So, I'm sitting here at my computer, and I have lots of ideas for posts scribbled down in fits of creative haste, but none of them are really speaking to me tonight. That's really too bad, 'cause some of them are fantastic. I have no idea why we're not on speaking terms this evening. I swear I never looked at any other ideas today, honest... but I digress. Anyway, take heart! Serendipity has stepped in, and a great idea has surfaced as a direct result of two eureka moments: One - I'm in a research mood, and Two - I noticed an increase in Australian readers of late. So, I looked up some Fun Facts About Australia, and there's a ton of information out there. Here are a few of the more interesting facts I dug up:
In 1832, three hundred female Convicts at the Cascade Female Factory mooned - yes, you read that right: mooned - the Governor of Tasmania during a chapel service. It has been said that in a "rare moment of collusion with the Convict women, the ladies in the Governor's party could not control their laughter."
There are more than 150 million sheep in Australia, but only about 20 million people.
The Great Barrier Reef has a mailbox. (Yes, an actual mailbox. Only one. And, you can ferry on out there and mail a postcard with the world's only Great Barrier Reef stamp.)
In 1838, it was declared illegal to swim at public beaches during the day. This law remained in effect until 1902.
Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world.
The second-largest population of Greeks in the world resides in Melbourne, Australia - second only to Athens, Greece.
Australia is the world's largest inhabited island AND the world's smallest and least populated continent - both at the same time!
It was an Australian meteorologist who first gave women's names to tropical storms, beginning in the late 19th century.
Australians from Queensland are called "banana benders," and those from Western Australia are referred to as "sand gropers."
Australia Day is celebrated on January 26, marking the anniversary of ships arriving in Sydney carrying a load of convicts.
On July 17, 1924, the world's first society of cartoonists, the Black and White Artists' Society, was formed in Sydney.
Emus and kangaroos appear on the Australian coat of arms precisely due to their inability to walk backward.
No part of Australia is more than 1000 km from the ocean and a beach. (That's about 621 miles or so.)
Well, that's all I have time for tonight. Here are my sources - check 'em out:
I'm sure there are lots of other totally cool and fun facts out there that I didn't find about Australia. Leave me a comment with any interesting tidbits you know of...
