Hello, I created this blog because Melbourne is my city and I want people to see what a beautiful place it is. So come with me on a journey of discovery as we traverse the dining precincts, the culture, the laneways and hidden gems that make Melbourne marvellous.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, what better than sitting outside a local pub downing the amber fluid with a few mates? Convivial conversation, relaxed atmosphere, these blokes have the right idea.
Hidden in the quiet back streets of Collingwood, the Leinster Arms is a well-loved and popular favourite with locals. Built in 1863, it's the only single storey pub ever built in that era and has an "Irish" feel to it.
Today's quote: There's nothing I value more than the closeness of friends and family, a smile as I pass someone on the street - Willie Stargell.
Above:Best foot forward - Crossing over to Fed Square
While in the city one weekday morning, I spotted this group of school children led by their teacher, crossing the footpath and mounting the steps of Federatioon Square. In the background is the iconic Flinders Street Station. What I find most endearing is the girls' tunics - they haven't changed since I went to school. Good to see some things are "ageless."
Some have asked me to post some photos of my recent trip to SEA, so I give you today a photo of an Akha family and a video of some of the children I met, which I've set to a famous Chinese song called "Liang Zhu". Seeing temples and other attractions are nice, but I loved seeing the children and "talking" with them. They are so open and friendly although many are very shy. I just squatted down and spent time with them. It was heart-warming seeing their little faces light up when they smiled
Above:Akha Mother & Baby
The Akha are a hill tribe people known for their beautiful handcraft and artistry. You can read more about these people here.
The children of Laos, Thailand and Burma (Myanmar)
Some of the children I met live in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang, but most of these children live in villages. Some villages are very poor and have little in the way of modern conveniences, yet they have a closeness with each other that you can feel when on your first encounter. Temples and "attractions" are nice, but the time I spent with these children means more to me and it is this memory that I hold dear.
Today's quote: Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man ~ Rabindranath Tagore
Federation Square is a popular meeting place, and sometimes when you are waiting a long time, it's more comfortable to do the "Sneaker Stretch" - sit on the ground arms stretched out behind and touch your toes with another.
You see people in lots of different poses and positions. This young lass was near me as I too waited for a friend.
Today's quote: This is the Zen approach: nothing is there to be done. There is nothing to do. One has just to be. Have a rest and be ordinary and be natural ~ Osho
Today's Quote: I have come to believe that there are infinite passageways out of the shadows, infinite vehicles to transport us into the light ~ Martha Beck
It was on this day 30th August, 1835 that the city of Melbourne was founded - the day the first European settlers landed on the north bank of the Yarra River from the schooner Enterprize in 1835.
This pioneering group was led by Captain John Lancey with Launceston builder George Evans and his servant Evan Evans, carpenters William Jackson and Robert Hay Marr, ploughman Charles Wise and blacksmith James Gilbert and his wife Mary making up the party.
It was on 30 August 1835 that these first settlers landed and commenced with the building of a thatched storage hut and the clearing of land along the north bank of the Yarra River. This location today is known as Enterprize Park where Williams Street and Flinders Street meet near the old Customs House.
And so we say Happy Birthday Melbourne - 175 Years.
The City of Melbourne had several events and attractions to mark this auspicious occasion.
Traditional Owners
The people of the Kulin nation are the traditional owners of the land that became Melbourne, including the Boonwurrung, Woiwurrung, Taungurung and Djadjawurrung people, who gathered in this place for ceremonies and cultural activities.
At City Square on the corner of Swantson and Collins Streets, was the birthday cake and entertainment.
Below is a photo of Wurundjeri dancers preparing to perform a traditional dance -
The Story of Creation - Bunjil the Creator
I took this with my camera yesterday - it is the story of creation and tells of Bunjil. This is part of the Dreamtime.
Melbourne Day celebrates more than just the day the city was founded. It represents the point at which the proud community of Melbourne began.
And it is a day to celebrate all that makes Melbourne one of the world's most liveable cities.
Melbourne Day Song 30 August 2010
A special song was written to mark 175 years. This is the first public performance and is sung by Melbourne school children from various primary schools.
When I made this video yesterday, I tried to get all the children in the choir on here. Steven Spielberg I am not, but hopefully I will get better with practice.☺
Lyrics Under blue skies
Southern Blue Skies
Melburnians always meet together
Under grey skies,
Southern Grey skies,
Melburnians meet in any weather.
The Wurundjeri
And the Boonerwrung
People of the Kulin Nation
We've had settlers here,
Welcomed migrants here,
People from all destinations.
More people who care!
More people who come
To share this day!
Melbourne then and now
The city has changed a great deal in the last 100 years or so. Today, Melbourne is a great city with a passion for life, a zest for living and the best place in Australia for fashion, dining, cultural and theatre events, sport and recreation. So come on down to Melbourne and enjoy a day in one of the most convivial of cities.
Today's Quote: When you look at a city, it's like reading the hopes, aspirations and pride of everyone who built it ~ Hugh Newell Jacobsen
Platform nine and three quarters?
