Kim Martelli - Winner !
Marmite: this is why I want to go home!
A little vid for you... I had nice background music but it's disappeared.
Marmite, this is for you!
Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you... and my mummy... happy birthday to you!
31 October 10 at 8:03am
Thank you everyone for all your wonderful comments!! You are so brilliant. I've loved this competition, it has been wonderful, the support is brilliant, reading everyones comments has been wonderful. Thanks once again, and good luck to all of you xxxx
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31 October 10 at 1:58pm
Kim here's a vote for you.Thanks so much for you support for Bron.We all need to cross our fingers band hope for the best.Good luck.
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31 October 10 at 10:55pm
Thanks Yo, I've loved Bron's page, she really deserves to go home. Hopefully we'll both be in the beautiful BOP this xmas!
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Marmite and another love!
Pretzel sticks dipped in Marmite are delicious!! Thanks to Bikett for being such a lovely model.
30 October 10 at 8:37am
Pretzels are a healthy snack too, so with marmite are delicious and healthy.
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30 October 10 at 9:34pm
got my mouse traps, made with marmite! And now... watching the rugby on my laptop in london... GO AB's!
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Do I have something on my face?
well, do I?
30 October 10 at 12:17am
Thanks everyone, it was so much fun painting this on my face.
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30 October 10 at 6:15am
looks great, you could start another trend...
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This kiwi yearns for home..
Looking out over Clermont-Ferrand last weekend I imagined that I was looking out over Waihi beach, or over Mt Ruapehu from the Tongariro Crossing, or out at Milford Sound... or any of the awesome places we have in NZ. Sadly, the call that it was time to go (and the fact I was shivering!) woke me up from my little day dream and I was back with reality - a cold winters evening in Clermont-Ferrand, and on the other side of the world to my real home.
29 October 10 at 1:08am
Stilllll waiting... doo doo dooooo...
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30 October 10 at 12:17am
Thanks for all your votes!! You guys are awesome!
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Merci à tous
Thank you to everyone for the votes and comments, I really do appreciate it. First thing in the morning I check this site to see who has commented and what they have said, and it is so lovely to read all your comments of support, it really does mean a lot to me.
My time in France has been a giant struggle! I'm definitely not overexaggerating! I'd love to tell you all about what I've had to deal with but I'm a bit afraid of the rammifications if certain people stumble across this site.
My PhD has not been wonderful - this is an definitely an understatement. I've fought with my PhD administration and supervision since August 2007. I've spent many months in tears and many more months wondering what the hell I'm doing here. I've seen people for my mental health (and it's pretty hard to explain to a French doctor in French what is going on) and spent 3 months during the summer of 2009 recuperating under medical advisement.
I've been harrassed at the university (and in the street - visiting a French police station is not fun), so much so, that I've questioned my intelligence and been made to feel so small, stupid and that I don't count. I've had things said about me to colleagues working in the same field and I've almost given up on my field of study (something that I've loved and felt so passionate about) because of this PhD. I'm not sure I'll resume work in the field of volcanology or even geology.
I know that many PhD students often feel similar but there have been other things going on at this that I haven't been able to change (despite seeking help) and have either had to suck it up or quit. I've had my hard work stolen and not been acknowledged for it, and I've not been able to defend myself.
I've not been able to fall back on a NZ expat community and I've not had enough money to just get away and see Europe, even if just for a long weekend. I've worked through my holidays because of the pressure I've been put under and the things that have been said to me and about me. I visited Peru for my work and didn't even get to see the tourist attractions because of the work pressure - I didn't even see the Colca Canyon which is so close to Arequipa!!
On the upside I've met a wonderful guy who has shown me around the UK and welcomed me into his family, let me live with him when I needed a break and listened to the problems through tears and made me laugh! I've made some wonderful and very supportive friends in France who have helped me as much as they can. They've attended meetings at the university with me, helped me with French administration, accompanied me to the doctor, and been there to wipe the tears. I'm so grateful to have met them and been welcomed into their lives and been shown a true French life. These people are fantastic!
Marmite, I'd really love to come home this year. I need to see my family and I'd really love to be happy again. I miss NZ - the people and the place - so much. Please let this dream come true?
28 October 10 at 2:03am
Checking in today to make sure I can see a wee smile on that dial!....Keep thinking we are all supporting yah and 'It too shall pass'.... You'll be home soon! :) x
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28 October 10 at 2:47am
WOW!!!! thank you all so much for your lovely lovely comments of support and encouragement - it is really wonderful, and brought a smile to this face today. You are such brilliant kiwis and frenchies, and others?! You all deserve a flight home :)
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I miss them!
These photographs really say it all Marmite..
29 October 10 at 2:12am
kim youve really touched me.... i had a difficult time in france last year...not as stressful as you! but i was super poor, dealing with the culture and language barriers is difficult, i also didnt have enough money to travel and i wish i could have come visited you so we could chat and support each other! here is my last vote for today 1688... i think you really deserve the flight and a lovely soothing nz summer... best of luck
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31 October 10 at 1:44pm
Thanks so much for all your lovely comments and votes, it really does mean a lot to me!! You are all such awesome people :)
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tramping with Marmite
Yesterday, marmite, some friends and I climbed puy de Pariou - a volcanic cone close to Clermont-Ferrand. The view was fantastic but it was soooo cold!! Please send me home Marmite, it's so cold here now :(
26 October 10 at 12:28am
Just brought you up to #1574. Enjoy your day!
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26 October 10 at 12:44am
Hi Kim, I've been following the probs up your neck of the woods on the news, sure hope the situation clears up soon..........anyway it looks like your tramping trip is out of the way of the riots!!!!!
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26 October 10 at 9:38pm
Thanks for all the votes guys, you rock! It was such a lovely afternoon to get away from the city. It's nice having a friend with a car. My drivers licence expired so I can't drive here anymore! In nearly 4 years I've driven maybe 3 times which is definitely a change - it's hard being confined to the city and reliant on trains (which are still striking!!). The region is beautiful (but not NZ!!) and the volcanoes are pretty amazing to see.
