Living in Lyon: Faire des Courses

An entry from Brittany Lashley and her study abroad adventures in [ Lyon, France ] self-proclaimed: non-writer babbling out a few experiences.

#thestruggle

Once I have come to the terms that though I can purchase reasonable transportation and lodgment within the tightest of budgets, I can’t seem to work my way around a grocery store. I would buy a bunch of things, but none of which appropriate for the sustaining of life. So I humbled myself and begged my sisters, cousin and mother for some kind of advice because I lack the basic skills of an average 23-year-old. Anyway, today, no less than an hour ago, I figured out grocery shopping.

My first problem was that my weekly budget for food was larger than my fridge, so I would end up woefully throwing away things that started to go bad.

My first step was to get a general idea of the prices of things, for ex. Bâtard* is 0,80€ at Casino* and a pointe of Brie is 1,89€ at Dia**. Once I got the general idea of the necessities I set a budget of around 10€ for every time I go to the grocery store. So now I only go to the store about twice a week as opposed to everyday.

Before going to the store I jot down a list that I attempt to stay loyal to. Today I went to Franprix** and actually did pretty well, didn’t pay more than 2€ for each item. And I stuck to my list, no macarons or obscure cheeses.

Usually (even in bad grocery shopping) If I can’t find what I need or don’t like the price, I go to another grocery store. Somedays I go on a grocery “tour” ending at the grocery store across the street from the dorms.

For instance, two days ago I went to the Uxpress** to pick up a carrot (0,06) and a mushroom (0,22) paid all in change. Then I went to the Casino and bought Bâtard (0,80) and a tomato (0,99). It sounds ridiculous to shop like this, but I do it so that I have just enough for the week and nothing goes bad.

My advice when grocery shopping in a foreign country:

– Look around and compare the stores

– Don’t feel like you have to commit to one store

– And try to stick to the list/ budget. I know that some things pop up, like the government requiring you to buy 300 kilos of macarons for the french army….but for the most part that isn’t the case, unfortunately.

*A type of bread

** grocery stores