Submitted by Trinity Hunt the 2024 Spring program in London, United Kingdom…
Week 2
Room Temperature Eggs
There is nothing like entering a grocery store in a foreign country. For me, it is the quickest way to feel an overwhelming amount of culture shock. My first shopping trip in London was at Tesco, a common grocery store chain in the area. The list of necessities included: brussel sprouts, eggs, pasta, and cheese.
I walked into the store and immediately located a bag of brussel sprouts. The bag was about the size of my hand. Despite the tiny size, I could read very clearly the expiration date set for 3 days from then! 3 days! In the United States, I would buy groceries in bulk so I wouldn’t have to make frequent trips. How could I do that if my tiny bag of brussel sprouts expired in 3 days! I suppose
it has something to do with less preservatives in the food here which is healthier for me. But I was still in shock.
The next thing on my list were eggs. I searched high and low for a carton but found nothing. Eventually I gave up and asked a store employee where I could find them. She kindly directed me to the bread aisle! I walked to the bread aisle to find the eggs out on the shelves, unrefrigerated! All of the grocery stores I visited in the United States kept the eggs in a refrigerated section. This was a very new idea for me.
I had to ask the store employee where I could find pasta as well, but at least I could find the cheese on my own. I did try the eggs and they were delicious. There is something tasty about a room temperature egg. (Submitted on February 15, 2024)