I quit smoking, gave up men except for one, try to watch my language, can live without alcohol, but can't live without my coffee.
Just before I left Kansas, I was lamenting that the casino where I worked had changed from fresh brewed coffee in the machines to Nescafe instant. Since I was used to the fresh brewed stuff, it seemed quite a step down. Little did I know that I would learn to love it.
When I got to NZ, the first thing I did was look for coffee. Boy, was I disappointed and I realized that I was spoiled in the US with so many choices of everything. I didn't recognize any brands of coffee except Nescafe instant.
Hubby did his best to appease my need for coffee. Since I had fallen through a shower door and got 60 stitches the second day I was here and not long after that, a runaway tire almost knocked me down a hill, he was a bit worried about my impression of New Zealand. So we bought a drip coffee maker. It used weird triangle-looking filters that didn't stay open, but I figured I could live with that. Then we looked for coffee. Trust me--there is no Folgers or Maxwell House on these islands. And the few coffees we found were not up to par. The one that tasted best gave us both heartburn, believe it or not.
So we ended up back at square one with Nescafe instant. At least, it was a name I recognized. And it was easy to make since 'kettles' (electric pots that heat water for tea, mostly) are abundant.
Ah, how we learn to appreciate what we have!
But, like everything else, coffee is expensive. In foil packs, Nescafe (which isn't the cheapest coffee by any means) is now about $6.00 for 100 grams--that's 3.5 ounces. Of course, the price goes up now and then but there are sales, too, on occasion. We use 3 or 4 a week. *The site I
Then, I saw an ad on tv for an online store that sold 200 gram bottles for $5.99! I immediately went online and ordered 6, thinking I will get more when that runs low. Wrong. I forgot that supplies of anything here are tentative. Bummer. They are out of coffee.
So, before the last jar was gone, I see that the Warehouse (NZ version of Walmart) had 200 gram jars for $5.99. Thinking in American, I figured there would be a limit, but decided to buy what I could. As it turns out, there was no limit, so we bought 2 cases--24 jars--for half the price in the grocery stores. Yay!!
We have coffee for a while and I've been doing a *happy dance* all day!
When you have your next fresh-brewed cuppa, remember me and my instant Nescafe!
7 comments:
I have never been a coffee drinker but my hubby drinks enough for three people. He is retired navy and apparently they had an endless supply everywhere so they lived on the stuff. He can't break the habit either.
I feel for you. I know what our coffee bill is. Can't you get someone in the states to ship you the kind of coffee you want. Or would the taxes make it impractical.
I have a fried who married a guy from Ireland that she met on line. Her family is always sending her care packages of her favorite american products. Heck she even gets Chick-filla sandwiches flown over.
I am happy for you you have your instant Nescafe coffee, but very sad that this is what it has come to for you in the coffee department.
Instant Nescafe coffee is big here in Moldova, where I now live, but thank the coffee gods all sorts of "real" coffee is available in the supermarkets, including Italian espresso.
Also, good cappuccinos, espresso, etc. are sold in coffee shops and restaurants.
How is that in NZ coffee shops?
Coffee and chocolate are major food groups for me! I feel your pain and your happy dance!
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting on Saved by Grace!
Your blog is a blessing and I am now following it, and I invite you to follow Saved by Grace:
http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/
Love in Him,
Laurie Collett
I love the coffee in coffee houses in NZ. Flat White is my choice. I must admit there is not much to choose from in the supermarkets.
Comment from a New Zealander :D Had family from Europe staying and they said that there is so much more coffee choice and nicer coffee than in Europe (mainly from cafes).
I find that, if you want to make your own coffee, you can go to coffee shops and buy fresh coffee grounds - most of them are for filter machines. It is a bit more expensive, but the coffee tastes much better!
When I moved from Louisiana to Arkansas 33 years ago since I was the only one drinking coffee I would drink instance lasted 2 days went to Wal-Mart bought me a Mr. Coffee and Folgers. Never bought instant again.Bless you heart while I drink my drip I will think of you.
USA Foods carries FOLGER'S...you can order on line...$25 for large container to use in your drip coffee maker...just like home. When they have it I buy heaps and store it like a squirrel. They are out now...but they are good at answering emails about supply...I like the site and see a lot of products from way back home in California!
Post a Comment