Sunny, clear blue sky, cold north wind.
From where to obtain sauerkraut? I had been told rough end of High Street, over the railway line, past St Mark’s, find an international supermarket.
I find Super Lincs, an excellent supermarket, Romanian, Bulgarian and Asian aisles, a bakery, fresh fruit and vegetables. But all I could find was pickled vegetables, no sauerkraut. I inquired and was passed to the Polish owner. She was very helpful. I explained what I wanted, slow-roast belly pork from Summer Kitchens. Polish and Ukraine cuisines similar. She found for me sauerkraut but recommended with carrots.
Very rough and run down end of the High Street, dingy shops, closed takeaways and shops. Walking back I passed a community shop within a Methodist Church. Baffled how it worked. I asked. Have to pay a fiver annual membership fee, then limited to various items. Far too complicated , and the fee an obstacle for those with no money. Did I wish to join? No. I had picked up a couple of items. I asked could I make a donation. OK.
Looked in Fresh Local & Wild. A couple of weeks ago, it looked liked a closing down sale. Now it looks like the last few days of a closing down sale. Deserted, very little stock left. How long before it closes?
I walked along the side of the Brayford. I had intended to vist Depot Coffee, but now far too late.
Pop in zero waste shop, pick up coriander and caraway seeds, but no fennel seeds (no demand).
Walk and Ride to Lincoln Cathedral. Too late for greengrocer, only just make Redhill Farm shop.
I ask of Bailgate Deli. I do not not expect on sale, but maybe they use in cooking. Sorry, no fennel seeds, but they kindly give me fennel leaves. Again for my slow-roast belly pork. I suggest they host a Ukrainian meal under Cook for Ukraine. They will think about it.
Very very late lunch at Elite on the Bail.
Walk back down Steep Hill.
I probably should have eaten at Home Rise, tried their pizza.
Shop in M&S reluctantly, they are trading with Russia, complicit Putin’s war crimes. Shelves are nearly bare. I raise trading in Russia. They don’t care. Their attitude is one of: You don’t have to shop here.