Marion's Article On Shopping In The North

JohhnyLee


Joined: 25/04/2009
Posts: 2495

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 15:27

I think the Lady got it spot on.



Must agree with evrything she said. We have also been taken to the South a few times and found the very same thing.



My wife is amazed at some of the clothes prices here in TRNC so low yet, good quality.



Only last week she brought a beautiful lined knitted dress from Pine Bay. (Brand new ) 50 TL she said even in the UK it would be far more expensive



Even in some of the small local clothes shops around Lapta she has brought beautiful dresses for 40 TL



We have never seen very much in the South cheaper.



I suppose if you require product that you cannot get here then it's OK. Yes it's interesting to have a walk around Ikea. (if you like shopping)



But to be honest we have found virtually everything we need here.



If it's a food product we have struggled to get then I would normally just make it.



It's beyond me how you can make a trip worthwhile with the costs involved also of course the risk of having purchases consficated.

carian


Joined: 13/03/2009
Posts: 336

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 15:37

I've not read the article, but we walked over to the south a couple of weeks ago and there were just hordes of students, shouting and crowding around Starbucks and other places. We didn't feel frightened but it was intimidating and anyone visiting for the first time would get a really bad impression. So, it will be a long time before we go again, if we can't get it here, we'll just have to do without.

Hack_the_mac


Joined: 30/11/2011
Posts: 27

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 15:42

I go over each moth for meat 5 Euro for beef mince 5.50 for nice succulent sirloin steaks 3.50 euro pork chops with rind and kidney, kerrygold butter pack of 4 for 6.50 Euro nescafe original 5.20 euro .

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 15:52

Hi Johnny Lee, which Marion is this, and what did she say against shopping in the South?.

I am very interested to hear the who, what and why.



Tony

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 16:03

If people want to shop in the south ,They think its worthwhile ,so let them. Anyone who doesnt think its worthwhile ,then dont shop in the south . Simple.

Agobard


Joined: 20/08/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 16:07

I don't believe that it is worth the trouble and insurance costs to go to the south for a few bits and pieces of shopping because most stuff there is dearer than here. I go to the south regularly for other reasons but, as far as shopping is concerned, only buy the odd things there that I can't buy here. There is always going to be somebody who says that they have got some tremendous bargain there on pork chops or some such but, in my experience, overall shopping costs, clothing, restaurants and hotels are all more expensive than in the north. If you factor into the equation the chances of getting fresh meat etc confiscated at the border then it's a great deal of hassle for peanuts in savings. There are a good number of Greek Cypriots who cross over here for cheaper shopping I can assure you.

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 17:51

Hi again Johnny Lee, can you answer msg 4 please. I suspect that there could be a quite interesting exchange here, if what I suspect happened, actually happened. After the census is over, I will post an experience that I had with a "Marion" recently, re. shopping in the South.



Tony

Hack_the_mac


Joined: 30/11/2011
Posts: 27

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 17:57

Message 6 why do you need insurance to pak at metahan an walk across orphan annies express is great and only a 15 minute stroll to save loads petrol to metahan 10 tl !

JohhnyLee


Joined: 25/04/2009
Posts: 2495

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 19:10

Hi Tony, Marion from the Star.



She did not say anything detrimental. just simply pointed out that very often you will pay the same amount IE. 50 euros as opposed to 50 TL.



We just found it a very true article based on our findings.

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 20:57

Yes, that;'s me. And I hope that Minertor was not offended by the experience with the italian bloke trying to sell me some goods for my husband for Christmas. Samples, I was told, but no money.



Or was there anything else.



But I was grateful for being taken cos I need to get my special yoghurt from time to time, and didn't get my Stilton for ;'in downstairs.



But maybe Minertor can tell the story better. I merely reporting in my the Star my own feelings. Maybe I notice how expensive it is because I used to live in the south when it was Cyprus pounds and quite a different economy. But thanks Johnny for starting the thread, because those who don't read the Star have now been helped by your comments too.

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
04/12/2011 21:03

Oh yes, and a word of warning. if you are able to speak Italian and are approached by a young man in a car who you think is asking for directions, just answer him in Welsh or Swahili, but don't let on you speak Italian!!!

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
05/12/2011 06:11

Hi Marion, no, I wasn't offended, by anything that day. Quite enjoyed the chase actually. Don't buy the Star so wondered about the article. Will be going down again on 5th Jan so if you want the yog'n cheese, you know where I am.

T

ps and this time, don't forget the coffee.

Agobard


Joined: 20/08/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
05/12/2011 07:44

Message 8: sorry didn't realise you were hiking over the border - good luck with that one in August!!

