Culture...Down Under

Australian culture is one of the richest in the world. Before white settlers arrived (preceding the landing of James Cook and his fleet on the shores of Australia) the continent was home to the Aborigines. Their culture and way of life still exists today and has influenced the lives of all those living there, albeit they look back at a bloody and unfair past. Australia is mostly made up of a nation of immigrants. Irish, Italians, Japanese and Hungarians are just a few of the blood ties that can be found amongst the inhabitants. This also influenced the shaping of the country’s culture and their famous laid-back and varied way of life. Although it started off Anglo-Celtic, over time Australia has become more Americanized, in keeping with the change of times. Many varieties of music and literature can be found, all contributing to the rich culture the land boasts today. I personally have met quite a few Australians and as I recall, not one of them was ‘pure’ Oz. Some were Hungarian, some Croatian, Italian. In the 21^st century though, what more could a person ask for then growing up in such a vibrant and exciting place? I would not be one to say no.