Posted on 03/07/2011 5:06:40 PM PST by naturalman1975
JULIA Gillard came to talk about education and Australia's place in the world, but for Barack Obama and a class of high school history students, Vegemite was the main topic of interest.
Hosting the Prime Minister on a visit to the Wakefield High School, in Virginia, the most-powerful man in the world had a clear message about Vegemite - the sandwich filling that is part of the average Australian childhood.
Vegemite was, Mr Obama declared, "horrible".
"It's like a quasi-vegetable by-product paste that you smear all over your toast," Mr Obama told the students after one asked Mr Gillard to describe Vegemite.
"That sounds good doesn't it," Mr Obama.
The light-hearted moment came as Ms Gillard and the President spoke to a class of about 20 high schools students about the Australia-US relationship.
When the students were invited to ask questions, there were polite queries about Australia's recent floods, which were widely covered in US media, and the similarities between the US and Australian education systems.
But as the atmosphere became more relaxed, one female student said she and her family wanted to know more about Vegemite, which Ms Gillard described as a black paste with a salty taste best spread lightly on toast.
After Ms Obama offered his view of Vegemite, talk turned to Australian Rules football, with the President revealing Ms Gillard had given him the present of a Sherrin football to mark her visit.
"She was kicking it it my office," Mr Obama said.
"Almost broke a bust of (Abraham) Lincoln."
(Excerpt) Read more at theaustralian.com.au ...
"It's like a quasi-vegetable by-product paste that you smear all over your toast," Mr Obama told the students after one asked Mr Gillard to describe Vegemite.
"That sounds good doesn't it," Mr Obama.
Frozen hell. I have found something I agree with Obama on.
Vegemite comes from the sludge at the bottom of a beer barrel—no kidding.
Vegemite doesn’t sound appealing at all. Australian footy, on the other hand, is much more interesting and exciting than soccer.
Aussies think our PB&J sandwiches are disgusting!
No, just a bit weird :)
Understand that to an Australian “Jelly” has the meaning Americans give to “Jell-O” so it really sounds weird the first time an Australia hears it.
Yep. By-product of the brewing industry. I have to say, tho.....I developed a penchant for ‘Twiglets’ when I lived in the UK. They were a ‘crunchy Cheetos product’ that, instead of cheese powder, were covered in Vegemite and then baked. I LOVED ‘em!
Great with a pint of good bitter. Mmmmmmm.
Everyone knows Marmite is better.
In fact.....in the UK they call it ‘Marmite’.
Agree. I use to travel to Brisbane (Griffith University) as part of an Educational Program and got hooked on Australian Football. Australian Footballers are tough men.
exactly right.
Vegemite and Marmite are close, but not the same. Marmite is more “snotty” and Vegamite is more pasty. Marmite is also a bit more “oniony” for lack of a better word. Both are fantastic spread thin on toast with butter. Or in a soup base.
If Obozo says it’s horrible,then I’d be willing to give it a try.I value his opinion just that much.
They seem to like it.
Maybe in very small quantities it might be ok.
Tried Vegemite once; that was enough.
Obama’s right about it; on the other hand, even a broken clock is right twice a day.
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