remains, for all its resistance, a sacred haunt of light and solitude.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Chippendale Street Signs and Street shots in Sydney for Sign2

 

I wandered the length and breadth of Chippendale, that forlorn quarter of the city where time appears to have faltered. The streets lay largely deserted beneath a sallow sky, and the air was sharp with the cold breath of a season undecided. A strange hush hung over the suburb, as though it had slipped quietly out of the world’s memory. Buildings, once purposeful, now stand in mute disrepair—facades cracked, their windows dimmed like the eyes of the long-silent. Ivy creeps where human presence has receded, and the alleys whisper with a desolation too old to name. There is in Chippendale an ineffable melancholy, a kind of quiet sorrow that clings not only to its weathered walls but settles too upon the soul of the passerby.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

Chippendale Murals in Sydney for Mural Monday

 

Whilst in Sydney, I set myself the quiet task of wandering from suburb to suburb in search of mural art. I made no attempt to hire a motorcar, nor did I feel drawn to the coastlines or national parks; rather, I devoted myself to the intricacies of the city’s urban sprawl, traversing it solely on foot. Yet the endeavour proved less rewarding than I had hoped. The streets of Sydney, for all their breadth and bustle, yielded few treasures compared to the vibrant abundance of murals that grace Melbourne’s laneways.

The first piece I encountered was by Adnan—an artist of considerable renown, whose work carries the weight of legend. But beyond that, the city’s walls had largely been marred by careless tags, their original images so disfigured that one could scarcely make out what once lay beneath. Still, there was a strange solace to be found in Chippendale, a suburb now softened by gentrification. Among its quiet decay, I captured with my lens the solemn beauty of forsaken buildings—forgotten places, imbued with a melancholy charm all their own.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Cape Schanck Sunset for Sky Watch Friday

 

Cape Schanck, situated on the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, is a place of remarkable natural beauty and a favored destination for photographers. While it is particularly renowned for its breathtaking sunrises, I must confess that, on the rare occasions I find respite from work, I struggle to rise at such an early hour. Nevertheless, the allure of the cape endures.

Joel holds a particular fondness for Cape Schanck, in no small part due to its convenient proximity to Melbourne—a mere 45-minute journey under favorable conditions. The walk down the rugged staircase, though physically demanding, offers invigorating exercise and rewards one with sweeping coastal vistas.

Rich in both natural splendor and historical significance, Cape Schanck has long captivated visitors. Its dramatic cliffs, shaped by millennia of wind and sea, stand as silent sentinels over the restless waters of Bass Strait. The iconic Cape Schanck Lighthouse, built in 1859, adds a further layer of charm, bearing witness to the maritime history that continues to define the region.

In all, it is a place where land, sea, and sky converge in a timeless dance—a setting that stirs the soul, whether viewed through the lens of a camera or the quiet contemplation of the heart.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

I find myself experiencing a degree of muscle strain, the result of the many walks I undertook throughout Sydney’s central business district. Tomorrow, I shall return home to Melbourne.

Sydney Harbour night view for Water H2O Thursday

 

The Aster Bar, perched atop the 32nd floor of the Sydney Intercontinental, proved to be a splendid setting for an evening of quiet repose. Though Joel withdrew from the trip, claiming Sydney had grown tiresome to him, I found contentment in solitude, relishing the panoramic view all to myself.

Regrettably, the long exposure photograph did not come out as I had hoped; I ought to have set the exposure time beyond two minutes, rather than the mere thirty seconds I employed. Moreover, the balcony's corner—where I had positioned myself—was frequently besieged by other patrons seeking the same vantage, some attempting to displace me outright. Still, despite the challenges, I did manage to capture at least one photograph of the moment.

Aster is an exclusive rooftop bar located on the 32nd floor of the InterContinental Sydney, offering a refined drinking and dining experience. Guests can indulge in creative cocktails, artfully plated small dishes, and personalized service while enjoying expansive 270-degree views of Sydney Harbour, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The bar's interior combines contemporary elegance with a breezy outdoor terrace, providing a sophisticated atmosphere for patrons. Aster is open to the public, with reservations recommended due to limited space

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

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.

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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. 

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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.