Grocery shopping yesterday was an amazing experience, one that completely overwhelmed me but that I also can't stop thinking about. The new teachers went to the Lulu Hypermart, which is by far the best stocked store I have ever been, putting to rest the fear that we will starve in the desert. There was one aisle just for yogurt - Greek, Lebanese, Turkish, French, goat milk, to name a few. And there are non-fat options that are absolutely delicious. There were five aisles of imported and local produce, including organic. I found avocados, several types of lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, shitake mushrooms, and peaches.
I could find just about anything I was looking for. Much of it is imported from outside the region, but specialties like olives, oil, nuts, and yogurt are local. There are lots of vegetarian options and foods from all over the world. We will be able to keep our heart healthy diet, while being constantly tempted with rich desserts. Some items were much cheaper than in the States - a whole pound of Lebonese olives was $1.50; a can of Coke was 25 cents, two Norwegian salmon fillets were $5.00. Other things, specifically American brands, were more expensive. Still others were priced exactly right.
A most pleasant surprise - the woman Russ replaced as physics teacher left us an entire apartment of furniture, appliances, and novelties. We got a television, microwave, carpets, and lamps. So last night, we did not get the chance to unpack our own boxes (all survived the TSA and the flights), but did get to move these wonderful gifts from the 13th floor in the singles building to the 14th floor of the families building which is where we live (its funny how it is segregated like that). Fortunately, there is an elevator and some other teachers pitched in to help us. It seemed like good karma, having left so many of our belongings in Botswana, and we are so thankful.
Tonight, a dinner at the admin apartments, but I will have to beg off a nap first!
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