A visit to the grocery store this evening produced some rather fun and adventuristic pleasure.
This afternoon the store was closed because of lunch, I forgot about this as merchants close during lunch hour. So I wanted to be sure to buy some goods for tonight and tomorrow, not knowing when it will close next I headed down there at 5pm. That part was adventurous as many people were heading home and doing the same thing. So driving there and parking really was ok, a lot better than I thought.
Poking around the store I found some fresh bread, local strawberry jam and an inexpensive bottle of Bordeaux and some bottled water. (A tall bottle of water at the store was about $1/US while back at the hotel a short bottle is about $5/US.) I headed for the cashier with my a smile on my face thinking of the relaxing evening I'll have tonight reading my book and drinking a glass of wine on the patio in the warm French Riviera evening weather.
After the cashier and I exchange hello's she continues speaking in French, about what I have no idea, I forget what I said but in the corner of my eye I see all five people in line behind me look up at me. Oh what did I say? I do not know! Ah yes, I asked how much my bill was when the cashier informed me in French, no worries, but it was that sudden head spin from all five people that got me all freaked out. So I pay the bill and I wait.. no bagging... she is not bagging my purchases... oh ah.. what did I do? What do I do? As if I am not standing there she proceeds to assist the next person in line. So I grab a bag and start putting my groceries in it when ... wait... I have to BUY THE BAG TOO!? As ask this question now, a bit slow to the cashier and again everyone turns to me... YOH! The lady next to me kindly informs me that yes bags are a charge but that I could use the FREE plastic bags over at the vegetable and fruit bench. "Go ahead, they are free." She seemed very excited about being able to tell me about the plastic bag being free.
So I head out and make it back to work, second trip back to work without using a map! YEE-YAW! No map and no charge for a grocery bag... Happy Friday! :)
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