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My cousin Alice is supporting me
She sent me this photo from her Auckland hospital bed to say she was supporting me! Look at her choice in breakfast spread.... mmm, I think I'd need a bit more than that. Thanks for the photo Alice and I hope you feel better soon!
25 October 10 at 2:00am
A vote from the Jo (Donaldson) Scott Pitt Crew!
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25 October 10 at 6:11am
Alice, you will be better in no time with a nice healthy balance of food you've got there.
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26 October 10 at 9:39pm
Thanks guys - I think Alice is feeling a lot better and Marmite, no doubt, helped her out. Can't wait to meet Alice and Sam's little addition to our clan this xmas... I hope!
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a true love story
Marmite has found a French mademoiselle who is a better match than Saint Nectaire
22 October 10 at 11:00am
Mmm .... that "Munster" cheese was hanging around when mademoiselle Selles-sur-Cher was there as well ... suspicious!!! I endorse Marcus's comments about Rotorua - Great Place to live.
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24 October 10 at 6:31am
I love this post Kim, just too cute!....It's count down now and I wish you such good luck in gettting home! :) x
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25 October 10 at 1:51am
Marmite is a bit of ladies man... I mean how can people not love him?! He is so adorable :)
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Marmite meets a goats cheese...
Do you think they'll fall in love?
22 October 10 at 1:00am
Thanks for all your comments guys! and votes of course, you are awesome. I think my experiments need to be tested out on NZ soil with NZ cheeses!
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22 October 10 at 4:54am
Yes Waimata Brie is fabulous {:-) I hope you have your bag's packed Kim ? Only 2 week's to go!!!
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I hope I can get home for xmas!
You may have seen on the news dramatic images of riots in France over the pension reform - it's very political and too much to go into on here, I understand both sides of the story and I'm a bit of a fence sitter. Strikes have been going on over the past month or so, and in our city they have been nothing like I've seen potrayed to the international media (although the policemen in riot gear I saw this morning looked pretty scary!). But, as a result of these strikes, transportation is a nightmare!! There is a lack of fuel and even airports are worried they'll run out of aviation fuel (my boyf is due to arrive here tomorrow... ). I've read they have advised some flights to have enough fuel for their return flight. This map shows the stations without fuel at the moment, this has risen from 500 yesterday to almost 2000 today. I really hope that the strike stops and I can leave for NZ (aye marmite, wink, wink)!!
20 October 10 at 10:56pm
Thanks for your support guys! Seen some pretty scary stuff on the news but it's all calm-ish here in Clermont-Ferrand.
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22 October 10 at 10:48am
Two Things: 1- You have to get outa there. It sounds NASTY!!!! 2- I have been speaking to some Civil Defense people and they are interested in you as a volcanologist and natural hazard management advisor.............email me. Me xxxxxx
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See it's getting pretty cold!
Over the weekend, the temperature here really dived. It's been drizzly, grey and the wind is bitterly cold. I switched on the heater last night when I couldn't warm up despite multiple layers. Here is the temperature recorded for today with the minimum and maximum temperatures (lots of difference huh?!). While it's not slipped into the -ve's yet, it seems pretty cold already for Autumn, and I'm definitely not looking forward to winter and the snow! Please send me home marmite.
19 October 10 at 2:34pm
Ouch that is cold!! Really hope you get home Kim before the frenchies get to you :)
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19 October 10 at 2:36pm
A vote from a Jo Scott Groupie! Hope Marmite takes you home!
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19 October 10 at 11:07pm
Thanks for all your comments and votes!! You guys are really truly awesome! Best of luck to everyone :)
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Can I bring my friends in my suitcase?
The last 3.5 years have been very very tough. I moved away from home, alone, to a country where I didn't speak the language, there were no other NZers, and into a situation (university-wise) that has been far from ideal... There is no doubt I would've left after 1 year if not for my fantastic friends. They've really welcomed me and I will miss them all terribly - but I've done lots of NZ promotion so hopefully they'll come and visit! Last week I was a bit down and when I didn't show at uni a friend text to see if I was ok, other friends took me out for coffee, another friend bought me pizza and beer and we hung out at my place and another friend cooked dinner for me and we had a girly night in (stay tuned for the next Marmite and cheese rendez-vous results!). I'm so glad to have such brilliant friends here, and we do have so much fun - even if it's laughing at our language mistakes! Merci mes amis!!
19 October 10 at 6:28am
I'm with you Rachel - it is hard been so far away. I often say to my (Irish) hubby - wouldn't it be great if NZ was situated where Ireland was and I could just pop home for the odd weekend - it would be fab!! Here is a vote from Imogen and me for you Kim. xx
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19 October 10 at 8:28am
Hey i totally understand, im proud of you for sticking it out though!! its a really good feeling staying through major homesickness and coming out the other side, knowing that it will only make going home even better if you wait..... good luck!
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19 October 10 at 11:08pm
Thanks for your comments and votes! It means a lot to me. I hope all the other competitors get to go home too :)
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It's cold, so so so cold...
and raining... and I've been woken up all week by the ongoing protests happening in France. Pretty please send me home? It's too cold and I'm not looking forward to the real winter here.
18 October 10 at 9:20pm
I love how you matched your scarf with the marmitey jar :-) Nice pic! I'm glad we got the heaters going in our flat but the one here in the office is not great at all! One little electric thing for a whole cold office! Will come over to your office to see how you are doing now, hehe.
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18 October 10 at 10:01pm
Not long to go now Kim! One more from me :)
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18 October 10 at 11:11pm
Thanks all! you guys are really awesome, thanks for the comments and the votes! Had to switch the heater on last night, we got to a lovely 6°C yesterday and it's a balmy 5°C outside today at midday. Oh Yay (not) winter is here.
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Clermont-Ferrand has erected a fountain in your honour
seeee!!
17 October 10 at 1:25am
Thanks for you comments and votes everyone, you are all very awesome! A think a marmite fountain would be great.. maybe I could convince the city that it would be a good idea... at least selling NZ marmite in the supermarket would be a start. Uni work going ok, but so ready to go home!!!! I miss NZ summer and xmas bigtime. Best of luck to all the other competitors :)
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17 October 10 at 2:52am
Thanks for supporting our girl Jo! A vote from the Jo Scott camp to you, best of luck!
