For Aboriginal Australians, January 26th often marks "survival day"- celebrating the fact that the indigenous people and their culture have not been wiped out. Australia still has a long way to go with reconciliation, however, I hope with every year, Australians will consider where they've come from, where they want to go and how they can work together, as one, to forward this great country. The Aborigines are such a vital part of this country and it would be such a tragedy if their rights, land and culture were to disappear. And for those reading thinking I'm like the kettle calling the pot black, well no, I know the US and Native American relationship is similar to Australia and the Aborigines, and yes, the US, too, has a long way to go with making things right with the Native Americans. However, this blog entry is about Australia day, so I'll keep on point... OK, getting off my soapbox now.
Most Aussies celebrate the day by gathering with friends and family to partake in a summer barbie while drinking heaps of beer and wine. Of course, there's the usual jaunt to either a park or the beach, and, there is always cricket- either on the tele or playing in the backyard.
For Paul and I, we decided to spend the day taking in some of Australia's natural beauty with a hike. We did the famed Manly walk which is a four hour trek through gorgeous scenery and tropical bushland along the the coastal cliffs of Sydney Harbour.
We saw lots of these guys:
While on our hike, I saw the greatest thing ever... no, not an ice cream truck, but an ice cream boat! The Aussies are genius! The ice cream boat putts along the shoreline ringing its bell as kids wade out and swim out to meet the ice cream boat. How cool is that- you can swim and eat ice cream at the same time!
After a short rest at home, Paul and I headed down to the point to watch some fireworks and enjoy a bottle of bubbly- one of my favourite things to do in the summer!
On another related note, something funny I find is Australia's Meat and Livestock industry's lamb campaign. For the past few years, there has been a big ad campaign for eating lamb, particularly on Australia Day, because apparently they want you to believe that eating lamb is the Australian thing to do. Yes, it's tongue-in-cheek and often these ads come under criticism, however, they seem to work as there has been a rise in the consumption of lamb and the week leading up to Australia Day is the highest lamb trading week. Kind of interesting, huh?
So, I leave you with this year's and last year's ad. If you're unfamiliar with Aussie culture you might not understand it or find it funny- I just find them peculiar.
2007 Ad:
2008 ad:
And one more thing, for anyone interested in Aboriginal culture, there is this great Australian film, Ten Canoes which is a mix of anthropology and entertainment. I highly recommend checking it out as you won't be disappointed.
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