A Salute to Rosie and our Friends Down Under

Since Australia Day is January 26, I wanted to post a bit about the country. After all, Rosie is one of our loyal Writes of Passage readers, and she lives Down Under. So I've posted a number of facts about the country that I thought you might find interesting. Of course, I couldn't resist adding a few comments of my own.

Australia is made up of five mainland states and one island state, and two mainland territories. There are also seven offshore (external) territories. (We should test Rosie and see if she can name them without peeking at the map).

Christmas in Australia is held in mid-summer, as that is the season when December 25 falls. Christmas can be celebrated on the beach or around the backyard pool, and does not need to involve a full roast dinner. (I don’t think anyone told Rosie she didn’t have to cook a big meal on Christmas—it sounded to me like she prepared a huge meal and plum pudding to go with it!)

Australia is where the world's only egg-laying mammals (echidnas and platypuses) are found. They are known as monotremes. (I didn’t know that. By tomorrow, I will have forgotten. That's what old age does for you.)

It is home to the world's two largest monoliths, Mt Augustus and Uluru/Ayers Rock. (Oprah and her group went to Ayers Rock—not sure if they went to Mt Augustus since she didn't invite me along.)

The Australian accent has been scientifically proven to be the most difficult to accurately mimic. (That guarantees I won’t be trying to talk like Rosie.)

Most marsupials of the world are found in Australia. A well-known marsupial is the kangaroo, and there are over 60 different species of kangaroo in Australia. (I’m fond of koalas and they should have mentioned the wallaby, don’t you think?)

Australia is the only place where dasyurids, or carnivorous marsupials, are found. These animals include the quoll, Tasmanian devil, kowari, ningaui, antechinus, planigale and phascogale--among others. (Not interested in coming face-to-face with any of these.)

Towards the end of 2009, Australia's population reached a milestone of 22 million. This population is one of the smallest, given that Australia's land mass is sixth largest in area. (That means there’s room for all of us if we want to live in the desert.)

Australia was the second last country of the British Empire to be discovered--New Zealand was the last. (Don't tell the folks in New Zealand. We don't want them to pout.)

Australia's national capital is Canberra, which comes from an aboriginal word meaning "meeting place". (I always think of cranberries when I hear someone mention Canberra--which isn't very often.)

Australia was founded as a penal colony. (Hmm. Rosie???)

There is almost no noticeable seismic activity on the mainland continent. (That's good because I'm shaky enough.)

Vegemite, a salty yeast spread high in vitamin B, is a popular food. (I’ve never heard of this, but I did see a Lucille Ball show where she sold vitameatavegamin—maybe there’s some connection.)

Like New Zealand, there are more sheep than people in Australia. (See? I knew there was a reason I was drawn to the country—you all know I’m fond of sheep.)

Pancakes may be served for dinner as well as for breakfast. (I do that too. What with the sheep and the pancakes, it must mean I’m part Australian.)

Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef which is amazing to snorkel or scuba dive in, not to mention for its abundance of tropical fish and marine life. (That would be great once I slim down after eating all of those tasty recipes of Tammy’s.)

Australia has no current volcanic activity. (That’s good because I’m not fond of having hot lava coming my way.)

Australia is the largest producer of wool in the world. (There you go—those sheep are busy making sure they produce wool--nothing lazy about Australian sheep.)

Australia is the driest continent in the world, apart from Antarctica, where precipitation is actually lower than that of Australia. (This surprised me since there has been extreme flooding in the country. Right, Rosie?)

The world's longest earthworm, stretching up to 4 metres, is found in Gippsland in Victoria. (I’m thinking someone in Victoria has too much time on their hands if they’re out measuring earthworms.)

I probably shouldn't have left you with that earthworm as the final picture in your mind--so mentally erase it and look at that sweet kaola bear instead.

May you find joy as you discover new things about Jesus and His love for you. ~Judy