People (Post #1) : Who Wants to Sit with Us?
Walking in Melbourne was really entertaining. Everyone will find something interesting and others will witness cool musicians and artists along the streets. During Open House Melbourne event, I got my curiosity when some people flock at one point and I checked it out. Below is the snapshot that I got. How amazing these people act as if they have chairs on their butt? This photo is part of my Open House Melbourne Collection 2013.
I lived in Melbourne for more than 1.5 years, St Kilda Road became my home road. Wondering why? I used to pass this road back and forth in my daily travel while living in the city because the service apartment that I stayed-in is located along this road.
I remembered the first time I arrived in the hotel-service apartment, I was clueless which direction to and away from the city. On my first day at work I took a tram away from the city. I checked my mobile phone and realized I was in wrong direction. The tram I took already passed few stations and I ended at the last station that still in St Kilda Road before tram will take another street.
St Kilda Road (towards the city)
The location of my accommodation in my first impressions seems quiet since its weekend when I arrived in the city and I thought that the road was infamous but I was wrong for both. The road is busy not only because of the tram tracks placed on it but because the road is location of many offices where people also flocks during business hours. The road is very strategic location to live and to work in Melbourne.
St Kilda Road (away from the city)
St. Kilda Road is one of the major road and where 9 routes of tram passed on it which gives advantage to me because I can take at least 6 out of 9 routes as they passed the accommodation that I lived. The road become advantageous to people who live along or nearby the road, who doesn’t have a car like me and very dependent to public transportation.
The hotel-service apartment that I lived in Melbourne is part of Seasons Apartment Hotel Group. I specifically stayed in Seasons Heritage Melbourne. The lobby of the hotel is actually one of the old mansions that was part of old prestige of the road in its old times called Warwillah. Warwillah is one of the mansions that still survive at this time as many mansions had been fall down due to development that change the city. St Kilda Road is a road of fame and prestige during 19th century, one of the discovery that I learned while living in Melbourne.
Historically, the area of St Kilda become fashionable area where wealthy settlers starts to live here. St Kilda Road starts as a dirt track and become impassable after rain because of muds. While living in St Kilda, I can still feel its prestige every time I passed the road because old mansions that still existing that are evidence that St Kilda was once home of rich and wealthy people during its settlement years.
St Kilda Road starts from Flinders Street in CBD where more than 100 years old Flinders Street Station is located and Federation Square building at the other side of the road. The road ends in Carlisle Street where St Kilda Townhall is just around the corner. There are significant structures and parks to see and to enjoy along this road, they are the following (some has photos included):
Structures, Buildings, Sculptures and Parks
Flinders Street Station
Federation Square
Hamer Hall
Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre, Playhouse Arts Centre and The Pavilion
Royal Botanic Gardens
1. Alexandra Gardens
2. Queen Victoria Gardens
Floral Clock
Edward VII Monument
3. Kings Domain
Boer War Monument
4. Shrine of Remembrance
National Gallery of Victoria
VCA School of Music
Victorian College of the Arts (VCA)
Victoria Barracks, Melbourne
Tennis World Albert Reserve
Royce Hotel (previously an automobile showroom at 379 St Kilda Road)
Airlie Mansion (452 St Kilda Road)
Rathgael (Estella Mansion -462 St Kilda Road)
Majella Mansion (473 St Kilda Road)
New Charsfield (formerly Charsfield Mansion – 478 St Kilda Road)
Chevron Green Apartments (Chevron Hotel – 539 St Kilda Road)
Seasons Heritage Melbourne (formerly Warwillah – 572 St Kilda Road)
Royal College of Anaesthetist of Australia and New Zealand (formerly Ulimaroa – 630 St Kilda Road)
St Kilda Townhall
Embassy Offices
There are lots of hotel and accommodations that can be found along the road aside from offices because the road is not far from Albert Park where F1 Race in Australia being held every year and during my stay in the service hotel I got a chance to experience twice the sounds of F1 race as one of the tracks they used is not far from St Kilda Road.
