Who goes on vacation to tour the local grocery store?
Well, I never intended to; however, I have been overseas and visited several local grocery stores.
In Seoul, Korea; Khorat, Thailand; Adelaide, Australia; (Believe it or not) conducting combat operations in Iraq; vacationing in Mexico; and even around the United States, such as Hawaii and New York, there are weird and unfamiliar things in the local stores.
This blog post comes from reading an article “Grocery Store Tourism Is Taking Off” by Serena Tara _ https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/grocery-store-tourism-trend-tiktok-erewhon?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-us
The article discusses how people are sharing on social media their experiences going to the local grocery stores in an unfamiliar lands/countries.
I agree with the article that you will learn more about French culture and traditions in a local grocery store in Paris, France, than the popular highlighted tourist spots, such as seeing the Eiffel Tower. Of course, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see; however, learning about what the local people eat is an excellent way to learn about the culture and traditions, which can leave a lasting impression on anyone.
Plus, touring an international grocery store is considered sightseeing. Thoughts?
Living in Seoul, Korea, I was cooking hot wings and making sandwiches and other finger foods for friends when I noticed I needed several items. I thought no problem; I have a local grocery store down the street. I will run down and pick up the items and run right back home.
I lived in a beautiful apartment complex in the deep tourist area of Seoul (or the party district with all the good restaurants and clubs). The parking garage was in the basement, but everything was within walking distance. So, I walked down to the local grocery store, which was a block down the road.
As I walked into the store, I noticed that everything was foreign, different, unfamiliar, and extremely uncomfortable! After walking around for a minute, I asked the guy at the counter if he had some ketchup and mayonnaise (specifically Miracle Whip).
However, the guy gave me a bizarre look, as if I had asked him whether North Korea was in the North or whether we were on Planet Earth! I quickly realized – He didn’t speak English, and I didn’t speak “Hangul,” which is the South Korean language.
I was frustrated and pissed!
I needed to make a special sauce for my wings, and I was boiling some shrimp that I had bought from the Commissary (a grocery store on the base). It was getting late, and I didn’t have time to drive to the base since it was closing in an hour.
Nevertheless, I walked around and grabbed some items that looked the same as ketchup and mayonnaise; essentially, I would get adventurous and try some new food choices.
As I walked back to my apartment, I wondered if the items would mesh well with my wings and shrimp. Hell, I say adventurous, but I was afraid to try the milk. I needed some milk for breakfast in the morning, yet I passed on the white liquid they call milk.
Yet, this was an experience I will never forget. I made it a point to visit other Korean stores and shops and explore the culture and traditions.
I have another story about my time on an exchange program in Australia while I was stationed in Hawaii. Specifically, I want to share my experience of trying “Vegemite.”
Life is about experiences that are worth sharing. Are you living your best life?
Wow! Beautiful.
💯