Aussie: Being Iconic

People always get an impression and knowledge of the culture through the national icon. On the website of the Australian Foreign and Affairs Department (http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/national_icons.html); it lists the following Australian icons:

• Uluru and the Sydney Opera House 
• Meat pies, lamingtons and vegemite 
• A horse called Phar Lap and a hat called Akubra 
• Kangaroos and koalas 

What is your thought of Australian Icons? Is it same as above?

Since my first trip in Aussie land in 2003, then I studied, worked and lived in Australia; come and go, all together, I have literary been staying in here nearly 2.5 years. I’m still not 100% well knowing lots of things here, but getting better to appreciate the country and culture. During my journey to learn Aussie, I have experienced some Australian unique icons with my own ideas.

G’day mate!

The first icon I experienced was the Aussie slang.

“G’day mate.” A stranger started to talk with me in the park. It took me 3 seconds been silent, and then replied “sorry, what do you want?” The stranger left me with a strange blink at the park. Later on I realized it’s a typical Aussie slang for greeting. OMG! How could I miss this one?!

If you’re born in here, how many times you say it everyday? If you’re expatriates, have you started to say it? 

*More information about Aussie slang could reference there links:
http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html#E
http://www.aussie-info.com/identity/language/

A Happy little Vegemite

I’m not talking about Mr. Rudd here; I do mean the happy little vegemite.


When I tasted the vegemite at first time in 2007, it wasn’t pleasant at all. I couldn’t understand how my friend could stand it. But you know what; I have my vegemite toast almost for every single breakfast. I was ever searching vegemite when I lived in the Middle East. For someone still haven’t loved the vegemite, here are some recipe could make you be addicted the yummy tasty.
1) Egg and Vegemite Soldiers (Classic!!)
- Buttering the toast with one lay of vegemite (Better don’t put too much on the toast, if it’s 1st time you try vegemite)
- Sliding the toast as finger size
- Deep in the egg yolk.
 
2) Salmon and Spinach Patties
-Ingredients
500 g salmon fillets, skinned and chopped into 1/2-1 cm pieces
100 g baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
3 spring onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon grated root ginger
1 tablespoon VEGEMITE
1 egg white
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 teaspoon caster sugar
1 teaspoon VEGEMITE, extra
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 continental cucumber
1/4 small red onion, finely sliced
1 tablespoon oil
4 bread rolls, split in half
- Method
PLACE the salmon, spinach, onions and ginger in a bowl and mix to combine. Beat together the VEGEMITE and egg white then stir into the salmon mixture to help bind. Divide into 12 and gently shape into patties. Chill.
WHISK together the vinegar, sugar, extra VEGEMITE and sesame oil. Use a peeler to cut the cucumber into long ribbons. Toss cucumber and red onion in dressing.
HEAT the oil in a frypan and cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked. Place on serving plates with cucumber salad and rolls. Serve immediately.
 
For more vegemite recipes: http://www.vegemite.com.au/Pages/breakfast-recipes.aspx

However, I found a naughty vision of Mr. ‘Rude’ vegemite video to share:

BBQ
BBQ for weekend gathering, BBQ for birthday party, BBQ for National Day…The BBQ I had here are ever more than the BBQ I had in last 30 years back home. 

The key elements of Aussie BBQ are steaks, sausages and beers; in parks, someone’s back yard; the most important is FUN! 

To someone who isn’t born in Australian, could you share your feeling about BBQ party here?




**Australian Geographic's 100 Aussie icons

http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/australian-gographics-100-aussie-icons.htm