The ceiling of the Great Hall, located within Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), is impressively beautiful. Even on a dull day, the colourful glass glinted as random sun rays attempted to shine through.
Our visit today was to see the infamous Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality display, which was being held in conjunction with Cai Guo-Qiang’s The Transient Landscape. On display until October, I would highly recommend taking the time to visit.
To be able to witness firsthand, these incredible historic works of art, is simply mind blowing. Each of these artefacts as well as the warriors themselves, have been handcrafted by ancient civilisation. Thousands of years old, you cannot help but be overwhelmed by the sheer logistics involved.
There are some real warriors on display as well as a few replicas. However, keep in mind each one of these (and there are thousands), were made piece by piece. A hand, an arm, a head a body. All made separately then joined together. 
Remember too, every one of these images, including the horses, are taller than a normal human. These are not small, nor are they plain. Every single statue has their own personality. How many years did it take to achieve this?
We call our selves modern society, but, how advanced were our predecessors? I’m thinking very! An ancient civilisation created all of these incredibly detailed works of art. All to honour their Emperor.
As you enter this display, the changing displays show the sands of time throughout the ages. Very cleverly done. Inside you witness the sheer spectacle of ancient art including priceless gold and artefacts.
The ceiling above is covered with swallows. Part of the display by Cai Guo-Qiang, this amazing 10 000 porcelain bird mass, represents a 3 dimensional impression of the sacred Mt Li, which is the site of the tomb of Chinas first emperor. This is where the Terracotta Warriors were first discovered in the mid seventies, alongside the first Emperor, Qin Shihuang.
As you stroll through this incredible display, do not forget to look up, or simply sit for a while and become part of the amazing experience you have the opportunity to witness.
After viewing some priceless artefacts as well as irreplaceable warriors, you move through the superb gun powder art of Cai Guo-Qiang, into the area housing tomb stones and miniature.
The entire showing held some personal interest, after having recently found out that Cai was a distant relative from a few generations back. Not only does this spark the interest, but you feel that extra personal touch. 
Mesmerised and still in awe, I cannot explain the feeling of being in the presence of such meaningful historic pieces. Keep in mind these works of art date back to 200BCE. The estimates give us an idea of the sheer size of these massive warriors with more than 8000 soldiers, 130 chariots, led by 520 horses plus another 150 cavalry horses. Add to this the strongmen, musicians, acrobats and officials, all hand crafted and buried with the Emperor and its about now you begin to understand why this archaeological find has held such significant meaning in our history. In particular Chinas history.
Watch the video before you move into the museum shop. Here you will see the intensity and effort behind Cai Guo-Qiangs spectacular art.
If you are in Melbourne, dont miss this display, if not in Melbourne then you really should consider a visit.
More photos are posted on Dine Live Travel’s Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Feel free to ask questions should you wish to know more, and please, if you simply cannot visit, then immerse yourself in the photos and experience we have provided.
Within an easy couple of hours drive from Melbourne, Phillip island is about 26 km long and about 9km wide, totalling around 100 square kilometres. Arriving at Phillip Island in an open whale boat on 5 January 1798, George Bass named Phillip Island after the first Governor of
Not long after arriving on the Island, the iconic Phillip Island race Circuit comes into view on our left hand side. Don’t be shy, follow the signs down to the cafe and information centre. The idea for this racing focused venue, and constructions of same, emerged in the early to mid 1950’s.
Memorabilia encased in the walls, to honour those racing legends who have passed on, lines the curved entrance hallway to the main information centre. 
A huge mural inside gives you a full birds eye view of the track. Here we found friendly helpful staff, with plenty of ideas on offer should you wish to partake in activities. Opposite the main desk, a wall of options and costings is in clear view for all. Or, take a selfie on the podium, with helmet underarm and trophy held high.
Choose your activity, perhaps stop by the cafe or souvenir shop, wander out onto the cafe balcony area to greet the local wildlife, there really is something here for everyone.
There’s a few peacocks about, and they are not afraid to wander up for a chat or show off their colours. They’re not fenced in here, free to come and go as they please, but, the general choice seems to be to stay.
Our next stop was at the new Penguin Parade Visitor Centre. The massive $58 million structure, still being finished, provides an entrance to the penguin population residing here.
This expansive building has been designed to handle the influx of visitors during the busy season. Still smelling completely new, you can stop for a bite to eat, organise a tour, learn about the local wildlife from the interactive displays or browse the gift shop.
The reasons for the sweaters? Back in the late nineties the ‘Knits for Nature’ began to help save penguins from soaking in oil after spills, until staff could clean the oil off them. These little jumpers have to be knitted just right to fit their intended subjects.
Our final stop was to be The Cape Kitchen for lunch, which we had passed as we first came onto the island. With a table up the very front, overlooking the open waters of the Bass Strait, what better place to stop and relax.
Delightful staff, a beautiful expansive restaurant, amazing views, finished off with local fresh produce off the well thought out menu. Again, this building is massive, designed with the tourist and local market in mind. If you haven’t stopped in here, even just for a coffee and cake, then you really are missing out on a fantastic experience. 
Our day visit wasn’t a long one, but given its an easy hour and a half or so drive from Melbourne, it’s incredible what a total contrast to the city this area is.
HMAS Castlemaine, the last of the Bathurst Class corvette still afloat, has been restored to a wartime museum, occupying a permanent marina berth. HMAS Castlemaine served in World War II, and is now open to the public on weekends to give you an insight into life on board as experienced by wartime crews.
Families enjoyed the beauty of this particular sunny winter day, strolling around the park area, wharf, some feeding ravenous seagulls.
Enjoy a meal and drink whilst you listen to the talent on hand. Patrons pick up guitars, play drums or sing, with some being regulars, others just visiting. Join in or simply sit back and relax in the chilled out atmosphere. Drop by if you’re in the area, Newport &Williamstown area has a lot to offer, with plenty to see.
Our choice today was the intriguing Alfred and Constance, consisting of two Queenslander style homes, the bones of which were used to create bars and differing areas within.
The menu is pub style food, at reasonable prices. Arancini, pictured above was quite delicious. Not only was the food nicely presented and tasty, it arrived quite quickly after ordering.
Salt & Pepper calamari, plus cheesy bacon fries completed the shared choices for this evening. 
After taking some time to meander through the food and drinks, it was time to leave this relaxing spot and head off to find our main objective for the evening, Brush N Barrel.
Brush & Barrel is an interesting concept, bringing together a love of wine and painting. Tonight was a pet portrait evening which was a birthday treat for myself. Photos of our pets had been sent in, with staff sketching these onto a canvas for us to paint, whilst indulging in a wine or two. Yes! Bring your own wine and learn a few brush strokes, before you proudly leave with a painting of your own pet, completed by yourself.
A couple of staff are hand to assist, one then using a canvas to show you some brush strokes. You dont have to follow the instructions, go off on a tangent and do your own thing. At the start you carefully try to imitate the instructor.
But, at some point the wine loosens your senses and try as I may to follow the instructions, it was time to turn rogue. I couldnt see me producing one of those splendid looking works of art on the wall, but it doesn’t matter. Flow with your brush and experiment with the colours. Our dog is black, with a white chest and prior to this session, I simply could not visualise painting in different colours. 
But, it doesn’t take long before you realise this is a lot of fun! A myriad of colours are on hand to encourage you to expand your horizons, leave the railway track and experiment.
Happy with the end result, the evening eventually came to an end. Our instructor started at the back of the room and went from portrait to portrait assisting budding painters. Unfortunately, some of those who were first on the list, called the instructor back after their initial assistance, leaving those further down the room with a long wait for some advice.
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