Shopping

One day in January, I was clearing snow in the parking lot when my neighbor came out. After saying hello and good morning to each other, she asked me whether I liked living in Yorkton as a newcomer.

“Yes, I like it.” I replied, “Although is very cold outside, inside the apartment room is warm and comfortable. The whole town is peaceful and beautiful, covered with thick snow. I like this feeling.”

“Really? Great. And what do you dislike?” she said kindly.

“I don’t like the water because it’s very hard, especially you will see the sediment in the cup’s bottom when you spoiled water. You know, most Chinese people only drink warm water. I’m not exceptional. So, could you tell me where I can buy some pure water?” I asked.

“There is no water cleaning system in this apartment building. As I know, almost every family in Yorkton must install a water cleaning system in their building.” she continued to say, “Canadian and Walmart sell purified water. I suggest you go to ‘Canadian’ to buy it. I think it’s cheaper and the quality is better than Walmart.”

“Where is the Canadian shop?” I asked.

“There is only one ‘Canadian’ in the southeastern corner of this town. It’s easy to find, there is a big logo at the top of the building, you can see it from far away.” she replied.

“And you said it’s cheaper, do you remember the price? Where should I buy the jug or pail to pack water?” I asked the next.

“Everything will be provided in the water shop inside the Canadian. The jug should be $10. Water is free for the first time buying if you buy the jug and water together, you should pay $2 for one jug of water from the second time on. I just bought water from the Canadian yesterday.” She answered.

“Great, thank you for such detailed and helpful information. You are so kind. Thank you very much.”

“Have a good day.” We ended our talk.

The next day, my wife and I went to the real Canadian superstore. Before arriving there, we saw a ‘Canadian’ logo from far away. We entered and found there was a water shop inside the supermarket. When I checked the price tags, it displayed that the jug was $16 and a jug of water (11 liters) was $6, I caught sight of a promotion board, “Sales: $6, 4 bottles of water”. A large bulk of “Equate” brand distilled water with small packages, which had 4 bottles (16 liters), was stacked beside the shop. It’s cheaper than a jug of water. So, I decided to buy a package of “Equate” water, without any hesitation.

After payment, we went back and parked the car in the lot. Coincidently, we met the lady again. She asked why we didn’t buy a jug of water when she saw we were carrying the 4 bottles of “Equate” water. I told her that the jug price was more expensive.

She blurted out: “Did you go to the Canadian? I just bought water there two days ago. You must have made a mistake.”

“Sure, the (real) Canadian Superstore, we just left there.”

“No, you were wrong. I meant Canadian Tire, not the superstore.”

“I remember you said only one ‘Canadian’ in Yorkton, so I think it must be the real Canadian Superstore where I did see the ‘Canadian’ logo”, I replied doubtingly.

“No, I said the ‘Canadian’ means the Canadian Tire shop, but ‘the real Canadian Superstore’ we call it as Superstore.” She laughed loudly.

“Oh, my god, how did I know this as a newcomer. Moreover, why does a tire shop sell water?” I smiled.

“Sure, Canadian is well known for selling auto parts and necessities. You should know this.” She said proudly.

Yes, I should know more about local things to avoid such “interesting” things when I live here.