The Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar is Tilo's store and the main setting of the novel. The store is Tilo's business and her home. She sleeps here on a mat she rolls up out of the way during the day. She describes the smells of the many spices that are both functional for cooking and provide a basis for some of Tilo's magic. The store also has food used in traditional Indian cooking. The store is located at a corner of Esperanza near a bus stop. After Tilo becomes the proprietor, she rarely leaves the store until the earthquake destroys the building.

Oakland, California

Tilo's store is located in Oakland, California. She has very limited time outside her store from the time she arrives in Oakland until the earthquake destroys the store. She is amazed when she goes to Sears for the first time where she buys clothes suitable...