Besides a roof and a bed the most important service we all need is a food supply. Since most of us are by no mean self-sufficient, this means “tienda” (grocery store), market or supermarket.
Here in Ecuador, especially in small places like Vilcabamba, it is the local people’s custom to do their shopping as close as possible to their home. This is why we usually find a small grocery store at every corner.
The expats and travelers don’t operate the same way at all. They know what they are after and go where they can find it.
In Loja, the Supermercado Galtor in the 18 de Noviembre, almost facing the entrance of the “centro comercial” is a small supermarket where most can be found at an attractive price. The service is first class, the employees always courteous and ready to help.
Many expats go to Supermaxi it is true. It is more convenient to park the car but the prices can be much higher, e.g. extra virgin olive oil: Supermaxi $12.9, Galtor $9 for exactly the same bottle.
In Vilcabamba, the “Supermercado Marisol” is an extremely popular place among the expat community and tourist alike. The place always feels like a beehive. Why is that? Simple. Because she has it all and at the best price. You want tumeric, she has it, organic cacao powder, ditto, several brands of beer, a large selection of organic fruit and veges, wholemeal flower, maca, you name it… And if she does not have it, she will find it forya. Cool!
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