The University of Melbourne ~ summer '09

I've been doing photowalks in the city for quite a while now, much to the point where I think a new environment would suit me well to ease my boredom. So I took some time to walk around Melbourne Uni, alone as usual, where I was fully tuned and sensitive to my surroundings. With the E-3 in hand along with the 12-60 and 7-14, I set on my journey into places which are familiar, yet strangely alien at the same time without the usual chaotic chatter and mass of university students. (Its due to the exam season, of course).

The Medical building. A good many of my friends taking this course have walked through its doors, hopefully to to be a Medical specialist / researcger in the future. Shaped roughly like a "shuriken" in plan, this building does look a little long in the tooth. Considering medicine is one of the university's fortes, its high time that this building should get replaced!

The Gatekeepers' Cottage along Grattan street. It's still in use by the current security guards that work for the university after some additional renovations.

Lawns are essential for university students to sit down and have some lunch, chat, sunbathe, study, and sometimes even make out. Note that this is mostly relevant for Aussie students; Asians usually like to stay within the confines of the faculty library and enjoy the aircond in this summer heat.

The Old Quadrangle. A popular place for graduation photos, due to its sandstone finish. Makes one look smart I reckon.

The Old Quadrangle is connected to the Old Arts building on the left. The clock tower was once the most
imposing structure all around uni, until folks started constructing higher buildings.

Going around the corner leads you to Cussonia Court. Sorry, I don't have green hands, so you may read the captions for yourself here.

Viewing South Lawn from the Gothic arches of the Old Quadrangle.

Though the cloisters are actually well used, most of us don't exactly know what goes in the buildings which are  not specifically our faculties. I guess folks like me definitely need more time to explore the uni!

The Raymond Priestly Building where Student Administration is located. If you're a new student, you'll almost definitely be directed here to do some paperwork. The large arches function very well is wind tunnels, so don't be surprised to get blown away if its quite windy!

The Union House and Concrete Lawn, where most of us hang out for lunch with some mixed rice, sandwiches or pizza in hand. Uni food is still relatively cheap to the ones in the city, though there will be some exceptions.

The Alice Hoy building which is part of the Faculty of Education. Most of the Fotoholics meetings were held here this year.

The Sidney Myer Asia Center. It still is one of the most ''advanced'' buildings comissioned by the University and designed by Nonda Katsalidis architects.

The atrium space between the ERC library and the Doug McDonell building has been sheltered with a very expansive glass roof.

A glimpse of the rooftops of the 1888 building as seen from the ERC libary.

The Frank Tate building which (once) housed Bullwinkles, my favourite stationery shop on campus. The small prayer hall inside is still actively in use. You could get the cheapest meals on campus there - 3 bucks for a packet of Malaysian nasi lemak or curry rice.

Brick as a very modular building material is used quite actively for most of the buildings built around the 70s - 80s.

The 1888 building, as viewed right next to the Arts Center. It definitely still retains its character and beauty despite being built a century earlier than the Arts Center next to it!

Flowers are in full bloom, and many fine specimens may be found in the University's gardens.

If you're lucky enough to stay near to the University grounds, walking to class is definitely a healthier (and cheaper) option. Eating centers also abound around the university, eg. KFC and Subway, but the Italian restaurants of Lygon Street are just a short walk away.

Two of the most popular faculties housed in magnificent buildings; the Economics and Commerce building on the left while the Law Building is on the right.

For those who havent' returned to their Alma Mater for a while, this is what she looks like in Summer 2009.

Cheers~

Stop and look

Its a pretty warm Sunday evening, so I decided to take a stroll down the river again. Summer's here! Time to get out your sunnies and bathers and hang out at the wonderful beaches.

Like huge metal guardians, these statues watch quietly over the Yarra River.

Melburnians and tourists alike are strolling along the Yarra River bank, perhaps stopping by the restaurants for an elegant Italian meal or some gelatti for dessert. School kids are now on their holidays, hanging out with their friends without any worry in the world (unlike some unfortunate Malaysian school kids who have tuition during holiday times).

But that's all that is on the exterior, isn't it? All pretty, prim and joyful ? Allow me to give you a glimpse of whats happening below the surface based on what I've seen so far.

A saxaphonist nearby busks for his daily living, hoping for some pitance from passersby. They throw him a coin or two, listen for a short while, then continue on their way. He treasures every coin, cause thats whats going to earn him a little dinner for himself. He hasn't eaten the whole day, and continues to play on through the night as long as he can.

A drunkard hobbles slowly along the footpath, shouting randomly at anyone that gets his attention. He's unshaved and hasn't bathed for weeks. He holds his bottle like a vice, and drinks from it from time to time. He goes towards the saxaphonist and utters some more random words. He's a public nuisance and pisses on the streets. No, the rest of the folks aren't amused with what he's doing and they don't give a sh*t.

A group of homeless folk sit down on a bench, talk among themselves and share a cigarette. Though the city council does give them some cash to tide them over, they instead spend it on booze and drugs. Unless they get a real job, they'll most likely in that same situation for a very very long time. They've only got their fellow homeless friends to keep them company. Things get worse with old folk. They're usually on their own, and just make do with whatever there is, usually a park bench. I've seen a fair share of them all these years. Only God knows if they'll ever be remembered when they pass on.

A homeless mother and her child wait eagerly for the soup van to arrive for their daily dinner in one of the city's back alleys. Their meal is simple, just some soup and bread, served by willing volunteers. Otherwise they wouldn't have a chance of surviving. They're thankful for their meal everyday.

Every city has its ugly side. If you're looking at this article right now, chances are you have a comfy home to live in, a stable job, a nice family, accommodating friends, etc etc. You're so much luckier than they are. Its just a matter of whether you're willing to stop and look, or turn away and go your own way in life.

Cheers.