Subscribe RSS FeedPeople in Australia enjoy reassuring tourists about the harmlessness of the wildlife and countryside whilst at the same time warning of its dangers. It comes out as a strange mix, making you unsure whether you should be relaxing or fearing for your life. Some Variations I have heard:
“Don’t stress when you’re diving: reef sharks are pretty harmless. Unless you get in their way”
” There’s no sharks there………….the croc’s finished them off”
“You’ll be safe if you swim inside the stinger net, apart from the Irukandji’s, they’re small enough to get through.
“Go ahead and swim with the freshwater crocs. They don’t bite people…at least, most of the time.”
“Hold this snake! It might bite, but it doesn’t look poisonous, so you’ll be right.”
“No-ones ever been left behind while diving on the Great Barrier Reef, except that American couple, but they staged it.”
“Cairns is a safe city……………..just don’t walk alone .
“Kangaroos won’t hurt you. Well, unless they kick you in the head. Then you’re pretty much finished.”
Oh, and did you know that koalas, despite looking otherwise, aren’t exactly cute and cuddly creatures. They can actually get pretty viscious, which is why it’s so hard to find a place that will let you get a photo holding one.
I will either leave Australia with a healthy respect for animals or with plenty of fodder for nightmares. Though seeing as how I have already gone swimming with reef sharks, stingrays and crocodiles, I think I’ll be okay. I even like holding snakes, though I do insist on reassurances that it won’t bite me, even in a non-fatal way. Spiders are where I draw the line. I’m positive my arachnophobia is permanent, and I’ve no plans to change in that respect.
