Grocery

A few more turns down the road brings us into the Taman University area. We are lucky to live near a university as there needs to be groceries etc for all the students and professors. So here are the two places, we can grocery shop. The yellow building is called Giant and it is contained in the University Mall. Now let me inform you, malls are everywhere here. I am not talking about places like Pioneer Place or Chestnut Hill Mall or Lloyd Center...not that glamourous, but non the less real malls. EVERYONE loves shopping or just hanigng out in a mall. In fact, it is what you do- you might not be buying things, but you meet friends at the mall, you bring your children to play on the indoor play structures, you bring your whole family on Sunday to eat at the food court, you spend your free time wandering and window shopping, you exercise here by walking, you socialize over coffee and kaya toast (kaya is coconut spread with butter on toast)...I am amazed by the mall culture. It is not as much about consumerism as it is about having a place to go, connect, be with others. Now granted, there is shopping and buying happening too- but so different than the US. As I understand it better, I will try and explain more.
The red sign shows the Justco the other place to grocery shop. Justco is like a Fred Meyer or a Costco...it has a grocery section, but also clothes, hardware, kitchen stuff, linens- you name it. The other day we did our weekly shop- filled a grocery cart for $50 USD. Amazing how inexpensive food is here? Now why is it so expensive in the US of A?????? The other picture is just an example of the scooters and taxi's. Doesn't look so crowded or scary in a still photo but trust me- even in this little area...crazy drivers!