Although my opinion on Australia is not really based on anything other than other people's testimony, I always say I'd like to at least visit Oz, simply because it strikes me as the only country left in the world that has a (collective) sense of humour anymore.
While stereotypes are usually negative, I find the stereotypical Aussie to be a rather nice chap. He's laid back, unpretentious, rugged, straightforward, honest and likes his beer - what's not to like?
OK, that was not meant to be taken seriously but you know what I mean. I've only met a handful of Australians in my time but every one of them has been dead-on. I have no doubt that I would be regarded as a "pommy poofter" by anyone remotely rural but I can't say I'd be offended - I'd just shrug, get the beers in and hope that I learn enough to lose the "poofter" part.
Aside from the dangerous fauna, it strikes me as a great place. I've seen and read several documentaries on the outback and what I would give to drive those long, red clay roads (in a Ute with plenty of water and tinnies in the back).
So yeah - my impressions of Oz are positive despite never going there but I sure would like to test the theory someday!
Wardy
