Thursday, April 14, 2011

Eating Bao and Watching Cricket

We just returned from our trip to Asia.  We flew into Shanghai and spent our first day walking off jet lag and visiting some of our favorite places, exploring back alleys, sampling bao and noodles, and shopping for local specialties.

Visiting the factories is the primary reason for our trip.  We enjoy meeting with the factory workers and checking on the progress of our new samples and designs.


We continued on to India where we were thrilled to meet our organic cotton suppliers and see the good work they do: 100% organic, committed to social responsibility, with the artisan’s touch.

We saw how the Mandala totes are embroidered on a treadle sewing machine and we approved our new Aspire Line – coming this summer!


The highly charged semifinal World Cup Cricket Match between India and Pakistan took place during our visit.  The country shut down for the eight hour match as everyone gathered around TVs to watch India’s victory over Pakistan. Go India!


We did manage time for some sightseeing.  The tour of the slums of Delhi with former street kids was a highlight.  Sponsored by Salaam Baalak Trust, our guides led us through a maze of alleyways and shared with us what life is like on the streets for the little kids.  With the help of the Salaam Baalak Trust, these children can receive shelter, food and an education.  Our tour was touching, heartbreaking, and hopeful as our guides told their stories with humor and compassion. 


We always love these trips and return home exhausted but energized.

~ Nancy