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Pavlova, Marsupials and Aussies Rules!
As the clock struck eight and the bell rang, everyone rushed to class as if they were bulls that had seen red. The children flooded the room where, in an instant, they turned from bulls to bees- buzzing about the exotic dish that they anticipated would be shared among them. I handed out the Pavlova (a type of cake) which I had brought to celebrate Australia Day in the Turks and Caicos.
Soon enough they were human once again, sitting down for a quiet chat while they enjoyed the taste of the sweet meringue cake with its strawberry, banana and kiwi toppings. Mr. Hall, ever the gentlemen, piled the last two slices onto my plate.
After having a chance to enjoy the dish myself, our kind teacher invited me to the front of the room to share some interesting facts about Australia and answer any questions that my peers might have.
Being filled with pride for my country, I reported to the other children that Australia is a sovereign state in the Pacific Ocean with a population of nearly 24 million (a number based on a 2016 estimate). I went on to explain that Australia is part of the Anglosphere as its official language is English. Australia is also part of the Commonwealth. These last two facts should come as no surprise to anyone that has ever seen our flag.
The capital of Australia is Canberra, which is located in the Australian Capital Territory. Altogether, the country is made up of six states and two territories. Popular sports include netball, softball, Australian Rules Football as well as swimming and surfing among others. And the wildlife is among some of the most unique in the world (look up marsupials!).
The questions came at me fast and furious and sometimes it seemed all at once. Even Mr. Hall was caught up in the excitement as he used his booming voice to drown out the others and inquire about rumours of Australia being founded by convicted criminals. Jayda soon followed, probably still enjoying the taste of the Pavlova, when she asked about other Australian dishes.
There were many more questions after that but the one that sticks out the most came from the scientifically-minded Joshua. He wanted to know if, upon being flushed, the water from toilets would spiral in the opposite direction than our own on account of Australia’s location. Perhaps he was inspired by a certain cartoon?
All in all, it was a great experience to share Australia Day celebrations with my friends who would have perhaps been less knowledgeable, and certainly hungrier, without me!