So I've been reading this book "The Raw Food Detox Diet" just for some tips on foods to eat that are of a more healthy variety than the starchy potatoes and chicken. It's actually a very interesting book, and as many of you know, I don't believe in "diets" per-se, but this book represents a way of living. All of the recommendations make sense, and there isn't a need to "deny" yourself anything. It is merely about substituting raw foods into your diet. I love fruits and veggies, so it isn't really a problem.
The problem: finding products in Slovakia. There are many reasons for this issue: language barriers, choices relating to "post"-socialist leanings, quality of produce, and lack of "health food" interest to name a few. The problems with shopping in Central-Eastern Europe vs. the US is the inspiration for the title of this post. It references a conversation that I had with Matt and his mom when I was at the supermarket on Sunday. Matt's family lived in Germany before the wall came down, so in the years since democracy took over some things are very different...aka: shops being open on Sundays and actually being able to find a product that you want without having to wake up at 4am and stand in line for hours.
Apparently there is a place called "bio bio" in one of the shopping centers, but I haven't had the chance to go there yet. Maybe that will be an adventure for later this week.
Don't worry Mom and Dad, I'm not ACTUALLY starving. I employ hyperbole for the sake of theatrics.
I had my first bus check today as well! In Slovakia, you have to buy tickets to ride the bus. They come in minute increments, so you buy one pertaining to how long you will be riding. There is also a 3month pass that you can buy, which is what I do, which allows you to ride when you want for however long you want, which comes in handy for rides to work because you never know just how bad rush-hour is going to be. So I was just minding my own business listening to my i-pod on the way to work, and I'm doing my usual non-chalant people watching routine, when I see that everyone is taking out their tickets/passes. I look up and to my right and there is a very large and angry looking man hassling people and swiping their passes through a reader. I get a little nervous, even though I have nothing to be nervous about, but there is always an excited tension when we are forced to prove that we belong. I handed him my card, and he gave it back without any issues. Phew. If you get caught without a valid ticket/pass you have to pay Sk 1500...thats a pretty expensive fine, and if you don't have the money on you, they will walk you to the nearest ATM to collect. Thus, for those of you who will be visiting me: always be prepared!
Also, since it is pertinent for people to know where they are going while they are in Bratislava, you can go to this website. It has everything about public transportation here, so you can acquaint yourselves with it before you come.
4 hours ago
2 comments:
I shall get aquainted.
Fresh produce is a luxury we in the United States have become accustomed to. In this age of refrigerated transport and global markets, we have the opportunity to enjoy some pretty good tasting fruits and vegetables (except tomatoes) year round.
But we're spoiled. Not every country, or every region, has that benefit. In fact, it wasn't that long ago that many Americans spent a large part of the fall season "canning" the bounty of their harvest, so they could enjoy it all winter. No refrigerated transport, no "frozen" packages of vegetables. So, as you are experiencing, some are not as fortunate as we.
By the way, your mother does the hyberbole thing, too.
Bus checks. As a general principle, public transportation in an urban environment is far more responsible, from many standpoints, than everyone having a vehicle at their disposal. But it comes at a price. First, the schedule. Second, routing (you may need to change lines, walk a long distance, etc.). And finally, compliance with rules. To enforce compliance, the penalties need to be severe. Otherwise, scofflaws will take the risk of getting caught, because it may be cheaper than compliance in the long run. That's human nature, whether in North America or Europe. Can't say about some other cultures. Perhaps you should ask other @ers.
Post a Comment