I was out of town for a while. I returned to my city to find a new import store had opened up downtown. For 2 years, I've had to travel to another city - an 8-hour bus ride or 50 minute flight away - to buy Western goodies like Mayonnaise, Hot Chocolate Mix, Cheese, good Coffee, etc.
When I learned this store opened up, I went straight there. I stood in awe of the small corner of the grocery store that housed such tasty treats as Mac & Cheese, Cereal, Tuna, and Refried Beans! I couldn't move. I was overwhelmed.
Then I thought, "What should I buy?" There was nothing there I wanted. Well, sure, I would have bought some Cheerios if they hadn't been $16 per box. (I can get a big bowl of noodles for 25 cents) I was surprised to find that I really had no desire to buy any of the things on the shelves. I guess I've been here long enough that I've gotten over the Western cravings and adopted the ways of the locals. Because I felt like I needed to buy something, I picked up some Tuna ($3), a box of Mac & Cheese ($8), and a can of Chicken Noodle Soup ($8). I figured I might have a day or two where I don't want to leave the house or deal with fixing something from scratch.
I have to say I was pretty proud of myself when I realized how accustomed I've gotten to the absence of these goodies. I'd rather go to the market and buy some weird Asian veggies, throw them in a pot with tomato and meat and put them on rice. Or better yet, do a stir fry with lots of hot pepper. Or, even better yet, go down the road and spend $3 on a meal at a restaurant that would blow the average Western restaurant out of the water.
(Confession: After looking through the import store, I went home and made chicken salad with some frozen chicken breast I bought at the vegetable market and some mayonnaise I bought last year in the far away city. I realized that I'd been hoarding the mayo because it wasn't readily available. Once I knew I could replace the jar, I opened it right away:)
