Shopping in Hong Kong

Things you take for granted living in the U.S.

-CONVENIENCE-

Today, my focus, 

is on shopping....

Seriously.

Target

You can go to Target

and pretty much count on

 being able to get most anything you need.  

Bedding.

Appliances.

FOOD.

(even organic)

CASES of WATER!

Cleaning supplies.

even a PHARMACY.

Entertainment stuff...

Clothes.

Bikes.

Pet supplies...

I mean really, you name it...

Good chance it is there.

Hong Kong NEEDS a Target.

(Todd, said that would be my number one thing

 I miss from the USA!  ha, he might be correct.)

Shopping is complicated out here.

First, you have to figure out where in the heck to find things.

Which store has what and where is that store?

Japanese home store has basic needs for around the house.

International grocery store has most of your food needs.

There is one pharmacy in Tung Chung,

and did you know, Ibuprophen is behind the counter?

Yah, took us a while to figure that out.

Generic medication names are different out here too.

A cleaning supply store, which smells strange.

Oh, they have a Pet store, but...

They don't have dog beds?

I couldn't fit the dog beds, dogs have no beds.

Don't worry they have pillows, 

but I want to get them dog beds!

The pet store does have kennel liners
and the lady tried to convince me those are beds.

NOT!

Besides.  I already have those in their kennels.

Oh...  and finding things that you wouldn't imagine 

would be hard to find, such as STICK deodorant?

Todd mentioned difficulty finding this item...

(I still have plenty, phew, for now)...

Who knew Stick deodorant, as opposed to roll-on,

was a Western thing?

Ha!  And to think about the ridiculous amount of time I would spend choosing the 'best' smelling deodorant.  Now, I am like do you have any that are not a spray or roll-on? 

Yah, that question gets lost in translation...

(but really, roll-ons are cold and slimey)

That and Cheese.

Cheese.

One of the two favorite life substance of Kayla's...

Bread and Cheese.

The bread out here is awesome.

No worries.  

You do need to go to the bakery (to get the good stuff though).

Although, we still haven't found sourdough...

But, Cheese, real cheese, is imported.  

Well, cheese that tastes like cheese, 

not quite sure what the local stuff is.

which means it is not cheap.  

For the first time in Kayla's life she has had to eat cheese sparingly!

She has been eating more rice and fruit, though!

Ok.  

So, you have to go to 10 different places 

to find what you are looking for, 

if you can find it, 

and without at car.

You know, on foot??!

That takes some getting used to.

I love the transit and not having to deal with 

all things related to cars, gas, insurance, parking etc....

However, whatever you buy you have to carry home.

In your arms.

Walk, bus, train it home.

Which means you are not going to be buying very much at a time.

Which is actually ok, cause space is limited.

But, also means a Trolley is a MUST.

I love the TROLLEY, 

AKA my new grocery transporting device, 

much cheaper than a car!

We actually have two Trolleys.  

Oh.  and besides a Trolley.

Do NOT forget to bring your own re-usable grocery bags.

That is the norm.

Everyone has their own bags.

If you are getting cold items,

don't forget your thermal bag.

Even though the walk may not be far, 

IT IS HOT out!

That and an umbrella.

I seem to be able to time our walk home perfectly 

with the random sudden downpours.

Which are really awesome, 

when you are not carrying groceries. LOL! 

(I now keep an umbrella IN the trolley, brilliant, I know!)

Shopping out here really gives you an appreciation for sure.

Things are far too convenient in the US.

Seriously, everything you need in one spot - BORING! 

Shopping is even an adventure out here!!!

And...

You never know what you will end up with?!

Surprises are always in store, sweet!

Ok, it is kind of fun, especially when you go to the authentic stores and most things are in Chinese symbols.  It is kind of like a mystery item. I think this item is floor cleaner? Did I buy floor cleaner, window cleaner, dish soap? Heck, it all cleans.  It is all good! (: 

Well, next time you are at Target, enjoy for me, ok?!

and maybe even BUY some stick deodorant, 

just cause you can!