Australia - Day 26 - Melbourne and Playing Tourist

Took both the tourist bus and the tourist tram around Melbourne to get the big picture of this great, eclectic, and energetic city.  Visited Kylie at the University of Melbourne (35,000 students), which is one of the 7 elite "sandstones" -  like our "ivies."  I enjoyed going to the Koorie Heritage Trust which exhibits Aboriginal arts and crafts.  One of the exhibits was of possum cloaks (sewn with kangaroo sinew and decorated by using sharp shells), based on those worn in 1800.  Hopefully it shows up in the picture (that I was not supposed to take).  Can you say "Wuta biganga yananeyepuk?"  (all possum skin cloaks together).  Also visited the Australian Centre for the Moving Image which has an exhibition showing early film to today with lots of interactive displays. They had a TV show in the `60's that was just like Lassie called "Skippy the Bush Kangaroo" and, naturally, Skippy always saved the day (it was adorable).  I also saw the dress worn by Cate Blanchett (an Aussie) in Queen as well as her Oscar for her performance playing Katherine Hepburn (cool to see a real one in person).   Went through the shopping district, saw Town Hall and Parliment and had an exhausting but fun day.  Saw some of the really interesting laneway graffiti that is permitted here.  The photo just shows a tiny portion of one.  There are cute Christmas decorations everywhere.  Met Kylie and her brother for a Japanese dinner, followed by gelatti.  People here are crazy for their Italian coffee (I've learned to make it), freshly baked breads, and their cakes & gelato - I completely agree.