How much was that?

Whenever I travel to foreign countries I love to walk through neighborhood grocery stores to see what food the local people like to eat and what products they use.  Well, now I am the one purchasing the food and products!

Produce Section of Coop

The produce here is beautiful.  It is grown in small family farms. Corporate farming is not a part of their culture.  They don't believe in it. We might get bigger peaches, but do they always taste good?

There is also organic produce, which is labeled 'Bio'.  See the word 'Aktion', that means it's on sale.

They have a very efficient way of weighing produce.  On the tag below the particular vegetable or fruit is the price and a 'number'.  This number corresponds to the same number on a chart above the scale.

Simply put the vegetable on the scale, press the corresponding number and presto, a little sticker is produced which you stick to the bag.  So much more easier that the produce check out I have seen anywhere in the US.

Produce Scale

I also search grocery store shelves for familiar US brands and to see how much that product costs abroad.  I had heard that the prices in Switzerland were high.  I did some research before I came and learned that the Swiss balance their high prices with really good salaries.  I read that cashiers make 'really good money.'  Now I really wonder what that means!  Today I am going to share with you my latest 'grocery store finds' and their prices.  Ready?

Mayo similar to Hellman's

Thomy is a Nestle Brand of mayonnaise.  It is CH8.50 for the large jar.  That translates to about $8.60 a jar.  We buy the small jar and use sparingly.  Mayo is also sold is what looks like a toothpaste tube.  We bought one and took it on a hiking excursion.  It made making a sandwich really easy!  Just felt weird squirting it out!

Tobasco

Ajax

Like Tabasco sauce?  It is  CH3.30 ($3.50) for a little bottle.


Need to clean something?  Try Ajax.  At CH7.35 ($7.50) you might not clean as often!






Now I am not sure about Pampers.  I am a long time removed from that world, so you will have to help me here.  I only know that a 24 pack in Switzerland is CH14.50 (about $15.00)  How much are they in the US?

Mascara

Want to get beautiful?  Maybelline Mascara is CH14.50 (about $15.00) a piece.








And corn on the cob is $2.10 EACH!

It has been a really shocking experience to see how much things cost here.  And I haven't even talked about the cost of meat, which is sold in small amounts.  I'll get to that in another post.  But I have to tell you, I am in a field of appreciation for the cost of living in the US.  I don't think we can really appreciate what we have until we can compare it to something.  Is that a feature of our minds?  Until we have a comparison, we really don't know.  I can say I am grateful for my life in the US, but let me tell you, I have a new level of 'knowing appreciation' that I did not have before.  I never realized how easily I shopped at the grocery at home.  Sure I looked for bargains and sales, but here when I am at the checkout I am always in a state of amazement (I hope it doesn't show on my face), when the total of the purchase is shared with me and I only have 4 items.  And then there are NO grocery bags, unless you buy reusable bags.  They do not believe in paper bags.  You bring your own way of carrying your groceries home or you carry your loose items in your arms.

Did I say this is an education?  Every minute I learn more about life outside the boundaries that I was used to.  My ability to adapt, to stretch and be flexible are put to the test daily.

Until next time...froh Einkaufen (happy shopping)

Marybeth