Okay, here's the thing about the BIG supermarket. It's super scary.
American grocery stores can go in, get what you want, and get out. Plus I can read the labels. Plus I know where things are and what things are. Here, not so much.
But, I needed food before the town shuts down tomorrow. So I ventured down Big Hill 2 (less steep, but much longer path) to the Super Amara. So, the Super Amara is in the basement of this mall, and right above it is a fancier market with fancier meat counters, fish counters, fruit counters, etc. The Super Amara also has these things, and it was PACKED. Apparently, everyone had the same "stock up before Easter" idea I did.
I got downstairs and saw the line of registers, but no entrance. One of my best techniques for figuring out how things are done is watching other people. So I watched a lady grab one of the wheeled baskets (I saw no one with full-size shopping carts, but lots of people with the kinds of bags and carts people use to take groceries home - and a lot of people with large baskets on wheels). She headed around the corner, down the hall, and into the grocery store. The store is laid out very strangely and is sprawling, but doesn't actually have a large selection of practical things. I got to the fruit/veggie section and noticed everyone weighing and labeling their food. Of course, the labeling machine is in Spanish, so I used my watch other people technique and figured it out. I got almost everything on my list, besides meat and fish. The lines at the meat and fish counters were HUGE, so I decided to buy stuff in a package instead of having them carve it. I need to study up on my cuts of meat, parts of a chicken and fish names in Spanish before I'm brave enough. Maybe I'll go on a week day afternoon so I don't get too scared by being rushed. I managed okay until I got to the check out line. You have to bag your own stuff - and they are not good helpers. This is true even at the small markets, but then I'm typically not buying as much stuff as I did tonight. I was feeling rushed and the woman was sort of sassy, but I survived. I even managed to ask in Spanish if I could pay with a credit card (yes, but she's not happy about it was the basic response I got). Overall, it was a success. I have to see if the other Super Amara's are any closer/easier to deal with as far as buses go. I took a bus home today with all of my loot, but it is a bit of a walk from the grocery store.
I also really, really wish that the store had my favorite things in easier to find packages. I haven't been able to find broth (either packaged liquid or cubes) which is one of my favorite things to cook with. I also haven't found any shallots (though onions and garlic will suffice). There are also no fresh herbs as far as I can tell in the shops (even the small fruits/veggies markets). I'm considering growing a few things out on my terrace since I have both shady and sunny spots, but (a) I'm terrible at growing things and (b) I'm not sure where to buy pots, soil, seeds, etc. We'll see if I can figure that one out!
I had my first American food craving today. Seeing everyone on Facebook talk about Easter (and hearing all about it here) made me crave jelly beans, which are nowhere to be found. There's actually a decent bulk candy section at the Super Amara ... unfortunately, no jelly beans. However there are gummy things shaped like toes. Which is creepy. And lots of gumdrops.
In other news, I currently have a Spanish keyboard and a PC at work. Apparently, a Mac was supposed to be available for me, but someone else claimed it when I had visa troubles. I guess they're working on getting another one, but it's sort of hard to justify given that they have perfectly nice PCs. Unfortunately, a PC sort of messes me up. As does the Spanish keyboard. I think I discussed my issues with the @ symbol earlier, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. The left shift key (a.k.a. the only shift key I use) is moved over slightly to the left, so I end up hitting the < key which is next to the left shift key. Basically all punctuation, besides commas and periods are in different places. There are also keys for ñ and ç which are jammed in and I hit all the time by mistake. I'm getting more used to it though and I'm sure soon enough it won't be a problem.
I got my office key only one day after I asked for it. I also got my new debit/credit card in the mail today (less than 48 hours after opening my bank account). It's good to know I can officially bank in Spain, though I'm having trouble understanding the "young people's benefits" my card comes with - especially because the website is a combination of crazy financial Spanish and young people's slang. I THINK I get discounts on trains and buses within Spain and around Europe, which would be great. I'll have one of my more proficient friends parse it for me.
I also got my two pairs of shoes that I ordered. I got a great pair of shorter boots with a cute chunky heel that are cute and SUPER comfortable. I also got a little pair of black mary janes since I forgot all of my black shoes at home. I'm really happy I have them. I still have a few other things I forgot or would like in my wardrobe (long sleeved shirts to sleep in since it's cold at night, cute scarves to accessorize since it's cold and everyone has them and thinks I'm sort of crazy not to, more layering pieces).
It sprinkled today for about 10 seconds at two different times, as far as I could tell. Not bad considering it was supposed to rain from noon to midnight. Tomorrow is supposed to be very warm, and sunny. That should be nice considering it's now supposed to rain Friday through Monday.
I'm feeling unusually exhausted for 9 pm. I'm starting to think it's a good thing I have a few days off. I'm going to go in to work tomorrow, but I don't anticipate putting in a full day since I only know of one other person going in. I have plenty of work to keep me busy - but I might prefer to do it sitting on my sofa. :)
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