Exchange program to Australia

Adelaide, Australia, is a place known for its numerous festivals and sporting events, food and wine, its coastline, and hills.

During my time in the country (visiting Sydney– and spending all my time in Adelaide, which was approximately three months), I got to see many things, and the experiences will never be forgotten.

For instance, although I am not a wine drinker, I had the opportunity to visit Barossa Valley in Australia, which is famous for being one of the world’s significant wine-producing areas (boasting over 150 wineries).

Additionally, the nightlife in Australia is just like the United States, yet I had great opportunities to experience talking to the locals and getting to know the customs and culture. I visited several bars, restaurants, and other local coffee shops and stores.

Nevertheless, I was embedded in the Australian Army (i.e., exchange soldier temporarily attached to an Australian Army) and went to work every day learning about how they operated. As an exchange soldier, I performed all duties and tasks as if I were in the Australian Army.

One morning, while having breakfast, I noticed a few Australian soldiers putting this dark crème spread on their toast. I inquired about the spread because I was interested in trying something new.

That dark crème stuff was “Vegemite,” a thick, dark brown Australian food spread made from leftover brewers’ yeast extract with various vegetable and spice additives.

I would not recommend this stuff, but it was made from “Kraft.” Kraft makes several products, such as Miracle Whip, Kool-Aid, and Heinz Ketchup.

So, I put a good serving of Vegemite on my toast, which wasn’t pleasant. It tasted like someone cooked a steak or pork chop the night before and put the Gravy in the refrigerator, intending to spread the cold Gravy on some warm toast the next morning.

Vegemite has complex flavors that are savory with a meaty taste.

The Australian soldiers laughed, telling me I put too much on my toast. However, the amount doesn’t matter, the taste is (I guess) an acquired taste that is something people eat when they are kids and grow up getting to like it better.

Overall, the experience of doing different things in Australia – going sightseeing was and still is amazing.

I will have to go back someday.

1 thought on “Exchange program to Australia”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *