The Emu and The Kangaroo
What do the emu and the kangaroo have in common? The answer to that question is why they were chosen for the crest of the nation of Australia.
Give up?
Neither the emu nor the kangaroo can go backwards. The motto of this country is ‘Advance Australia.’ And it means much more than just going forward and not looking back. Australia prides itself on its “can do” spirit. Entrepreneurship and pioneer spirit are as prized as they are in the US and, even more, are symbols of Australian character.
One could speculate that those early convicts who settled Australia (Though NOT Adelaide, Adelaide was settled by free men. Ask anyone.) wanted only to look to a better future in a raw new land.
The people that we have met are open, friendly, positive and ready to help us as newcomers to Australia. When they say,”Welcome to Australia” you can tell they really mean it.
MedFlies 
What a great bit of trivia. Had no idea that Emus and Kangaroos can’t go backward. I can see why Australia chose the animals as symbols for their country. The kangaroo could be the symbol for you both as well, always moving foward, hopping from country to country seeing the next best thing that each place has to offer. Can’t wait to read about the next best thing…
The great thing is the people really do take their national reputation to heart. So many people help us everyday whether it is to find the right change or the best walking route to where we are going. There is just a positive, friendly feeling here.
I have been wondering when you would see your first kangaroo. Does this count?
I don’t think so. He wasn’t hoppin’. I know we will see them on Kangaroo Island. I want to see a wombat. I have no idea what one even looks like. There is a whole place just committed to platypus. A group of kangaroos is called a “mob.” A group of platypus? A paddle? J