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18 October 10 at 11:12pm
Thanks so much for the vote Todd, I really appreciate it!
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It's so cold..
.. and I'd much rather be with my family at the beach this December than wading through snow and trying not to slip on the ice. Please send me home Marmite?
16 October 10 at 6:12am
Hey Kim, our temp was 12 degrees C yesterday, so going down here too...but lovely and sunny today!... :)
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16 October 10 at 8:00am
Oooh this makes me cold just looking at it!! I dont want another cold Christmas.... :( Lets go home to the mount aye kim!! vote for you!
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17 October 10 at 1:20am
It's so cold and miserable here today, I'm thinking it's almost time to turn on the heater. Thanks for your comments girls!
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I know* some NZers here
*well I don't really know them, I know 'of' them, and they are GODS in Clermont-Ferrand.There are 3-4 NZ rugby players in our ASM Clermont rugby team, 1 NZer on the coaching team and another (Vern Cotter) is the head coach. Clermont LOVES rugby, absolutely loves rugby. This year they won the French championship and the party lasted for 3 days, even the seisographs recorded the excited crowd watching the game broadcast in the city centre. But, I've never met a NZer in Clermont-Ferrand. We don't have NZ bars or restaurants, no NZ shop, and I'm the first NZer many of my friends have met. Despite having awesome friends here I miss my fellow country people, I miss people to celebrate NZ holidays or dance/sing to kiwi music with. I miss people who understand Marmite, that I like drinking tea with milk, pouring mint sauce on my lamb and eating banana and sugar sandwiches. Please send me home Marmite, I have little home comforts here and I don't have a kiwi ex-pat community to fall back on.
15 October 10 at 1:02am
Thanks for your votes!! It means a lot to me. Laura: I used to go to London to get my kiwi fix too! Staying with NZers and hanging out in NZ/Aussie bars... it was great to see my fellow peops, but very difficult to leave too. It was surprisingly hard to remember words and I've been known to speak French to bus drivers in London, opps!! Kirsty: I haven't tried that cheese yet, but if I can find it I'll give it a go, maybe too overpowering for Marmite?! One of my favourite cheeses smells very strong, but tastes great! There definitely is some interesting smells on the train trip to and from Paris... all sorts of cheese and meat come out for their lunch snacks.
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15 October 10 at 10:18pm
Vern Cotter - BOP coach & asst coach for the Crusaders - You may not have quantity in Clermont-Ferrand but with the 2 of you there - there's definitely quality! (But not for too much longer as one of you will be going). #1310 for you.
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16 October 10 at 3:55am
AND the colours of the ASM Clermont team are the same as BOP, so a good friend and a rugby enthusiast wears his BOP hat that I bought him to the Clermont games with pride. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to meet any of the players or Vern Cotter, although did see him on a big poster every week for a month walking to uni! Thanks for the vote Sash :)
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One of the things I miss about NZ..
The scenery!! I love our beautiful untouched scenery and the fact you can go somewhere including the beach and be the only person around. I don't have a car in France so I rarely get out of Clermont-Ferrand city. I must've seen lots of other countries whilst living in Europe? After almost 4 years, sadly not. My PhD has been so busy and the salary is too low that I haven't been to Spain, Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland etc. I haven't even been to the south of France to swim in the Mediterranean Sea. What about the beautiful West Coast of France or even Mont Saint-Michel in the North? Nope haven't been there either. I miss getting in my car and doing a tiki tour! I'd love to visit more of NZ, please help me get home Marmite? I miss the sea sooo much!
14 October 10 at 7:09am
A vote from Angela Smith's Dad today hope you get back to this great country of ours !!
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15 October 10 at 12:58am
Thanks for your support and votes, you guys are awesome!! Sash: I'll give Patricks Pies a go when (if) I'm home - I miss a good steak and cheese pie!
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Marmite has another love
Marmite met up with Mademoiselle Gaperon d'Auvergne and he now has a bit of a problem...
12 October 10 at 6:52am
This is GREAT Kim!....You clever girl...you'll be home soon :)
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12 October 10 at 8:10pm
Do you think Mr Marmite will meet one day Miss Bleu d'Auvergne? Little babies would be so funny!
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12 October 10 at 9:38pm
Thanks guys!! Marmite is a popular fellow, I mean who wouldn't fall in love with him? Bikett Marmite did meet Mlle Bleu d'auvergne but she was a little strong and overwhelming for the laid-back kiwi lad (i.e. flavour was way too strong!!).
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Marmite: I miss speaking kiwi english
When you hear of France, you probably think Paris, Marseille, maybe Lyon, Lille, Bordeux, the French Alps.. but have you heard of Clermont-Ferrand? I hadn't either. I moved here knowing no one and speaking no French. Imagine my surprise when people greeted me by kissing me on either cheek!! I live in French now (although when I'm lazy I reply to my friends in English and this confuses the people around us as we converse in 2 languages!). I forget English words, I've picked up on French mannerisms, and I speak English so slow that if I do happen to meet a native English speaker they laugh at me! I very rarely hear English spoken in the streets, let alone a Kiwi accent!! I miss NZers and the cool way we speak and sound. PRETTY please send me home Marmite!
11 October 10 at 8:36am
hi Kim, I haven't had time until now to look at your posts, and I must say that I'm really impressed,COMPLIMENTI as they say here in Italy...!!!!!!!Looks like you're concentrating more on Marmiting instead of finishing your studies.....Good going girl!!!!
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11 October 10 at 10:43am
Oh no, you can't forget your kiwi-speak! Maybe you should start watching You-tube vids of Jon Key and practicing your 'Lyn of Tawa' accent!!
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12 October 10 at 12:46am
Merci mes amis!! I've been watching episodes of Outrageous Fortune which just crack me up... they are so kiwi, it's great!!
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Marmite and his new love?
Marmite went on another date with Mademoiselle Emmental, and this is how it went...
