Butterflies

Posted on 18 December, 2011 by Graham Miln

Yesterday, we managed to capture some footage of the butterflies I photographed previously. The butterflies were clustering in doorways and windows, presumably attracted by the office lights.

Butterflies on glass

Butterfly

Posted on 17 December, 2011 by Graham Miln

The recent burst of the hot weather in Melbourne triggered an influx of beautiful butterflies. Over the last week they have fluttered around the city streets.

Butterfly on the ground in Melbourne

Now that brief moment is ending and the pavement is swiftly becoming their final resting place.

Detail of a butterfly on the ground

Night Market

Posted on 17 December, 2011 by Megan Miln

One of the things I love about living in the centre of Melbourne is being able able to shop at the Queen Victoria Market. Our market visits are usually limited to early mornings before work, but last week we went to the night market as well.

Sunlit produce at Queen Victoria Market

Over summer, there is a night market each Wednesday. The night market is more about entertainment than shopping. The usual stalls are transformed into seating areas, food vendors, and stages for live music. There are a handful of other stalls selling handmade soaps and candles, homemade fudge, and other pretty gift ideas.

Spanish food vendor at the night market

Food stalls at the night market

Asian BBQ vendor at the night market

While we were there, we took the opportunity to wander around the dairy hall. It was after closing time, and the normally crowded space was unusually quiet.

Quiet dairy hall after closing

Dairy hall at Queen Victoria Market

Chalk on the Pavement

Posted on 12 December, 2011 by Graham Miln

A small encampment of protesters has set themselves up in Melbourne. The group is mimicking the Occupy movement currently gaining headlines in the USA.

Having been moved on from City Square and the Treasury Gardens, the protesters have settled in Flagstaff Gardens. As part of their protest, chalk graffiti has appeared on the surrounding pavements and walls. I do not feel it is helping their cause.

Flagstaff Gardens with protesters

A small deployment of police are stationed nearby but they appear not to be stopping the chalk graffiti. I watched a man writing new slogans on the pavement as predestrians walked by, all within sight of the police without incident or harassment. Maybe a decision not to provoke the protesters?

Protest slogans with police nearby

Each time we pass the gardens the graffiti has changed or been removed; someone is taking responsibility for removing the chalk markings. I presume this is being done by those responsible for the gardens.

"You are the 99%" reads one protest slogan

Chalk left on the ground

Among the slogans of protest are fun counter comments.

Protest and counter slogans near Flagstaff Gardens

Christmas Decorations Around Melbourne

Posted on 7 December, 2011 by Graham Miln

Over the last weeks Christmas decorations have been appearing around the city. The city is rolling out new decorations in many parts of the city centre. There appears to be a trend towards a nature based theme using living pine trees, with a move away from large metal structures of previous years.

This is the last year we expect to see Christmas in the city, so my camera has been kept busy capturing memories.

Looking through pine trees in Federation Square at Flinders Street Station

Pine trees in Federation Square Melbourne

City Square, recently occupied by protesters, is now filled with trees, Nut Cracker inspired toy soldiers, and a nativity scene.

Toy soldier from the Nut Cracker in City Square, Melbourne

The Docklands has continued with its traditional nautical theme.

Constructing a decoration at Docklands, Melbourne

The department store, Myer, unveiled its series of Christmas windows. The windows draw large crowds and demand staff to help guide families along. Inside the newly renovated building a Santa themed train ride is operating.