Research International Thus Far!

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After a couple days of work, I am exhausted!

Yesterday I got to work around 9:15 and was immediately thrown into meeting everyone and updating powerpoint presentations for Kraft Foods. Our company is doing work for them right now in regards to their cheeses! Yumm! Unfortunately I have not been given any free samples.

I have found it rather difficult to understand what my supervisor, Hana, is saying a lot of the time. For example, nappies = diapers, fortnightly = every other week, and take a piss = make fun of you. She sits right next to me and we have spent a lot of time laughing about the differences in English and in the cultures. She's originally from Slovakia, so she is especially difficult to understand.

Essentially, I have spent the last two days at work at the computer working with PowerPoint and Excel. Something exciting did happen though, I was able to sit in on a meeting with Celebros, a food company that is looking to redefine their coffee line Riva. RI (research international) has done a lot of work for them in the past and Justin (my boss' boss) is pretty confident that we're going to get the job. Oh, and yesterday I did get a massage at the office. Fortnightly, the office has a massouse come and do massages all day. I think that sounds like something that Alpha Controls should try out, right dad? HaHa!

Something else that Alpha and the rest of business america should try out is having a ping-pong table and beer at work for Friday afternoons when no one wants to be at work anyways. Yes, that's right. My boss just brought me a beer! Gotta love the Australian business culture.

Yesterday evening I got home and had a sandwich and then went and worked out with Jackie (one of my roommates). After working out, everyone else was heading to the Greenwood Hotel. I have noticed that hotels in Australia aren't necessarily places to stay for the night, they are pubs... that sometimes look like churches. Odd? I thought so as well.

After working out, I swam some laps and then showered and watched this really cool show on the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Very interesting! 18 people died during the building of the bridge and building it put the country in financial ruin which they were not able to pay back until 1986, which was 51 years after it was completed!

Well it's Friday and tonight will probably be the first night that I actually go out in Sydney. I mean, I've been to a few pubs, but not a disco! They sure do love their techno music here!

One more thing--- **Does anyone want to go to the Australian Open with me? I'm desperate and it's next weekend. Sharon, Vickie... I'm sure my dad will give you the time off!! haha.

Miss ya mates!

Cheers!

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Comments

[Vickie Hilker]

Culture shock
Sounds like you are having an awesome time. I am so glad for you and trying not to be envious. Our weather has been "brutal" as Bill would say - minus 23 degrees. The good news it that the roads are clear and dry. Sounds like the business atmosphere is a lot more casual and "fun" than ours. I could go for the ping pong table, massages, and sleeping couches for after lunch "naps". I really believe the afternoons would be a lot more productive then. Alpha's holiday party is tonight. We will miss you but are looking forward to the fun, fellowship, and food. I doubt that I'll make it to the Open but would like to come and at least touch a Koala bear. Enjoy your experiences, have fun and stay safe. Love you. Vickie

[Susan]

As we speak, our conference room is being converted with the ping pong table taking over the conference table, 2 chair massagers in the corner and a bar next to the tv. Good idea. Keep them coming! Sounds like you are having a great time.

[Jizz]

Beer & Ping Pong
Whats uppy Alli-son? Back in the day, SMSA's fridge was always full of beer. 4:59pm on a Friday and it was Miller Time. Although we didn't have a ping pong table.... We did have an indoor basketball hoop. Miss ya!

[Susie Bernardi]

Hilarious!
I want to work in Australia. Beer on Fridays!!!!!!!!!! Massages fortnightly!!!! If they offer you a job, take it. Love you, Mom

[Connor]

Whatever
Connor's at work with me and I just showed him the pictures you posted. He was worried you were staying in Australia forever. I told him only 2-months.