Grocery Shopping

by Libby Weber
As my roommate Heather and I attempted our first purchase into a Cagliese grocery market to stock on some apartment essentials – myself with a deceivingly heavy basket of can goods, olives and cheeses, and Heather arms full of oversized water and juice bottles – we stood in what we anticipated as being a checkout line. The same line we are used to standing in at the Kroger or Whole Foods back at home did not technically exist in this little market. We continued to stand there, trying not to get in anyone’s way, as numerous other shoppers approached the counter and took charge of their purchases. We looked at each other wondering if these shoppers were intentionally budging in line because we were invading their territory. And trying to remain respectful of the locals and their market and their routine, we continued to take small hesitating steps backward, shying away from everything unfamiliar. Finally, the checkout lady with a goofy smile on her face signaled to come forward and share the counter space with what seems to be no order whatsoever. So I guess when it comes to small Italian markets (or at least those in Cagli), you fend for yourself – and your groceries – when finalizing your purchases.