In my Khmer language class, half the group is from Australia & New Zealand. That makes for some good English learning in the midst of Khmer learning, but it also brought along something unexpected.
Apparently, there is a favorite food known as Vegemite that is quite a hit down under. One of my classmates was kind enough to bring a sample for everyone. She was kind enough to bring crackers so that we didn't have to just lick the spoon.
If you've never had vegemite, I don't really know what to say to help you understand. It is a VERY salty spread that you can put on bread or crackers but some people just eat it with a spoon. It is made from yeast with some vegetable and spice additives for nutritious value. One lady in my class is quite the distance athlete (running, biking, & tris) and she says that many of the use this as their energy supplement during long events.
For myself, the first bite was okay. It was salty, but I didn't dislike it. The more bites you take, the harder the bite becomes. It has an aftertaste that builds up and you quickly move from tolerating it to just wanting to avoid it. For some of my classmates, it was a battle to keep it down, even from the first taste. And for one of our teachers, she literally had to run to the trashcan and then leave the room to find water.
Here are some photos for you to enjoy. There's nothing gross. Just some fun images of the facial expressions that went around the room.
I went first and was able to finish it. I wouldn't choose to eat it, but could if it was necessary.
John after the first bite, telling us how it wasn't bad.
The second bite changed his mind. :)
Jordan tried so hard to be polite. I didn't get a first bite photo, but this was her general expression as she slowly nibbled it away.
Rachel's before photo.
And the first bite.
Mary, the crazy Australian that eats it off the spoon.
And Rachel 2, the New Zealander that also enjoys this particular flavor.
The other Australian student wasn't present at the time that this occurred, but he also enjoys Vegemite.
Below is a video of our first teacher to try it. He was a good sport and hid his disgust quite well.
Did you catch what he said at the end? He said let us know where the toilets were.
Now our second teacher had a harder time keeping her polite composure.
Just after the video ends, she ran to the trashcan and left the room to get a drink.
I've actually had this...family brought it when he was in Australia. Short of starvation, not sure if I'd eat it again ��
ReplyDelete