The Supermarket
Part of the adjustment to a new culture is learning how to adjust your expectations to places and situations that appear familiar, but really aren't. When one goes to an unfamiliar event--for instance an open market (which is basically your fresh produce and meat market open for business every morning on the side of the road)--there is no adjustment of expectations since there is no real cultural connection to the event. It is still shocking to see how the meat is prepared (choose a chicken, duck, or pigeon and have it slaughtered for your there--how's that for fresh meat?) and the variety is strange at times, but you know this is a cultural experience. However, go to the supermarket, and now there are all sorts of expectations.
We went to a supermarket last night which could best be described as a small Walmart that emphasized the food. Aside from all the Chinese, it was an adjustment just to understand how the store was arranged, but we managed fine. From a general overview, it appeared very normal. But when we dug deeper, some of the differences became readily apparent. The most important one to Sandy was that there were no baking products of any kind to be found: no flour, baking powder, or baking soda. The visions of chocolate chip cookies which danced in her head were quickly shattered (although she hasn't given up yet).
While she was searching, I took some time to wander around and found this elegant tea set for about $90.
Then I wandered around the prepared food area, and it was quickly apparent we weren't in Kansas--uh, Oregon--anymore.
When you see whole ducks, chicken feet, and what appears to be entrails in the hot food mart, you realize how different things are. All was not lost, though. I did find some appearance of normalcy.
Pizza, the universally accepted cheese pie. However, if you look closely, you can see the carrots and peas. So, close, but so far. The adventure in the supermarket certainly had its novelty and appeal, but I had to pass on this appearance of home cuisine. No need to totally ruin the connection.
We went to a supermarket last night which could best be described as a small Walmart that emphasized the food. Aside from all the Chinese, it was an adjustment just to understand how the store was arranged, but we managed fine. From a general overview, it appeared very normal. But when we dug deeper, some of the differences became readily apparent. The most important one to Sandy was that there were no baking products of any kind to be found: no flour, baking powder, or baking soda. The visions of chocolate chip cookies which danced in her head were quickly shattered (although she hasn't given up yet).
While she was searching, I took some time to wander around and found this elegant tea set for about $90.
Then I wandered around the prepared food area, and it was quickly apparent we weren't in Kansas--uh, Oregon--anymore.
When you see whole ducks, chicken feet, and what appears to be entrails in the hot food mart, you realize how different things are. All was not lost, though. I did find some appearance of normalcy.
Pizza, the universally accepted cheese pie. However, if you look closely, you can see the carrots and peas. So, close, but so far. The adventure in the supermarket certainly had its novelty and appeal, but I had to pass on this appearance of home cuisine. No need to totally ruin the connection.
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