'Roos

How can I begin to post about Australia and not start with an ode to the ‘roos.I think it’s a myth that the Kangaroos are a plenty in Aussie, as I had to go out of my way to encounter them. Albeit I spent most of my time in the cities and on the beach, but I wasn’t the only tourist on the lookout for ‘roos..

On our first day in Australia, my sister and I were walking in the community where we were staying (the suburbs of Brisbane); Melissa became startled when she saw an animal jump high in the air at the fence we were passing. Naively enough, all Melissa saw were the animal’s two ears and she just assumed that it was a kangaroo, a common pet kept in ones backyard in Australia?!? But after 2 minutes of peeping through the gate to get a closer look, this “kangaroo” let out a bark… It was someone’s dog with an extremely high jump! Disappointed and embarrassed we ran away laughing at our dumb tourist antics and assumptions…

I also had the pleasure of eating Kangaroo. However, I would not recommend ‘roo to anyone, it tasted terrible! Later on in my trip, I was told 'roo should not be eaten plain and that it was probably overcooked. I should have known better then to leave it to an American to serve me the 'roo. I could not get myself to try it again at any of the restaurants, but those few bites were enough for me to say that I’ve tried Kangaroo in my lifetime!

While in the bush up north in Carins, I was able to see, feed and pet the ‘roos up close and personal. These ‘roos were caged and trained to be friendly, I reckon those running wild would never come up to me and lick food off my hands as a dog would. This time around, I was made into the butt of the joke during our kangaroo adventure. Hoping to see a Joey tucked into the ‘roos pouch, our tour guide told me these were all males. He then told me I can still pet them but to watch out for his crown jewels when they drop. Disappointed by not being able to see a joey and the combination of his thick accent I didn’t fully process what he had just told me, so I asked him what he was referring to by crown jewels …. Needless to say the rest of our adventure the tour guide made sure to point out everyone’s crown jewels with multiple explanations of what he meant and what they’re used for…

I'd like to think that it was a full circle of life between me and the ‘roos, having eaten one myself and then feeding another. So with that I feel complete about my Kangaroo experience in Aussie... More michigas down under to come!