My First Oyster

I went to the annual Haskin Employee BBQ and had the opportunity to eat one of the many oysters found in the Delaware Bay. Oysters can be cooked, baked, grilled, fried, or eaten raw. This oyster was grilled and served with lemon juice. I was a little weary about the taste and the texture and hoped that it would taste like the many clams and mussels I had eaten in the past. When I first slurped the oyster my taste buds were confused. The oyster was very salty, which is probably why they are called Cape May Salts. The lemon juice made it sour, and the texture was that of a clam or mussel. I couldn't help but laugh because my coworker was also trying her first oyster. We were confused as to whether we should chew or just swallow the oyster meat. Many of the employees just shouted to swallow it I, however, prefer chewing. My co-worker couldn't make up her mind as you can see from the photo. All in all, I think oysters are delicious. I could eat 20 more by myself. If you are interested in trying oysters yourself here are some recipes from the Food Network Website.

The Bridge Climb

One of my multitudes of phobias is the fear of heights, so when my friend suggested we climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge I was less than enthused. It was a windy day and as we approached the bridge it seemed to grow like a mountain of steel before us. I gathered my courage and began my ascent into the clouds and mist. Thankfully we were harnessed to the bridge so there was no real threat of falling but the thought still lingered in my mind. It was raining making the rungs of the steep ladders slippery which made me more nervous. After climbing for a good while my legs began to ache and wobble increasing the difficulty of the climb. Upon reaching the top however it was all worth it to see the glorious cityscape and harbour. I would most definitely do it again but on a clearer day so I could see more of the city from the top of the bridge.

It's Banana's B.A.N.A.N.A.S.

One of my more delectable trips was to the Big Banana in Coff's Harbour, the banana capital of the world. The Big Banana has plenty of gift shops, candy stores, amusement rides and a banana harvesting field. Sadly it was raining the day I went so all the rides were closed so I decided to treat myself to a chocolate covered banana with sprinkles. Turns out in Australia they are not called sprinkles but are called "hundreds & thousands" due to the fact that you get so many on your ice cream and treats. While I was in the candy store I saw them making hard candies. What started as huge lumps of sugar and taffy  turned into small round candies with designs of their flavors on the inside. Unlike candy here in the U.S. the flavors found in Australia are rather bizarre such as musk flavor which apparently all the older women love. Everyone here in America thought they were gross, I guess that's cause they're not elderly women.

Cultural Shock- Acceptation and Adaptation

I am somewhat going through the fourth stage which is the acceptance or adaptation stage. Luckily, another intern came and now her and I have become close friends and started to plan little trips during our stay. If I did not make a friend, I feel like I may have slipped into some type of depression because of having no social friendships with anyone. Now I am experiencing Australia. I have learned to surf, ride horses, paddleboard, travel to Sydney and the Gold Coast and so much more. I even participate in morning tea and eat lunch with all the workers. After work, I go to the Hoey, which is the bar all the employees go to on Thursdays because I feel like I am more accepted and a part of the work team

Australia vs US Business Styles in the Office

Australia is very similar to the United States though there are many differences in culture. The business aspect of both cultures is different.

In the United States, the boss has an office on the top floor and is rarely seen mingling with the employees under him or her. Workers are very goal driven and live to work. Many people stay overtime to complete their work or show extra effort to give them an edge in hopes their boss notices. It is also rare for employees to go out to bars or party with their boss.

Australia, however, has a different set of values. The boss works on the same floor as the employees. In fact, it is very common for the boss to serve tea to the employees in the morning. In addition, the employees themselves are also goal driven, but work to live, unlike the American employee. It is rare for an Australian employee to work overtime because it is a cultural ideal to be with the family instead of at work. If the boss sees an employee is working overtime, it is noted as, the employee does not love their family or is inefficient at doing his or her job. In Australia Friday’s are when the boss takes the employees out to the bars or for big lunches where everyone chats and drinks alcohol.

The ways the boss and the employees work with each other as well as the way they perform their jobs are very different between the United States and Australian culture. I was able to integrate both my American business Culture and my new Australian Culture. I like being able to talk to my boss free and openly, as seen in the Australian cultures, and making sure my work is done professionally, as seen in the American culture. I had a hard time adjusting to Friday sessions with the boss at bars because in American Culture it would be seen as unprofessional to drink with your boss. However, I was able to integrate my need to be the professional American with the need to be a relaxed Australian employee.

Rocky & Adelaide the Sea Lions: Painters extraordinaire

During my time at Dolphin Marine Magic, I got to spend time with several animals. Two animals in particular were Rocky and Adelaide who are Australian Sea Lions. Both animals were taught how to paint in response to signals given by trainers. I got to personally oversee the training techniques utilized with a female sea lion named Adelaide. Her learning capabilities allowed her to easily recognize the signals required to paint which was absolutely amazing. First we would set up a child size paint stand and canvas. After set up we place the brush in the sea lion's mouth; at this point the animal is not allowed to chew on the brush but must hold it in its mouth. Next we signal the seal to the canvas where it is directed on where to move the brush. Over time, the sea lions learn how to paint properly and no longer require these direct signals. To reinforce this behavior, they are given fish or pats at the completion of each task when done correctly. This was definitely one of my most memorable experiences while working there. Adelaide covered me in the paint, but who can get mad at an animal that cute?

Baby Sea Turtles

One day on the job we were learning how to clean the turtle tanks. Upon walking into the turtle's tank I saw what appeared to be baby turtles lining the perimeter of the tank. I asked the instructor if they had any baby turtles, but she said they did not. When we got to where they were sitting the instructor saw that they were babies but she assumed they were dead. Knowing better I quickly got a bucket with water and place the babies inside. I got the LSS (Life Saving Support Team) to take care of the turtles and nurture them back to good health. We used nail polish to help strengthen the turtles shells so they would survive better. Thanks to our quick action they recovered and were not eaten by the older turtles. They are currently at the front of the center for all the visitors to see. In total all eight turtles survived and were named after famous sea turtles from movies.