We found our way to the free city circle tram that would take us around the perimeter of central Melbourne... so we got a little tour along with our transportation. We exited the tram a few blocks from the Queen Victoria Market and when we found the market... wow. Stall after stall after stall of clothes, shoes, boots, souvenirs, t shirts, jewelry, art ... wow. Lindsay did a lot of looking, but only bought one thing (very cute.) We did find the highly-recommended doughnut vendor! They were really good, and provided necessary sustenance as we wandered the giant market.
After we both felt we'd had enough, we wandered back towards the center of town and decided to hop back on that shuttle rather than walk the entire way. We jumped off again at the Ian Potter Museum, where we spent some time in the "Frock-ology" exhibit of Australian-designer dresses from the last hundred-plus years. We browsed through more Australian art, then decided to look for some lunch.
We walked along the river for a while, and headed to the Southgate area, where we found many riverboat tours, restaurants, and shops.
We had a very, very nice lunch outside in the shade along the river. We took our time and enjoyed the people-watching... street performers, dog walkers, tourists.
Lindsay did a little more shopping along the river (successfully!) and then it was time to head back up to the main street so that we could get those last couple of souvenirs. We looked in a couple of shops, then finally found what we were looking for in the very last one. Whew! Now we could go have some fun.
Off to the casino! Back to the riverfront, over the bridge with the cool sculptures, to the Crown casino. Lindsay had to prove her age (not me, he could see the gray hairs...) but then we were free to wander around. There were many slot machines and table games, much like the US. Lindsay learned how quickly you can win a lot, and then lose a lot! In the end, we quit when we were down a total of $15 between us. Not bad for a couple of hours of entertainment!
Back to the tram and back to Sth. Yarra. We stopped for dinner at the Italian place across the street and had a lovely time.
Now we're packing. We will have to use the extra suitcase from the train so we're not over the weight limit on our bags. Lindsay can't find her phone -- it's been packed away since we arrived in AUS -- but if that's the worst thing we've lost, well, we're in good shape. It could have been her passport!
We leave here at 9 am, with a flight at about noon. We will arrive in LA at about 7:30 am on the 5th, then on to Denver. I think it will seem much longer on the way back!
We've had a wonderful visit here, but it's time to go home.
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