Bagels, Anyone?

The tasting: Bagel, Cream Cheese & Smoked Salmon

I had this combination in Hobart and again in Te Anu. In both instances, the bagel was bready, fine-crumbed, and largely resembled a pre-packed bagel found at any grocery store. It wasn't offensive, but it wasn't really a bagel. I could only find a plain one and toasting gave it a bit of interest. The cream cheese was good. The salmon I'd call less oily that what I find at home. I think it might be the smoking process that's different. Based upon such a disappointing outing, you're probably tempted to ask, "why are you eating bagels abroad?" Curiosity.