As I already mentioned, I do agree with your opinion in general, have mixed feelings about the whole subject, and I certainly do agree with the situation being

As I already mentioned, I do agree with your opinion in general, have mixed feelings about the whole subject, and I certainly do agree with the situation being pretty sad. For what it's worth, I did realize something while thinking about all this. While I regularly make stews or sarma for several days, I somehow find it harder imagining myself doing that while in Holland. It clearly isn't very rational, but I am clueless what makes the difference. I think I can rule out cultural habits or pressure, for I never gave much of a s#!$ about doing what other people do (or even fitting in at all). Still, no idea what it is that does make the difference. As for street markets, I know they are (still) common in (large parts of) Eastern Europe, Central and South America and indeed most parts of the world. However, in Holland those have pretty much all but disappeared (competed away by the convenience of supermarkets), with the exception of maybe some larger cities. Even there, it's often more specialty/quality/artisan products for sale. I still remember a time when I went to the market because it was cheaper, but I very much doubt that's still the case now (in Holland). I honestly don't know if the UK is similar (or worse) than Holland. No personal experience with that regarding USA either. But from what I've heard, it's pretty much supermarkets and convenience stores all the way for most of the country (which could explain a thing or two). One thing I did notice from more recent events here (in Eastern Europe): once supermarkets manage to sabotage/undermine local (street) markets, it often is bad news for quality, choice and pricing. These conglomerates don't give a shit about what they sell, as long as it makes them (more) money. To be more specific, I have seen supermarkets first expand their selection and drop prices to "outperform" local markets (often in unfair ways), only to strip selection and raise prices after local shops went out of business. I think a similar thing happened in Holland, just in a more subtly and gradual way. But there it started at least some 30~40 years ago. Extrapolate from that, I guess.