Australia Day

Nothing brings Ozzies together like Australia Day. It’s their day to show how proud they are of their country; it’s unique landscape, it’s unique history, it’s laid-back culture, Miranda, it’s extreme climate, AC/DC, and vegemite. Naturally one would assume (especially after my previous article, talking up their patriotism) that this would be a massive day of; festivals, barbies, public intoxication (as pictured below; you're alright to drink during school and work hours, just don't do it on your own time) and Bogan Australians, indeed quite similar to Canada Day in the Byward Market. Alas, this was not to be. Stores were open, trams not overly busy, finding a spot on the beach was easy, no one was being carted away by the police. I would have to say, this was the first time during my visit I was a little disappointed in the Australian people.

You could immediately point out the tourists, as they were the ones wearing green and gold, or had the Australian flag either tattooed on their body or worn as a cape. Talking to some Ozzies they explained that Australia Day is “really no big deal, someone will have some people over for a some backyard cricket and we'll listen to Triple J’s top 100 hits of 2009”, lame.

That being said, Australia Day is what you want to make of it. Went out for lunch with a few friends, went to the beach, met up with a group of Canadians to catch some pretty sweet fireworks, then had a rooftop party until we were told (by Ozzies) to go inside at midnight, no less, because we were making too much noise *sigh.

Oh well, off to W.A., there I’m sure you could be as loud as you want and no one will hear you.