I have not yet made a visit to Modern Bazaar where I don't see another face from the expat community. Kind of like back at home in the snowglobe at Giant Eagle!
We get dropped off at the "purn-stied" ... which is what Mia calls the quaint metal turnstile. Then you walk down a narrow brick walkway, surrounded on either side by dirt. Sometimes, there are cows, sometimes there are just cow PIES, and sometimes there are impromptu cricket matches!
Of course, a shopping trip is NOT complete without the puppy dog tagging along in the stroller.
In the middle of a larger shopping complex, Modern Bazaar is the closest we're going to get to a grocery store ... and it ain't too shabby!
Notice the "free home delivery" note on the sign above? It's really pretty cool that you can call in, and have your groceries delivered! I"m too much of a chicken though, that I'll end up with the wrong items. Wonder what the return policy is on THAT?
The below photo was taken by accident, but it's of the sodas and drinks that are piled up outside of the store.
An entire freezer full of Haagen Dazs
An entire shelf full of cake mixes. Though it's typically only 2-3 actual CHOICES of flavors.
And at this price??? Seriously? (converts to about $4.85/box) Correct me if I'm wrong, but they're about $2.00 in the US, right?
Love that you can get fresh bread, and then they slice it for you on request. The prices for bread is MUCH more reasonable ... at Rs. 20 per loaf ($0.43).
I couldn't very easily get a shot of the price tag on this little bottle of Ranch dressing ... but it converts to about $6.90/bottle and was a TEENY bottle. Since our family literally DRINKS Ranch dressing, we'll soon be trying Ree's Homemade Ranch Recipe! Or rather, Shanti will be trying it soon.
I got REALLY excited on three separate occasions. ONE when I saw the bag of frozen scallops. I haven't had them in ages, and I love to cook them with all sorts of variations. Saw the price tag, and immediately got UN excited. Rs. 2200. I questioned whether it was a typo? He said "no madam, not for THAT brand".
TWO ... when I saw the liquid flavored coffee creamers. Can't remember exactly, but about $9.00 a bottle. Sadness!!
THREE ... when I thought I saw cans of chicken noodle soup. I was wrong. It was oxtail. Gross.
Is it weird that I just -- for the first time -- had Nutella yesterday?
Yes ... she is SUCH a big helper. Eating Cheetos while she shops.
Friendly check-out guy.
Who adds up my purchase using the store register. Then adds it up by hand.
Then double checks it with the calculator.
All in all ... not ALL that different than my experience in the States ... except at a heftier price tag. MUCH heftier. There's also not any guarantee that the things you want/need are there WHEN you want them.
But ... when convenience, air conditioning and hard rap music is what you want ... Modern Bazaar is the store for you! Another perk? They carry the groceries back up that narrow walkway ... all the way to your car!
They even - if truth be told - will follow you around the store carrying your metal baskets FOR you ...
Score!
