M-whY

If opposable thumbs are evidence of evolutionary progress, then koalas must be highly developed creatures. Not only do they have opposable big toes, they have two opposable thumbs. Spending 16-18 hours a day sleeping, they wake up only to feast upon eucalyptus leaves, up to a kilo a day. Not just any eucalyptus leaves. Only the freshest leaves, found at the very top of the trees. Sleep all day. Eat only the best. Sounds like a good life to me.

Featherdale Wildlife Park had recently undergone a change in management. Now a popular stop for tour groups on the way to the Blue Mountains, it boasts an remarkable population of native wildlife. Tasmanian devils, dingos, southern cassowaries. Sure, they're all interesting. But it's the koalas that everyone comes for!

A busload of Japanese tourists had congregated at the koala exhibit by the time I got there. Choruses of 'Kawaii!' sounded from the crowd as koalas awoke from their slumber for lunch. We were given the opportunity to have our pictures taken with them.

Hey, Mr Koala, those eucalytpus leaves look yummy. Mind if I try some?

Apparently they did mind. Not only are koalas picky eaters, they don't like other people touching their food. My koala wasn't too pleased, and reached over to take back his chow.

From the koalas, I hopped over to hang out with the young kangaroos. I bought a I try some to entice the joeys, but they weren't very receptive. Maybe they weren't hungry. More probably, they were just tired of people shoving food in front of their faces.

Though I had a great time posing for photos, I couldn't help but feel Featherdale sacrificed some of the animals' well being for commercial profit. Some of the staff there looked like high school students on a part time job, unenthusiastic and insufficiently trained to handle koalas. And allowing patrons to be in such close proximity to young kangaroos unsupervised seemed like a disaster waiting to happen. It couldn't be good for the animals' psyche.

A good friend had put me in touch with her sister-in-law, who lived in Sydney's suburbs. Memcha was so kind as to invite me over for dinner, and offer me a place to spend a couple nights. Following her daughter Mema's precise instructions, I navigated the city rail to Campsie. Mema met me at the train station.

"Are you Mark?"

"Yep. You must be Mema?"

We walked a short distance back to their townhouse. Memcha had prepared a fine meal, the best I've had since leaving home. Mema disappeared upstairs and tidied up her room for me to stay in. Before long, she came downstairs and announced, "Okay, it's all yours!"

To stay in a nice home after a few weeks of the backpacker scene... I can't even begin to express how grateful I am!

Thanks to everyone for their support and comments! Knowing people are reading keeps me motivated to continue the updates!