In a Sunburned Country

I'm re-reading Bill Bryson's very entertaining book on Australia to give me a flavour of what I'm going to see and feel over the 2 1/2 months we'll be there. 

One thing he mentions quite forcefully.  It's a wondrously venomous and toothy country, and has more things that will kill you than anywhere else.  Of the world’s ten most poisonous snakes, all are Australian.  Some venomous spiders pack enough toxin in their bite to fell a hourse. This is a country where even the fluffiest of caterpillars can lay you out with a toxic nip.  Well then.  Let's watch where we step, shall we?

Clearly, this is a country worth getting to know.