Shock and Awe

Although PennAbroad did a good job of preparing us to study abroad, the constant warnings of culture shock always went in one ear and out the other though. "I've been there twice before." "I've lived with a German family." "I'm pretty flexible." But in my previous trips, I never had to go grocery shopping.

Here, people take more pride in their food. Visitors find Bavarian specialties on every menu, and I've overheard people on the U-Bahn talking about where to find the best produce. Thus, stores here are pretty specialized.

I found this out, walking into an Aldi, expecting to walkout with all I could possibly carry, set for the next week. Instead, I walked out with a small bag of cleaning supplies (which I found next to the chocolate) and iceberg lettuce (which went bad after two days). I had to go to a different store to get cheese, a drug store for plastic bags, a bakery for bread, and a butcher for meat. And I don't plan on going back to Aldi for produce-- JYM suggests daily farmers markets around the city.

All in all, this system is much better than America's. Fresher, potentially healthier, local produce use fewer fossil fuels, make tastier meals, and pump up the local economy. But I still can't help but miss the big Meijier sign where I know I can load up my car, go home, and be set for the month.