Ducan Fan

I shop local. I have nothing against large supermarkets, and there is no WalMart here to rebel against, were I so inclined. Here there is the novelty of the small corner shop, the bekallah or ducan. They are everywhere. And I laf them. Now I go in them and explore. The one near the school is the best yet. He has almost everything I'd want, and more! Shelf upon shelf of drink selections. Frozen meat and vegetables. Mini Baskin Robbins ice cream tubs (hopefully not pre-sampled!). Cheetos chips. Cookies and crackers galore. Cleaning supplies. Nutmeg seeds--the first place I have found them labeled in English. Canned beans and meats. Yogurt and milk. Snickers ice cream bars. Too bad he can't understand the English I'd like to say to him: "Your store is wonderful."

The others are good, too. If you don't find what you want in one, walk a few feet, and you'll find another. A friend once told me that it's unlikely they'll ever shortchange you, either, because they really want your business, and they know if you're unhappy, you'll go elsewhere. Yes, very easy to go elsewhere.

One thing that I don't understand about the ducans and other stores is that they often line their street side shelves with women's hygiene products and baby's diapers. It must have something to do with how they fit inside the store, but I find it a little surprising to walk on the street by rows of personal products in the store window. They don't exactly beckon me inside. But fortunately I am enlightened and know the wonders of the interior, so the personal products do not deter me.

I love shopping local.