Hello ,

Greetings from Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.
Where I arrived just the other day. Last week I was telling you about the hard work and holy cows in Agra. You can read about it here.

Since then took the car back to Delhi airport and an overnight flight to Kuala Lumpur where I changed for Bali.

Denpasar airport was super busy when I landed because everything is happening in Bali right now. An international conference with bigwigs from all countries hogging the roads with high security convoys. Rumours that several world leaders are secretly here are buzzing about. There is a major jazz festival and all Australia is here for the school holidays. Not to mention a million Chinese folk.
Take my advice don't come to Bali in August it is gridlock.

In a few days it's Indonesia day of Independance.. and the streets are festooned with red and white flags.

We have offices and a warehouse here, diligently managed by our man in Indonesia: Ringo.
Ringo picked me up and after general chitchat he told me he had just been to his Father's cremation. My mind was spinning slightly because I knew that Ringo's father passed away a couple of years ago. But this is Bali anything can happen.. Oh gosh Ringo I'm sorry. I said.

No problem said Ringo laughing.. It was a very happy day.

Today Ubud was in gridlock and we sat in a traffic jam for an hour. So I asked Ringo all about it and he told me this..

Apparently what happens is that when you die two things can happen. Either you are reincarnated and reborn as a new family member (the born as an animal is dismissed as mumbo-jumbo) or if your karma is 100% clear you ascend to Nirvana (heaven). The cremation it turned out was just ceremonial and was a celebration after two years of Ringo's fathers life. It followed a trip to east Bali to visit a holy women, Ringo has a video of the meeting on his phone. The whole family made the trip, this lady swaying back and forth, eyes closed, connected with the father in the spirit world. He told them things only he would know, in the holy ladies voice, then told them he was in a good place. Which Ringo interpreted as Nirvana. His karma was clear and he had moved up out of the reincarnation cycle, this is very good news for the family.

So they go back to the village, Ringo's home village is an isolated valley unvisited by tourists. Here a big ceremony was now allowed to go ahead. Everyone in the village attended including village elders from nearby villages. Ceremonial fires and all sorts of offerings. Enough to fill a room I understand. A joyful time.

Bali is a bit fantastic, other worldly. Even stuffed with goggleyed tourist armed with selfie sticks and GoPro's it doesn't lose its mystery and magic. Whenever you come there is some ceremony or other happening it's always magic. So make the trip, but just don't come in August it's a nightmare.

Meanwhile we have been visiting our suppliers delivering some healthy reorders, and seeking out some new products. One thing you can be sure of with products hand-made in Bali is that everything is made with love and careful attention, because this know as good karma and you need all you can get.

Talking of karma - Singing Bowls from India are back in stock, and I believe we have an Indonesian container due to land any day.

I'm only here on a flying visit, next week I'll be in China. So news from further East next Friday.

Take care..
David

A delivery of Tibetan Singing Bowls just in :)
In Buddhist practice, Singing Bowls are used as a support for meditation, trance induction and prayer. The use of singing bowls in Tibet is the subject of much debate and many stories. Some people say they were used for meditation while others say they were magical tools for transformation of self and of matter.

Release yourself with Stamford Black Incense Sticks and Cones and its purifying aroma, clearing the air of all negativity and bringing you back to serenity.

This incense range is part of the Stamford Angel range that features several angelic fragrances.
Incense sticks and cones are made from perfumery raw materials in India.

Shabby Chic Letters - each letter is handmade in Bali from mango wood and it has hand-rubbed white-wash finish. Perfect for decorating any room in the house. Great for children's bedrooms, as christening or wedding presents.

Each Wholesale Salt Lamp comes complete with light fitting, bulb & UK or European plug. Rather then sell them by size we sell them by approximate weight. Items are marked with sizes to give a rough idea of size only, each lamp is completely unique.

Mini Blackboards, our retail display chalkboards are perfect for marking up all your prices, ideal for Soap shops, or any craft endeavour. Perfect for artisan restaurants and deli's, pubs (those craft beers). Clearly labelled and priced products in an arty way can only boost your image and sales.

We know it's hot hot hot but Christmas is coming!! Bring some flair to your gifts with Ancient Wisdom Christmas Tags, they are featured in four different display packs, each display packs contain at least 128 tags in assorted designs and colours, not to mention the price which is really cheap with prices starting from only 2p per each tag.

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