I am teetering on the edge of a great discovery, of which I will be certain once I’ve done more research.
For the first time, I got the chance to take a proper look around Sainsbury’s. What I found disturbed and delighted me: I am convinced that Sainsbury’s is cheaper than Waitrose.
It’s a delight, because it’s so close to my flat that there’s no chance of getting lost on the windy, twisty, cobble-y mess of a non-grid-system that is London. It’s disturbing because I’ve been shelling out big bucks (big quid?) for Waitrose when I could have been shopping at my local Sainsbury’s with more convenience to my feet and wallet.
Essentials like pasta + noodle sauce (which I went in there seeking) were cheaper. I saw a fair of amount of delicious-looking chocolate, desserts and yogurt, which delighted me. I also saw Sainsbury’s carries Uncle Ben brand rice.
Even though it was “Spicy Mexican Rice” flavor, catching a glimpse of the iconic little orange sachet spoke to the most African American part of me.
In other news, I ordered an iced chai latte much to the confusion of a local barista. I am intrigued to find out if iced chais aren’t popular in the U.K. or if it was a personal misunderstanding.
When I researched “iced chais in the U.K.,” Prêt-à-Manger’s iced chai was the first result. I wonder if only bigger chains, like Starbucks and Prêt, are responsible for dishing out iced chai lattes. Then, it would just be a matter of global perspectives (this drink is popular in the States) vs. Eurocentric ones (an iced… chai? Aside: Do we make those?).
Today wasn’t so much about life-changing experiences or big reveals so much as it was about little curiosities. Just know that when I’m out living London or embroiled in a political debate in class, these are the mysteries I’m turning over behind my eyes.
