French news (in Darwin)

I do not have any foreign channels on my TV but every morning just in time for my breakfast if I turn SBS, which is a Government funded channel, I can see the unedited French news. I can actually watch the end of the Spanish news and the beginning of the Russian news since the whole morning seems to be dedicated to the news of the world. I find it to be a very good idea to serve all the minorities that form Australia. It is especially interesting that they do not subtitle and do not edit these programs.

National 'flower'

They are common in the South of France, but did you know that out of the 1400 species or so of acacias in the world nearly 1000 are to be found in Australia? The Golden wattle has been declared the official emblem of Australia some years back. They blossom in winter (it is nearly the end of the season down here now) and they can be found on the Australian Coat of Arms, and the Order of Australia is in the shape of a single wattleblossom. Also Australian Olympic athletes wear wattle inspired green and gold uniforms. If Australia was to become a Republic I suppose it would be high in the list of what would have to be featured on the flag (a kangaroo, an emu, some wattle on a green and yellow coloured flag?).

Vegemite

A few days back I was talking about what would define Australia as a nation foodwise. As it is not really a dish in itself I did not mention Vegemite but of course this is THE national spread that is essential if you want to really identify yourself as an Aussie or if you want to experience the essence of being an Australian. I am leaving Oz today but as usual I will make sure that I have those few essentials in order not to feel homesick: Vegemite, Ginger marmalade, Cherry Ripes and Turkish Delights. Yum!