10 October 10 at 12:36am
This Emmental is a French cheese, but Emmental is widely known as 'swiss cheese'. The cheese is a yellow, medium-hard cheese. Failure to remove CO2 bubbles during production, due to inconsistant pressing, results in the large holes that are a characteristic of this cheese. It has a piquant, but not very sharp, taste. Marmite prefers Mademoiselle Emmental for mousetraps, but still loves Mademoiselle Saint Nectaire for non melted cheese and marmite dates.
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10 October 10 at 1:38am
Mmmm good going Marmite ... that mademoiselle Emmental looks like she has very seductive eyes and along with that rouge lipstick - you've done very well to provide a very objective review and remain faithful to Mademoiselle Saint Nectaire.
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11 October 10 at 12:58am
Marmite is very loyal... I bet if I could buy NZ cheese here, he'd definitely fall in love with her.
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Marmite: I miss my parents!
... their fridge is GIANT and always full of yummy goodies to eat. This photo is my fridge. Unfortunately this is not just a bad day - most days it looks like this. And now with unemployment I can't imagine it will be replenished any time soon. Please help me get home so I can be fed good NZ food cooked by my lovely parents ;)
11 October 10 at 12:57am
oh man! I think they're living the high life without us there Toddy! At least you can go home and raid the fridge and cupboards.
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11 October 10 at 10:43am
Haha this actually looks about as good as mine atm! SAD!
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15 October 10 at 1:02am
I know, it really is SAD and mine normally looks like this!
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Is there going to be a blue marmite hybrid?
SO the answer you've all be waiting for... fortunately not! Marmite, being the strong but laid-back kiwi lad he is, didn't hit it off with the strong and overpowering bleu d'auvergne - she was just too much for him and he preferred Mademoiselle Saint Nectaire to share his sammys with. But he still wants to be friends with Mademoiselle Bleu...
8 October 10 at 10:54am
Well people either love bleu or they hate her ... so has Marmite got any other French cheese mademoiselles on his mind or has saint nectair secured his heart exclusively ... is there going to be another episode ...
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8 October 10 at 4:22pm
A vote for you, Kim ... hope you get home to your big family for Christmas too. Love my sister, Leah Swan, to get there too. Thanks for the cool comments re-her photos.
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8 October 10 at 8:49pm
Thanks for your comments everyone! It's definitely fun doing these experiments - there'll be a couple of more to come. Best of luck to all the other competitors too and my family, hope to see you on xmas day!!
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Family is so important to me..
.. I'm thankful to come from a large and very close extended family. We are so close and have such great times together. My biggest support crew is my family - parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. And they are all wonderful! I'm so lucky to have such a great family. But I miss them terribly! My parents gave me a card with the verse below on it, it now hangs on my wall, and I believe its so true. No matter where we travel or live, our heart belongs with our family and our home. I miss them and I dearly want to come home again, please marmite?
7 October 10 at 7:30am
Such cool photos Kim, everyone is so happy. I love our big family too:)
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7 October 10 at 8:21am
It is great to be part of a large and close family, and it makes it hard when we are away from each other. Ahhh, but marmite, think of the reunion- hopefully over Christmas!
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7 October 10 at 10:44am
Thanks everyone for your support!! You are great! I really can't wait to be home with such a wonderful and fun family. i hope you can all get home too to be with yours for chrissy:
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A message from Olive-Rose
She misses her Aunty
15 October 10 at 1:03am
I know, her little legs are so chubby and so cute.
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Will Marmite find a new love?
Will our hero fall for the bleu d'auvergne?
7 October 10 at 1:29am
Roquefort is pretty good too... will post the results of this love affair tomorrow.
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8 October 10 at 9:38am
what a lady (oups cheese) killer that Marmite!! I love the béret on blue d'Auvergne cheese!! so french!!!
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Marmite: A recipe for kiwi kids!
Just add marmite daily to get big strong kiwi kids!
5 October 10 at 7:24am
I love that picture its so cute!!! Your page is looking super cool surly the judges will be convinced that you are a true kiwi kid in France just wanting to come home to your Whanau!
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6 October 10 at 4:31am
Thanks guys! We were such cute kids weren't we?! haha.
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7 October 10 at 1:29am
p.s. I do have another brother, but didn't have a baby pic of him with me. He has reacted well to the daily dose of marmite and has outgrown the whole family!! My little brothers are not little anymore!
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Marmite: My niece misses her Aunty
The last time I saw Olive the photo on the left was taken - it was also the first time I'd spent with her - 2 weeks with my niece was definitely not enough. In this photo we were having cuddles and marmite toast. She was still a baby who couldn't walk or talk. Since then, I've watched her first steps on video, heard her singing on the phone and we've counted in spanish (she learnt from Dora the Explorer) on Skype. Last time on Skype she was trying to find the cat to show me. She has really grown up into a little girl and I miss her so much. Please Marmite let this Aunty see her niece again?
4 October 10 at 2:02pm
Poor Kim, we miss you and Olive. When will you both be in New Zealand again. Lets hope that Marmite can help you come home for Christmas and Olive may be able to come over from Australia to see her favorite Aunty
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4 October 10 at 7:39pm
Shirley and Andrew (Kim's Mum and Dad) need their family home Marmite they haven't been together at home for a very very long time. PLLEEAASSE help them come together for Christmas it would make the Martelli family very very happy!!!
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5 October 10 at 12:26am
I MISS my little Olive! I can't get over how much she has grown, she is no longer a baby!!
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Marmite: a protest for you!
We joined in a protest yesterday, the French people want you in NZ!
4 October 10 at 7:15am
Very clever girl Kim, we need clever people like you in NZ, please send Kimmy home for Xmas:)
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Marmite: French and NZ love!
Today I introduced this couple and it was love at first sight. The romantic, soft and creamy French Saint Nectaire fell head over heels for a strong lively kiwi marmite... Marmite was quite impressed too! It really is a match made in heaven.
5 October 10 at 4:55am
The shop is called La Cave, and it's Riverlea Road in Hamilton. If you go to their online shop you can also get things delivered and from what I remember it wasn't a bad price. You can buy all sorts of French food from there!
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7 October 10 at 12:35am
Good recommendation Kim. We'll be using this shop when we go back ... lots of nice stuff ... cassoulet Mmmm
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7 October 10 at 1:27am
I can't wait to check it out. I've eaten cassoulet once and I didn't like it unfortunately. But looking forward to being able to buy St Nectaire there to have with my marmite sandwiches!
