Ethnography of Tasting Australia Event in Adelaide - Essay Example

Student name: Instructor’s name: Course name: Date of submission: Ethnography of Tasting Australia Event in Adelaide I. Preface During the school day, we are given one glorious half day to eat lunch and socialize with friends and family in the Town Square. The layout of the park is in such a way that enhances movement of people from one exhibitor to the next. Also, room is left for people for enjoying with friends and family without congesting or interrupting the others. My friends and I have interesting conversations and due to my curiosity; I’m always eager to find out what the other people are offering (Fetterman 2010). However, my little realm of existence during such excursions has led me to interact with professionals in the food and drinks industry. When my friend Casey told me of her experience with a certain group of professionals, I was intrigued. Casey and I managed to strike a deal on who was going to meet so many in a short period and interact with them. This social tactic is a concept we employ when we go or such excursions and has really been o help to us because we have managed to broaden our scope of understanding things. Moreover, this has helped us when it comes to dealing with conflicts in our relationship and has left us connected to levels that no distance or mountain can separate us. Or me, such festivals are an eye opener because they help me learn from other people and cultures, which is going to go a long way when it comes to the work environments. Such events or festivals have also helped me to learn how to interact and interpret certain aspects of life, which leave me nourished and enlightened. In addition, my attitude towards the foods and drinks industry has changed, and I have managed to see the need of eating healthy foods that promote my health. Also, it reduces my chances of having diseases related to poor eating habits like obesity. Through sharing meals with total strangers, I have learnt to appreciate other people’s traditions, views and cultural aspects. I have also started an initiative that looks into the Aboriginals plight and how to end their struggle of things like basic social amenities and education among others. II. Background Information This culinary festival was started in 1997 and has become one of the most influential and best attended festivals in Adelaide, Australia. The numbers of people who attend this festival are 50,000 and thus, this biennial event gives South Australians the opportunity to recognize professionals in the food and drink industry; drink and travel media; the world’s food; and the public to come and enjoy from the best of what is offered by the nation’s food products, hospitality and tourism, wines and beers. For festival-goers, this is one of the biggest gastronomic festivals they would not miss out. The focus of the festivals is on the activities performed by the youths, regional experiences and the arts. Thereafter, an amazing range of hands-on experience for food lovers of all ages is served up. Moreover, the festival is a platform for premium providers to network with other people in the fine foods and beverages industry. The success of the festival is attributed to the manager’s efforts who are the South Australian Commission, through its events arms (Events South Australia). This festival has managed to have partners who come in handy when it comes to setting the ground rules and giving them financial assistance. Moreover, these groups of companies and individuals mentor the organizers of the event on how to improve and spice the event yearly. This has managed to attract large crowds of people including tourist who love to explore and learn from other cultures and cuisines. This event takes place between 27th April and 4th May every year from 11am to 8pm depending on the schedule of the day. III. Observation 11:00am – 2:00pm Monday 28, Tuesday 29 Town Square entry and you get to see the real meaning of the festivals slogan, “Eat Drink Share Think” in all the presentations made by the different companies present. At some point, I became spoilt for choice and decided to start with the category of drink because I was feeling thirsty (Hannerz 2003). Also, taking a cold healthy drink would rejuvenate me and enable me move with ease. The set-up o the chairs beside trees kept attracting me and at some point, I wanted to feel the cool breeze emanating from the trees. Nevertheless, I had to shake that feeling off because I had to cover a lot of ground in a very short period. As I strolled through the park, people were laughing and enjoying different food cuisines, and the children were also accommodated. They were given a chance to display their cooking skills, and later the sponsors of the event would honor them and motivate them with prizes that encouraged them to continue to tap their talent. At some point, I felt touched by one child who was about five years and could do a three meal course in a short time and do a very exquisite presentation of the food (Hannerz 2003). To me, this was a challenge because I was one of the many who loved to indulge my body in unhealthy junk foods that contribute to obesity and high blood pressure. As a result, Casey and I decided to start a program that will see us educate the youths on the importance of eating healthy home-made foods. Also, balanced diet is an element that we intend to incorporate in the program because it leads to having strong immune systems. Next stop was the ‘Fortified Wine and Canapé Tasting Experience’ where I managed to enjoy the sight of delicious canapés. The twist of the presentation is the matching made with Seppeltfield’s ‘Solero’ fortified wines. This was an opportunity for me to learn more about the wines because I want to own a restaurant in the future. This information collected would help me in matching the correct drinks with food and enable the consumers enjoy and see the worth o his/her money. However, I also learnt that it is not all about the money and at some point we need to do something because we enjoy it. This brings out the love in the food and leaves the client satisfied and nourished (Hannerz 2003). Casey decided to attend the ‘kids in the kitchen’ desk and was able to leave the desk feeling nourished because of the nourishment she received. It is encouraging to see young people learning from their adults and receiving the best from the professionals without having to strain their limited resources. The children also showed the public that it is not all about having things in a ‘silver platter.’ It also requires them to work hard in school and attain the best because it helps them circumnavigate through all the challenges they face (Hannerz 2003). The panel discussions touched on very many aspects affecting the people of Adelaide and those around the world. Things offered to the participants during the forum sessions include the opportunity to learn from leaders who are in the culinary tourism blog. Further, photographers were given tips on how to build on their skills and also learned how to build leverage on their social media. This was in a positive way because it would connect them with their readers and other professionals in the tourism and food industry. PIRSA succeeded in presenting the ‘Words to Go’ and made a positive impact on the participants. Such forums are vital in events like this because it gives visitors the opportunity to ask and learn from the best in the industry. Another aspect I managed to gather from this event is that it is essential for people to understand the herbs that are available in the stores. They are all beneficial elements required by the body and should be used in a manner that is going to be of importance to the body. Therefore, planting of herbs and other crops is advised in order to ensure that the plants are organically produced (Hammersley & Atkinson 2007). Planting was even done by different schools and to parents; this is a sign of having teachers that are updated and well informed on the importance of impacting knowledge to the young generation. The two days spent in the festival were life changing because I managed to gather a lot from just attending the event. My mindset concerning food and drinks, and the tourism industry changed to the better because Casey and I managed to implement programs that facilitate eating healthy among the youths and adults in the society. It is my dream that many of these events are planned all over the globe because it not only brings professionals together, but also family and friends (Wolcott 2008). As we were leaving the event, we managed to hear the story of an older couple who managed to reunite with their long lost family friends just the previous day. This made the sponsors plan a function in honor of them to celebrate their reunion. This left many visiting the event happy and longing for another next year because it is an event that has helped many. Not only the exhibitors, but also the public who have met loved ones and made new relations. It is my prayer that next year Casey and I will have something to share with the public and educate them on the importance of the event. The act that wounds are healed, and family’s reunite is reason enough to participate in the festivals. Tasting Australia has left my taste buds yearning for next year, and I am more than willing to share cultural aspects with other people around the globe (Willis & Trondman 2000). Cultural aspects have enabled many nations build a stronger and loving nation ready to protect their territories. Casey left the grounds feeling blessed because the knowledge instilled in us would remain with us for a long time. It was up to us to make the initiative and take charge of our lives before it is too late. Cultures and traditions existing in this world are there for a reason, and we need to identify them because they bring out the good in us. Generations to come will also acquire this knowledge and learn the importance o having such events. Reference List Fetterman, D 2010, Ethnography: Step-by-Step, SAGE, New York. Hannerz, U 2003, Being there... and there... and there! Reflections on multi-site ethnography Ethnography, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 201-216. Hammersley, M, & Atkinson, P 2007, Ethnography: Principles in practice, Routledge, New York. Willis, P, & Trondman, M 2000, Manifesto for ethnography, Ethnography, vol. 1, no.1, pp. 5-16. Wolcott, H 2008, Ethnography: A Way of Seeing, AltaMira Press. My experience in writing this piece has been filled with joy because I was reminiscing on one of the events I enjoyed. The exercise had challenges, but with my friend around, it was easier for me to handle complex issues. In addition, I was able to learn a thing or two concerning the tourism industry and how it is important to organize such events. In terms of the emotional state of mind, I feel rejuvenated and with enough knowledge to take on a professional. However, it is worth noting that some of the notes I had gathered was washed by my little brother, but I managed to retrieve information from my memory, which is a good place to store information. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to interact and dine with professionals of the tourism industry and food and drinks sector. The aspect of sharing information also made me enjoy the excursion exercise and we urged our teacher to assist us do more practical’s of such kind. It is also worth sharing that it was difficult to explain certain aspects of the event. This is because it is better for one to be there physically in order to experience the amber that is coming from the Town Square. It is essential to point that the exercise enabled me realize that there is more to drinking and eating. The act that we could taste the different food and drink flavors available, this made the event interesting and practical in accordance to the title. In short, I enjoyed working on this piece because I left the place a new person filled with knowledge and ready to share with other people. Having such rear opportunities during school days is rare and should be treasured always. I can proudly say that the exercise was of benefit to me and the entire society of Adelaide. Read More

