Most of the time when I go out I have no plans of what I will take photos of, it is just a matter of what I see and what I like at the time. It might be from a flower growing in the garden or might even be a bird sitting on a fence
The day had brought people out in droves, all enjoying the warm sunshine, kids running around and laughing, lovers walking hand in had, woosh a boy on a skateboard rushes past us off into the distance.
We walked along the path to be greeted by the beautiful flowers which have just begun to bloom in the Spring sunshine. A brilliant colour of reds, oranges, pinks and whites sat happily smiling at the sun. I quickly changed my lens on the camera to the macro and hoped I could get some good close up shots.
Spring flowers
The gardens were a lush green and the grass was soft on our feet as we walked over it and up towards the shrine. I was beginning to feel a bit hot as I pushed the sleeves up on my jumper.
Botanical gardens
A friend and her son came with us and to my surprise, she had never been into the gardens or to the shrine. I thought everyone who lived in Melbourne, young or old had been here. I had been here many times with my parents as a child and also with my beloved, so her going to the top of the shrine to see the view was something very exciting for her, she walked inside and began to climb the 67 steps to the top.
Melbourne Shrine
I could begin to tell you the history of the shrine but I think it might be better if you go to this link rather than have me ramble on for ever. www.shrine.org.au/The-Shrine-Story/History.
I had since change my lens on my camera back to my 18 - 55mm hoping I could capture the shrine perfectly in the frame, I managed to do that, with the beautiful blue sky in the background.
I always feel good when I'm out in the beautiful sunshine, with my camera gear in my backpack and camera in hand. It always makes me feel happy, especially when I see the results at the end of the day
Friend and I decided that we would take the 20 min walk towards the city, to a beautiful church called Saint Paul's Cathedral. Whilst beloved moved car closer to the city centre. I managed to get a few more photos along the way..
Fountain in Queen Victoria Gardens
Yarra River with city in background
This was another great landmark my friend had not seen, as we stepped inside the glass door, we felt the quietness and peace inside, at the front of the church we could hear the choir singing as the church bells chimed faintly in the background. We had a bit of a laugh about my friend going to confession but she didn't think that 1/2 hour would be enough time for her, she laughed and said I'd need at least a week in their. Lol...
Saint Paul's Cathedral
We stepped out of the church, leaving it's beauty inside. The carved walls the stained glass windows which shone with the sunlight and the beautiful polished tiled floor. as we stepped of the steps and onto the pavement and waited for my beloved to return with the car. Yes I know I couldn't control myself, once again I managed to take a few more photos...
Federation Square with it's amazing facade.
You will either love it or hate it
Traffic lights
An old w class tram done up as a traveling restaurant
Hosier Laneway,
I always seem to be drawn back here with my camera to see the ever changing graffiti
The light when taking these photos was not so good, it was beginning to get dark, but I did the best I could with what I knew.
We then headed of to Swanston Street to grab something for dinner. We decided to go Thai after walking up and down the street several times, we ended back at our old favorite place and yes the food was divine. With me taking more photos along the way, but you know that's not unusual for me.
Streets of Melbourne at dusk
Entrance to China Town
Swanston Street
Is it just me or does the city have a different feel at night? a feeling which I like, with all the lights and the bustle of people everywhere With homeless people sitting in doorways with their boxes hoping for someone to drop a few coins in there. People coming in and out of restaurants and ques also waiting to go in. I was very full after my meal, I must have enjoyed it so much because i only managed to get a photo of the drink I had it was some strange orange concoction, but with the chilli I'd eaten is was a cool welcome to my my burning palette.
My drink
Do you like cakes? I found the most yummy cake shop in China Town, run by two very sweet Chinese girls. I couldn't wait to get home and have a cuppa and one of the cakes my beloved had purchased for us. As I walked in I cold smell the aroma of cakes cooking. Their sweet aroma wafting at my nose as I stood and looked around deciding what to buy.
Yummy
