^^^^ Bluebottle or Portuguese Man of War
One of Bryson's first Australian experiences involves going boogie-boarding with his guides, Dierdre and Glenn. Bryson is immediately frightened when he is informed that there have been no shark attacks in "ages... a couple of months at least." When Bryson finally attempts boogie boarding, he enhances his status as a frightened outsider by miraculously making the boogie board sink on his every attempt to ride the waves. Dierdre suddenly takes on a more serious demeaner when she notices a "bluey" in the water. When Bryson asks if it is dangerous, she responds, "Dangerous, no... but don't brush against it."
Later, Dierdre publishes an article in the Herald's weekender magazine:
"Bryson... didn't read the warning sign on the beach. Nor does he know about the bluebottle being blown in his direction - now less than a meter away - a swollen stinger that could give him twenty minutes of agony, and, if he's unlucky, an unsightly allergic reaction to carry on his torso for life."
This scene in the book completely embodies Bryson's status as an isolated outsider at the beginning of the book. Although he is aware of his general ignorance of the land and is brushing up on his Australian history in an attempt to learn more about the continent, his American habits are still extremely evident and make him stand out. Toward the end of the book, it is likely that Bryson will assimilate more into the Australian culture, become much more knowledgeable of his surroundings, and describe several scenes that contrast greatly from this one in the way that he handles himself as an American tourist.
image source: http://amonline.net.au
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