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.

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!

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

London Bridge Remains, Portsea, Mornington Peninsula for Sunday Best

 

Situated upon the windswept coast of Portsea, at the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, the site known as London Bridge was once crowned by a magnificent natural arch—an enduring testament to the erosive power and artistry of the sea. Fashioned over countless centuries, the arch stood as both a geological marvel and a cherished local landmark, drawing visitors to behold its stark beauty and the thunderous majesty of the ocean that sculpted it.

The great arch succumbed to the inevitable work of time and tide, collapsing in the early twenty-first century and thus altering the visage of the coastline forever. Yet the place remains imbued with a kind of solemn grandeur. Where once stone spanned sky, now only remnants of its former glory stand—weathered, noble, and quiet.

I used to frequent this place often, long before I began to spend my weekends in the company of Joel. In those days, I found in the solitude of London Bridge a peculiar and profound kind of solace. Though the arch itself has long since fallen, the sea, ever faithful to its art, continues its delicate work. At high tide, waters surge into the heart of what remains—a rocky cavernous bowl—filling it with a shimmering pool of seawater that dances and glistens in the sunlight. It is a sight of singular, haunting beauty.

Joel, however, regarded the place with far less affection. To him, it was barren and uninspiring, its charms too subtle, its colours too subdued. I suppose we all have our own preferences. Where I perceived wild poetry, he found only a muted coast. And yet, I cannot help but feel that therein lies its power: in the understated, in the stripped-down silence of land and sea at meeting point.

Though the bridge itself is no more, the spirit of London Bridge endures—etched not only in the weathered stone and the tides that whisper through its remains, but also in the hearts of those who once stood before it and felt, if only for a moment, the immensity of the earth’s quiet grandeur.

Sony A7RIV

FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM

Linking Sunday Best

Balnarring Beach, Mornington Peninsula for Skywatch Friday

 

In the first photograph, Joel is visible in the distance, intently focused on photographing seaweed along the shoreline. The air has grown markedly cooler, and the sky bears the pale, steely blue that signals the quiet approach of winter. It is in such moments that the necessity of reconnecting with the natural world becomes most apparent—calming, grounding, and essential to the soul.

Balnarring Beach, located on the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, stretches along the calm waters of Western Port Bay. Its gentle crescent shape and serene outlook toward Phillip Island make it a place of both quiet retreat and natural charm. The area is known for its safe swimming waters, expansive foreshore reserves, and the peaceful rhythm of tidal life.

The name “Balnarring” is thought to originate from Indigenous words meaning “little” and “gumtree,” a poetic nod to the native landscape. European settlement began in earnest in the 1840s when pastoral stations were established, and by the latter half of the 19th century, Balnarring had grown to include a post office, a school, and a church. The arrival of the railway in the early 20th century further connected the township with surrounding areas, allowing more visitors to discover its coastal beauty.

Balnarring Beach—once also known as Tulum Beach—has long held a quiet reputation as a haven for holidaymakers and nature lovers. In more recent times, it was honoured as one of Australia's cleanest beaches, a testament to the community's stewardship and respect for the land.

Even as seasons shift and the cold edges in, Balnarring Beach remains a place of stillness and reflection—a coastal landscape where history, nature, and memory meet in tranquil harmony.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

The past fortnight has been exceedingly busy for me. Despite the considerable amount of work I have undertaken, the returns have felt rather meagre. Joel and I have been diligently studying investments in the Japanese stock market, prompted by Warren Buffett’s decision to reallocate his wealth into Japanese equities.

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.

Sony A7RV

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.

Heliophorus epicles spotted in Melbourne for Saturday Critter

 

The Purple Sapphire butterfly (Heliophorus epicles), primarily found in Asia, has been recorded in regions such as the Himalayas, Myanmar, and southern Yunnan. In Australia, the subspecies Heliophorus epicles latilimbata has been noted, though sightings in Melbourne are rare and unusual, as this species typically inhabits tropical and subtropical forests at elevations between 600 to 2,100 meters. The butterfly's wings are dark brown with blue and red markings, with males showcasing blue patches on the forewings and females having orange-red zigzag lines on their hindwings. While Heliophorus epicles is not native to Melbourne, any confirmed sightings in the area would be of significant interest to entomologists.

Pentax K20D

A 200mm f4 Macro

This is linking Saturday Critter

De Grave Place Signs, Melbourne for Sign2

 

My customary photo walk commences at Bourke Street Mall, proceeding through The Causeway, continuing along the Royal Collins Arcade, and onward to Degraves Place before concluding at Flinders Street. This route not only encapsulates the vibrant laneway culture but also offers an abundance of eateries, making it particularly well-suited for candid street and people photography.

It is worth noting that the signage along this path changes frequently, a consequence of the high rental demands characteristic of this area.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2 and FACE OFF

Today marks the final day of my assignment in remote Victoria. At last, I shall return home to find some much-needed rest. Joel, in the meantime, is cultivating a rather formidable beard, harbouring aspirations of becoming a lumberjack. I must admit, I am unaccustomed to his newly adopted, rugged appearance.

Melbourne South Bank at night for Treasure Tuesday

 

It has been several years since my last visit to South Bank. I was pleased to discover a newly erected Ferris wheel, accompanied by a series of luminous installations that greatly appeal to photography enthusiasts. Of particular note is the splendid illumination of the surrounding architecture, which lends the precinct an enchanting ambiance after dusk and offers ample opportunity for artistic expression.

South Bank, situated along the southern banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne, is one of the city’s most vibrant cultural and recreational precincts. Once an industrial area, it has undergone a remarkable transformation into a bustling hub of art, dining, and entertainment. The promenade is lined with world-class restaurants, lively cafés, and luxury hotels, drawing both locals and visitors who seek to experience Melbourne’s cosmopolitan charm. Notably, the Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria, both iconic institutions, contribute to the area’s reputation as a cultural heart of the city.

In recent years, South Bank has seen the addition of new attractions, further enhancing its appeal. A striking Ferris wheel now graces the skyline, offering panoramic views of Melbourne and the Yarra River. At night, the precinct comes alive with a symphony of light—installations and architectural lighting casting a glow upon the buildings and walkways, creating a picturesque setting ideal for evening strolls and photographic pursuits. The thoughtful illumination of structures such as the Eureka Tower and surrounding facades adds an elegant brilliance to the cityscape, reflecting beautifully on the river’s surface.

South Bank is more than a destination; it is an experience that seamlessly blends the arts, leisure, and modern urban design. Its well-maintained promenades, proximity to the Central Business District, and integration of natural and man-made beauty make it a cornerstone of Melbourne’s identity. Whether one visits to enjoy a theatrical performance, dine by the river, or capture the interplay of light and architecture through a camera lens, South Bank offers a timeless and ever-evolving canvas that embodies the spirit of Melbourne.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

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.

Frankston Sand Sculpture Competition on Easter for Treasure Tuesday

 

The Frankston Annual Sand Sculpture Competition, once a cherished highlight of my childhood, has long held a special place in the cultural life of Melbourne’s coastal regions. Originating in Frankston, this beloved event drew crowds for years with its grand and intricate creations, becoming a seasonal tradition for many families. Some years ago, however, the competition was relocated from its original site, a change that saddened me deeply at the time. To my delight, the event has returned this year to its rightful home in Frankston. I had the pleasure of accompanying my mother to the shoreline, where we spent a delightful day capturing photographs and revisiting old memories. Though the sculptures are now more modest in scale and number, the return of the competition rekindles a sense of joy and nostalgia.

Sony A7RV

Laowa 9mm f5.6 

Linking Treasure Tuesday