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
08/12/2011 11:20

Oops, minertor. Count me in. And I WILL buy the coffee. Make it the first port of call -0 your choice, gloria Jeans or Starbucks, and then I will whisk myself away into Carefours to get the only yoghurt that I truly love. The other stuff I ended up getting was not a path on my 'Ziga' stuff. So,yes please. and why not buy the star so you can read all my deepest thoughts and what other people are doing around the place. Plus of course a lot of news I never hear and can't write about.

so, maybe I could appoint you as one of my 'spies'?? And that merits a double coffee! Take care!

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
08/12/2011 11:33

Immm Marion I am dissapointed in you, you come to the south for shopping and you don't even call me to meet for coffee and yet I am only 5 mins away from Starbucks on Ledra street.

TopTen


Joined: 15/04/2009
Posts: 1246

Message Posted:
08/12/2011 12:42

Lee is a bit sick because his favourite clothes shop as still not come north yet, he gets all his gear from Oxfam.

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
08/12/2011 18:31

Hi Marion, will be in touch, borrowed the Star, got bacon 'n sausage at the pork shop, great taste 'n value, popped round to Atakara for the cheddar. Ya could be right about the shopping in the North, but next time down South it might be Ms Corleone that chases us.



T

smwredd


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
08/12/2011 18:43

Personally I experience 'shopping rage' every time I go into a supermarket in the North. So little choice in just about everything, especially meat. Not only that, but you have to go from supermarket to supermarket looking for what you need as what you can buy in one is not available in another. So frustrating, my meals seem to have become very boring since shopping here. Far more choice in the South although not necessarily cheaper.

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
08/12/2011 21:02

Well I find the super markets just fine,they are not to big like in GB, and they stock most things now, not like 7yrs ago when there was only Astro in Girne !



smwred .. Why do you say meals have become boring since shopping in NC? ... There is an abundance of fresh veg and fruit?...

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
08/12/2011 21:26

Before Astro there was Tempo.



Abundance of fresh fruit and veg?



You're having a laugh.

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
08/12/2011 22:06

Surely the market at Girne has loads of fresh veg and fruit, its not the washed, pimped, waxed, and kept in cold store in plastic for months before its on the shelves.!



But suppose its what most house wives want now a days, no dirt on the potatoes, uniform apples, carrots and tomatoes , .....

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
08/12/2011 22:15

Battery Chicken, un-hung Beef, tasteless lamb, poor quality pork , and farmed fish that looks a week old,in summer Veg that looks as though it has come out of a skip. personally I am in no way impressed with the TRNC food...But the Sun shines...

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
08/12/2011 23:15

To my 'friend' Erkin - apologies! I was in the capable hands of my chauffeur and family and we went to the Ikea centre. Now WHEN I walk over at Ledra, I will call you! then it is Starbucks.

as to shopping in the north no prob for me, I am vegetarian and can find everything I want - apart from THAT yoghurt. And it is quite right, years ago there was just the small local shop, but that didn't bother me either, but can understand for some the contrast of shopping from other places is huge. I must confess I missed the shops in Perth, W.Australia, but I am HERE, so enjoy what there is. I love fruit and salads, and delight in the fact there it keeps me healthy (as far as I know!

and to my Chauffeur to the south - next time we are chased by Italians, I will let you do the talking. It only gets me into trouble!

flowerfairy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 1277

Message Posted:
09/12/2011 09:43

Well, not sure where you shop, but I bought lovely fresh veg and meat the other day. Never had a problem.

No, you can't get sprouts etc all year round, but that is one of the things I love about this island.

The same was said for my sister, who lived in Kenya.



The Turkish who live in Uk, mostly have to go to London for their preferred food.



What are you particularly looking for, maybe we can keep an eye out for you?

I'm sure 'supersnooper' will find it.

smwredd


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
09/12/2011 10:45

Dizzycows, I have absolutely no problem with the fruit and veg here, I visit the Girne market each week and make soup most days in the winter. However, it is the lack of choice for meat and fish that I find frustrating, especially the latter. Apart from Sea Bass or Bream, fish here is generally very expensive and certainly there is very little choice especially fresh, plus beef here is prohibitively expensive, even mince. So yes, I do find the lack of choice difficult to come to terms with.

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
09/12/2011 12:14

smwredd, fair do's as they say,... the meat choice is different in NC, but then its a vey different culture to how we eat meat...



I personally just love the lamb that I buy from a small butchers shop opposite the statue of the 'Golden' lady to wards Lapta.

The butcher in this shop has always been very good at selecting what I want, and he is cheaper than all the supermarkets around..



The beef is a different matter all together, you only have to look at the type of animal that is kept for the beef trade to realise this is never going to be your 'Aberdeen Angus' eating quality thats abundant in the UK...

Any ways, you all got the sunshine most days whilst we here in GB have days on end of flipping rain!!

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
09/12/2011 15:31

Trouble is dizzy, sunshine is lovely and if it were accompanied by excellent produce it would indeed be closer to paradise..........I agree with msg25, the fish available ,and total lack of quality shell fish is disappointing...

