Oct

A Taste of Tasmania

Filed Under (Special Event) by Mrs. Braidwood on 01-10-2011 and tagged awareness, community, Miss Wyatt, Mr. Davo, Tasmania, Vegemite, visit, visitor

At the end of September, we had a surprise visit from Miss Wyatt, creator of the Student Blogging Challenge! She had traveled to North America and up the coast from California to Vancouver Island from Tasmania, a state in Australia. We were one of two classes in our district that she stopped by – the other being Huzzah!

Lucky for us, we were just heading to the computer lab when she arrived, which gave her the chance to introduce us to Mr. Davo Devil, the Tasmanian Devil mascot that was accompanying her on her trip, and his blog outlining their adventures. Knowing that Miss Wyatt had a day to explore our beautiful island the next day, the Ripplers offered her several great suggestions on what to do and see. We were happy to hear she was able to visit a number of our museums and drive up to Mount Washington to see the amazing scenery there.

Before she left, she treated us to a number of souvenirs from Tasmania that have helped us learn more about her home … including Vegemite!

Our taste testing experience a few days later created quite a stir in our class, but I am very pleased to announce that everyone gave it a fair shot. When trying a new food, we often jump to conclusions based on the look, smell, and texture even before it hits our taste buds. It can be difficult to keep an open mind when it is unlike anything you’ve had before.

So …. what was the verdict?

Well, I liked it. In fact, I’ve had more since! I wasn’t alone either.

These three really liked it and kept asking for more. I think they topped out on a combined total of 27 crackers with Vegemite spread on them.

This group didn't care for it at all. They agreed it must be an acquired taste, but one they weren't too interested in acquiring just yet.

This was the "Meh ..." group. They could take it or leave it. It wasn't their favourite, but it wasn't the worst they've tasted. Some of them might have even already forgotten what it tasted like by the time this picture was taken.

And then there were there the opportunistic ones looking to make a buck …

Despite being in the "Dislike" or "Meh..." group, these individuals agreed that they would gladly eat more Vegemite if someone paid them $1. It didn't take much to sway them, did it? I'm actually thinking they liked it more than they let on.

... and then there were these two who were in a category of their own. For $5 each they said they'd eat the whole tube of Vegemite. We haven't taken them up on this offer ...... yet.

Thank you to Miss Wyatt for presenting us with such a fantastic opportunity to try something new and learn. We look forward to connecting with her again online and reading more about Mr. Davo’s adventures through the rest of Canada and the United States. Happy travels!

6 Responses to “A Taste of Tasmania”

Ms. Rogerson Says:
October 8th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Wow! What an awesome opportunity for all the Ripplers to get a visit from Miss Wyatt.

The suggestion of visiting Mt. Washington was definitely a great place as it is truly beautiful up there.

New foods are always an exciting adventure; furthermore, I am glad that Mrs. Braidwood and several students were able to try Vegemite. This is still a food that I need to try.

How would you best describe the tasts?

Ms. Rogerson

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Miss W. Says:
October 8th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Glad there were some of you who really enjoyed it, but I agree it is certainly an acquired taste.

I have just been given some pumpkin pie for dessert by my friend in Manitoba. I tried a small piece which was enough. I am used to pumpkin either roasted as a vegetable or in a soup, not as a pie.

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Dakota Says:
October 12th, 2011 at 10:09 am
Honestly I would have to say I would still only eat again for money. But still it was a fun experiment. I would say it tasted rather salty. How would you explain the taste Miss W?

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Josee Says:
October 12th, 2011 at 10:20 am
HI Mrs. Braidwood! The vegemite was an interesting taste. I thought of it like a tube of salt that looked like a toothpaste tube. It was different! Apparently in Australia it is a hooked food that almost everybody likes… basicly how we like peanut butter!

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Destiny Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Hey Mrs. Braidwood!

This looks like it was a great and wonderful opportunity.. I wish I was there to try some! Although.. if its apparently very salty, maybe I’ll pass.. I’m not one for salty foods. I guess I should give it a chance though, after all, I’ve only just heard of Vegemite until now!
What foods, other then crackers, do you think that Vegemite would taste good on?

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