This festival has managed to have partners who come in handy when it comes to setting the ground rules and giving them financial assistance. Moreover, these groups of companies and individuals mentor the organizers of the event on how to improve and spice the event yearly. This has managed to attract large crowds of people including tourist who love to explore and learn from other cultures and cuisines. This event takes place between 27th April and 4th May every year from 11am to 8pm depending on the schedule of the day. III. Observation 11:00am – 2:00pm Monday 28, Tuesday 29 Town Square entry and you get to see the real meaning of the festivals slogan, “Eat Drink Share Think” in all the presentations made by the different companies present.

At some point, I became spoilt for choice and decided to start with the category of drink because I was feeling thirsty (Hannerz 2003). Also, taking a cold healthy drink would rejuvenate me and enable me move with ease. The set-up o the chairs beside trees kept attracting me and at some point, I wanted to feel the cool breeze emanating from the trees. Nevertheless, I had to shake that feeling off because I had to cover a lot of ground in a very short period. As I strolled through the park, people were laughing and enjoying different food cuisines, and the children were also accommodated.

They were given a chance to display their cooking skills, and later the sponsors of the event would honor them and motivate them with prizes that encouraged them to continue to tap their talent. At some point, I felt touched by one child who was about five years and could do a three meal course in a short time and do a very exquisite presentation of the food (Hannerz 2003). To me, this was a challenge because I was one of the many who loved to indulge my body in unhealthy junk foods that contribute to obesity and high blood pressure.

As a result, Casey and I decided to start a program that will see us educate the youths on the importance of eating healthy home-made foods. Also, balanced diet is an element that we intend to incorporate in the program because it leads to having strong immune systems. Next stop was the ‘Fortified Wine and Canapé Tasting Experience’ where I managed to enjoy the sight of delicious canapés. The twist of the presentation is the matching made with Seppeltfield’s ‘Solero’ fortified wines.

This was an opportunity for me to learn more about the wines because I want to own a restaurant in the future. This information collected would help me in matching the correct drinks with food and enable the consumers enjoy and see the worth o his/her money. However, I also learnt that it is not all about the money and at some point we need to do something because we enjoy it. This brings out the love in the food and leaves the client satisfied and nourished (Hannerz 2003). Casey decided to attend the ‘kids in the kitchen’ desk and was able to leave the desk feeling nourished because of the nourishment she received.

It is encouraging to see young people learning from their adults and receiving the best from the professionals without having to strain their limited resources. The children also showed the public that it is not all about having things in a ‘silver platter.’ It also requires them to work hard in school and attain the best because it helps them circumnavigate through all the challenges they face (Hannerz 2003). The panel discussions touched on very many aspects affecting the people of Adelaide and those around the world.

Things offered to the participants during the forum sessions include the opportunity to learn from leaders who are in the culinary tourism blog. Further, photographers were given tips on how to build on their skills and also learned how to build leverage on their social media. This was in a positive way because it would connect them with their readers and other professionals in the tourism and food industry. PIRSA succeeded in presenting the ‘Words to Go’ and made a positive impact on the participants.

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