Grocery stores are places of learning
This post holds no real relevance to what we're doing, just a little story about what I've learned so far about grocery shopping here...
First, we have to approach the store with the mindset that whatever we buy, we have to carry back with us about a half mile, uphill walk and 3 flights of stairs. Second, nothing is named the same and so when asking for help, it's almost a given that you'll get a strange look followed by, "Um, I don't think we stock that...".
For instance, I've learned that cookies are "digestive biscuits", chips are "crisps" and french fries are "chips", baking soda is "bicarbonate of soda", and canker sores are "mouth ulcers". Also, though you'll be hard-pressed to find a block of parmesan cheese, there is an entire half aisle devoted to various cheddar cheeses. I was surprised as well to find that eggs are kept on regular shelves, not in refrigerated units.
Perhaps most importantly, I've learned that expiration dates are very literal here. In fact, this morning I found that our milk was spoiled yet it still had 4 days left on the sell by/use by dates! Those "use by" dates are not so much suggestions here as they are promises, "This will be spoiled on Sept. X if not before."
Like I said, this post has no real relevance to anything...just a note on grocery shopping... :)
First, we have to approach the store with the mindset that whatever we buy, we have to carry back with us about a half mile, uphill walk and 3 flights of stairs. Second, nothing is named the same and so when asking for help, it's almost a given that you'll get a strange look followed by, "Um, I don't think we stock that...".
For instance, I've learned that cookies are "digestive biscuits", chips are "crisps" and french fries are "chips", baking soda is "bicarbonate of soda", and canker sores are "mouth ulcers". Also, though you'll be hard-pressed to find a block of parmesan cheese, there is an entire half aisle devoted to various cheddar cheeses. I was surprised as well to find that eggs are kept on regular shelves, not in refrigerated units.
Perhaps most importantly, I've learned that expiration dates are very literal here. In fact, this morning I found that our milk was spoiled yet it still had 4 days left on the sell by/use by dates! Those "use by" dates are not so much suggestions here as they are promises, "This will be spoiled on Sept. X if not before."
Like I said, this post has no real relevance to anything...just a note on grocery shopping... :)
posted by kschmiddy at 12:49 PM
4 Comments:
Kate, this was my favorite thing to do when I flew internatl....go to the local grocery store! Every country is different and I loved seeing and trying out new things. :)
digestive biscuits...that makes cookies sound very important, I like it!
important? I hear digestive biscuits and think, "how convenient, I can feed buddy these!"
You're right thought kerry, I do love to go to grocery stores and just see how different the selection is.
Here (quick observation), I notice that people don't buy a lot at grocery stores. Most just fill up a little baskit. Kate and I look so American when we walk up with massive amounts of food, each carrying like 6 bags each. We just hate taking so many trips there.
do you have to buy platic bags there like DK? that was interesting. also, are you buying lots of sugar and sweets? we all know dave doesn't eat healthy. Do you show up at the register with margarita pizza's and sour patch kids? I'm sure you could probably fill 2 bags with just those. Kate are you keeping Dave in line? He might need a little help to not come home with so much sugar? It can become his crutch.
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