The Aussie ToT Challenge

My Eagerly Awaited Response … or Not

The Author’s Choices

Do I hear a drum roll? The wait is over! I have finally gotten around to sharing my own preferences. When faced with the choices I presented to everyone else, I thought why did I decide on offering this or that to choose between? Some of them aren’t my favourite things, but I tried to represent a cross section of Australian tastes.

If I had taken longer to write the original ToT challenge I may have changed some of them. But it is what it is. So, I hereby present my choices for you all to ponder.

Questions/Choices

Kangaroo or Koala? Well, having lived in a rural area on a 40-acre property it was nice to having kangaroos grazing almost up to our front door, where you rarely see a koala in the wild because they are always at the top of a tree. Beware of drop bears: Drop Bear (australian.museum) Sorry to spoil your image of the cuddly adorable koalas.

I would go for kangaroos, but I do prefer wallabies as they are smaller and cuter, and the males aren’t as threatening as big buck roos.

Beach or Bush/Outback?

I am a bit torn between the two, having spent my younger years near the beach, and more recent life in the bush/rural areas. The outback, however, is too hot and dry for my liking. My perfect setting would be living on a remote piece of land with its own private beach. Hey, my own island would be a perfect solution.

Opera House or Sydney Harbour Bridge?

Both are iconic symbols of Australia, and often shown together in photos. If I had to choose it would be The Opera House, especially when lit up for special occasions. Not sure why I chose Sydney icons, as I live in Queensland. Maybe because I thought everyone would know them.

Uluru or Daintree Rain Forest?

Two natural wonders, that would be great to visit. I always have a soft spot for rainforests though, so I would choose the Daintree. I also want to see a cuscus (I haven’t seen one yet)

Vegemite or Cream Cheese?

Vegemite for me. I have been consuming it since I could first eat solid food … wait, actually before that — mixed with water in a baby’s bottle. Admittedly, it is an acquired taste and needs to be eaten properly (there really is a skill to get it just right.) It is also full of essential B group vitamins. How much is Bega paying me for advertising?

Hot Chips or French Fries?

I know they are virtually the same. But I prefer hot chips. They are usually thicker cut, soft on the inside, crispy outside. Never with tomato sauce/ketchup though. If anything, gravy. We always get ‘fish and chips’ here, never ‘fish and French fries.’

Bundaberg Rum or Victoria Bitter Beer?

Honestly, I don’t like either. I got rotten drunk and sick on Bundy when younger, and now just the smell of it makes me feel ill. I like Bundaberg Ginger Beer though. If I drink rum it has to be a white one like Bacardi.

I think VB is one of the worst Aussie beers to be honest. If I have to drink beer, give me XXXX, Great Northern, or Cascade.

Scones or Pikelets?

Scones are like what the Americans call “biscuits” and “pikelets” like mini pancakes (the mix is slightly different.) I prefer scones though. Most people in Australia and Britain eat them with cream and jam. But I am as Aussie as you can get … I put butter and vegemite on them. True!

Down Under or Over the Top?

Okay, dumb question/choice. No one gets it. Down Under is Australia’s nickname. I was just trying to be smart playing with words, so thought “Over the Top” was the opposite to “Down Under.” So, my thought was that it meant anywhere else but Australia (at least anywhere north.) Anyway, Down Under is my choice. “Over the top” as a saying also means being too “out there” or “exaggerated” which I am not. I am quiet and reserved … mostly.

Macca’s or Hungry Jacks?

Yes, Macca’s is what us Aussies labeled MacDonalds. Americans call it Micky D’s don’t they? Hungry Jacks is what the Burger King chain is called in Australia. I rarely eat at either, unless travelling and in need a quick drive through. I prefer privately run eateries that don’t have mass produced fast food and I hate lots of sauce or mayo disguising the taste of the other ingredients. If I had to choose it would be Hungry Jacks.

Cate Blanchett or Nicole Kidman?

I like both … so much talent between them. But I think Cate is probably more versatile, so I choose her.

Hugh Jackman or Chris Hemsworth?

I’d have to choose Hugh. Truly nice guy, and loved ‘The Greatest Showman,” and there is only one Wolverine. You could probably argue there is only one Thor, but oh well.

Meat Pie or Sausage Roll?

Meat pie for sure. I am a pie connoisseur. Every town I go to, I have to visit the bakery and try their pies. The hardest part is usually choosing what flavour, as there is often so many. Chunky Beef or Pepper are my faves though. Sausage rolls are okay now and then, but not on the same level as a good pie.

Rugby League or Australian Rules Football?

Being a Queenslander, it is a no brainer … Rugby League Football is the number one sport here and in New South Wales. (Go Dolphins, Cowboys, Broncos, Titans.) Aussie Rules (aerial ping pong) is more popular in the other states. Oh, and we are so tough we don’t wear helmets.

Beetroot on a Burger … Yes or No?

Yes, of course. Whack beetroot on everything. It goes great with beef, pickles and tomato. Just be careful not to let it drip, unless you are into the pink tie-dyed look.

Gum Tree or Wattle?

I choose Gum tree (eucalyptus trees), as koalas need somewhere to live, and gum leaves is all they eat. They also give great shade. Well, until they decide to drop their branches.

Giant eucalypts have a habit of dropping heavy branches earning them the nickname of Widow Maker. These gum trees preserve their health during periods of drought or inadequate water supply by allowing some branches to dry out and break off — a sort of self-pruning. — Sydney Tree Removals

Wattle (acacias)are pretty when flowering but don’t tend to live long.

Lamington or Pavlova

I am not a dessert lover and don’t really have a sweet tooth, but I love lamingtons. There is something about chocolate and coconut together, and covering a light fluffy sponge cake is mm mm. Pavlova is basically meringue, fruit, and whipped cream, and is much too sweet for my tastes, but my wife loves it.

Pickled Onions or Gherkins?

I will eat both, but I like pickled onions a lot more. My Grandma used to make them. I could sit down and eat a whole bottle. They are best made with brown or cider vinegar though.

Iggy Azalea or Delta Goodrem?

Delta is lovely, and very talented, can sing and play piano, so I choose her. I am sure Iggy is great at what she does, but I’m not into rap.

Funnel Web Spider or Blue-Ringed Octopus?

Are you kidding? Who offered this choice? they are both frigging deadly!

If we are going on looks alone, I choose the blue-ringed octopus.

Thank you for reading my article, please scroll all the way to the bottom for it to count as a read. Much appreciated.

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