Oz Pride   

Much like our 4th of July, Australia Day is an annual excuse to eat, drink, and dress-up in the name of the nation. Though Aussies are generally very proud of their country, it’s not every day that thousands of people wear the flag – as a cape or a skirt, on shirts and hats, as a mask, and tattooed to cheeks and other body parts. The less creative participants wave the free flags handed out on the streets. In small towns, families put sausages on the barbie and follow whatever traditions they have for the holiday. In cities such as Sydney, it’s more fun to join the hundreds of thousands of people who gather for the day’s festivities. Roads are closed, for there’s no rush. Stores are closed because who wants to work?

I sported the country colors with a yellow and green shirt, and topped that off with a flag bandana. If it wasn’t for my accent (or lack of, from my perspective), I could’ve pulled it off. Tanya and I soaked in the spirit of the streets as we strolled past charming stalls, pausing for live music. When we wanted to rest our feet, people-watching was equally entertaining.

From the summit of the Harbour Bridge, we noticed the crowds shift from the Botanic Gardens and Opera House to Darling Harbour. A migration for the evening’s events, including a floating concert, video clips of famous Aussies, and (of course) fireworks. After Tanya and I descended to ground level, we darted for the wharf, grabbing sausages on the run. Australia Day was my 4th international national day of the trip (Vietnam, China, Kenya), but the first where I could read the banners and sing along. At 218-years old, Australia’s as good as new to me!

This entry was posted on Friday, January 27th, 2006 at 5:56 am in XV. Australia. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

4 Responses to “Oz Pride”

1. Anonymous :
   

   your phone call was the best thing thats happened to me all week. maybe all month. okay, ill admit, it was the greatest event of my life. i was so thrilled to hear your voice because it reminded me that your trek around the world is actually real and not just a really really fantastic novel that reads one page a day. by the way i called my parents right after I talked to you to tell them you had called and they got mad that i didnt tell you they say hello. wow that was a mouthful. so…my parents say hello. and they miss you. both of them lol. okay im gonna sign off now. love you.
   -Em

   January 27th, 2006 at 6:20 pm
2. Dad :
   

   Hey, mister, as I write, your mother and I are watching the Australian Open men’s final (on Tivo, admittedly) and keep looking for your smiling face in the crowd. You’ve made your mother’s week by buying her an Open hat. The key to a woman’s heart and all that…Keep smiling, we’ll keep watching! Love, YGOP

   January 29th, 2006 at 9:30 am
3. Shelby :
   

   Hey Char
   i was just looking at all the pictures and i saw the dent! O how i miss it. Anyways, just wanted to say hi! and I’m getting a little jealous that Michigan is getting phone calls and I’m not! xoxo

   January 29th, 2006 at 7:04 pm
4. Jessica Pak :
   

   Charlie my love! oh my god it’s been forever. i ran into your brother at a usc party last night…….it’s so awesome that your travelling and spreading all of your experiences. This website is beyond awesome. Soon says hi and has visited your site also, She says she’s so proud of you……she loves you more than me! lol. I’m so glad you’re doing what you love and i’ll keep in touch.
   Much love,
   Jess

   January 30th, 2006 at 12:14 am

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