Stereotypical Aussie Tourists

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 

let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,

and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us"

-Hebrews 12:1

I did it!

This was one of the reasons I came to Australia to study abroad, and I finally hugged a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with my mum yesterday! We rode the bus to the world’s largest koala sanctuary, home to over 130 koalas. It also showcases many different Aussie animals, including various reptiles, birds, and marsupials.

Touristy Pic

I learned a lot about these Australian animals and realised I’ve held lots of misconceptions about them. Koalas are pretty big (and my mum thought it was a bit heavy) and sleep 18-20 hours/day because their eucalyptus leaves diet doesn’t have much nutrition. The platypus (the plural is “platypodes,” although scientists use “platypuses” and people say “platypi”) we saw was very small! They’re only about the size of our hand and weigh 1-3 kg. And kangaroos look like lanky teenagers who suddenly grew too tall, especially when they’re lying down. They also look so sleepy. Wallabies are much cuter. 

Kangaroo Feeding

Very Cute Wallaby

Other Aussie Animals

Since my mum came, we've taken many, many of pictures and used the selfie stick on many occasions. I feel so touristy haha. I got my picture with the QUT sign, which I never thought of doing in the almost four months I’ve been here. We also took pictures with trees and a model of Brisbane (see below), something I don’t know if other tourists would even do. But it’s ok! It’s good to be reminded of the special things that only exist in Australia and the beauty that surrounds me. 

My School!

Brisbane + QUT (lower RH corner)

We also went to the Gold Coast today! Uncle Carey showed my mum around the many places I’ve already been, and I tagged along 😃. And of course we had to stop by the ocean. We’ll be going back after church tomorrow!

Beach Selfie taken by Mum

P.S. I feel like I haven't talked about food in awhile. We had a potato twister today, and it was yummy! It's a whole potato that's cut into a spiral and fried on a stick, and it tastes better than chips.

Potato Twister