Grocery shopping for the first time.

As I continue to orient myself in my new living situation, I made my way to Tesco today for some grocery shopping.

The name itself gave me a little comfort as there are many Tescos in the UK. What could be so different? I thought it would be pretty straightforward, but I found myself struggling as the store was so big, and I couldn't find anything!

There were a few reasons why I struggled:

1. I couldn't read the overhead signs

I think the main reason I struggled was that I couldn't read the overhead signs that tell you what kind of products are in each aisle. Typically, you can push the grocery cart past all the aisles you don't care about, but I found myself visiting every aisle.

2. I can't read any of the labels.

OK, sure, I can tell the difference between a piece of chicken breast and a slice of beef. This was easy. But I couldn't find things like baking Soda. (I needed it for the fridge) I couldn't tell between soy sauce and/or oyster sauce. So I had to look at the consistency of the liquids. I couldn't find salt! There was such a large selection of dumplings/dim sum. I wanted to buy a few frozen bags, but I couldn't read the labels on how to cook them.

3. Forgot to weigh and label.

I didn't follow the protocol of weighing and labeling the fruit and chicken. I tried to buy some bananas and frozen chicken that I just put in a plastic bag, but apparently I had to weigh and label them first. When I got to the checkout counter, and looked for the label, they asked me, but I then only shrugged and played stupid.

4. Not many western brands

This isn't a complaint. But you know when you rely on a certain brand and you always buy it because you love eating it? I'm going to have to get use to it here. And if you do find a "western" brand, there's a premium for it!

5. Fascinated by the product selection

This isn't so much of a struggle, but more of a fascination. I noticed there was such a large selection of noodles and rice! And in the meat and poultry section, (including chicken feet) they had a very large selection of fresh seafood and Tesco sold frogs! I assume for consumption (the frog legs?) rather than a domestic pet!

In conclusion, it was an interesting experience, and I was definitely out of my comfort zone. I was frustrated at first, but then started to appreciate what I was going through. It really opened up my mind.