the inevitable blog post

being completely transparent, something i struggled with when i first started writing this blog was filtering out what material would make for a complete snoozer of a blog post and trying to focus on things that were new and different and interesting to write about.  when i first moved to NZ, i was overwhelmed with all the differences, and spent many hours writing emails to my family and friends pouring over the unique slang and unusual foods i encountered.  putting it all into one blog post would be both scattered and probably even a little bit boring, so i started a word document to make a list of things i wanted to write about in the future.

well, i pretty much ignored that list for the past 4 months or so and completely left out a necessary blog post that is well overdue - the eternal battle of marmite versus vegemite.

most of you that have either traveled to, had friends from, or studied the culture of Aus or NZ have likely heard of these competing products before.  these dark brown spreads are made from yeast extract and are a staple food, often used to prove one's patriotism to the Aus or NZ culture.  it is believed by many "down under" that unless you grew up eating this stuff, you are likely going to hate the taste of it, so supposedly only true aussies and kiwis are able to appreciate the spread.

not only does vegemite/marmite serve a testament to ones "kiwiness," but there is a clear divide between the products, and everyone must choose sides.  despite the overwhelming similarities between the two spreads, you can either choose to prefer vegemite or marmite. not both.

defying all odds, i (an american) didn't hate either spread.  it's definitely an acquired taste and easier to swallow when you don't have the expectation that it's probably something like nutella (it's NOT), but i actually have purchased a jar and have cravings for it on butter with toast some mornings.  notice how i said a jar and not jars, meaning i made a choice.

i myself, am 100% a vegemite girl.