Um, is it contraband?

Today's post is just an odd observation at the grocery store the other day.  I had gone to the biggest store within walking distance as I had noticed on a previous visit they had lots of items, including fans. It has been in the 90's and a fan sounded good.  There is AC in my room but they won't give you the remote to turn it on.  I am sure they would but then you have to pay for the electricity for the room (in my hotel room).  Electricity is expensive here so people avoid using it.  I am trying to "be like the locals" so am going without for now.  It is supposed to be much hotter in August so I had better get used to it.

One little part of the store was like a mini Best Buy with TVs, computers, cell phones, and small appliances including fans. I got a floor fan for about $15, not bad. Also in this area was a locked cabinet.  I was surprised to find it full of suntan lotion!  As it is very sunny here and I walk everywhere I thought I should get some and was looking at it. A woman that worked there came by and eventually I realized she was asking if I wanted something from in there.  I said yes and she came back with a huge key ring and unlocked the two locks on the cabinet.  Important stuff!   I purchased a fairly standard size bottle of their highest SPF, 20, and it was about $15. YIKES!  No wonder they had it under lock and key.

They must have it stolen a lot as she got it out, had me follow her to the desk where she wrote down the long UPC code and gave it back to me.  She explained to me, in broken English, what do with it. So after paying for all my groceries, they rang up for my lotion and gave me a special receipt to return to the sensitive items desk where I picked up my prized suntan lotion.  At last you are mine!  I will never look at it the same again. I hadn't realized just how precious it is. I have since found it in other stores and it was not under lock and key.  However, it is always very near the checkout so they can keep an eye on it.  From what I can tell, not many use sunblock here...they are very tan.  Maybe they just can't afford to use it???

Under lock and key....sun block.