Still Expression (Post #1): Undisclosed Reflection
As I am most interested in taking photos of places and scenery, I am not really that good in taking photos of people, but I cannot avoid to get one. One thing that I am probably interested is taking snapshots of moments where people are in random movement rather than taking post of their selves for a camera shot to really capture the moment of second and its surprising what is the outcome. Photo captured during holiday season in Hong Kong Disneyland last January 2012 where the afternoon parade started in Disneyland.
On this post, I am not really going to tell a story but just to show some photos that I randomly took while walking in some areas of Seoul and other places while doing nothing or just looking for something. And this will be the last standard post that I had with the topic about South Korea unless I come back again to this country that I fall in love with. For single photo or image post, South Korea may still appear in random pictures which I usually published everyday.
Within Seoul
1. Incheon International Airport
After we got off the plane and walked to the arrival area of the airport, there were few people around since we arrived past 8PM in the evening.
2. Nonhyeon Bus Stop
I captured this photo because we were trying to see if we were able to use the bus instead of train to go somewhere until we realized we never understand what’s the information in front of us.
3. Jeonggak Station Exit
When we were on our way to Insadong, we got off at this exit as we understand its somewhat the nearest exit in Jong-ro to the market until we found Tapgol Park along the road.
4. City Hall Station Exit
I had this photo after coming from Insadong market and we planned to go to City Hall Station to buy a discounted ticket to Everland at Hotel President. All of us were fascinated with the hanging umbrellas displayed at the exit stair we took after getting off the station. We also found a modern style of entrance/exit transportation card reader.
We had some time to walk around the area where we saw City Hall itself. We saw one of the main gate of Deoksugung (no photo captured), a palace that we haven’t had a chance to see though we have ticket for it.
5. Seoul Metropolitan Library
6. Hotel President
This was the place where we bought our discounted ticket and memory of the Philippine Tourism center near City Hall area.
7. Taepyeongno 2(i)-ga
This was the street that we passed through while we were on our way to Sungnyemun Gate. I enjoyed the short walk in this street because both lanes has Korean restaurants. After walking at the side of Sejong-daero, we saw Namdaemun Market.
8. Gyeongbokgung Station Exit
During our first day adventure in Seoul, the photos captured while we were on our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace after getting off the train.
9. Sejong-daero
I captured the photo above after we came from Gyeongbokgung Palace on our way to Sejong Center.
8. Sungnyemun Gate
We saw this gate while walking along Sejong-daero after we came from Hotel President where we bought our Everland discounted ticket. This gate is said to be one of the eight gate that surround Fortress Wall of Seoul which surrounded the city in the Joseon dynasty.
10. Seoul Station and Surrounding Area
Photos taken after we came from DMZ Tour, got off at Seoul Station, walked a little until we found Concos The Galleria where we had our lunch before returning to our hotel to pick-up our luggage for our flight the night of that same day.
11. Seoul City Tower
One of the building around the area of Seoul Station, captured this photo when we returned from an activity we attended in Seoul.
12. Gangnam-daero
I captured this while walking along Gangnam-daero after our Everland adventure. To be honest, we stayed in a hotel which in Gangnam area but unfortunately we never really had time to explore it. The only chance we had after we came from Everland, we walked along the road and discovered we stayed in one of the busiest district in Seoul.
Beyond Seoul
13. AK Plaza – Suwon Exit Station Mall
Snapshot captured while we were trying to figure out how to go to Hwaseong Fortress. It is one of the noticeable building as the location is both foot and automobile traffic area.
It was Friday and we were set to visit two palaces in Seoul. The two palaces are: Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung. The original plan was to visit first the Jongmyo Shrine, but unfortunately, we missed the English tour at the time we arrived at the gate and it is not allowed to go around the area on our own, tour guide is a must while inside the shrine. Because we wanted to maximize the time and not just waiting outside, we decided to go back after the two palaces.
