A Day In Ukrainian Life- Part II

Let's talk grocery-shopping. In the States- it's all fairly standardized. You can go to Kroger's or Albertson's and the like... and maybe if you're feeling fancy- Whole Food's. And every once in awhile, you make it to a farmer's market.


Here, in Odessa. There are a lot more in-betweens. And even the 'average' grocery store experience is considerably different than in the States.


Allow me to illustrate a shopping experience in our neighborhood Cilpo (which would be the equivalent of a chain store like Vons or something. Mid-range prices, standardized, and convenient)

• At the entrance- there are rows of lockers. This allows people to put away their bulky bags and things for their shopping convenience.


• You can grab a shopping cart or a basket and both are MUCH smaller than what we have in the States. People just don't stock up on groceries like we do in the States!


• In the produce area, you pick out your items, place them in a bag and then HAND them to an individual who weighs it and puts a price tag on the bag for you!


• Produce, bread etc. are generally delivered on Wednesdays. That's why there's a mad dash to the store on these days and if you're late... well- you may not get certain items later in the week!


• Like in the States, there are cooked food items that is sold. Fried chicken, coleslaw and the like. We have generally opted away from such choices.


• At check-out, they will ask you if you want to purchase a plastic bag. Yes... purchase. Most people are rather conscientious and bring their own plastic bag, and they proceed to bag their own items. We generally forget, and buy the bag for about 25 cents. It's really a good environmental policy!


• There's generally a manager or employee at the exit who will check your receipt to ensure that you have paid.

What's perhaps more interesting is the fact that most people do NOT purchase their groceries from stores like these. Instead, they opt to purchase most of their groceries from 'markets' that are generally located on the sidewalk (often in front of the large stores.) These are where the really good produce is sold! Carrots still have dirt on them.... apples are incredibly fresh. In fact, it didn't take us long to realize that food from the market goes bad a LOT faster! We learned quickly, and tend not to 'stock up' as much anymore! The prices are generally VERY affordable. These aren't specialized "farmer's markets"- they are there everyday. It's not a special outing. People just grab stuff on their way back from work. It's lovely!


And much like the rest of Europe- there are separate stands for fruit... and separate stands for meat... and separate stands for fish.

Every once in awhile, a home-baker will come to the market and sell pastries. I ALWAYS stop for one lady who brings the most amazing custard-filled chocolate pastries. She sells out VERY quickly!

So that's it! Groceries... Ukrainian style!