Firenze 2006-2007

Travel Guide Part II: The Grocery Stores

For the most part, the grocery stores are similar to those in the United States. There are just a few little things that set them apart. Most are relatively minor and unimportant, but several are rather important.
First, when buying produce in a grocery store, there are two things that you must do. The first thing is to put on a plastic glove that are located near all the plastic bags to put the produce in. If you want to touch anything, you must do so with this glove on. Health reasons or something... Next, there are little computers that will weigh, calculate the price for, and print off a receipt that you will then give to the cashier when you check out. The cashier will not be able to ring up the total for you without this receipt from the produce computers- don’t forget it.
Next, milk in Europe isn’t the fresh, pasturized stuff we have here- it is milk that is made to have a shelf life of a month or two. Don’t look for it in a cooler unless you want the expensive fresh stuff, just go to the milk aisle. It’s there.
Lastly, you have to pay for bags to carry your groceries in. They are only like two or three Euro cents, but it is kinda annoying at first. To get around this, you can bring your own bag with you and use it to carry your purchases, or you can buy new ones every time. Up to you...
These are all the major differences I can think of in the grocery stores. If I forgot anything that anyone can think of, let me know and I’ll put something in about it.

posted by Daniel Williams @ 15:28