We just celebrated our third year of living in the Middle East. We've learned A LOT since moving over here. One of the things that surprised us is how truly easy (and fun) it is to shop over here. I spent months before we moved overseas, stockpiling different food items to bring to the field with us, as I was so afraid I would not be able to find them here. One item was this Badia fajita seasoning. I used valuable luggage space to bring over five bottles of this stuff, (Made in FL, but couldn't even buy it in Texas!) only to find it on the shelf at the grocery store here!
Not only that but they also had Lawry's (brought that, too!) and the entire line of Badia seasoning! They even have Kroger brand at this store!
Of course, they also have the spice buffet, here, where you can buy your fresh ground spices by the kilo. This aisle smells AMAZING!
Or, there is always the olive buffet, if you chose!
When Mema and Nana are here, we always stop and buy a cup of fresh corn when we go to the mall. You would not believe how tasty it is!
There are always fun places to stop and have your picture taken, like in a pretend Bedoin tent.
If you are not able to read Arabic, you may not really find it is a big problem, because many things are written in English. However, sometimes the spelling is a little creative, especially since there is no letter "P" in Arabic. This makes for a good giggle and photo op, now and then. Take this CRAB, for instance. The arabic spelling is correct!
Or if you like, you may buy some fresh camel's milk...It's Camelicious!...
and only $11.86 in USD!!
Sometimes, imported items can be really expensive!
These KISSES will cost you... $16.24... and the York patties... $24.99!!
I REALLY wanted these blueberries, since they don't seem to have these here, but I am still unwilling to pay $28.24 for them.
But after shopping, you may go and buy yourself a cup of
coffee at Starbuck's!
If you are not a coffee drinker, you can choose from the soda aisle. There is something for everyone!
You can have a Coke and a smile!
Or find something else that interests you!
Or maybe you want to go have a fresh fruit smoothie! These are really popular here!
And if you are still missing the States, we know where to go get a traditional American burger! This one is especially messy, since it has a fried egg on it. "Ikteer zacky!!" That means, "Very delicious!"
But watch yourself, don't get caught holding hands with your spouse at the mall... you might get thrown out on your caboose! I don't know, as I was unwilling to test this one!
The exciting news here this Spring is the opening of the Ikea store! It is really close to our baseball field... How CONVENIENT!!!
Our favorite place to shop is down in the old section of town, where you can find all manner of treasure... Like these shepherd's coats...that are SO WARM and cozy when you are living in a cement building in the cold winter without central heat!! The head covering is optional.
If you are shopping for trinkets... they've got them! I especially like the wooden camels. My boys always show more interest in those daggers on the wall.
You can buy your fresh spices here, too!
And the produce is fabulous! And cheap!
I have a hard time resisting these bags every time... Especially since they only cost about $4!
So, who wants to come over and go shopping with me? I'll take you to visit my national friends and we will drink Turkish coffee together! It will be fun!!
