November 21 listen

“Excuse me mate, I’m looking for puff pastry.” ……….,,.,……………..??????? “Pastry mate. You know , the stuff you put on the bottom of the pie . The crust . ” “Oh ……. sir you’re after ice cream ” . “No , I’m after the batter you make a Pie with . ” Oh excuse me sir , you making tamales ?” “No , I’m making sausage rolls “. ……… He’s got no idea what I’m talking about . I even show him the online picture of the item that Target ( his employer) has apparently in stock . ” Never seen it before , sir . You can try to find it in the frozen stock area . ” No shit , Sherlock ” , I mumble . “Excuse me sir ” …. “Never mind mate “………….. “It’s all cool ,thanks for your help “. This is a very normal encounter for me when shopping . The language barrier is too great . I only speak English . Pastry is hard to find . It’s used for sweet pies, only . Emma s work has a Thanks Giving banquet where each person brings in traditional food . For us it’s sausage rolls and Anzac biscuits . I know it’s out there (Ralph’s , I’m told later , the only joint I didn’t go to …. of course)but after checking 5 locations I head into Wholefoods , the Mecca of gourmet produce . “Excuse me , can you tell me where I could find puff pastry”……………… ???? “Do you mean ice cream sir ” This is the moment I put myself in Russel Crowes shoes and look for a telephone to smash over the guys head . ” No mate . …. I’m looking for pastry sheets to make pies with “. “Sheets sir ? Do you mean Manchester ? ” I start laughing . This place only sells food for a start , as if I’d be asking for sheets , for Christ sake . “Never mind , thanks for your help buddy , I think i’l find it . “I eventually made the sausage rolls from scrap . The pastry was too rich and I don’t like it , but it’s probably the type of taste the yanks will love . ( I hope) . The Anzac biscuits weren’t easy . Couldn’t find golden syrup .Butter,maple syrup and brown sugar are expensive . It’s the little things that you know well that don’t translate to the US that frustrate you . Add a bit of Aussie lingo into the mix and you’ve practically got a brick wall in front of you .