Heavy Groceries

Grocery shopping differs quite a bit between France and the U.S.

In Paris, we would walk ten minutes to the metro and ride it for two stops, before exiting and walking a block to reach our favorite Monoprix. We usually exited with both our reusable shopping bags bursting at the seams, and sometimes left with an extra bag. Usually, we rode the metro back home. But, on more than one occasion, we simply walked to the store, or, gasp, walked home carrying the groceries.

Today, since the boyfriend is sick, I got in the car and drove to Safeway to get supplies. I grabbed one of those black baskets at the door and filled it with eight yogurts, four powerades, and two raisin breads. I then swung by the water aisle and picked up two and a half gallons of water. Next, I walked straight to a cashier, put my items on the counter, and waited for the person in front of me to finish checking out.
 
This conversation with the male, fifty year old cashier followed:

Checker: "Is the water yours?"
Me: "Yes it is."
Checker: "Because I didn't see a cart...did you carry that over here?!"
Me: "Yes, I did."
Checker: "Isn't that too heavy?"
Me: "I just returned from Paris where you carry your groceries home, so I guess I just got used to that."
Checker: "So, you've been training..."
Me: "I suppose so..."
Checker: "Well are you sure you wouldn't like a cart or at least help outside?"
Me: "I'll be okay."
Checker: "Alright...well, you are certainly stronger than I am!"

Exiting the store, I carried my two bags of groceries and water to my car parked less than a block away. It only took me five to ten minutes to drive home, park in the garage, and walk through the front door.

I was so befuddled by the encounter, I made my sick boyfriend get out of bed and assess the groceries before recounting the story. He responded with a shrug, "Americans..." After a moment, "I guess you've turned Parisian."