Let's assume that you are reading this as you are planning to leave for Monterey. You have bought the airline ticket, spit in your boss's face, burnt down the school, broke up with your significant other, murdered your pet, and there is no turning back, too late to back out now.
Assuming that this is the case, this guide was written especially for you. If you also happen to be someone who is lazy, poor, inept in the kitchen and behind the wheel, then this guide is a must-read. The author is a perfect example of someone who fits all the above descriptions.
First of all let me bring to your attention something of utmost important: Safeway. I cannot emphasize the importance of this grocery-retailing franchise (in English: chain supermarket) enough. It is an oasis in the desert, a ship in the horizon, a candle in the blackout, the pillar of humanity, and the beacon of civilization. Wherever you go, always keep an eye open for the Safeway sign, it could well be a matter of life and death. The author is by no means affiliated with Safeway unless, unless you consider owing one's life to it on innumerable occasions an affiliation. For many, it is a source of food. For some, like the author, it is a way of life. Everything that is essential is available in Safeway (No, I don't get paid for this subliminal messaging). Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that their products are of any good, the point is that they are cheap.
Next let's talk about the food in Monterey. Let's face it, the United States is not exactly the Mecca of food. We Chinese judge the level of civilization in terms of the quality of food. In that respect, you have come to a barbaric society, so live with it. American food is either bad or expensive or both. Forget the school canteen. The foods they serve are seldom edible and always overpriced. For similar reasons, skip the restaurants. Are things really that bad here? Before refunding your airline ticket or resurrecting your pet, read on as I provide a solution.
Believe it or not, the author survived her first 2 months in Monterey on sandwiches alone. You can get all the fillings for your sandwich in the afore-mentioned high spoken of supermarket. Ham, turkey, chicken, bologna, anything, it doesn't really matter, you won't be able to tell the difference. Just get the cheapest thing you can find. Apply ketchup in generous quantities if you later decide that you don't like the taste of your sandwich. It will not make your sandwich better; but it will remove any strange odors. You can also add cheese or pickle to guide the process along.
Next let's discuss another important issue: health. Milk and orange juice are quite cheap here. A steady dose of both will keep you going. Two glasses of milk can last the author until dinner, and she is as healthy as, if not healthier than, any student in MIIS. Also, always keep an eye out for the "Buy One Get One Free" tags.
