SHOPPING IS CHALLENGING

Shopping takes time. There are no department stores or one-stop shops in Tonga. A list of maybe 10 items will take at least 4 stops. Here are some of our usual shopping places with an explanation of what to find at each.

COSTLOW

The missionaries told us before we came that they were so excited because CostLow opened. They could now buy items they were used to. Brand name is Kirkland ... recognize that? When we were arrived, we were so surprised at the size of CostLow ... not quite what we expected. It is about the size of a 7/11, but at least there are US food stuff that we recognize. Just 3 aisles.

Much is crammed into small aisles. No room for carts, just what you can carry. Prices are per item not bulk, if you can make out any of the prices.

 

SUNSHINE STORE

 Don't be misled. Sunshine store not 2 levels. It is only one. And yes, it is dark inside. They do not waste electricity on lighting the store.

This is where we have found the cheapest milk (sold in boxes not refrigerated until opened), black beans, canned corn, and rice. They have other items but we have not found the black beans or canned corn elsewhere (except the fair).

BREAD STORE

Bread is baked daily white, brown, multi-grain.
We have to buy it early or it may be sold out, especially if we wait until after work.


There are also homemade rolls, cakes, and other goodies.

The are a few other bread stores on the island. We hear the one in Veitongo sells yummy cinnamon rolls. You can bet we will be going there. In fact, I wonder why we have not been there yet.

DAIRY STORE

The dairy store is next to Cowleys. So while buying bread, we also get our yogurt, sour cream, whipping cream (only on Friday), butter, and cheese. They have a variety of cheese, but cheddar is harder to find. We usually get colby, edam, or mozzarella.

FISH STORE 

As you may guess, fish is fresh from the sea. This little shop is small but sells the best fish. It is fresh, filleted, and .. oh, so delicious. We have purchased mahi mahi, marlin, and sail fish. Can't be any better unless caught by yourself, which we will be doing!

There has also been tuna which we will get another time. Our neighbors and good friends, the Heiners from Idaho, bought tuna. We will have them over for sailfish and they will have us over for tuna.

CHINESE STORES

Every village has a Chinese store. They sell a little bit of stuff -- mainly junk food. Is it surprising that they are nearly always across the street from schools? This one is across the street from Liahona. I have bought bleach and pineapple cake mix here, and minutes for my phone.

EGG STORE

We buy eggs at the little shop on the way home to Liahona on Hihifo Road. They cost $12/dozen white and $15/dozen brown.