An Exercise in Avoiding Boredom

I think I haven’t complained about the cost of living in Northern California for a while, so it is about time to do it again. Look at the photo below and make a guess how much these everyday shopping items cost me.

It was about $40. That’s right. $40 for a package of Corn Flakes, a jar of Salsa, a Chocolate bar, some Quark, four tomatoes, and two “organic” bell peppers. Here are the details.

• Kelloggs Corn Flakes: $5.49
• S/K Black Bean Salsa: $6.50
• New Tree Chocolate Bar: $4.95
• Two Organic Bell Pepper: $10.99
• Four Cluster Tomatoes: $4.94
• Vermont Butter & Cheese (Quark): $7.95

Total amount: $40.82. Whoa!

So, I know, I could have got most of this cheaper at Walmart. But I usually shop at CostCo anyway. I went to Draeger’s because some of my friends at work complained that CostCo’s vegetables are of inferior quality to high-end places like Draeger’s. We’ll see; I expect the tomatoes and bell paper to melt on my tongue and send me into culinary delirium.

In any case, it’s good that I can get speciality items like Quark around here, even if I’m paying through the nose to get them. Lang lebe Kalifornien. As long as there are enough German customers.

PS: If you think I’m bashing California, have some fun reading up on the cost of living in Boston.