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
09/12/2011 16:16

Well, if and when they allow trading again, perhaps I might just start up a beef enterprise! Angus then on the menu... lol

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
09/12/2011 16:21

Msg 23: I look forward to it Marion.

ruggy


Joined: 02/05/2009
Posts: 757

Message Posted:
09/12/2011 17:20

Martind41, The Pork shop, Kibet and a butchers opp Starling (Near Lapta one) all hang there steak and are lovely and juicy, Fillet, Sirloin and Ribeye. Im sure there is a lot more butchers but i get what i need from these three.

aussiejock



Joined: 06/10/2010
Posts: 350

Message Posted:
09/12/2011 19:09

Marion I don't think you would like the Supermarkets in Perth now, Coles and Woolworths have it all tied up, they have knocked out the small Supermarkets, and it's now up to 40% home brands, and what a load of rubbish they are, weekly food bill is very expensive now, unless both partners work it gets very hard to make ends meet for the average person, meat over here is crap, fruit and veg crap, not long ago we were paying $18.50 for a kilo of bananas, we pay up to $45 for a Kilo of french cutlets, and you know the size of french cutlets hardly any meat on them, to rent a house it's around $450 a week for an average run of the mill place, I could go on, this is why we are looking at Europe as a place to retire, Spain or North Cyprus, I hope to be in North Cyprus next Feb or March and stay for around 6 months or so, just to get the feel of the place, we are looking forward to our trip to N.C. sorry to be off topic but places change and not for the better,





Robert

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
10/12/2011 00:05

Wow! Message 31. was last in Perth 4 years ago and going back in Feb for a montgh to see old friends, but it sounds as if i won't be able to eat too much. Will be good for the waistline. Maybe I should make my own damper bread, and go out and get some witchety grubs (sorry, can't spell it). You could well do better coming here. Personally I think this is better than Spain, but try it and see. Just make sure you get in touch when you are over. Youneed to get the feel of the place in winter as well as summer, but from my experience the weather here is EXACLTY the same as perth, except upside down, if you know what I mean.

But where are you in perth? I would say we coulcd meet up but it sounds as if you will be here when I am there. $18.50 for bananas, and when I think that we used to rent for under $200 a monnth and bought an apartment for $300,000 which is now three times that in value. Wow! If only we had kept it. But life is not that bad here.

aussiejock



Joined: 06/10/2010
Posts: 350

Message Posted:
10/12/2011 07:56

Hi Marion we live in Munster (Cockburn ) we were over in Turkey in 2009 for a year and Glasgow for 2 months and when we came back we really noticed the rise in prices, to go to Rotnest it's nearly $100 each on the ferry, gas. water, electricity have gone through the roof, the only house that you could get for $300,000 is in Madina, Kwinnana, I'm renovating my house at the moment, as we had tennents who really thrashed the place, the house should be ready by Feb, if you want just drop me an email and you will have a bed for the night or week, when you are passing through Perth, nothing fancy but you are most welcome, bananas are now down to $3.99 a kilo, an apartment near the sea will cost you 1 to 2 Million dollars, 2 bed in Perth up to $800,000, now a very expensive place to live, the mining boom caused all this, it's ok for the person working in the mines but not for the normal working person,





Robert and Margaret

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
10/12/2011 22:21

Wow. $100 to go see the 'rats'? It was about $25 when I was there, and I didn'#t feel THAT was worth igt.

And I apologise that this is all off thread, but I will write to you Robert. As to kwinnana, I was involved with the church there and fund raising to get a chaplain into the school and it was a dirt cheap place, but then came the railway and............................We had 175 sq.metre unit in The Maltings in Northbridge but could never affordtogoback. I have friends in the mining industry and they are wealthy.

Initially I am staying with a friend in Pinnie (nr Mandurah) but need to get more central, but i would LOVE to meet you. But I will e mail you. My e mail, by the way is marionstuart@hotmail.com.

Again, apologies to everyone that this is off thread, but it does help to reinforce what I said about prices in TRNC - we don't do too badly at all really, do we?

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
10/12/2011 23:12

thats why most bought in trnc , aint it ?

MoBry



Joined: 08/02/2011
Posts: 78

Message Posted:
11/12/2011 11:09

Just wanted to agree with the comments about prices in WA, Marion. Perth is hugely expensive now due to the mining boom, but it's tough for people who aren't part of the boom. Prices were sky high when we lived near Narrogin on the wheatbelt near Perth, and prices everywhere have gone through the roof. We dread getting a power bill and, as aussiejack says, Woolworths and Coles have stitched up the market between them and driven independent producers to the wall by bringing in their own home brands. It's not the Australia we moved to many decades ago and we are intending still to move to North Cyprus as we simply can't afford it here plus of course want to be closer to family in the UK (but, to paraphrase Basil, "don't mention the UK weather!). Unfortunately, housing is getting beyond the means of first homebuyers. Big changes and we don't feel for the better.