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You either love it, or you hate it!
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In this months GA Advertiser I wrote candidly about the things I miss about the UK. As someone who was brought up on Marmite, the black stuff is undoubtedly one of the British staples that I miss the most. You can of course buy Marmite and Bovril here in Spain; a small jar will cost as much as a large one in the UK. This is a constant annoyance for those of us who love the little jars, but we shouldn't be taking it out, on those who stock their shelves with these and many other products, from back in Blighty. Without these dedicated shopkeepers, we wouldn't be able to purchase Marmite, Bovril and even the Australian substandard equivalent, Vegemite  (I say that jokingly, since my partner is Australian and adores it). From the British Supermarket, Dialprix, Mercadona and Consum, you can buy British fodder in all their international isles, which will help satisfy every addicts needs. These shops have to pay far more for imported items,  so you are going to have to pay more; stop moaning at the shopkeepers, they are not charities! Interestingly, Darrell has just got back from the British Supermarket on Av Escandinavia, where he has picked up a jar of Vegemite, which they very kindly order in for him. If they don't have something you want, just ask them, maybe, just maybe they can help!
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A plane journey away
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Like most people, we have had a lot of visitors travelling out to Spain to see us, especially this year; it has been non stop. I don't expect friends and family to pay for their stay in my tiny abode, which certainly isn't four star, but what I do want is a gift or five of Marmite. One of our last visitors to arrive was a friend called Justin, who bought us the biggest jar he could find, only to have it confiscated at airport security. For the purpose of air travel, Marmite is classed as a liquid and should not be stored in carry on bags but put in ones suitcase in the hold. If like most people, you are only carrying hand luggage these days, understandable when you are charged so much extra for a suitcase, Marmite introduced a new 70g jar in 2015, specifically for those bringing loved ones a jar or two from the UK. This is more of a gimmick and most Marmite lovers would get through a small jar within a day or two.
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For anyone arriving to stay with myself and Darrell, I do have a solution to the 'Marmite problem.' You can bring 100 ml of liquid with you, in your hand luggage, if you are not bringing a suitcase with you. You can buy special plastic containers, which are airline friendly, usually used for shampoos and creams, needed for your holiday; purchased from all good retailers, an example of which, I have enclosed to your left. Buy the squeezy plastic jars of Marmite and squeeze the contents into these especially made containers. Place the filled bottles into a clear plastic bag and walk through customs with ease. This is the only way you will be able to bring larger quantities of Marmite or Bovril through airport check in. If you choose to bring larger jars in your suitcase, then make sure they are packed well, secured against knocks and scrapes from rather over zealous baggage handling staff!.
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Did you know, Spain is now the fifth biggest importer of British food; this may or may not be because of the large Expat population here, but it does show even the Spanish enjoy eating some rather unique products, that even I thought, were only consumed by the most hardened Brit. Friends, family and visitors to Expats now living in Europe and further afield, will always bring those little necessities over. As long as you follow the guidelines, Expats everywhere should get their presents from Britain and you can be assured of a warm welcome on your arrival!
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I've enclosed a couple of videos about the Marmite Gene Project. Apparently, your genes determine whether you love or hate Marmite; a fascinating watch!
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