A Whole New World

Folks, life as I know it has changed drastically.  A Hypermart just opened in our little city - that's an Indonesian version of Wal-Mart.  It is clean and bright and fully stocked with more stuff than I've ever actually seen in Indonesia.  All in one place.

I am in awe.

I am having a major culture shock moment.

I am dreaming of limitless dairy supply.

This new store is a major attraction and the place is crazy beyond crazy after it's grand opening on Wednesday.  Sean and I took the girls to brave the craziness on opening day.  We couldn't stand to wait, we were so excited!  But I went back today for the first time to really do some real grocery shopping.  I went early, so I could find a place to park.  By the time I left, it was mass chaos and I was glad I was done.

But my culture shock has nothing to do with the loads of people.  I live in Southeast Asia.  I'm kinda used to that.  No, it was the pure luxury of options!  It was the fact that there was a dairy section, a bakery with breads I actually recognize, fresh lettuce and mushrooms, paper plates and cups, and really nice kids' toys.  It was the abundance of tomato sauce after weeks of not being able to find it anywhere in town.  It was the fact that I could buy kitty litter, butter, nice plastic containers, bread, and meat ALL. IN. ONE. PLACE.  I left the store perspiring profusely and shaking like a leaf.  That, my friends is culture shock! 

I am still shaking. Seriously.  I can barely type.

I purposefully avoided entire sections of the store that I knew would knock me to the floor....like electronics and toiletries.  Even with all my restraint, I bought way more than I went in for.  But can you blame a girl who hasn't seen ricotta cheese or sour cream for more than two years for getting a teensy bit over-excited?

 

Fresh milk, Ritz, beef I don't have to grind myself, strawberries, cheddar cheese, ricotta, sour cream, store-bought yogurt in many different flavor options, whole wheat bread (that tastes good), hot dog buns, baguettes, loads of butter, couscous, ready-made spaghetti sauce, brown rice, bratwursts, flat bread, frozen peas, animal crackers, Coke 0, cereal that is not Cocoa Balls, Corn flakes, or Cookie Crisps!!!!!!!

 

I have plans to make things I haven't made in years.  I am pinning away blissfully on Pinterest now that I can actually get some of the ingredients for all those great recipes.  I am looking forward to my breakfast tomorrow of real cereal with real milk. 

 

I don't know when I 'm going to wake up from this dream.....