G'day from Down Under
Or "down undah" as it would be pronounced in our next country - Australia. I've been saving Australia as one of my easy countries that I can whip out during busy times. This is one of those times (hence the lack of posts for Iraq) I'm helping at both my children's schools, trying to get the Christmas shopping and cards done, and keep the house together. I know it doesn't sound like much, but writing blog posts took a back burner last week- if you were interested in learning more about Iraq I'm sorry. This week, I promise, will be different. Australia has always held a special place in my heart because we have a very dear family friend who lives there. I've been twice to this beautiful land, once around 8 and again a few years later, my mom has been about 12 times and each year our friend (Hi Pam!) sends my kids great books featuring Australian animals and characters.
And a BIG place! The continent/country/island of Australia is almost as large as the United States, which makes it the 6th largest country. There is almost any type of climate you could desire- from the snowy mountains in the Australian Alps, where there is more snow annually than Switzerland, to the hot, dry outback where temps can reach 120°. Natural wonders abound also, like the Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock. Because the country has evolved so isolated from other land masses, the animals are unique too, we will do a whole post on the great animals of Australia. I've also got some fun ideas for an Aboriginal post - we might try to make a didgeridoo! And, of course, some delicious recipes!! I love Australia and I hope you will too!! Stay tuned :)
This is a picture of my Mom and me holding a real Koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane Australia in 1980. I held it too and all I remember was the long, sharp claws digging into my shoulder!!