Thursday, October 22, 2009

It takes a village . . . to buy groceries!

Cultural Experience of the Week: buying groceries with input from, well, everyone.
At the small village grocery this week, I found Granny Smith apples, Bridget's favorite! In this store you place items on the counter as you go along, instead of carrying a basket. That typically leads to several people standing at the counter trying to buy groceries at the same time, figuring out what belongs to whom. I placed those apples on the counter with other items and walked to buy some mixed nuts. The clerk called me back, "Those aren't good." I thought they had bruises on them. She continued, "Those aren't Lebanese apples." OK, maybe this an extra-nationalistic store? She finally explained that you can't just eat them raw, but need to cook them with salt - she just wanted to make sure I knew that. So I thanked her very much for the tip and went to buy those nuts. I placed them on the counter and went to buy ham. She called me back, "Those aren't good. The ones next to them are better." So I went and changed them, since they were the same price anyway. She said, "No, not those, the other ones." She then accompanied me back to get a 3rd bag of mixed nuts. Same price. Mixed nuts. Good, let's go. Went to buy some ham, held my breath. Success! I must have passed the "Choose the Ham" event! OK, I admit there was only one kind. I went back and paid and bagged the groceries. The clerk asked, "How are you getting home?" I answered that I'm walking, to which she told me that my bags were too heavy and if I could just wait 10 minutes, she would drive me home. I thanked her kindly and walked anyway. I needed a moment alone!!!

While it can be a bit over the top sometimes, I do appreciate the sense of community in village life. They are very endearing people. Even the priest took Eamon car shopping, and I get reports from students everyday on when they see me outside of school and how cute my kids are. The odd dynamic (that I am told) is that they share a lot of their lives with one another, but trust is shallow because of the nature of the wars here and sketchy politics that trickle down to the experience of the general public. I find that so sad. However, the people we have drawn close to are absolutely lovely, generous, kind, and hilarious. Everyday is an adventure!

4 comments:

  1. Yay Essex family!! Loving your blog and hoping that you are doing well. I pray for you daily and wish you the best in your adventures!! Everyone says hi!!

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  2. So you still have the cats. Have they started eating dry cat food yet? Can you even buy cat food there? How is Bridget getting on with the fiddle? Have you found a car to buy yet? How is work going for the two of you? I know that himself teaches, but what does your job consist of Susan? How are the kids doing with their studies? Is Peter in a childrens choir? Maybe I dreamed somewhere that he was? It's nice to know that although life is chaotic, that you are well, but some what sleep deprived!!! God Bless, Love ya, G/da

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  3. Thanks for the story. I look forward to hearing more adventures. Just out of curiosity, how is the cost of living there? I just got back from two weeks in Ireland where, as you know, it's pretty rough with the Euro.

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  4. Susan, you know how bad I am with the computer. Please email me your address, both snail mail and computer. Also please include a phone number so that I can at least call you sometime if I don't ever write you. I do better with placing phone calls and writing letters. I'm proud that you're in Lebanon. Make everyday count. How is Eman, your husband? I pray for you both often. I hope his classes are going good.
    St. Augustine's has a new priest, Fr. Caleb V. He's from Boise and seems to be on the stick. He hasn't been here very long, however. I like him. I don't know him, but I like him.
    Love, Sr. Mary David

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