Chinatown
Joe and Agnes went to work as is normal on a Monday morning. Tom and I were left to breakfast and start the day on our own today

The train is about ten minutes walk from the apartment which in the morning is cool, 24c. We appreciate the covered walkway, many women use umbrellas for shade. These are cleverly constucted for sunshade being lined with sun repelling material.

Chinatown is mostly a busy market area. Many tailoring stalls are to be seen, Tom was accosted more than once regarding his lack of a suit! Unknown to the market traders this is not Tom's preferred atire at the best of times!

This is the run up to Chinese New Year, there are beautiful decorations on display.

The colour orange was almost too strong to look at

Sweets, wrapper, decorations, toys, furnishings all tempting to buy.

 My first sightings of street pigeons were outside the oldest Hindu temple 

We duly took off our shoes to walk around the public area

I was aware that this wasn't the cleanest of places which we had visited. 

The public conveniences were to be avoided! 

Thinking of Holy Trinity Hadley, a village Christian church, I was reminded of it's beauty in its  simplicity, of it's facilities which are to be updated and the need to offer as high a standard as is possible.

It seems to me that we human beings easily forget how important it is to respect each other in what we offer. Public areas take time and effort to keep to a decent standard. We are encouraged in some places to 'leave this place as we'd like to find it' But many of us are guilty of not doing so.

Little India was our next stop and the place to have lunch. I was reminded of Spark Brook with it's shops of fantastic materials and clothing

A central seating area with multi food outlets, oh dear, what to choose? 

Sweet and sour pork for me, chicken and rice for Tom

Many collectors of used utensils and food waste were to be seen with trolleys piled high.

Items of glass and china were marked with paint as to its ownership, a successful system I guess.

Observation of people is fascinating. They're food choices, their animated conversation and their attire being of the most interesting. 

Many office workers ate here, smartly suited gentlemen who may well have visited the Chinatown market to purchase?

Signage

Back on the train to meet Joe who was taking time off to be with us for the afternoon

There are strict guidelines as to how to board and alight very heavily used modes of transport.

The Martin Shuffle being quite endearing!

Wouldn't he just have loved the fact that this little guy with his name was featured on the screen window to be adhered to when waiting to board.

I bet there's no such arrangement for Tom when he boards the Ghan railway in Darwin next week!! 

Paige would be needing the travel pass, she'd feel very grown up!

Joe took us to see the murals just off Arab St

quite impressive

Caroline, when you do your next Revive day, how about this for advertising upstairs workshops?

As is my custom, a picture of the local letter box is a must

A smoke with the lads!