With a bit of homage to Monty Python's Australian philosophers sketch, I must start by saying that Bill Bryson's book In a Sunburned Country gives one a small glimpse of a very big land. If one is lucky enough to travel there, this book might serve as a good introduction and a bit of a warning to a diverse country. I say warning - because Bryson seems fascinated with the Australian creatures that could kill you - jellyfish, sharks and snakes, as well as the Australian environment - the surf, the riptides, the cliffs, and the temperature which could also kill you. The book abounds with stories of explorers, tourists and near-do-wells who never made it back to their starting point.
As he travels around the country he points out spots of interest, everything from the dullness of the capital of Canberra, the beauty of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, the desolate areas around Alice Springs, the majesty of Uluru/Ayers Rock, and the subtleties of the cities of Perth, Melbourne, Darwin and Sydney. He even addresses the issue of the Aboriginal people. After asking questions about them throughout his travels, he comes to the conclusion that Australians have really been - the kindest word might be - stupid , in their dealings with them.
Bryson realizes that Australia is an old land but a young country, and suffers from growing pains. There is more to explore, more things to find, but these things take time. My edition of the book has a extra bit about him going back to Sydney for the Olympics of 2000. He is clearly eager to come back to the land and the people that he fell in love with.
Australia anyone? Long trip, but mighty fine once you get there.
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