From Jongmyo Shrine, we walked at the road at the right side of the shrine named as Seosulla-gil and then we turned left after we saw the rooftop of Changdeokgung Palace gate called Donhwamun. Same what we did in Gyeongbokgung Palace, before we entered, we bought the map guide. We have the tickets already for the said palace as we bought combine tickets (integrated tickets) when we were in Gyeongbokggung.
–Donhwamun
–Open space after Donhwamun
–Geumcheongyo and Jinseonmun
We entered the Palace via Donhwamun, as per the handbook guide, this gate is a two-story, pavillion-type wooden structure and the largest of all palace gates. After passing the said gate, what we saw was a huge space. And then we turned right where we saw the small bridge called Geumcheongyo. This bridge is known as the oldest stone bridge remaining in Seoul. After passing the bridge, the way leads to another gate called Jinseonmun. Based from handy guide, on this gate has once installed a drum called Sinmungo where anyone can strike the drum to file a petition to address grievances but striking the drum requires approval to a lot of government official and this system did not serve its purpose and been useless to many. It’s sole purpose is by the name only.
–Sukjangmun (Front) and Injeongmun (Left)
–Injeongmun
–Injeongjeon
–Inside Injeongjeon
–Injeongjeon
After passing Jinseonmun gate, another open space welcome us. From where we stand and looking at the map, another gate in front of us called Sukjangmun and the gate in our left side is called Injeongmun. As we reached Injeongmun, we saw Injeongjeon area. Injeongjeon is the throne hall of Changdeokgung Palace. Based from the guide, major state affairs took place here such as coronation of new king and reception of foreign envoys. Next area we visited is Seonjeongjeon, this building where king worked at his convenience to discuss routine state affairs with high-ranking officials. And this is the only building in the palace with blue-tiled roof.
–Seonjeongjeon and Huijeongdang
–Seonjeongjeon
–Huijeongdang
Beside Seonjeongjeon is Huijeongdang. Huijeongdang is the king’s bed chamber. This bed chamber became king’s workplace and become the actual main hall of the palace instead of Injeongjeon.
–Entrance to Secret Garden
As we are awaiting for the English Tour schedule to Secret Garden, we went out the area of Huijeongdang and we waited at the entrance of the garden. Time had come and the tourist guide arrived. The guide made introductions and reminders while touring the secret garden.
Secret Garden or rear garden (Huwon) was a forbidden place for the purpose of the sole use of royal family. Since the palace was built at the base of the mountain, in the rear end of the palace, the garden was placed. And after seeing the garden at the tour, I can say that the design of the secret garden is still in harmony of the nature. This kind of place, I can think that any king can reclaim peace of mind because it is surrounded of nature. Our guide led the group at first stop which is Buyongji and Juhanmu.
–Buyongji (Pond), Eosumun (Gate) and Juhamnu (Main hall at the top), Seohyanggak (library) left hall in the top
–Buyongjeong 
–Buyongjeong (left) and Sajeonggibigak (right)
–Sajeonggibigak
–Seohyanggak (only roof) as I can’t go beyond where I was standing 
–Seohyanggak (left most hall) , Eosumun (gate) and, Juhamnu (right most hall)
–Eosumun
–Seohyanggak(left), Eosumun (gate), and Juhamnu (top)
–Juhamnu (second level), Gyujanggak (first level) and Eosumun (gate)
–Juhamnu (second level), Gyujanggak (first level)
–Yeonghwadang
–Stairs to Cheonseokjeong (not visible – not sure of the building still stand at the top)
I like the setting of the area. There is rectangular pond called Buyongji and most of the building built here surrounds the pond. The main building we saw is called Juhanmu Pavilion. Two libraries are nearby as well called as Gyujanggak and Seohyanggak, another pavilions exist are Yeonghwadang and Buyeongjeon. The said area is in the heart of the Secret Garden.
