This is New York in winter - today there’s no snow but it’s minus 19 degrees (at Celsius and Farenheit they converge this far down - it’s bloody cold).
This is Bronte Beach - fifteen minutes from the centre of Sydney. In March it’s late summer and still warm enough to swim.
Guess why I left New York at the end of winter in 2000?
I love the sunshine and hate windburn!
Traveling in the USA makes me an ambassador for Australia. It’s disappointing how little Americans know about our great country. I suppose in the vast world Australia is a little holiday paradise - one country you can take lightly and not risk a global diplomatic gaffe.
But that’s for those who have never visited.
I suppose it’s okay to keep it a secret. Entre nous. Mum’s the word. The fewer who find out about Australia’s rugged beauty and relaxed lifestyle the better. Then there’s more for us - us “in the know.”
But it does feel wrong. Mom (sorry I meant Mum) always said to share. So for those who’ve never considered Australia seriously look again. It’s a marvelously diverse country with plenty to offer.
Just don’t tell anyone!
It’s not easy.
People have so many preconceptions. It’s hard to move Americans past their mental images of Crocodile Dundee, Koala Bears and Kangaroos. Not to mention Russell Crowe (ugh)!
For our offices in Washington, DC and New York City I had a short presentation put together. This helps “explain it all.” (See attached!)
Hope you enjoy it….
Download bursonmarsteller_introducing_australia_whj_feb_07.pps
Our client V8 Supercars announced a bold and innovative environmental initiative yesterday.
V8 Supercars will plant thousands of trees this year with local schools across Australia. The number of trees was calculated to offset the carbon emissions from the season of car racing. These will be planted throughout the racing season in conjunction with visits to local schools. This adds a great education element by raising awareness among school children (who then bring the message home). In addition the fuel used for this year’s racing season will include 5% ethanol.
Of course the Australian media loved the announcement - and Federal Minister for the Environment Malcolm Turnbull was there to endorse the news.
Way to go V8 Supercars!
My colleague Georgie Bridge loved the recipe for Vegemite (although she’s never added a digital camera). Instead she suggested the following:
Georgie said the sensation is great in the mouth! I’m getting hungry….
Our client Gold Coast Tourism just concluded a conference in Australia. The theme was Global Business Insights. One speaker was Alan Greenspan and audiences were tied in through videoconference in Singapore, Auckland and Hong Kong along with 500 live attendees on the Gold Coast.
This was a “pens down” briefing and was not meant to be reported. Yet one participant in Hong Kong chose to report on the event - and that Greenspan predicted a recession in the USA. That may have triggered sell-offs in China that spread to Europe and the USA. In one day US$600 billion in wealth was eliminated.
It is amazing the power of one man and one conference. Way to go Gold Coast!
I’m in DC on a business trip. Folks find out you’re from Australia they immediately relate how disgusting they find Vegemite. But no one’s ever taken the time to explain to them how to properly serve this delectable yet odd national dish of Australia. Layton, Nicole, Kawika and Charissa this recipe is for you…
VEGEMITE FOR AMERICANS
- One bagel (sesame or poppy seed is best)
- Soft butter (for easy spreading)
- Vegemite
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Digital camera
Slice and toast bagel until nice and brown. While it’s still hot spread butter liberally and use the knife tip to break the surface and allow the butter to seep into the bagel.
Spread a THIN layer of Vegemite - this ain’t peanut butter, ladies (and Kawika).
Layer sliced cheese on top then place under a grill - just until the cheese bubbles.
Pop into your mouth while hot (but don’t burn the roof of your mouth). It should be tangy and savoury and delicious. Don’t take a sissy bite - really chomp down and commit yourself to the experience.
Have someone take your photo enjoying the pleasures of Vegemite and post it to me. That plus your recipe review will be quickly posted here…..
Enjoy!
Thanks for visiting!
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