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

High speed photography with bursting balloons at Kew Park, Melbourne for Sunday Best

 

Using darts on water-filled balloons is an inexpensive yet creative approach to photography. I once had a keen and adventurous spirit in experimenting with such techniques close to home. Recently, I revisited a portfolio from years past and realised that my photographic pursuits have become increasingly rigid, focusing solely on landscapes and sunsets. This realisation is troubling, as it suggests a diminishing willingness to explore new artistic expressions.

Panasonic G9

Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4

Linking Sunday Best

Joel has been inquiring about our potential retirement destination. However, we shall not be retiring for at least another twenty years. Time, indeed, passes swiftly.

"Zero Day" on Netflix was quite a good watch. 

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

Hyaline Grass Bug in Melbourne for Saturday Critter

 

📸 Macro Marvel: Liorhyssus Hyalinus in Melbourne! 🦟

Captured this stunning macro shot of the Liorhyssus hyalinus, also known as the Hyaline Grass Bug, on the wall in Melbourne. The intricate details of its body and the vibrant colors are truly mesmerizing. 

Liorhyssus hyalinus is a fascinating plant bug, often found on various grasses and plants. Its transparent wings and distinctive markings make it a favorite subject for macro photographers.

Pentax  K20D

Voigtlander 125mm f2.5 Macro

Linking Saturday Critter

Having completed the final season of Cobra Kai in one uninterrupted viewing session, I observed that the young characters' movements are rather slow, and the fight sequences appear somewhat amateurish. Nevertheless, the show possesses an undeniably captivating quality that renders it irresistibly addictive.

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.