–Buyongji (Pond) and Sajeonggibigak
–Buyongji (Pond), Eosumun (Gate) and Juhamnu (Main hall at the top), Seohyanggak (library) left hall in the top
Our next stop was Aeryeonji and Uiduhap. Here we found another pond, this time, the pond shape is square. It was mentioned that it has islet in the pond with pavilion but now it was disappeared but the pavilion still there. The pond named by King Sukjong (I know he is the King in love with Dongyi) “Aeryeon” that is why the pond is called Aeryeonji. The grandson of King Jeongjo which is Crown Prince Hyonmyeong built Uiduhap Pavilion near the pond. I remember that the guide told us something about one passage way in the area, it was called Bullomun (or Bulromun) gate wishes whoever passes it will have long and healthy life which originally meant for king.
–Uiduhap vicinity
–Aeryeonji (pond) and Aeryeonjeong (pavillion)
–Uiduhap
Then, moved to Jondeokjeong area, here the landscape seems to be more natural, because the ponds looks great together with different pavilions surrounding it. There is pavilion which stands on the brim of the pond which is called Gwallamjeong, there is one near on the hill – Pyomusa, Sungjaejeong which stands on the highest ground in the area and the oldest pavilion which is Jondeokjeong.
–Sungjaejeong
–Pyomusa
–Gwallamjeong (Gwanramjeong)
–Jondeokjeong
We continued our walk in the next area called Ongnyucheon. Ongnyucheon is a brook flowing through the deep valley north to the Secret Garden of the palace. And he we found a large flat rock called Soyoam Rock. As per our guide, the story of the rock is related to poetry composition, where cup of wines are afloat while making poems, I checked the handbook guide and I learned that it was from Chinese when having parties, they composed poem by a floating wine cups in the waters and if they are not able to create poems, they drink 3 cups of wine as punishment (for me it’s not really punishment, they are still having a good time). There are five pavilions surrounded the brook, namely : Soyojeong, Taegeukjeong, Cheongguijeong, Nongsanjeong and Chwihanjeong. In that five pavilion, the one caught my attention is Cheongguijeong, because it has unique roof which is thatch-roof.
–Soyoam Rock
–Soyojeong
–Taegeukjeong
–Cheongguijeong
–Nongsanjeong
–Chwihanjeong
We moved to the last stop which is YeonGyeongDang. When we went inside the area, there is part where it seems one of the building is being used for shows during night-time. Then, the guide walk us around the area. Based from handbook guide, the area become an audience hall, the guide shows us separated quarters of for men and women. It was mentioned that during King Gojong, the area become a venue to received foreign envoys.
–YeonGyeongDang Vicinity
The tour ended well and for me I had a great time. I enjoyed the tour in the garden because it is like a nature trek which I really enjoyed doing. Historical sites in a natural settings is amazing for me. Before we ended the tour, while we were on our way to exit the Secret Garden we found a tree called Chinese Juniper. The tree believed to be 750 years old and aromatic which provide incense for ancestral rituals at Seonwonjeon Shrine.
We parted ways with our tour guide in the Secret Garden. Then we continued our walk in other parts of the palace. We moved to Gwolnaegaksa area. Based from handy guide, the area are mostly used as government offices.
–Gyujanggak
–Geomseocheong
–Gwolnaegaksa and vicinity area
Next was Old Seonwonjeon Site, it was called Old because there is a New Seonwonjeon Site, but we were not able to visit the area, it seems the area are still restricted from the public. Old Seonwonjeon was the place for royal ancestral rites performance. Former king’s portraits were enshrined here.
–Jinseolcheong
–Seonwonjeon
–Seonwonjeon and Naechaldang
–Seonwonjeon and Vicinity
Then we moved to Daejojoen Area. As per guide book, the area are the scene of tragic history. Here was the place where the last meeting of the cabinet was held to discuss the Japan’s annexation of Joseon and the bed chambers of the last king and queen are still remaining in the area.
