What better place to start than at the local shopping center and mall?

During my first full day in Tel Aviv, E and I walked towards the main shopping center. It’s a surprisingly short and pleasant walk to the mall with shops lining the street along the way.

I’m a big fan of “observational shopping”. I believe a communities characteristics, quirks, and habits can initially be seen in its shopping areas.

Under any normal circumstance, you wouldn’t be able to throw me into a shopping center but everything becomes far more interesting when it isn’t American.

Dizengoff Shopping Center

(above) Dizengoff Center Shopping Mall, Tel Aviv

I also made my first overseas grocery shopping trip alone. On second thought, I wouldn’t exactly call it grocery shopping. It was more like convenience store shopping. Gone are the massive Super Wal-Marts, Jewel, and Meijers. Instead they have compact stores on nearly every block providing everything from cereal to cheese to wine to pastries.

Tel Aviv Grocery Store

It’s a little strange not knowing if the person checking you out can understand English. In general, I choose to stay silent unless spoken to. I got lucky this time around because the lady doing the check-outs didn’t seem in the mood for a conversation anyway. All I did was watch the computer screen so that I knew how much to pay.

After I payed, I was a little shocked to see that the check-out lady merely shoved my items next to the plastic bags and literally threw the receipt on top of it all. I thought maybe there was a line forming behind me and she was rushed to help them. I looked back to double check the line and didn’t see a soul behind me. In fact, I’m fairly certain I was the only customer in the store.

I started bagging my food next to her while she turned to stare in the opposite direction. If Americans know one thing, it’s customer service. I’m getting a feeling it’s pushed a little to the way side here. To each their own.

The receipt for my first grocery store trip was sparse and only included cereal, yogurt, and pretzels. It was more of a confidence builder than anything else.

Tel Aviv Beer


Bonus Photo: Beer!

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