shopping in Cuenca, Ecuador

Some people think that all the shopping here is primitive outdoor markets and that is just not the case.

While the markets are a big part of shopping for a lot of us, especially the indigenous people, it is not the only option by any means. The small local shops are everywhere and it is easy to just pop in off the street to pick up an item or two. On the ground floor of our building there is a little shop that sells things just as a small convenience in the states would do.

One of the small pharmacies that are all over the city

 We have an abundance of shops of all kinds in Cuenca. It seems as though one way for people to make a living is to open a small store. I would guess there are not enough jobs to go around or the ones available do not pay enough.
  We also have modern malls here in Cuenca, so our shopping isn't limited to just the "Mom and Pop's"

Coral sells clothing, food, hardware, etc.

We have Mall Del Rio which houses  a lot of shops, a food court, a bank and the local version of  Wal-Mart

Inside Mall Del Rio

Another place we go to often is the shopping center where the Supermaxi grocery store and other shops can be found.                                 

Bloomingdale's ? Who would have thought

                                                                                          

Joan, trying to figure out what is in the cans.

It is surprising how much these stores our the same as in the U.S.

Our teacher, Noshy

One other thing I wanted to tell everyone is that Joan and I have started our spanish lessons. Noshy Pinos, the Ecuadorian lady, who helped us shop for our appliances has begun working with us. It is a  strange feeling being back in school and learning our abc's and colors but that is where we are right  now and hopefully we will be able to converse with our neighbors and the people we do business with  before too long.  

Hasta   Luego