–Daejojoen Vicinity
–Inside Daejojoen
–Daejojoen
And the last area we visited inside Chandeokgung palace was Seongjeonggak. The area was the crown prince residence and has been home of many buildings. Seongjeonggak was also used as royal hospital during Japanese occupation.
During the time of our walking tour between Daejojeon and Seongjeonggak area, it rained so heavy and we waited for sometime until rain was over. While waiting at the stair in the doorway of entrance to Huijeongdang, we met a Filipino which touring around the palace as well. And we talked to him for a while, until we discussed the next palace which is ChangGyeongGung which can be found beside Changdoekgung. He mentioned that the palace is small and can be finished in 1 hour. Because of that conversation, we hurriedly decided to visit ChangGyeongGung as well. We have at least 1.5 hours left before closing time.
There were lots of walking tours available that I found when I went to Melbourne Visitor Center at Federation Square located across Flinders Street Station (train station) in Swanton Street. Some walking tours are group walking tours that has affordable fees and some are free on your own. At that time I was eager to walk around the city on my own to take my time while taking pictures that was why I took some brochures for free walking tours.
Flinders Street / Federation Square Tram Stop
The first walk that I did with my camera was happened last March 6, 2013 which was almost a month after I arrived in Melbourne and I chose the route entitled “Melbourne Walks 3: On the Waterfront”. In the brochure, there is an excerpt description which is about Spectacular bridges, Indigenous history, sculptures, Southbank Promenade, the Melbourne Aquarium and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre feature on this walk of discovery along north and south banks of the Yarra River.
The scenery with the river and surrounding city skyline is one of the picturesque views that I am interested, it reminds me the city of Edmonton in Canada where there is a beautiful Saskatchewan river beside it. The view of the city skyline of Melbourne from Yarra River was amazing and that’s what I was trying to capture in my camera while walking the river side of Yarra River.
Walking track starts from Federation Square in Swanston Street but I did not follow the route as is, I actually started taking photos at Webb Bridge which is the farthest point to reach in the tour. The overall walk moves around between the two sides of Yarra River. Here I saw Mebourne CBD with the river at different angle and different perspective of the city came to light.
The other end of the Webb Bridge is like a snake shape where there are open shades covering it. The said bridge are only enjoys by pedestrians and cyclists, it links Southbank Promenade at Yarra’s Edge and the Docklands. From Southbank Promenade at Yarra’s Edge or Yarra Esplanade, I got a snapshot of Dockland side where ANZ head office is located and the surrounding docking area nearby.
Webb Bridge
Marina YE near at Yarra’s Edge
and ANZ office behind
Southbank Promenade at Yarra’s Edge (or Yarra Esplanade)
Webb Bridge, Charles Grimes Bridge (at the back of Web Bridge) and
Southbank Promenade at Yarra’s Edge (right side)
Southbank Promenade at Yarra’s Edge (or Yarra Esplanade)
I moved on, looked around and skimmed again the map that I was holding to see what’s next to discover. Since I was walking at the side of Southbank Promenade, I had a view of Dockland. My walk continues and I passed the underground of Charles Grimes Bridge, then SouthWharf where DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) mall is, with some bar and restaurants outside. I walked along South Wharf Promenade until I saw Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. I passed the nearby Seafarer’s Bridge which is another walking bridge like Webb Bridge that will take people in the Docklands or CBD.
Yarra River at Southbank Promenade near at DFO
Charles Grimes Bridge at Yarra River and the Docklands at the end of it
South Wharf Promenade
Side Entrance of DFO
Bar / Restaurant at South Wharf Promenade
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Seafarers Bridge
Some photos at South Wharf Promenade
In my walk I did not missed historical Polly Woodside Tall Ship which is located in historical Duke and Orrs docks which was the ships home during its early days in South Wharf. I crossed the busy Spencer Street and I saw Crown Entertainment Complex. The front of the complex is called Yarra Promenade, where a lot of people are passing by, the place is really nice because of its relaxing ambiance, beautiful view of river and line of trees. While walking along the promenade I had a glimpse of Batman Park at the other side of the river.
