China - Day 51, Thursday

I went to Pines today for some groceries. Buying the imported items are very expensive. I am trying to buy local items, but it is hard when I can't read what it is or how to cook it. I figured today I would talk about the cost of some of the things I buy here.

Fruit Loops Cereal 79RMB = $12.54
Apple Cinnamon Cereal  99 RMB = $15.71
Reese's Puffs Cereal 90 RMB = $14.30
1/2 lb Butter (Japanese brand)  29 RMB = $4.60
1 lb Land O Lakes Butter 47 RMB = $7.46
Bon Ami Cleaner 56 RMB = $8.89
Canned Peas & Carrots 23 RMB = $3.65
Heinz small Yellow Mustard 21 RMB = $3.34
Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts 50 RMB = $7.93
Green Giant jar sliced mushrooms 36 RMB = $5.71
Small can Tomato Paste 10 RMB = $1.60
Fruit by the Foot (double box) 45 RMB = $7.15
Red Barron Frozen Pizza 150 RMB = $23.80 
         (actually didn't realize it was that much, thought it was around $10,
           guess I won't buy that again!)
Package Sloppy Joe Mix 13 RMB = $2
Ortega Taco Sauce 40 RMB = $6.35
Ortega Taco Shells 28 RMB = $4.45
Betty Crocker Cookie Mix 37 RMB = $5.87
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix 24 RMB = $3.80
Land O Lakes Cheddar cheese, bar 42RMB = $6.67
Cello 4pk sponges 25RMB = $3.97
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes 48 RMB = $7.60
Betty Crocker Pancake Mix 50 RMB = $7.63
Lays Potato Chips small bag 36 RMB = $5.71
Shout Stain Remover (small with brush) 54 RMB = $8.57
Nestle 100 Grand bar (small) 14 RMB = $2.25

I do buy local fruits and vegetables. The meat is not too expensive. I just have to get away from the imported items! This is why every expat that goes home, fills their suitcases with food when they return. So anyone coming to visit will be asked to bring food from home!!

Shipping items isn't much better. I needed our Marriage Certificate sent to us. My sister-in-law, Renee, went to City Hall and got it for us and then went to Fed Ex to overnight it to us. This was last Monday. They told her it would arrive on Friday. She repeated that she wanted it shipped overnight, and they told her that that was overnight! Then they charged her $100 to ship an envelop with paper in it!

Think of me next time you are grocery shopping and complaining of the cost of food (like I used to do)!!

Jennifer shipped us a box this week with Keebler crackers (Peanut Butter for Randy and Cheese for Daniel) and some Quaker Chocolate covered, Chocolate Chip Granola bars. She got the flat rate box which cost her $58. We will see how long that takes. Will let you know when it gets here.