Kabanos Staropolski - don't leave home without them. Photograph: Graham Turner
A story in today's Guardian leaves me with mixed feelings. Croatian authorities have introduced a ban on the import of meat and dairy products from all EU countries. It's reported that the intention is to clamp down on Czech holidaymakers who eschew restaurants and grocery stores in Croatia for the sausages, beer, bread, tinned meat and dumpling mix they bring along in the car.
Food and drink outlets have welcomed the ban, complaining that "they make virtually no money from Czech guests and this damages business."
On first reading, I assumed the Czech tourists' self sufficiency was all about saving money - and perhaps a way to enjoy a budget holiday. But then again, maybe not:
Organisations representing Czech tourists say the new law fails to respect a national conviction, which is: forget the fresh fish and vegetables on offer, a holiday can only be truly enjoyed with home grown produce, such as pickled sausages, smoked or fried cheese and fried pork.
Forget the fresh fish and vegetables? Perhaps this is more about culture than money - people are taking the foodstuff they just can't do without, rather than making a budget trip possible.
And if they can't do it in Croatia, they'll go elsewhere - they're reportedly now cancelling Croatian trips to visit Italy instead, where, presumably, their fried cheese and smoked sausages are welcome. While I might personally question the judgment of those who choose smoked and fried food over fresh fish and vegetables (I just got back from Poland and boy, do they like their fried food and smoked sausage), I'm not sure I can blame them for culinary addiction.
Which all leads me to a rather embarrassing confession - I take teabags on holiday with me. It's horribly British, isn't it, and shows a serious caffeine addiction and lack of proper travelling spirit, but I can't stand the weak Lipton tea substitutes I find in so many places, and, shoot me, I like a cup of tea in the morning, wherever I am. Please tell me I'm not the only one - do you ever take food on holiday?
