Closing Time

Today I had lunch with a friend from my American ex-pat group. After lunch we decided to stop by and see what movies* were playing. I figured I had time for a movie, and would still have time to go to the store after it was over and before I went to church.

The movie ended around 5:30 (or 17:30 because here they use stupid military time, I hope I eventually get the hang of that). To my dismay the stores were all closed. Now, I know the stores close earlier here and most are only open til 5 on weeknights and Sunday. But I thought at least the supermarkets would still be open. No. Instead I have to starve after 5pm on Sundays. It's also frustrating on weeknights because although supermarkets are open later than 5, other stores close at 5 or 6 so if I want to shop I can't go after work and am forced to go on the weekends when the stores are packed. I did learn tonight that Thursdays some places have "late opening hours" meaning that they're open until 8pm. Wow. I hope the shopkeepers aren't staying up past their bed times.

*Next time you are about to complain about the high price of movie tickets in Cincinnati think of me paying 7.50 pounds. Convert that to dollars and then your $9 won't seem so bad...and that was a matinee.