Overall I have fallen in love with living and working in London. It is truly a global city with a multitude of opportunities to offer to all. However, like every living and working abroad situation, there are moments when I am confronted by cultural differences that make me uncomfortable and pose as difficult to overcome. Specifically, one of the most difficult everyday tasks that I have had to partake in that differs in the United Kingdom compared to the United States is grocery shopping. While there is increased international selections and lower prices in the supermarkets in the UK, everything is unfamiliar and thus difficult for me to navigate. The brands are different, the names of foods are different, and the placement of items in the store is entirely different. I can no longer pop into the supermarket to quickly grab something, but have instead found that I spend much time looking for items that I know the location of back home. Additionally, once I check out, I must make my way back home with several heavy grocery bags. Given that I commute using public transport in London, I cannot simply throw my groceries in my car and drive them home. Rather I have to carry them as I ride the tube and walk home. To overcome the grocery store stress I have experienced, I make sure to give myself plenty of time to shop and gather all that I need, and I also buy in smaller quantities and more frequently than I regularly do in the United States so that I may more easily transport everything. All in all, this issue is not one that has proven to be unsolvable, and it is more of a small hindrance than a major cultural drawback. The grocery stores here are not bad. they are simply unfamiliar. This can also be a good thing, as I am trying new cuisines and experimenting cooking new dishes each week. Plus, I am getting a great arm workout carrying these groceries home!
