5 unlikeliest cultural ambassadors

Things that have become synonymous with your country around the world that will have you considering changing nationality

5 mins

1. Skippy the bush kangaroo – Australia

Tucked away in a forgotten part of the globe, nobody is really sure what goes on in Australia. One thing the world does know, however, is that the country is packed with strange, furry creatures.

The most famous animals are kangaroos and the best known of their kind is Skippy,  star of the TV series of the same name, and the only marsupial capable of untying rope, unlocking doors and capturing criminals, all before you can say ‘What’s that Skip?’

Wanderlust’s own resident Aussie, Peter Moore, was once saved by Skippy in Ethiopia. After stumbling into a riot in Addis Ababa, he was allowed through when his nationality was discovered. ‘We have seen your Skippy,’ the rioters chanted, as they let him pass.

Celine Dion (Wiki Images)

2. Celine Dion – Canada

While it is not known whether the French-Canadian warbler holds any sway over Ethiopian ruffians, to the rest of the world Celine Dion is Canada. It seems there is a place in their hearts for the equine Quebecer that will go on. And on.

Worryingly, it seems Canadians feel the same way. In a recent survey, 35% of Canadians surveyed chose Celine Dion as the perfect symbol of Canada. Many more in her home province of Quebec.

Could this lead to Canadians decorating their backpacks with a Celine Dion patch rather than one featuring the ubquitous Canadian flag?

3. Hobbits – New Zealand

Hobbits don’t exist. They weren’t even 'created' in New Zealand. But ever since the adaptations of JJR Tolkien’s books, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, were filmed in New Zealand, the country has become synonymous with little chaps with hairy toes.

OK, the stunning scenery showcased in the movies has helped, but tourism officials have estimated that all things Middle Earth have contributed $580 million to the economy.

Now you know why Peter Jackson is making The Hobbit a trilogy.

 Wayne Rooney (Wiki images)

4. Wayne Rooney – England

Forget the royal family. The UK’s biggest cultural export is the Premier League.There is a corner in old Stone Town in Zanzibar known as Premier League corner because every Sunday evening the results are chalked onto a battered blackboard propped up against a wall.

Visit the backblocks of Africa and they won’t be able to tell you the name of the new prince. But they do know Wayne Rooney and can probably tell you how many goals he scored last year. (So can Man U fans... not enough!)

The Kardashians (Wiki Images) 

5. The Kardashians – USA

While your average reader of Wanderlust may have a hard time keeping up with which Kardashian is which, the rest of the world can’t get enough of the comings and goings of the extended – and extending Kardashian/Jenner family.

Such is the global success of this show about the shopping, make-up and making-out habits of a ‘typical’ American family that the clan matriarch, Kris Jenner, claimed that the show was broadcast in 300 countries around the world. An astounding achievement considering that the UN only recognises 194.

Little wonder then that there is no place for American travellers to dodge the inevitable question: Why the hell did Kim and Kanye call their kid North?

Have you come across any unexpected ‘ambassadors’ for your country in your travels? Tell us in the comments below.

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