Kindness in Troubling Times
Fri Mar 20 2020 22:31:00 GMT+0800 (Malaysia Time)
Greetings
The times they are a changing.. these are an unprecedented and difficult time, the best we can do is love and support one another.
Last week I was telling you about the strange and troubling flights from India to Bali. You can read about it here. It was Friday the 13th, but that seems more like a month ago than a week.
Here in Bali, I'm with Tomas we have been keeping as calm as possible and carrying on. In the last few days Bali has emptied like a plug has been pulled.. people are leaving.. no-one is coming.. flights are cancelled wholesale.
Suddenly Tomas and I are rare foreigners, certainly in the areas where our suppliers are. I understand how the Chinese people in Sheffield were feeling in early February when this news was breaking.. Now we are the one people run from, turn away, try to stop breathing near us. It's understandable, I don't blame anyone. Anyway, they are still kind and nice to us.. not mean. We wear masks, use the Namaste greeting - everyone does now - and keep a good social distance. I'm sure you are doing the same.
Here there is no lock-down as yet - officially there has only been one case. But almost no-one believes that everyone is taking it seriously. Though no-one is panic buying, masks and sanitisers are sold out. And I'm told turmeric, both fresh and oils have rocketed in price. Turmeric is a super food as you know.. and locally they believe it boosts the immune system.. which I believe is true, but whether it helps protect against covid-19 who knows.
We are doing our best to carry on. I was here before the India trip and had a number of projects underway. At that time I was ramping up orders to cover for stock not coming from China.. now the whole ball game has up-ended. Who knows what stock we will need in Europe in two or three months time when our orders here land in Europe. Do we call a halt to everything? I thought about it.. and decided no that was wrong. Firstly this island is 60% dependant on the tourist traded, it's just dried up over night. If we pull our business also it will severely effect the families of our suppliers - because there is no safety net nothing else to fall back on.. And I can tell you they are surprised, grateful and thankful that we continue to support them.
Normally busy streets are empty.. it's happening the world over..
Secondly in times of trouble people's instinct is to support each other, in these isolating times it can't be done with a hug, but a gift is still an option. With online ordering so much easier and doorstep deliveries the norm, then I believe and have faith that the artisan products from Bali when they arrive in Europe will still wing there a way to a loving home. It will be online trading.. more than likely.. are you prepared.
In times of trouble - people help each other more - there is an out break of kindness, kindness is going viral - from the brave and heroic Doctors and nurses risking there lives to protect society, to the neighbours checking on the old folks, calling up the lonely, We will get through this together and many will suffer, but lets hope in the end at least the world will be a kinder more loving place. It is stressful, every night after finishing work here I spend until the early hours dealing with rapidly changing situations. Almost everyone despite problems and worries is a hero.. pulling together for the greater good.
You must have your own set of worries and stress. Take heart - this too will pass - I wish you all the kindness and goodwill - the more you give the more karma will flow..
Shortly I will be self-isolating here in Bali - it's nothing new actually - they do it every year Nyepi or Bali New Year is the famous Day of Silence. The night before is normally a big carnival with huge fantastic Ogoh-ogoh statues paraded through the streets and wild parties - but all that has been cancelled of course - the day of silence will remain. And why not.. they close the airport for Nyepi (it's already 80% closed), all roads are out of use, all Bali people stay at home, hotel guests stay in the hotel and are not allowed out. Speaking is by whisper, TV and internet is cut.. it really is so quiet you can only hear the birds. It's a day for reflection. And that's something we can all do with.
Our new drop-shipping department came online just in time.. have you signed up yet? AW-Dropship.com this is your route to staying in business even if your store is closed. No need to stock anything - just sell online and we can do the rest, so you can still get organised and trade.
Take care please.. call up your friends, be kind, wash your hands..
As they say in Indonesia.. Hati Hati - it means take special care.
Hati Hati!
More news next week.
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