Australians are not renowned for their patriotism but when you leave the country things change. Suddenly your heart swells with pride because you hail from the land of vegemite, meat pies and the humble sock tan. You start to willingly speak like the beloved 'Alf' from Home & Away exclaiming "What a galah!" and frightening fellow travellers, declaring "She'll be right, mate!" at the confused chilian trying to help us with our backpacks and "I'm flat out like a lizard drinking" to...nah there is never a time for that!
When asked where you come from you hold your head high and declare "I'm from Australia!"
Many stare quizzacally and enquire "Is that in Eastern Europe?" or as I was greeted by the soldier in customs at Bolivia, "Ah you KA-GAR-HOO!" as he made his hands into paws and hopped in the spot.
Nonsense aside our Aussie pride has also served a very practical function detering those with anti-US sentiments here in Sth America. It is great to be an Aussie!
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