Thursday, April 25: Today I drop by the Lulu Hypermarket in Nizwa to pick up a few items. I’m shocked to see long lines down each aisle of the huge store. Omani families are lined up with grocery carts overflowing with food and clothing items. It looks like people are getting ready to hunker down in their homes for some natural disaster. Each line goes all the way down a different aisle. I have never in my 18 months seen the Lulu like this so I ask what’s happening. It turns out today is Pay Day in Oman!
I have to wait a half hour in my line. One man stands at the front near the register ready to pounce. He looks like he’s waiting for the perfect opportunity to cut in line at any moment. As I am never one to allow myself to be stepped on, I tell him, pointing to the end of the line of at least 15 families: “Sir, the line is back there. You will NOT be getting in front of us.” He says, “Don’t worry. I’m not planning to do that.” The next thing I know he has moved to another line and promptly cuts in front of someone else. Argh!!
the Lulu Hypermarket in Nizwa
Crowds lined up at the registers
Lulu Hypermarket in Arabic
a nomad in the land of nizwa 
Lol! We were trying to figure out why it was So crowded this afternoon and then another friend passed us and was like it’s payday!
Have you ever been there before on pay day, Nicole? I don’t know how I’ve missed this the whole time I’ve been here!! 🙂
I believe it is an international event. Paydays, Social Security Checks, Unemployment checks, etc. all seem to hit on the same day. My day to stay away.
Me too, Lynne. I’m really surprised I’ve never encountered this before now! At least I know now to avoid Lulu like the plague on these days. 🙂
Goodness it’s like Christmas in Tesco – to be avoided!
That’s for sure, Gilly! I won’t be going there again on the 25th!!
or easter in the supermarket here …. when all the holiday crowds arrive! how extraordinary … is everyone on the government pay roll … and how often does this happen?
I guess it happens the 25th of every month, but I haven’t ever chanced to be at the Lulu on that day. Thank goodness. I know now to avoid it at all costs. 🙂
Isn’t it strange how you can miss something like this before? At least you know now, Cathy 🙂
Yes, Marianne, it is bizarre how I’ve managed to miss payday every month for 18 months. What weird serendipity. 🙂
So unknown country to me, but great photos and text.
Thanks so much, Sartenada. 🙂
Aaaarrrgggh – the reason I do my best to avoid shopping close to payday! such a rude man – he should be shot!
Agreed, Marco!
hehe
I pressed like, but I really meant hate. I hate long lines. If I don’t really need something I usually put stuff back when I see lines like this – unless I have no food in the house at all! And what a rude guy! It reminds me of traffic in LA. Not fun! 🙂
I agree, Marsha. I hate them too. Believe me, this will be the last time I ever go there on the 25th of the month! Yes, I will not tolerate people pushing in front of me in line, even if it means we have a shouting match right in front of everyone! 🙂
This could have been a response to this week’s photo challenge on culture!
Thanks so much, Kat. I did the Weekly Photo Challenge on culture on my photography blog, but yours is a great idea. Here’s my “culture” post: http://catbirdphotography.wordpress.com/2013/04/27/weekly-photo-challenge-culture/
I thought your collection of photos for the culture response was excellent!
Thanks so much, Kat! 🙂
I just love this slice of life that you share!
Thanks so much, Kathryn! 🙂