It all began way before the sunset, when I decided to take a walk around Mezhciems and breathe some fresh air. The weather was really wonderful – calm, no wind, not even a cloud,  a typical early Spring. Seems like Mother Nature itslef has sent me a message.. Well, who knows though, maybe that Parex ad?

On my way back, I called at SKY supermarket on Hippocrates street to grab some food. Quick to throw in the cart all needed items, I stood in a short queue and at the cashiers I started to look for some “environment friendly” opportunities this store had to offer. As I didn’t have many goods, I chose one paper bag which looked pretty big and spacious enough to handle all of my Sunday shopping.

And then, a nice surprise was waiting for me – a girl at the cashiers smiled and announced that today, see, is the environment friendly day and big paper bags with a Zaļā Josta (Green Belt) sticker are free. 10 cents saved and I, feeling so happy for the harmony I got with nature, SKY store and the Green Belt campaign, was on my way home.

It became colder in the evening and I thought that I would need the gloves. That’s a small thing of course, because my mood is just perfect + clear skies, full of stars makes it even better. I saw the Orion’s Belt and smiled – life is beautiful after all!

What is left to add is, people often underestimate the abilities of paper (and cotton) bags. Those can lift not just all the 50 lbs, but also your mood! Here’s my truest wish: choose the environment friendly package! Yolkin, how are ya? =)

If you plan a house party or any kind of event that needs some alcohol shopping, you’ll be at the liquor store way before the party’s about to start. Let me guess usually it’s no problem to be there before 10 and grab you some more brew, brown water or whatever you’re up to. And more I mean MORE. Since you know you won’t get it later, you would probably buy like twice more, right? Plus some.

Now think about it. Perhaps you ain’t even gonna drink all of that! From what I know, there’s never too much of things like that though and all of that will be gone with ease. Well.

Second, I’m really lovin’ those announcements at the shopping centers: “Dear visitors! Please bear in mind that there are 15 minutes left till you can purchase your alcohol beverages”. A genius marketing move! Wondering who’s behind it, State Alcohol Sellers Society or something. I mean, with all the laws and bans, they can allow an announcement like this?

Look around – people are quick to forget about their sausages, breads and whatever department they were at the moment and run to the liquor department. Even if they DIDN’T need to buy no liquor. You know, just in case. Brilliant.

Go check the cashiers at, say, like 9:56. Everybody’s nervous whether they’re gonna make it before 10 because cashiers automatically shut down alcohol sales. “Excuse me, can you let us pass please, so me and my girlfriend can get this Martini through?” “Yo, don’t you see this Heineken right here I got man, it’s 3 minutes left”. Funny as hell, ain’t it? Well, until you get in the same situation yourself.

And last, but not least. Not to name any sources but, there’s plenty of illegal spots to get your liquor shopping at night. The quality of purchased liquid is discussable though but looks like it doesn’t stop those in need of becoming customers of such sellers.

Plus, you can hit the local pub, club, no prob’ – the barmen of the city will be just glad to serve you.

Better yet though, stay sober.