My Saffron darling, come and welcome
to my country.
Sweetheart, beloved, come and
welcome to my country.
Golden is the land below, and skies of
silver.
Overflowing with colour and vitality is my
beloved Rajasthan.

Today has been another day on the road, visiting old friends whom we see annually on our travels. It’s always a quick catch-up on how everyone is doing—updates on their families and businesses. It’s disheartening to hear about the challenges many are facing…

Awake to the sun slowly rising over Jodhpur, the ‘fog-horn’ sound of a nearby train rolling gently, south. There is a quiet, peaceful, stillness over the garden, punctured by the chatter of bird and then the inevitable sound of the horn and distant traffic pervades. This wonderful, restful ‘green oasis’, with Acacia and Kherji, Bayan […]

And here we are… first day in India Monday… We have arrived after our long journey which was surprisingly straight forward and went very quickly! Met, as we always are, by our “crazy” cheerful driver, full of smiles and hugs and simple conversation.

It’s that time of year when bags need packing, the checking of passports and visas, before we head back to magical India in search of items for the shop, while always on the look out for ‘something different’.

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of my Father’s passing. He was not just an incredible Dad, but also my boss and colleague throughout my adult life.

The day begins as each before, looking out into the day from where I sit with the sun risen and the butterfly flickering in flight like a coloured snowflake – reminding of life’s woven tapestry of interconnectedness.

As our buying trip in India unfolds, the fifth and sixth days have been nothing short of exhilarating, filled with the warmth of friendship and the thrill of discovery. We spent these days at our dear friends’ factory, finalizing the selections we had made and diving deeper into the treasure trove of unique items they offer.

We continue soaking up the vibrant culture of India, and today was another delightful chapter in our journey. It began on a quintessentially English note—with a delicious cheese omelette paired with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea. I must admit, it’s a comforting way to start the day, even in the heart of India!

So, today was all about immersing myself in the vibrant world of hand-painted furniture. We returned to our main supplier, and I couldn’t resist the allure of the stunning cabinets and sideboards that were on display.