Ever since COVID began, my family has been pretty limited in places to visit when we just want to get out of the house and relax. Last summer we weren't able to go to the beach, have long road trips, or visit cities. But, we've actually found a new outlet to have family time.
Once a month, we've been going to Edison, New Jersey to visit the asian supermarket as well as other bakeries and restaurants in the area. My parents will rush in the supermarket, buying ingredients like noodles, beef, seafood, and sauces, which are ingredients for hotpot. We also make sure to buy asian snacks like matcha flavored ice cream, mochi, and etc., which we can't find in the supermarkets at home. My favorite part of these grocery runs is definitely when we're just about to leave and go shopping for food, so I can visit the stationary store which is located at the checkout area of the market.
I always order boba tea after shopping, and my mom gets shaved ice--one of her all time favorite treats. Even in the winter, it's really refreshing to have a cold, sweet, snack after running around the supermarket. The boba and shaved ice shops are in the same plaza as the supermarket, so it's really convenient.
It takes us a few hours to finish shopping for food, and usually we pick up sushi or takeout for dinner afterwards. The car ride back home is always a little disappointing because I know I'll have to wait a few weeks before we can go again, but it's also relieving because we are all so tired from shopping the whole day. While COVID did take away bigger luxuries like more eventful day trips and vacations, it also made me become more exposed to my own culture because previously, we didn't have as many ingredients at home that my parents could cook a more exciting variety of authentic dishes from.
Supermarkets the likes have shut down and that sucks. I had a ritual of going to various stores and buying chocolate milk by the gallon. But since Covid started I hate going out to stores even now as I think its irresponsible because I don't NEED to go. But in the lapse of time since then I have been craving chocolate milk because that stuff is GREAT. I usually drink it in a wine glass by the fireplace doing that stupid swirrl, sniff, swig thing that smug wine tasters do, and then work out. Overall the experience is great and I cant wait to do it on a bi-weekly event again.
ReplyDeleteEven though the pandemic is trapping us at home, it feels like my family is not getting as much family time as before. We used to go to the movies almost every week pre-covid, but since the pandemic started we haven't been to the movies once. We have recently started rewatching our favorite shows like Game of Thrones. I'm glad that you and your family were able to find something that you could enjoy together.
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