Australia's Day in LA - Australian BBQ Los Angeles Aug 31st 2008

Lemon-scented gums stood casually in a circle a bit like a few blokes standing 'round at the pub having a chat. The summer breeze circled the leaves releasing their scent. Wafts of Lemon scented Eucalyptus floated through the park, luring any stray aussie to their midst like flies to an Aussie barbie.

Speaking of which, we fired up the BBQ's and threw on some snags (and shrimp - just to perpetuate the myth). Picnic rugs were laid out like a patchwork across the grass. Thongs were flung off (the shoe variety) so we could pad around barefoot, the sunscreen was slapped on, and the chin wagging began (after the obligatory hugs of the surrounding gum trees).

Rachel passed around the vegemite and cheese rolls, while Tulip put the finishing touches (aussie flag toothpicks) on her huge batch of lamingtons she brought to share.

The announcement was made that the competitions were about to begin.

The Best Aussie Accent (for our non aussie mates)
The Best Dressed Aussie - which was won by a tube of travel vegemite and Dame Edna
The Kookaburra Call off and the Peter Garrett Dance Off, plus the Outback Treasure hunt for kids and the Emu Egg and Spoon Race.

In between competitions, the barbeques were being worked overtime, even leading a few aussies passing by to join in on the fun (like flies I tell you!), a birthday cake was shared, the lammos were demolished, while others wore a vegemite and cheese moustache.

As the food settled and the sun lowered in the sky, Barry from LA Outback performed for us all playing various didgeridoos and other aboriginal instruments, before teaching us all how to play the didgeridoo in a group lesson. Courageous with a newly learned skills, competitiors thrashed it out for the title of best didgeridoo player while LA Outback handed out boxes of prizes.

After the last aussie accent faded off into the distance, a single eucalyptus leaf spiralled down from the branches above, adding the final authentic touch to Australia's Day in LA.









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