Bagging Groceries

So I will probably talk alot on this blog about cultural differences. Not only for those who read it to learn about them, but also to remind me how easy and convenient it is in America to do just about anything. Besides find a job these days, of course. My very first day in Wiener Neustadt I had my first slight cultural altercation/misunderstanding. It was my first time to ever grocery shop in Europe and considering I know just about enough german to get my by if I was dieing, I was at a slight disadvantage. I won't bore anyone reading this with all of the details, but in case you ever do come to Austria, or Europe for that matter, be prepared to bag your own groceries, and purchase a bag to carry them out in, if you dont bring in your own. Unfortunately for me, I was unaware of the bagging your own groceries part, and being that I am accustomed to the American version of shopping, meaning bulk purchases, I had tons of stuff to purchase. It was only when the cashier starting yelling at me in German...probably including something along the lines of stupid American..did my new Austrian friend Bernie save the day and help me bag my groceries. Without him, I would not have survived my first shopping experience.