Toiletries and other fun stuff.

After living the last seven years in a small city, I’ve come to learn a thing or two. Like how contrary to popular belief, you can still get around without a car or functioning public transit. Out here, we walk everywhere. Yes, it’s true, things are a little more spread out and it is admittedly a little harder to get around, but it’s no deterrent. Take me for example, I walk 2.5 km (each way) to and from campus, add 2.5 for groceries or 5 if I want the higher quality stuff and another 4 km for any sidetracks and detours (dinner and a movie, etc.). In any given day, I can be anywhere from 5-14 km (that’s 3.1-8.7 miles for my American friends). And that doesn’t even include all the little stuff in between.

It isn’t all glory though. I go through shoes like no tomorrow. I bought a new pair just eight months ago, six of which have been winter (so I didn’t wear them) and I already need new ones. Oh, and I’m not all posh about it either. I mean I hold on for as long as I can. Like really really. Like I’ve been single handedly supporting the local cobbler and his seven children really.

Another thing is groceries … toilet paper is a classic example. Walking down the street with a Charmin’s 30 pack of double rolls is not exactly the best way to make new friends (or keep old ones). You’ve got to blend it in. Don’t just buy toilet paper, buy a few other odds and ends. I find that a big bright orange box of tide works best. Other detergents work well too. Beans are suicide. Ciao!!