Why is that every day mundane tasks are so much more difficult when living in another country? And finishing these mundane tasks gives one such a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of pride. (Yes, this is a continuation of the previous blog post theme, but it’s so apparent on a daily basis, that I have to share more!)
I am so proud of myself for grocery shopping. First, how do I get there? I looked at Google maps ahead of time and mapped out a route and a backup route so I don’t have to take my phone out on the street (everyone has told me not to take my phone out on the street for safety reasons). I walk to the grocery store paying close attention to my surroundings and all the cars, motorcycles and pedestrians passing by. There’s so much to see, hear and smell. I make it into La Carulla, the grocery store. I feel a sense of accomplishment and relief to be off the streets. Now, what do I buy, what are the foods? Where are the things I need? I walk down every aisle, taking it all in – chicken flavored potato chips, milk in a bag, fruits I’ve never seen before, a whole aisle of just coffee, a plantain presser, prepared foods, cold drinks and many products that are also familiar to me. I take my time and buy some things I recognize and others that are new to me. When a box of milk costs 4,300 Colombian pesos, the numbers are big and I really have no idea how much I’m paying…but I get what I need and a few things I want, and go to the register. Which register do I use? I find a line that seems short and soon someone sends me to another register entitled “caja rápida”. It’s for 12 or less products in the cart. I wait there for a long time, and finally get to a register. ¿Tiene puntos?” the cashier asks. “No”, I answer with a smile, and I’m not ready to ask how to set up an account to get points (but maybe one day). There are no bags and no bagger, but luckily I have an extra bag in my purse and I start to pack my groceries. “¿Cómo va a pagar?”, the cashier asks. “Con tarjeta de crédito”, I answer. I’m feeling good about what is happening and my level of comprehension. Then she asks, ”Cuántas quotas?” No idea what she’s talking about, so I say “lo siento, pero no entiendo”. She says, “esta bien” and continues with the transaction. (Later I learn that you can choose a payment plan when paying with a credit card and divide the total in up to 38 month payments. Imagine! I put my card and receipt in my wallet and walk out with my grocery bags feeling good about what I just accomplished, but then one more thing I learned…you have to show your receipt at the exit and they check it with what is in your bags. So now I’m at the exit and rifling through a wallet of receipts for the security guard who has all the patience in the world. Again, a smile goes a long way. I show him and he stamps my receipt, barely looks in the bags and wishes me a “buen tarde!” “Igualmente”, I reply and head out to the taxi stand (bags are too heavy to walk). I get a number and wait on a bench for at least 20 minutes (I can walk home in 10 minutes). The attendant finally calls my number and helps load the car. The taxi driver is very friendly as we weave through the cars, motorcycles and bicycle riders. I make it home quickly and unload the groceries and relax on the couch feeling a great sense of accomplishment. A simple task that will only get simpler with practice.
