Greetings from Delhi airport.
We are escaping Delhi just ahead of the G20 meeting that is about to kick off. Next stop is the Pink city of Jaipur.
Last year I was in Bali, where the same event was taking place.. I have to say considerably calmer and better organised, but India likes it hectic and honking and all last minute.
Mr Chatterjee and I stayed at The Connaught, close to Connaught Place, the iconic circular shopping area built by the British and still a thriving lively place.
Last week I was in Serampore, in Mr Chatterjee's home town. If you missed that update you can catch up here. I stayed in the delightful Denmark Tavern.. the only hotel in Serampore without bed bugs.
When I checked out the staff came to say goodbye and wish me well and wave us off. it was quite touching.
Since then we took an Indigo Air flight from Kolkata to Delhi. Mr Chatterjee organised a car and driver to meet us and then be at our disposal all week. You can do that kind of thing in India.
One of our suppliers told us that the city will soon be closed for 3 days totally. In Delhi there are 20 five star hotels and for the duration every one of them is block booked. One hotel for the Americans, one for the Chinese, one for the British, one for the French etc.. as we leave for the airport they are still painting the curbs, sprucing up the gardens and erecting huge billboards (with G20 uplifting messages) to cover anything not pretty.. it's all very last minute. G20 is everywhere.. even humble rickshaw drivers have stickers.
You have to love and hate Delhi.. one thing I really hate is the smog and air quality that clogs your nostrils with strange black stuff.. but now I can see blue sky and and fluffy white clouds..the air is clean. I can breath deep .. so refreshing.. I hope it is a permanent improvement.. We went deep into the bowls of Old Delhi to meet our metal artifacts guy, Karman. It was sticking hot, and he met us curbside and lead us through the maze of tiny lanes, deep inside the wholesale area, into a tiny alley up several flights of windy stairs clogged with giant metal lions, or rusting iron pots.. finally to an upper room with just a long table. Karman is an earnest young guy who has learned to love "Ancient Wisdom", and understand what we are looking for. He is well connected with the artisans of Delhi and an excellent organiser.. On the table he lays out a limited selection of goodies.. actually on the various floors of this building and other lock-ups around here he has an endless selection of erm.. various junk. Far to much, and enough to confuse your brain. But Karman is calm and well informed, he already knows our price points and he needs to be competitive..
However, selecting the ranges, taking photos, making design notes.. is hard work.. and in this hot humid room, with the overhead fan just barely chopping up the air and despite chilled Red Bull we ended up three sweating guys in a fug. Mr Chatterjee had a good idea.. lets grab all the samples we need and go back to The Connaught.. sensible idea and we met three other suppliers this week the same way.
.png)
Our hotel was not far (on the map) from Paharganj, one of the oldest gift trading areas - and we have a couple of suppliers who have showrooms there.. One day we decided to leave our driver and get some exercise and walk there..
On foot you see things.. things the average G20 delegate is never going to see.. here's a few snaps I took on the way.. from Connaught Place to Paharganj early morning by foot.
.jpg)
.png)
I love and hate India at the same time.. so many rude annoying people and many polite gentle absolute angels. Dilapidated buildings and grand palaces.. On balance - I love it..
Anyway back in the UK.. it's all happening.. the hard work from earlier trips - is coming to fruition.. this week we have new incense lines, new Indonesia products, new China products, new xmas bath-bombs and more...So much new.. check everything out below.
They are calling our flight.. so it's time to go to Jaipur.. it's many years since I was there.. we have two suppliers to see.. and I hope new ones to discover.
Full report next week.
Wishing you a lovely weekend, take care..
Namaste!
David