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Marmite: a message for you!
Marmite, here is a message for you from a pilot I know. Music is by Golden Horse.
3 October 10 at 6:33am
You didn't listen to your Mum did you! Never mind he is a great find and we can't wait to catch up with him. Hopefully he will make it to New Zealand one day and we (marmite and your family) will have to convince him to stay. Although your dad is worried you won't be able to look after him in his old age now! Good luck x
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3 October 10 at 11:12am
If your English pilot likes Marmite, we'll probably allow him thru Immigration!
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3 October 10 at 11:22pm
We'll just have to confiscate his passport and he won't be able to leave!
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Marmite: pretty please send me home for xmas?
First day of unemployment and I'm fraught with financial worry and a mountain of paperwork that I need to sort out in order to stay in France for a few more months.
2 October 10 at 8:49am
Kim I think you have done an awesome job with all your posts, and deserve to be sent home to us for Christmas:)
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2 October 10 at 2:33pm
Right I can go back to voting daily now me and Samuel are home- We glad to be home too cause When you tick the marmite box on menus at the hospital they give you vegemite YUCK!!
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3 October 10 at 12:44am
Thanks for your support Leah and appeal to Marmite Flight Control, means a lot! Thanks Aunty Gloria, I'd love to be home for xmas. Rachael: Congratulations!! He is very cute and I can't wait to meet Samuel (please marmite, I'd love to meet the newest addition to the Martelli Clan?!). Thanks for your votes too. I know what you mean about getting Vegemite and not marmite.. it was the same at boarding school and the uni canteen. I used to bring my own Marmite jar with me!!
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Marmite: You're in the spotlight...
.. because you're so fantastic for giving away 100 flights for home-sick kiwis all around the globe.
1 October 10 at 5:19pm
Hey Kim, I have that same T-shirt with the NZ map on it! How cool are we! Good Luck!
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1 October 10 at 7:07pm
This is sooo good Kim, but I cant wait to have you back home again
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2 October 10 at 2:14am
Thanks for your votes guys, you are awesome. The pic turned out a lot better than I thought... doesn't look like such a dim boring street!! haha. Hop you all get home for chrissy too. See you soon Mum.. fingers crossed :)
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Marmite: I'm in the land of cheese!
So I'm gonna try and find the best cheese to go with Marmite sammys (given I'm unemployed now I don't think I'll try a new cheese everyday..). This cheese is called Comté, a French cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in the Franche-Comté region of eastern France. The rind is usually a dusty-brown colour, and the internal pâte is a pale creamy yellow. The texture is relatively hard and flexible, and the taste is strong and slightly sweet. There are quite a lot of regulations to abide to when make this cheese including these: Only milk from Montbeliarde Cattle is permitted, and each must have at least a hectare of grazing, and cows may only be fed fresh, natural feed, with no silage. I love this cheese, especially the 18 month aged Comté! I really think Comté is a perfect partner for Marmite, it gives a bit more of a bite than ordinary cheese and just goes so well with Marmite. There is enough cheese in this country to have a different cheese everyday of the year... so I'll try some more and let you know.
1 October 10 at 1:33pm
YUM!!! I am a cheese addict so this would be my ideal project.
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1 October 10 at 2:20pm
Your posts make me hungry! I love Marmite but I got to tell you a bowl of Hokey Pokey Ice cream would hit the spot around about now!
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2 October 10 at 2:16am
I had a yummy blue cheese with my lunch today but left my marmite in my office :( so I'll have to hope the student restaurant has blue cheese on monday. I love cheese and the selection is just mind-blowing... I'm hungry for cheese and marmite sammys again now!! Thanks for your comments guys! See you at xmas Aunty Gloria... I hope :)
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Marmite: helping students for 100 years
Thanks Marmite, you rock!
30 September 10 at 12:09pm
I'm no. 808 Well done Kim!! See you for Christmas!!
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30 September 10 at 3:47pm
Oh man I TOTALLY agree! I have had many study nights that I wouldn't have gotten through them without Marmite. Got my vote, fellow Doctorate!
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30 September 10 at 8:36pm
Thanks guys! you are all such kind supporters!! Thank you for your comments and votes. See you all for xmas, please marmite?
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Marmite: food here is great...
I won't lie, I've eaten some pretty good food since I've been away - cheese, desserts, duck and foie gras (duck liver) rate very highly indeed!! You'll notice the * though - I did get ill eating in Peru. NZ$1 three course meals in the middle of nowhere where I was the only tourist around - I'm not sure even my hardy stomach could handle some of the things I ate. This made doing fieldwork in the middle of nowhere equally interesting. There are a couple of foods in France I wont go near again either, but I'm happy to try something once including frogs legs and snails, which actually aren't so bad. Whilst the food here is yum it's not my NZ home food. I'm looking forward to marmite and avocado on vogels toast for breakie. A morning tea of home-baked feijoa muffins. Lunch consisting of smoked trout my grandpa caught or a good steak meal at the fishing club overlooking the Tauranga harbour. Marmite and cheese mousetraps for arvo tea... followed by a dinner of roast lamb with mint sauce, roast new potatoes, parsnips and kumara, home-grown brocolli or beans covered with a marmitey gravy. Then a big slice of pav covered in strawberries and kiwifruit for dessert. Everything washed down with a good beer or glass or two of NZ sav blanc. Yip, I'd be mighty full, but these are the foods I'm dreaming about now.... please let my food dream come true marmite? p.s. sorry about the state of my nails in the "tuna" photo, 2 months of fieldwork isn't kind!
30 September 10 at 10:51am
Good on you for trying it! I guessed you'd never had pet guinea pigs haha.
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30 September 10 at 2:42pm
I've got a fert bag full of island avocadoes that are ripening fast too bad you arent here to help eat them
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30 September 10 at 8:37pm
Nah, I've not had a pet guinea pig but it did take me a while to eat it... I stared at it for ages!! Todd, I'm so jealous!! Mum was telling me that you'd picked a whole lot. Bummer!