Some of these people might very well have looked less bored if they really were waiting for the Hogwart's Special. As it is, they're stuck with platform five. The lady in the pink top is decidely tired of waiting, the fellow in the blue check top thought he may as well take the opportunity to eat, and the chap in the white t shirt resorted to reading a newspaper.
Do you realise we spent most of our lives waiting? Waiting for the train, waiting for it to stop raining, waiting for a taxi to come, waiting for the dinner to cook and - waiting for the train.
Today's Quote: But the important thing about learning to wait, I feel sure, is to know what you are waiting for - Anna Neagle
Chrome and Leather
You're the guy that'll be sneaking out of your bedroom at three o'clock in the morning to look at your bike. ~Paul Teutul, Sr., American Chopper, "Billy Joel"
These chaps were across the road from the two "bikies" in yesterday's photo, and rode off with all the pomp (and noise) that comes with it. And having ridden on the back of a Harley in the middle of the Australian desert with the wind in your hair, I can understand - there's nothing quite like it!
I'd love to be a fly on the wall!
I was in Strath Creek this afternoon and noticed these two "bikies" deep in conversation. Something about the stance of the gray camouflage pants one and the expression on the face of the red jacketed one had me wondering what the topic might be...
The wheels of the bikes go round and round
Strolling along the Yarra some weeks ago, seeing this chap and his daughter riding their bikes brought to mind the song by Mireille Mathieu. I remember hearing this on the radio when I was a little girl and the melody always stuck in my mind.
I did my back in again. An old injury has flared up and at present it's lie flat on my back or find a comfortable position on the sofa with plenty of cushions! My time on the computer has been limited, not very comfortable sitting on a kitchen chair. I really must invest in a proper computer chair with back support - ergonomic I believe they're called. I've not been able to visit and see all the wonderful photos as much as I'd like just at the moment, but I'll do my best.
Cheers.
Walking along busy Puckle Street, I noticed this chap with his leg bandaged and a pair of crutches. His name is Dominic and he tells me he works in the building industry. About 150 lbs of building material came down on him damaging his knee. He explained how he put his hands out when he saw the stuff coming down and had he not done so his knee would have been more severely damaged.
You Can't Stop The Music
Have you ever noticed how many people have earphones stuck in their ears and wires dangling around the necks? Whatever happened to conversation - you're at the station or sitting on the train, a nice book in front of you and all you can hear is someone's music boring in on your conscience.
Methinks these Fearless Four have broken the Eleventh Commandment -
Thou shalt not have thy Apple - iPod so loud that it annoyeth others!
Sunday morning break
Every Sunday this scene is what greets your eyes as cyclists gather in Kinglake. The town is filled with riders from surrounding areas.
A healthy snack
This fellow enjoys a welcome muesli bar.
Nice tatts!
While having a Sunday morning coffee, I noticed this gentleman nearby - it was the tatts that did it - I just had to get a photo. I asked him first could I take his photo to which he responded, "Why? Are you a writer do you want to use my mug ugly face in your book?" I told him I wasn't a writer but I did like tattoos and his were wonderful. I didn't quite have enough courage to ask him to pose again and for all his ferocious look, he was actually very nice and we chatted about tattoos and he informed me some people go way overboard and have too many. He mentioned a fellow known as the "Tiger" man who had his face done in tiger stripes.
Did you know that hundreds of years ago primitive people used tattooing as a way of repelling demons and bad spirits and to prevent them from entering the body?
The word "tattoo" comes from the Tahitian word "tatau". According to Māori mythology, tattooing, or Ta Moko commenced with a love affair between a young man by the name of Mataora (which means "Face of Vitality") and a young princess of the underworld by the name of Niwareka.
Māori tattoos are among the most distinctive tattoos in the world and have their own identity, and is a sacred art.
Above is a photo (not mine) from some of the entries in the International Tattoo Convention (1996).
A place in the shade
Yesterday when I spotted this gentleman the temperature was around 32ºC (90ºF) and I wondered if this glorious beard made him feel the heat. He told me he's had the beard for longer than he can remember and confirmed that yes, he does get asked to don a red suit in December!
These lovely ladies are dressed in their finery for the Victorian Derby.
Derby Day in Melbourne is the Saturday before Melbourne Cup, and is run at Flemington. For those going to the races it is a day for dressing up, fascinators and a rollicking good time.
Gateway Estate
Gateway's fresh produce include capsicums, tomatoes (Truss, Roma and Cherry), eggplant, basil, lettuce.
Jam Lady Jam
From Healesville comes aromatic hand made jams using fresh seasonal produce and Organic sugar - Raspberry Grappa, Blackberry Shiraz, Strawberry Aniseed, Spiced Syrian Figs, Pear Vanilla Ginger are just some of their product range.
My basket of goodies - Silverbeet, potatoes, broccoli, butternut pumpkin, mandarins, cucumber, tomatoes, bananas.
Hello, I created this blog because Melbourne is my city and I want people to see what a beautiful place it is. So come with me on a journey of discovery as we traverse the dining precincts, the culture, the laneways and hidden gems that make Melbourne marvellous.
