I thought I was going to have to carry my umbrella everywhere I went, even though it never rains here, and even though I would look awfully strange. I figured rescuing my own life would be better than dying from huge claws enveloping my face before I even realized a drop bear had fallen on me! Some of the guys here were kind enough to warn me in graphic detail of the potential dangers of the drop bear and hoop snake. They told me to watch out, especially when walking across campus at night, because the drop bear would fall out of trees and sink its huge claws into your head. Yet while watching out above you, you also have to watch your feet, because the hoop snake rolls down hills and across the ground by biting its tail and forming a hula hoop figure.
Oh I can't tell you how frightened I was! ...Which is when, laughing hysterically, they told me that was all made up and a typical joke these Toowoomba boys like to play on foreigners. Drop bears are actually an idea borrowed from a commercial for some kind of rum. Apparently, in the commercial, some guys are trying to get some hott girls at a campground, and in the middle of the night a drop bear jumps on the girls' tent, and the girls run screaming to the guys. I don't know where the hoop snakes idea came from (prolly their overactive imaginations), but I can't believe I almost took up carrying an umbrella to ward off drop bears just cuz of a stupid commercial-born trick!
Oh dear.

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So I've been trying for the past few weeks to get a feel of Australian culture, but it's a little tricky. I feel like everytime I ask someone here to describe their culture, they're at a loss. "Uh, I don't know, maybe 'G'day, Mate,' sums it up?" There are so many different cultures represented here that it reminds me of New York, just a big melting pot. I've heard that that's why there's not such a specific, easily pinpointed cultural identity here. But I have gathered some clues to maybe give you a feel for Aussie life...

~ Instead of the Big Dipper and North Star, they have the Southern Cross. I actually found the constellation in the sky, which is a big step for me!

~ They say "toilet," like, "I have to go to the toilet," and they have signs pointing to "Toilets." Last night I went to "use the bathroom," and one of the guys was like, "What did you just say? The bathroom? There's not a shower in there or something, it's just toilets."

~ I have to relearn how to walk. I was walking up the library stairs today and couldn't figure out why everyone else was walking down on the same side I was walking up, practically running me over! I realized by the time I reached the top that I have to walk on the left side, not the right side.

~ I think morning tea would also be a defining element of the culture. Oh, and with morning tea they have these lovely little treats called "Lemingtons," which melt in your mouth and remind me of coconut and a soft, light cake, with chocolate icing on top. Australia is also known for its meat pies, which I have yet to taste. Oh and veggiemite, which I am trying to work up the courage to try. Ew it looks so nasty! One of the guys told me it's an acquired taste, like beer. I don't like beer, so I don't think I'll like veggiemite. Sorry Australia. I know I just let you down.

~ The native, original inhabitants of Australia are the Aborigines, and I still get a vibe of inequality and tension between the "whites" and Aborigines. I saw someone yelling at an Aborigine the other day. I didn't know until afterwards that the lady was an Aborigine, and I was shocked. I have also heard people speak really negatively about Aboriginals being lazy bums and drunks and taking advantage of the money the government gives them. I wonder how much of that is actually true. Kind of reminds me of the whole racial inequality history the U.S. experienced, both with blacks and whites and with Indians/Native Americans. I read this Australian novel "Home," which was a wonderful book, though kind of depressing, and it talked about the Aborigines' struggle. I would highly recommend the book, I couldn't put it down! And it was quite eye-opening.

~ In my Australian literature class, I have been noticing the age-old city vs. bush debate. I read one series of poems between two poets (I forget their names! I think one was Henry Lawson, but I'm not sure) who were debating whether one should live in the bush or the city, and giving the ups and downs to each.

~ The stereotypical Australian bushman is also part of Australian culture, but I am not completely sure what being that bushman entails, so I'll have to hold off on that aspect. I am going to watch "Crocodile Dundee," though, which I have been told is a film about living in the Australian bush back in the day. So that should be enlightening.

~ The Crocodile Hunter was also a big part of Aussie culture. One of the guys here at uni was telling me that when he heard the Crocodile Hunter was killed, he cried for days. I guess that was a big part of Aussie identity.

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Oh I just love learning about other cultures, it makes me so happy! There is so much to be learned, and so much richness to be gained from experiencing and studying other cultures. From the bottom of my heart, I would deeply encourage everyone who possibly can to study abroad at some point and soak up every lesson that can be learned, and that can make you a more well-rounded and mature individual.
But if you go to Australia, don't fall for the drop bear and hoop snake line. Give it right back to them, and with a twist of your own. Tell them you are from the Hoop Snake Gang back home in New York, or something equally cheesy. (Yes, some guys asked if I was in a gang. I mean, come ON, do I LOOK like I'm in a gang???)