Getting your groceries in the UK just isn't the same as in the USA. I have not quite figured out why the grocery stores are so crowded most of the times. It's like shopping at Costco's on a Sunday in America; You do it once because you have to, but you'll learn quick.
First you have to drive longer than you wanted to, then there is the stress of finding a parking spot, hence me utilizing the Smart when I can, and then there are the people...
Skillfully avoiding any eye contact, customers navigate their shopping carts through the isles and around employees refilling products (can't this really not be done after hours?). Occasionally customers or employees (!) bump into you after they appeared not to have seen you while cutting you off. There is no polite "Excuse me" to inform you kindly you are in their way. If you're lucky you'll get a quick "Sorry" when there is a collision, no eye contact though.
No bagpackers at the 'till' either, although help is offered. When everything is said is done you're an hour and a half further.
The thing that bothers me most though, is not even the amount of time it takes to shop, but it is the effect the shopping experience has on me. The British "stiff upper lip" is starting to rub off on me...I find myself avoiding eye contact, and the corners of my mouth start to droop when entering a Tesco's. Please let this not be a permanent condition. Please stop me when you see me with an upside down smile, and just tell me to keep smiling!
Ah, next time, I'll order my groceries online again and save myself some aggrevation.
2 comments:
Ha, ha! I recognise this description! Even though I have only spent three months here. Very "to the point" I must say.
I spent an hour at Texcos this morning after dropping the kids off at school. And I realized that I always get a heart beating much faster just by entering the doors of Tescos. It is like I have to be very, very quick otherwise I will - i don't know what - but the heart signals "danger" and "stress".
So I really enjoyed reading your story!
:-) Agneta
Ah, you speak my language! Try ordering online as well, maybe add some years to our lives :-) See you soon.
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