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Marmite: Pick me! Pick me!
We stumbled upon a wonderful market in St Nectaire (also the name of the BEST cheese). There was all sorts of goodies including this variety of dried fruit. It made me think of home and I just had to snap a photo for my parents - kiwifruit orchardists. Dried kiwifruit is definitely not the same as vine ripened. Please marmite, send me home?
29 September 10 at 5:12am
Love it! Kiwi fruit & a Scattering of Kim. :)
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Marmite: please don't let me be sad at Xmas?
My first xmas away from home was pretty hard for this family-orientated kiwi who is used to having around 30 people at xmas. I spent xmas with my best kiwi bud Nikki in England. We had a quiet xmas lunch, just the two of us, with some favourite NZ food and wine. Our attempt at pavlova (I've tried and failed miserably many times) were meringues with cream that didn't whip (why is there non-whippable cream in England?). We were both glad to have each other but both very sad about being so far from our families. My second xmas was with my adopted English family and it was so lovely, they've accepted me as one of their own and we had a lovely time and a fantastic meal. But, it didn't stop the tears flowing on xmas eve when I talked to my family at the xmas lunch and dinner on the phone. I missed the people and the traditions we have as a family. I'm not sure how I can spend another xmas without them. My grandparents are not getting any younger and there are so many new additions I haven't met yet. Please marmite? I really need to go home.
29 September 10 at 11:00pm
Pippa and Kylie we do need to get home for xmas!! Please Marmite send all us girls home. Kylie: it sounds like you've had some pretty bad christmas's, fingers crossed you have a lovely one this year :)
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5 October 10 at 4:27pm
I am voting for you because for the first time in ages I will be in Tauranga for Christmas so I want you to be there so that we can catch up and you can meet my little kiddies.
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7 October 10 at 1:26am
Thanks Sal! Would love to catch up to meet your little fam. It's been way too long x
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Marmite: I miss the simple things..
... like EFTPOS! I remember once buying a stamp for 45c and not having any problem. A lot of places here you have to spent between 10-15€ before they'll let you use your card, even if they accept cards at all! And if I have cash I just spend it which is not good for my impending unemployment.
28 September 10 at 6:12am
Hey Kim! Finally got around to checking out your page.. awesome entry! If Marmite don't send you home for xmas, I might have to consider switching to V#$@mite! (Just kidding... eughh!!). But seriously, your page is SOOOO much better than any of the other ones I've had a look at, including some of Marmite's "favorites". Love the photos & videos (esp. of the Frenchies trying marmite!!). Plus really - some people are trying to get home from Aussie, or from London where they hang out with their ex-pat friends all the time? I think you should win for having to live in a country on the other side of the world, that doesn't speak English and that isn't full of kiwis for you to hang out with! I've voted for you today - will try remember to log in every day & do it too. Best of luck... Emma
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28 September 10 at 7:31am
Thanks so much for your support Emma! It's been fun making this page - and it has been really difficult adapting to another culture, language and having no kiwis around. Hope your little family gets back for xmas this year too x
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Marmite: Bring this Kiwi home
To eat kiwifruit straight off the orchard, and avocados from my uncle with marmite on toast.
28 September 10 at 3:11am
Like this! Very cute and creative! Good luck - i'll come back tomorrow and vote for you - 3 just isnt enough! LOL
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28 September 10 at 4:47am
Thanks Sarah, it's definitely hard without the fam, I'm counting down the months now! Karen: thanks for your vote and comment, I hope you get to see your Son for xmas. Kirsty: kiwifruit straight from the vine is the best! I'd love to be able to wander out there and grab a kiwifruit when I'm hungry. Megan: that sounds brilliant, I'll have to check it out next time I'm in Paris. Being on the invite list would be awesome thanks! I'm sure it'll do well, the French love NZ (well down in Clermont-Ferrand anyway). Kylie & Xavier: thanks so much! I agree, I vote and then find more people to vote for and then can't remember the names the next day, must write them down. Best of luck getting home!
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Marmite: I'm homesick!
Walking home from uni tonight I crossed paths with lots of young people with suitcases walking towards town. They'd just come from a weekend away to be with their families. French people are very family-orientated and it's not unusual to see families out together on a Sunday afternoon. On Sunday's I miss my family a lot but also in the evenings when I go home to my apartment alone, to eat alone and to watch TV alone. I envy the families I see together. I envy friends who go home for the weekend or holidays. I would love to go home to see my family. The last time I left NZ I absolutely bawled my eyes out at the airport - I didn't want to leave. After 3 weeks I was definitely not ready to leave and come back to the nightmare that has been this PhD. Please, Marmite, let this Kiwi come home for xmas?
27 September 10 at 9:06pm
Thanks for your support guys, you are an awesome support crew! See, Marmite, these people want me home too!
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28 September 10 at 1:11am
we certainly do want her home for Christmas
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Marmite: a message for from my niece
How can you say no to Olive?
27 September 10 at 12:34am
FANTASTIC!!!! I wish I had as much time and expertise as you to present my case! You definately deserve to win, GOOD LUCK
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27 September 10 at 2:48am
Thanks for your kind words Erin! I just download photos from my facebook account and jazz them up a bit in powerpoint - adobe illustrator in French is too challenging!! best of luck to your too.
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A fantastic winter recipe with Marmite
Today was cold here and with little food in the cupboard I decided to make soup. Using the fantastic puy green lentils I made a warming lentil, potato and mushroom soup! I'd never really eaten lentils until I moved to France and find them very satisfying, and they are also grown in this region of France. Enjoy!
26 September 10 at 10:41am
Yum that looks nice, especially satisfying with the wet windy weather we have been having here. Kim, your Dad told me of something his Nana used to make him when he was little. Cook a thin omelette (just eggs and seasonings) then spread with marmite and roll up. great for your budget too!
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26 September 10 at 5:00pm
Looks like a great recipe Kim ... and yours too Shirley!
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26 September 10 at 11:10pm
Sounds good ma! The soup was really good, I think I'll be eating this all week I have 2 big bags of lentils.
