4ever Discovering

If I was to think of one thing I would miss most about being away

from Canada for a year (other than my family and friends of course),

it would be a close call between East Side Mario’s and Costco.  There is

something I love about browsing through the aisles of Costco,

munching on some free samples, and wanting to buy all of the food in

the store.  Going to Costco in my family is part of our weekly routine;

my mom needs to buy enough groceries to feed an army (really just

my brother), and I always tag along for the food!

 

When we moved to Taiwan, I didn’t even register the idea that there

might be a Costco in Taipei.  I don’t remember seeing them in France

when I was living there, so I just assumed I would have to go the year

without my hotdogs and swirl ice cream cones.  Boy, was I in for a real

treat when Emily and I found out there was a Costco only about 20

minutes from our house!

 

Our first thoughts were about how different the products sold would be from the Canadian stores.  Would they still sell all of the same clothes?  Would they sell the same fruits and vegetables?  Maybe most importantly, would they sell the big jar of spicy beans and pray for clamato juice?  Luckily for us, our friend had a membership and we were able to check it out for ourselves.  To answer all of my questions: yes, they sell the same clothing, right down to the leggings and slippers; they sell the same produce, even the broccoli pre-cut in a bag; however, there is no clamato juice or spicy beans to be found.  I guess two out of three isn’t bad.

 

During our first trip to Costco, I felt like a kid in a candy shop; I wanted to buy everything!  I think I was just so surprised how similar it was to home, I felt an immediate urge to go shopping.  They had the snack section, the clothing section, the book section, and even the fresh foods and salads prepared.  Best of all, they even had the cafe to buy food after you check-out!  To my surprise, the hotdog and pop is advertised on a giant sign like at home, attracting everyone to purchase our beloved kosher meat.  When the price is right, who can say no?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some fun facts about the Taiwanese Costco and how it differs from Canada:

1. They sell chicken caesar salad premade!  It’s not Renee’s dressing, but if you don’t mind the flavour a little sweeter, it is a delicious meal.

2. They still have their premade salad section where you can buy quick meals to go.  The added bonus is they have their own SUSHI section where you can buy pounds of sushi ready at your convenience.  This just screams Asia to me.

3. Free sample are a universal Costco selling point; yes, they still have them here.

4. You can buy your weekly beer and wine at Costco.  There is nothing better than buying your alcohol in bulk.

5. They still have a Christmas section with advent calendars!  Emily and I had to splurge and buy some to get into the festive spirit.

6. The cafe to buy food has to be more popular than McDonalds!  I swear people just come here to eat (sounds like a certain family I know back at home…).  You have to watch people like a hawk to find a table.  Here is what I learned; you need to stand so close to a table that they feel uncomfortable enough to leave.  This is when you swoop in and grab the table.

7. You can buy pizza at the cafe!  Their toppings are a little strange, like seafood pizza, but still delicious!  Of course I tried it.

8. If you want onions or relish for your hotdog, you need to get them out of a dispenser.  I know, weird.  It looks likes a grinder you turn to chop the onions right onto your hotdog, but it all tastes the same no matter what.

9. Don’t be alarmed if you see someone put relish on their pizza.  I thought maybe it was just this one person I saw the first time, but then continued to see more and more people follow suit.  Please try not to gag.

 

In a nutshell, Costco is amazing.  I could go on for days expressing my love for this store; I don’t know how people ever lived without it.  Emily and I decided to buy ourselves our very own membership so we can go and shop anytime we want.  They may have spelled her name ‘Emaily’ on the card, but I’m sure they won’t ever question us.  If we ever feel like we are missing our Western culture, nothing will cheer us up more than a stroll through the aisles of our favourite department store.