The Walmart of the World. This is what I call Ambreeka. In particular, for people living in Europe, it is a heaven for shopping. Each of my US trips always ends up with a shopping weekend. Normally, I am not a big fan of shopping and buy stuff as and when needed. But looking at the prices in US, I feel like it is a crime if I don’t buy stuff at the offered prices because how low can you go. Anything below this level would be like asking the products for free. I have even seen advertisements on some Travel agents’ shop in Germany offering cheap tickets for US just for shopping.
So last weekend, I was all high on shopping. At one point of time, I had to really stop myself to pause and take a deep breath to actually realize what was going on. All this is good but after the shopping spree, I always end up with a hangover. A hangover of guilt. I am never able to convince myself that I really needed all that stuff. I mean my life was also going fine without buying all those things. I hope I get over such feelings.
I always wonder on my US trips, how tough would it be for people living in the US to maintain good health after the watching their eating habits and their retail stores. One must definitely take extraordinary steps to stay healthy with the number of fast food joints that are available. It always surprises me how the stores in US sell juices, drinks, eateries etc all in jumbo packs. I always have a tough time finding a single can of cola or juice to buy at stores.
On this trip, I also made it a point to meet as many friends as possible living on the east coast. I was completely overwhelmed after meeting a friend of mine after about 20 years. It amazes me how we kept in touch over all these years without even meeting. And the way my friend me just blew me away. He and his wife met me with such warmth that I cannot describe. Never did it felt that we were meeting after so long. It was definitely a memorable meetup.
I also plan to meet some more friends this weekend before returning back and I am over exciting thinking about it. I hope I have more to write about it next week :)
6 comments:
Oh man don't remind me. Last year I had just moved to the US and I used to shop on a weekly basis. Then one day I just stopped cold turkey. It was the best thing I ever did. I still shop, but in moderation. I even have a list of necessities. No luxuries!
Glad you had a chance to catch up with old friends! Feels awesome doesn't it?
Good observation about the JUMBO packs. I believe it will gradually change - the economy and growing awareness of sustainable living will force a change.
O yeah Gayatri ... a whole new post coming up for that.
Life Unordinary ... I hope too ... no wonder the world call it a consuming economy :)
all of my friends who shifted to Us gained incredible weight just eating junk food.....later they went on crazy diets/excercise to get back to shape
http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.com
shooting star .... I have exactly the same experience with my friends :)
Yep...US is a shoppers paradise, especially when they have their Memorial day and Christmas Day sales.
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