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Marmite: sustaining the student brain
A little uni break calls for marmite on bread. I'm missing the best companion though... avocado. I can't justify the price of avocado here (see previous posts about my impending unemployment), plus NZ avocados are the best! Please bring me home marmite so I can have some avocado with my marmite sammys?
Marmite: what do French students think of Marmite?
Students at a French school try Marmite
25 September 10 at 9:26am
Today I went along to the school I was an English Assistant at and we spoke about New Zealand and of course Marmite. Most of the students liked Marmite especially with tomato and cheese. Thanks to the students for their help and also to Madame Tilly for letting me come into her class. There was sound on the video but my files were corrupted.
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25 September 10 at 9:48am
Pretty soon everyone in France will be eating marmite! Could be a great new territory for Sanitarium to market to!
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26 September 10 at 11:11pm
I think they could go to the supermarkets and do taste-tests and market it that way.. Marmite do you need a promoter for marmite in France??
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Marmite: I do like living in France but I LOVE NZ and you!
This is one of the last days of summer I think. We have variable weather here in Clermont-Ferrand. It can be 35°C one week and then 15°C the next week. This week is a good example, we probably had a high of 25°C today with a forecast high of 10°C on Sunday. I spent this evening at a BBQ with French and French Canadian friends which after an awesome thunderstorm we really didn't think we'd eat outside. Clermont-Ferrand is nice in the summer but it can be too hot and we are completely landlocked!! 5 hours+ to the nearest ocean and we don't even have a river in the town!! So please marmite let my next NZ summer be in NZ where I can go to the beach?
25 September 10 at 8:16am
It's such a small place - yip I'm definitely Tony's sister! I actually wondered if I'd run into you or Bron before because I went to TGC too, but would've been a few years ahead - my last year was 2000. My cute niece (Olive) who I've got plastered on this page is actually Tony's daughter. I think he must've left NZ about 6-7 years ago to live in Aussie and is now living in Perth with his girlfriend and Olive.. I think we should definitely have a Marmite party when we get home or at least fish n' chips on the mount beach! That'd be awesome. Best of luck to you too, all the best with your doctorate and see you in NZ :)
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25 September 10 at 11:01pm
Oh how the Kiwi's get around, it's so cool when you run in to some one on the other side of the world amongst a sea of strangers. Good Luck to you all! Hope this counts as a vote?
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26 September 10 at 11:12pm
NZ is so small!! I seem to run into people all the time (well not in France) but definitely in London.
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Marmite: I'm not sure I can suffer another cold New Year?
And I know which one I'd rather (hint: photo on the right). Last New Years I was lucky enough to meet wonderful friends in Edinburgh for a Scottish New Year. We drove through the snow and ice from Cambridge! Walking to our friends house, I slipped on ice and so ended up nursing a lump on the head and a sore shoulder the whole night, and I felt pretty lousy. We crammed into the main street where temperatures were below zero for the countdown, I was so cold! But, hey, it was fun, I was with some awesome people, and the fireworks from the castle were pretty cool too. The effects from the night have been long-lived, and I just finished the last physio appointment yesterday on my shoulder (and despite the good healthcare system in France, physio is not free). I'm not good in cold weather and I'm prone to slipping over. I'd love to be in NZ to see in one of the first New Years in the world. Marmite, please send me home?
24 September 10 at 7:18am
We gotta get to third place now!!! Come on eveyone vote now!!
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24 September 10 at 12:39pm
Wiremu - yip; the tide was out quite a bit when we went to the beach that day, but we had fun building sand castles and then cooling off with a dip in the sea, absolute bliss! Laura - I really like Edinburgh and whilst hogmanay was fun it was sooooo cold!! I'd prefer Whanga because I like the warmth! Sash - you rock, hope you're feeling better today. Aunty J - yip, that's the next one, but I think I'm quite far off, fingers crossed!!
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Marmite: I'm a poor student :(
My time in France has been difficult both emotionally and financially. I quit my well paid job and within months of hearing of this PhD opportunity I was in France. Promises made in the proposal were not fulfilled and I've spent nearly 4 years really struggling with money. My scholarship finishes next week and I'll be without any money for the next few months. I have scrimped and saved to pay my rent until December but I don't have enough to come home. Please help this struggling student come home to NZ for Christmas with her family? It would me the world to me.
25 September 10 at 9:26am
I know, it really is a bad photo! I do need to come home.
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25 September 10 at 9:50am
Don't worry Kim, you haven't seen a bad passport photo until you've seen Alice's. Reminds me a bit of the look of a deer caught in headlights!
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26 September 10 at 11:13pm
Haha - get Dad to show you his international drivers license from the 70's, its hilarious!
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Marmite: I want to thank you and my supporters!
Cheers guys, you all rock!
23 September 10 at 6:24am
Cheers guys, you are awesome. Hope your PhD is going well Linda, we really should stay in NZ for PhDs, be a whole lot easier!! Thanks Aunty J, hope Marmite sammy put you back to sleep xx
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Marmite: did I mention how much I miss administrative tasks in NZ?
Those little pesky admin bits and pieces that you need to do always seem to take so long BUT in France, they just seem to be insanely difficult and horribly time-consuming. I actually enjoy calling my bank in NZ because its so easy, the people are nice and they want to help you. In France this is not the case and I'm dreading trying to extend my residents permit... please send me home Marmite?
23 September 10 at 12:34am
When I lived in France nearly 40 years ago, the picture in my Carte de Sejour was attached with two rivets (not in the middle of my head, I will add). Good luck with getting back to NZ.
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23 September 10 at 12:39am
Thanks Aunty Petrina, hope to see you on xmas day!! Yip Sara, my head seriously hurts!! hehe.
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23 September 10 at 1:19am
Haha Piere that's awesome, thanks! I had to get a visa de retour twice whilst waiting for my carte de séjour and needing to leave France. For this they stapled the stamps into my passport... I don't see why they just couldn't lick them and stick them in?!
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Marmite: My boots are broken...
... and I'm going to get wet and cold feet if I stay in France this Christmas. Song is Je suis une feuille by Renan Luce, and a Pukeko in a Ponga Tree by some awesome French girls!
