Supermarket adventures: the early days

Supermarkets in Poland have weird names, such as Biedronka (Ladybug), Żabka (Little frog), Małpka (Little monkey). They sure like their animals don't they?

Biedronka is a very popular low price supermarket. Frog and monkey shops are smaller and you see them every few blocks here in Warsaw.

Around our block we have a Fresh Market and a Frog shop, which are comparable small shops.

Personnel does not speak English. Or does not want to. Or is scared to.
Now, that's what I call a massive challenge when just arriving. However, it was the fastest way to learn the language. The basics at the least.

I thought.

My wife asked me to buy cottage cheese once. So I asked what it would be in Polish. "Serek wiejski" she said. OK, fine. Will find it. In fact, I will not leave that shop without it! Serek I heard of, I knew that ser means cheese, but wiejski? Definitely not cottage.

So I enter this shop, full of determination. Took me about 15 minutes before finding the right area in this 80 m² shop. Brie I recognized, French cheese spreads I saw, but no serek. Let's check one more time I thought, really do not want to ask...

Unfortunately it really wasn't on the shelf and went to the cashier. In the meantime I was thinking how the hell I could ask a question.

So when it was my turn it went something like this:

Me: "Dzień dobry" (Good day)
Cashier: "..." (noticed the fear in her eyes)
Me: "erhm erhm....errrhhm" (what the hell was that cheese name again).
Cashier: "..." (looking like I was from Mars)

With sweaty palms I then rattled out the famous words:

"Serek miejski koniec?"

Cashier: "..." (the queue getting longer)
Me: "Jutro?" (tomorrow?)
Cashier: "..."
Me: "Do widzenia." (goodbye)
Cashier: "..." (totally confused)

So I went home empty handed, also confused. I mean, I said what the name of the product was. With a bit of effort that cashier could have said at least something about its availability.

At home my wife wanted to know what I asked, so I explained the whole story.
She then laughed so hard that her belly must have hurt from it.

What the fuck have I done wrong?

She started to explain that she wanted me to buy what they call "village cheese". That I should have asked for "serek wiejski" not "serek miejski." 

I was still confused, just one letter was different, they must have understood me.

Right?

Well no. Instead of "village cheese finished?" I asked "City cheese finished?"

We still make fun about it when we are in that shop. "Honey you get the bread, I will get the city cheese ok?"

From then I realized that learning the Polish would be a tough cookie. Later I will write about my language school adventures, stay tuned!

Opłatki

Christmas wafer (opłatek, plural opłatki)
A Christmas tradition celebrated during Wigilia (Vigil) on Christmas Eve.

 Opłatek

What are they?
The unleavened wafers are baked from pure wheat flour and water, are usually rectangular in shape and very thin; they are identical in composition to the altar bread used in the Catholic Church.

From a few days before Christmas, you can also buy opłatki on the street, this photo I took at the Metro station in the center.

Family
Before partaking of the Christmas Eve meal, the family gathers around the table. The eldest member holds a large wafer and breaks off a piece to begin the ritual. The remaining wafer is passed on to another member while a prayer for loved ones is said. This continues until everyone at the table has a piece of the wafer. Finally, the family members consume their share quietly.

History
The breaking of the Christmas wafer is a custom that began in Poland in the 10th century and is practiced by people of Polish ancestry around the world. It is considered the most ancient and beloved of Polish traditions.

Where?
In Poland and some parts of Central Europe, these Christmas wafers are dyed and used as ornaments. They are also sent as small trinkets with greeting cards to loved ones who are away from home.

Symbol
They are identical in composition to the altar bread that becomes the Eucharist at the consecration during Mass in Catholic Church. Being only a reminder of the Body of Christ used in private homes, Opłatki lack sanctification by a priest or bishop.
Opłatki also symbolize the unity of the family, the main pillar of society. They also symbolize forgiveness and reconciliation.


All in all a very nice family tradition, I participated for the first time a few days ago. Another Polish tradition under my belt!

It's too late to wish you a Merry Christmas, so let me wish you and your families a happy new year, in good health.