19. Don’t Believe Stories of Drop Bears
Drop bear lore is legendary down under. Even the Australian Museum is in on the gag, helping to perpetuate the myth of this predatory marsupial. Apparently these koala-like creatures live in the trees and can drop down upon unsuspecting people. Everyone seems to have a distant cousin or friend who has been attacked by a drop bear, but you rarely hear a credible first-person encounter. Tourists already freaked out about the real hazards in Australia are often fed these stories and there’s often much debate over whether drop bears are real or fictitious. However, considering one of the prescribed repellants to avoid these beasts is to spread Vegemite behind your ears, we remain skeptical. It’s all part of that Aussie sense of humor.
20. Don’t Diss Vegemite
Brits have their Marmite, so similar Vegemite isn’t such a foreign concept to them. However, many other nationalities don’t quite know what to make of this salty, smelly, brown yeast-paste-in-a-jar that Aussies often spread on toast and smear on sandwiches. Those that love it salivate at first pungent whiff. Those that don’t gag at the very thought of it. It’s apparently rich in B vitamins and full of that savory “umami” flavor that sophisticated tastebud receptors perceive. The trick is to go easy on it. A little dab is flavor heaven; a thick glop and your tongue will be overwhelmed. Vegemite is revered like a national dish in Australia, so don’t diss it until you try it. Who knows, you might just like it.