22 September 10 at 9:44am
Bronwyn - I had never made videos before this comp, just a practice one before I made the real marmite one. It was surprisingly easy and I think you can download windows movie maker for free, which is always a bonus!! Sash - I think I have some gumboots back home, prob filled with spiders awaiting my return. Thanks for the votes!! and I hope you get to go home to. Cheers Ma - always working hard!
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22 September 10 at 6:29pm
Found a weta in our porch today, you may have a few of those in your gummys too!! GAH
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23 September 10 at 12:40am
Wetas used to scare me! But I think I'd be pretty stoked to see one now.
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Marmite: you know you are...
... pretty choice!
Marmite: I found a piece of home!
... at Cardiff Stadium, but you were missing, so I added you. What do you think?
Marmite: We have fun!
The making of "Bring this Kiwi home" photo. Music by The Black Seeds.
21 September 10 at 1:18pm
Great video Kim! There accents are just too cute. I really hope you're HOME before the next World Cup and not in France (cos they always beat us when it counts) x
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21 September 10 at 5:47pm
Oi Kim, this is so awesome!!!!!!!! Well Done!!!
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21 September 10 at 8:59pm
Thanks guys! Was definitely fun to make. Have a few more ideas up my sleeve... so keep an eye out. Kylie - the World Cup in 2007 was not so fun, I was the only Kiwi surrounded by the French in an Aussie bar (neutral grounds?!) and it was a sad sad eve. But I got free beers! Lets hope next year we'll kick them!
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Marmite: Who am I?
Name: Kim, now affectionately known by my French Colleagues as 'kiwi' or 'kiwigirl'.
Nationality: Néozélandaise/KIWI
Location: My family is from the small Bay of Plenty town of Katikati (when transferring money to my parents from my French bank account I had the lady in fits of laughter with this name!). I have also lived in Reporoa, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin.
I now live in the centre of France in Clermont-Ferrand. Never heard of it? Neither had I until I moved here! Do you have Michelin tyres on your car? Well it all started here 100 odd years ago – this is the home of the Michelin Man. We also have a beautiful gothic cathedral (and a pretty UNESCO Romanesque church), an awesome chain of volcanic cones (pity they aren’t active... no I'm not crazy, I'm a volcanologist), and a successful rugby team in this rugby-mad town (ASM Clermont coached by a NZer).
Why am I in Clermont-Ferrand, France? Well, I ask myself that same question frequently! While working in NZ as an Engineering Geologist (mainly dealing with rockfalls/landslides on the main highways) I received an email from the supervisor of my Masters degree saying that there was a fully funded opportunity going at a University in France studying the effects of volcanic mass flows on urban areas in Peru. I wasn't looking to do a PhD for a few years and I'd gone away from volcanology after my Masters. I was still slightly obsessed with volcanoes but I did enjoy being outside of academia and making a difference everyday... plus frequent helicopter rides and blowing up rocks were an added bonus! But, an opportunity to see the world was a pretty huge drawcard especially since being an engineer in NZ was something I could come back to. So, I took the plunge – I applied, got accepted, quit my job, sold everything, gave away my cat, and moved to France in March 2007. It was the first time I'd travelled abroad alone, I didn't speak French, and I knew no one.
So what's life been like since moving to France? It's definitely been an experience that I am glad that I embarked on (although I do need reminding of this frequently!). I have learnt so much about myself, I have seen some fabulous places, met wonderful people, experienced so many cultures, travelled happily alone, became a stronger person, and lived! There are have been many times when I've wanted to throw it all in (the PhD has been very far from brilliant) and I do get pretty homesick especially when my French friends (also British and American) go home for holidays. But I've stayed and I've made loads of brilliant friends. I still don't speak a lot of French, I'm getting accustomed to French life slowly, and I still can’t get any paperwork done quickly (the joys of French bureaucracy!).
What do I miss: My family and friends of course! I miss having a backyard and a car, NZ food (including Marmite, and I’m thankful for the care packages!), the beach, the laid-back casual kiwi attitude, Marmite, the ease of doing anything administration related in NZ, the beach again, the scenery, going somewhere and being the only person around, the sound of birds chirping, hanging at the bach with family, going barefoot, and just ALL OF NZ! I’ve definitely become much more appreciative of NZ – I miss NZ a lot and I truly believe it is the best country in the world.
So Voila! Me and how I can here. Don't worry my support crew, I didn't spend ages writing this... I can type fast! I'm working on my manuscript, I promise.
Marmite: Reuniting families
Marmite, as my previous posts have attested to, I miss my family a lot. Marmite, meet Grandma, Grandpa, Nana and Poppa - they are truly fantastic grandparents! I remember them making all us grandchildren marmite sandwiches with lots of butter on fresh white bread - I have so many wonderful memories of childhoods spent with my grandparents and cousins. My lovely Nana and Poppa send a letter once a month with a copy of the readers digest to satisfy my english reading needs! Grandma and Grandpa used to send me letters once a month until August last year when they both got very ill - thankfully they are on the road to recovery. It was very difficult being so far away from them last year when they were both very very ill in hospital. I miss my grandparents a lot, they are very supportive and loving, and the best grandparents any grandchild could ask for. Please Marmite send me home so I can hang out with Grandpa, Grandma, Poppa and Nana.
20 September 10 at 7:21am
Marmite, I have to say Kim's grandparents are also the best parents in the world also!
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20 September 10 at 7:41am
Your Grand parents aren't getting any younger Kim.. Marmite please bring Kim home to spend time with her family!
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20 September 10 at 12:17pm
I do miss my grandparents a lot (and my aunties and mum!!) The baby is my lovely niece Olive who is not a baby any more (this was the last time I saw her). The Grandparents at the top are Nana and Poppa (mums parents) and at the bottom is Grandpa and Grandma (Dad's parents).
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31 October 10 at 11:39pm
A final good bye from me Kim...hope you get on that plane...woof woof...
Report this comment31 October 10 at 11:41pm
Last second vote 4 ya!
Report this comment31 October 10 at 11:57pm
I was sitting in Maccas earlier using there pathetic free wifi trying and trying to post you a comment....I don't know if it went through? I just wanted to stay keep in touch Kim, what will be will be, everything happens for a reason. Big hugs hon! x
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