Oh, Shopping Splendor!
Written by Bessie on Monday, May 05, 2008 in El Salvador
Feelin' excited
So we're settling in to our new apartment in San Salvador, El Salvador, our home away from... well, where we used to call home. We're volunteering for 3 months with a young non-profit that's affiliated with where I used to work in Chicago, and in exchange we got set-up with a pretty cozy apartment and a few other perks. More to come about that, for now, we talk about shopping.Feelin' excited
Our place is furnished, but we needed the essential things like dishcloths, hangers, and wine glasses, and like most ladies starting a new job, I needed a new outfit. I think I almost fried Kyle this weekend though, because we made two trips to the same grocery store and bought stuff from five malls (including 2 more grocery stores). Now we didn't over do it, and we only spent about $100. It's just that so much is different here, and there's no Super Target to one-stop-shop. We have no car to just load up the back seat, so it was tougher than home. It was actually sort of funny because I ended up carry a two pack of pillows around for a while and into a movie theater.
The big problem was that I nearly made Kyle go batty! Now he's probably like most guys and has sort of a short attention span for mall music and walking down every aisle to price check, but for me it's wonderful! It's sort of like a sport. I started training for this back in high school doing extensive brand comparison shopping in the grocery stores, and actually, maybe even in junior high while shopping for the best earrings at Claire's. This skill of finding the best deal has been getting perfected for almost decades! I haven't gotten to exercise these skills much hiking mayan ruins and spending long hours on the bus, so darn it, I milked it for all I could. Sorry, Kyle, but the 5 malls were wonderful!
We did get what will be my most prized possession for the next three months (aside from my new shirt): Our Very Own Water Jug. Anyone that's befriended the water jug culture we've found in Mexico or Central America will understand it's majesty. I have more water than I can possible drink in a day within steps, and I don't feel judged if I drink my 8 glasses a day or use it while brushing my teeth, and I'll be amoeba free! The best part of all is that the water refill costs $1.78 at the store. $1.78!! I laughed with glee when I found it - I've paid more than that for a normal little bottle! I'M IN CLEAN WATER HEAVEN!
Thank you shopping Gods.
Love,
Bessie
Comments on "Oh, Shopping Splendor!"
I accept! Can you send us a message that explodes after reading it?
wooh hooh! I accept! Yeah soccer!
Well, Bessie, you haven't lost your touch! You go, girl!! And you seem to have taken to your new little home like a duck to water! (Did I say WATER?!!!) Enjoy!! : )
LOL... I like the water pun. and I LOVE our water dispenser. :) I'm going to spend the next 3 months convincing Kyle who portable it will be when we start traveling around again. :)
Shopping malls!!!! Hooray!! All that Orland Park Mall practice was great preparatory for the experience! No matter how altruistic one strives to become, a good dose of shopping is a wonderful tonic. (Sorry Kyle, that's just how it is!) Sounds like your living accomodations are quite plush compared to some of the many other places that you have experienced. Glad that tiresome travel days are behind you for a while. Large quantities of fresh healthy water....what a treat! I'm sure that being able to cook your own meals will be a welcome change. By the time you are home, we'll expect that you will be experts in Central American cuisine.
Cozy and cool just a sittin' on its stool!!! Great clean water machine. I wish I could have been mall hopping along with you. Love yah!
That jug is too cool for stool! (doesn't sound as cool and too cool for school, because the ool is pronounced differently. That's why teaching english is so hard!)
Hey guys,
by Drew at May 06, 2008 10:37 PMCongratulations on the new digs in S.S., E.S. I hope you like settling down for a while after traveling so much, it should be nice. Now that I know you are staying put for the next 3 months, I have your next soccer / futbol match assignment mission, should you choose to accept it. This one will be very important for you and your current country of residence. This will be your first International game experience as El Salvador is playing a home-and-home World Cup Qualifying match against Panama on June 15 in Panama City and June 22 in San Salvador. There is nothing like World Cup Qualifying matches to bring out the national pride!!! If you accept your mission, further information will be provided at that time to prepare you. Take care, ---Drew