Maybe it's an American thing, but almost every time I talk to Australians I attempt to speak in an Australian accent. I'm really not that bad though- honestly. I'm not the only one either; most people in the study abroad group try it naturally as well. And the thing is that Australians actually really like American accents- so why do we try to imitate them?
A large part of it has to be that we are all caught up in the incredible opportunities that this trip offers. The group has only been here for a week and a half, yet we have experienced so many things outside of American norms. For example, at our hostel we are constantly meeting Australians from all over. College graduates in their twenties from all over Australia and the world flock to backpacking hostels in places like Darwin and spend months working, before they decide to settle down somewhere else and get a legitimate full-time job. This is one of the reasons the hostel has been so interesting, and Darwin itself. Over 90% of my text messages have been between me and Australians from Brisbane, for example. They, like most Australians, are much more receptive to outsiders than Americans. The Brisbane guys were more tahn eager to hang out and meet us, and we have met up with them multiple times in the past week to go to pools and throw a frisbee around. From them we've learned how to play Rugby League and Rugby Union, as well as Australian football and the peculiarities that separate Australians from Americans like language.
One of the most noticeable differences between Australians and Americans that I have seen so far is their temperament. Americans seem to be much more fidgety and always on the move, while Australians are perfectly content taking a breather every once in a while- such as the lifestyle of a backpacker. We have definitely learned that while in Darwin, because there are not many things to keep you busy. Darwin is forcing us to relax (when we're not in class) and enjoy what is around us- the incredible landscape of Australia.
The most significant way we were able to see Australia's landscape so far was a three day long camping trip to Kakadu National Park. The park covers 20,000 square kilometers (yes, like everywhere else in the world but the US, Australia uses the metric system) and has six different landscapes- savanna woodlands, monsoon forests, southern hills, stone country, tidal flats and coast, as well as floodplains and billabongs, which speak to the area's natural diversity. There are also many types of wildlife that can only be found in the national park.
Most interesting though are the people who own the park. Kakadu National Park, as well as the entire country, is technically owned by the Aborigines. This basically means that Australians are a nation of foreigners. Ancient rock art dates back to 60,000 years ago, making the Aboriginal culture the oldest continuous culture in the world. Their tribes have their own languages and religion, and their culture has constantly been strained as young Aborigines become interested in F-150's and videogames. Normally it is illegal for Aborigines to be known by name after their death, so that they may be remembered as part of a group rather than an individual. This also helps them move on as a spirit into their next life. However, one prominent Aborigine, Bill Neidjie, is remembered because of his goals for future aboriginal culture. He, as well as other Aborigines, understands that their culture is constantly threatened. For this reason he has chosen a policy of openness for Aborigines so that Australians and foreigners can receive insight into Aboriginal culture and the culture may be more effectively preserved. This goal of cultural preservation is the reason our group was able to see so much of Kakadu and the Aboriginal way of life.
As the country's national owners, Aborigines are paid a small allowance by the companies and government of Australia, and were even given housing. Unfortunately, many of them sold these houses and now walk the streets of the Northern Territory spending their money mainly on alcohol. Alcohol has also been a huge suck on the continuity of Aboriginal culture. Around Darwin, Aborigines are seen in many places wandering streets with no real noticeable purpose or end traveling goal. Relations between Aborigines and Australians are strained in the Northern Territory- an Australian will actually receive less legal punishment for harming an Aborigine than an Australian. However, I have had the chance to talk to local Aborigines and they are quite nice towards outsiders. They said their "welcome to country", a sign of respect, and even offered to cook a meal for us at their bonfire. I guess all you have to do is just be nice first.
Anyone want to hold the python?
Men.
More men.
Eats men.
Aboriginal rock art. This here is supposed to be one of their most famous rock paintings. Drawn by men.
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