Wednesday 29 February 2012

Shopping for Groceries

I am trying to catch up on what is happening hence 2 posts in one night for me. A couple of things that are going on as I am trying to write these blog posts, everything is coming up on my end in Italian, not sure how that is happening, and I had computer problems getting my computer hooked up to the power and recharged. I have things well in hand now or letting for fun sake just think that way!

So it was slow day for me, trying to figure out my power problems with my computer and trying to make sure that I don't blow it up. I got this sorted out as best as I could and decided that I was hungry and the empty cupboards were not going to miraculously start producing some coffee or food for that matter. It was time to get my maps out and find a supermarket, have some lunch and at the very least figure out the piazza in this neighbourhood. I stopped at the front desk and the desk clerk was very helpful on where I should shop which store was expensive and which was cheaper. I have my backpack on and so off I go. Stay on the right side of the street where one of my instructions so this is what I do. It is a gorgeous day. I wore a litle jacket and could have easily just gone out in short sleeves, anyway I digress. So what happens when you stike to the right side of the street and then come to the piazza with another street you have to cross with no cross walk and a round about that has cars coming at you from every direction, well you run across the street with the other Italians and pray that you will make it to the other side. Obviously I made it both ways or you would not be seeing this enlightening blog post! So I walk along the street looking for the market, I end up in a ladys clothing store which just won't do and have to back track. I find the sign for the market, but it is  nowhere in sight, this is rather perplexing, then I see people coming out of the basement of this building. I decide to investigate and voula there it is. We are off to a good start, now to start shopping. I make a grand entrance and while getting my little pull cart thingy, i knock over a stack of 3, now everyone knows there is a foreigner in their midst! I start with the fruits and vegetables as this is fairly easy, right, wrong. You are supposed to have a clerk weigh and bag this item before getting to the cashier, found out the hard way. Ok things are going good I can do thing, I decide to pick up some cheese how hard can this be, well when everything is in Italian it is rather difficult. Other than recognizing some cheeses like Assiago that was a far a I got. I did buy some cheese just not quite sure what it is. Now to get some other basic staples for my little kitchen most items I was not sure what they were, but pasta and sauce and rice were easy. Oh and i bought some really delicious buns, that the lady cut in half for me. I guess that is one of the options that you get as you have to ask for your bread. I even picked up some type of milk and something that is supposed to be soy milk. Will share the story once I actually try these items. I also bought a precooked chicken with this wonderful spices. It was good and consisted of my supper. So I did make it through my first grocery shopping experience and forgot to pick up tea. I will just have to go back and have another go.

On the way back to my little room I stopped to have some lunch. It was a little sidewalk cafe sort of place where people stop by for 5 minutes have this tiny cuppa coffee and then continue on with their day. You stand at this bar counter and are served. There are not very many tables but since I am having a panni and a pot of tea I decide to watch the comings and goings of the place. It is really busseling and people even bring in their dogs. There was this very nice man with 2 jack russel terriors that were just adorable. After taking in the comings and going I decide I still have a bit of a walk back to my new home. Paying then turns out to be an experience as the cashier and I are not understanding each other and the next thing I know this very kind lady with perfect English and Italian for that matter is translating for me. It seems that everytime I require help there appears someone who is more than willing to provide assistance. The rest of my day was uneventful as I struggled to sort out my computer problems and try and get my first assignment completed. It is time for me to say goodnignt. Tomorrow I am intending on heading over to the ICCROM offices to see if I can follow directions and not get lost. More of the delegates are arriving tomorrow and then the opening ceremonies takes place on Friday. I will try and share more adventure stories tomorrow.

1 comment:

  1. Good to hear everything is going well. Love the bit about the grocery store location and your "grand" entrance. Wine in coolers, dogs in restaurants and short sleeved shirts in February - long sigh - that's so deliciously foreign.

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