Polly Woodside Tall Ship
World Trade Center Wharf, Crowne Plaza, Spencer Street (bridge),
Crown Entertainment Complex and Yarra River from South Wharf Promenade
Seafarers Bridge and Yarra River
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Spencer Street bridge
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from Spencer Street bridge
Clarendon Street which connects to Spencer Street
Spencer Street
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Batman Park at the other side of Yarra River with Rialto Twin Tower
Batman Park, Rialto Twin Tower, and Kingsway road bridge
Crowne Plaze and Spencer Street bridge
Melbourne Aquarium
Kingsway road bridge, Rialto Twin Tower and Melbourne Aquarium
Melbourne CBD skyline with Yarra River at Yarra Promenade
Spencer Street bridge from Yarra Promenade
I crossed under the Kingsway road, I had a glance of Melbourne Aquarium and Rialto Twin Tower. Next thing I saw after Batman Park is called Enterprize Park where I discovered from the brochure that the park is a site for ‘Scar Project’ where represents the “scar tree”. Based from the information printed, the First people of Australia which called Aboriginal people did took pieces of bark from some trees and called it as “scar tree”. Scare tree is a sign that you entered the land of another community. Learning this information is fascinating, I discovered something from my walk. In the same park, I saw from a far the art called Constellation but I not clear as it should be.
Some photos around Yarra Promenade
Eureka Tower
Mario playing his guitar along Yarra Promenade
I passed another bridge named as Queens Bridge, it is similar to Spencer Street with tram track and both busy with vehicles and trams. I saw historical Sandridge Railway Bridge, an old railway bridge from Flinders Street to Port Melbourne in late 19th century. I never walked anymore in the bridge at that time because I passed it few times. Along the bridge are arts display and I got to know that sculptures are called “The Travellers” which depicts different types of immigrants arrived by train from the pier station. Aside from the sculptures, I saw the list of countries of immigrants of Australia and found my country Philippines on the list.
Queens Bridge
Crown Entertainment Complex
After passing Queensbridge Street, I saw this nearby
(my walk was during Melbourne Food & Wine Festival)
Queens Bridge and Melbourne CBD
Sandridge Bridge after passing Queens Bridge
Sandrdige Bridge from Southbank Promenade
After passing Sandridge Railway Bridge, I continued my walk at Southbank Promenade until I saw Southbank Pedestrian Bridge. Here, I stroll along the bridge itself to be able to take pictures with another angle of the city skyline of Melbourne with Yarra River. The bridge has a bar and restaurant underneath called Ponyfish Island Cafe and from the same bridge I got a couple of photos of Flinders Street Railway Station, Southbank Promenade, Southgate (shopping centre), Hamer Hall and Princess Bridge where St Kilda and Swanston Street end meets.
Flinders Street Station (with clock) and Melbourne CBD
Flinders Street Station, Melbourne CBD and Southbank Pedestrian Bridge
Flinders Street Station from Southbank Promenade
Southbank Pedestrian Bridge and Ponyfish
Melbourne CBD skyline with Yarra River
Princes Bridge
Crossing Southbank Pedestrian Bridge
Flinders Walk
Southbank Promenade
Eureka Tower from Southbank Pedestrian Bridge
Southbank Promenade with Southgate Mall
Lastly, I walked at Flinders Walk where the famous Flinders Street station located. And from this location I was able to capture Eureka Tower near at Southbank Promenade.
Princes Bridge, Hamer Hall and Southgate Mall in Southbank Promenade
Southbank Promenade and nearby areas captured from Flinders Walk
Princes Bridge and Hamer Hall
Hamer Hall (left)
Flinders Street Station Clock
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