Javico, A Puerto Lopez Grocery Store #AtoZChallenge
You will find several grocery stores in Puerto Lopez. Family owned and run Comercial Javico is one of the two largest. The store is on the main through street, the only stoplight is a few steps away. If you click here to view it on Google Maps, you can see Javico is right in the middle of Puerto Lopez.
Alberto, in the above photo, seems to work every day and always with a smile and kind word.
Javico sells to the public and to small businesses, who in turn sell the products in their neighborhood stores or use them in their restaurants.
Bulk foods are carefully weighed and packaged into smaller bags (see the man behind the display packaging and measuring?).
Kid favorite animal crackers are on this end display.
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A look back
Last year, I wrote Jama Bridge Jumping.
Emily Bloomquist
I am a US Expat in Ecuador. I grew up on a Minnesota farm, worked in IT in California's Silicon Valley, then moved to a coastal Ecuador fishing village. My goal is to share Ecuador with you, one snippet at a time. Topics include attractions, compassion, ecotourism, Ecuador products, everyday Ecuador, and flora and fauna. Please let me know what you would like to read more about!
18 Comments
Keith's Ramblings
I spy beer! I always bring back beer from my travels and my collection is growing and growing. But I haven't any from Equador – yet!
A-Z of My Friend Rosey!
Emily Bloomquist
You do spy beer! The most popular beer in Ecuador is Pilsner but there are also a few craft beers some restaurants carry. Thanks for stopping by and commenting Keith!
Heather Erickson
I love local shops. You can get to know the owners. These relationships strengthen communities.
Emily Bloomquist
I enjoy getting to know the owners, too, Heather. They do strengthen communities. Thanks for stopping by and commenting Heather!
John Holton
I looked at the map and almost thought I-15 ran through the city, and I wondered why Ecuador had an Interstate, but I got myself straightened out.
Javico reminds me of some of the grocery stores back in my old neighborhood in Chicago, which had a heavy Mexican population.
Emily Bloomquist
The symbol for highway 15 does look exactly like I-15. It is funny and confusing at times. How cool that Javico reminds you of the grocery stores in your old Chicago neighborhood – a trip down memory lane 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and commenting John!
Lisa
I love visiting grocery stores in other countries so I really loved your post today!!
Emily Bloomquist
Awesome, Lisa! At first I wondered it a grocery store visit was too boring but I love visiting them, too, so I figured someone else would like it. Thanks for stopping by and visiting!
LauraEhlers
I just love going to local stores when I travel. In Tortola we shopped at Big Ben Superette. Grocery and gas station! They sold local baked goods as well as staples
Your grocery looks wonderful and so personable. Great post!
Emily Bloomquist
Local baked goods are always so fun to try and usually delicious! Combining grocery and gas is great together – saves a stop. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Laura!
Arlee Bird
I like going to grocery stores when I'm traveling just to see what kinds of things they have. This looks like a neat little market that is very accommodating to customers.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Emily Bloomquist
Visiting local grocery stores gives a hint as to what people in an area like. I enjoy going to them when I am traveling, too, Arlee. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Emily – sounds like just the kind of cheerful place one needs when we go shopping … good to read and see – cheers Hilary
Emily Bloomquist
It is a cheerful place, Hilary. Smiles all around. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Nancy Adkins
Is there anything more important to a community than the grocery. Not just for food but information and of course all the latest gossip. Even our tiny town in Hawaii still has a neighborhood grocery store.
Emily Bloomquist
Neighborhood grocery stores are an excellent source for what is happening in town. They hear it all! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Ronel Janse van Vuuren
I haven’t seen a neighbourhood grocery store since I was a child. This was fun 🙂
Ronel from Ronel the Mythmaker A-Z road-tripping with Everything Writerly: J is for Joining
Emily Bloomquist
They are great! Thanks Ronel!