One very moving thing.. is that yesterday Coco went back to China.. as I write this she is still on the way. She must go back, because of work commitments (lots to do before the Chinese New Year shutdown) and also her grandchildren miss her a lot.
Coco's last day. Magic happened.
I have lived here (on and off) for over ten years. It's the first time I have seen dolphins from the shore. I saw something over Coco's shoulder and said.. look, something is there. We squinted out to sea and.. just then two beautiful dolphins only meters from the shore leap clean out of the water. I screamed.. wow look! Then a whole pod of dolphins did that thing where they synchronised broke the surface in a smooth arch. All the customers are on their feet, everyone trying to catch a picture.. it's hard to do.. but there is something magical about seeing a pod of dolphins really putting on a show for us. Great excitement and joy, it really lifted the spirits of everyone there.
After a while they moved on along the coast, but left behind in the Garden Bar some kind of magic. Everyone now bonding and friends, groups on different tables making friends. It felt like a special blessing for Coco's last day.
So yesterday I took Coco to the airport. She was booked on the only (kind of) reasonably priced business class flight I could find. Finnair: Malaga to Helsinki - 8 hours transit time and then on to Shanghai. Actually I feel scammed by Finnair.. it's the only business class flight I have ever booked that doesn't include any luggage or lounge access. Only realised the day before and had to book the very expensive extras online, they even wanted €150 just to select a seat, I didn't bother. Finnair my advice - don't bother.
She arrived safely - I just spoke to her - it's Friday evening in Shanghai as I write this. The flight was only so so she said.. comfortable but not worth a review. Shanghai international arrivals is very quiet, she said. Last time I was there is was like that.. It's not the same in China.
Thanks once again to everyone that filled the quiz.. we are so happy that you engage with AW - it's magic to have you onboard. Thank you also for the recent lovely reviews. We always appreciate your feedback.
If you have time and want to give us a little love.. or just a little gift.. nothing would be nicer than a sweet (but honest) review.
Review AW Here.
Singing Bowls Suggestion.
Last year this time we made a plan (one of many) to be the best at Singing Bowls in the UK and Europe. We have actually been importing Sing Bowls for over twenty years, so have a fair amount of experience and a good selection of suppliers. But recently noted a BIG trend in Singing Bowls sales.. Yoga and Healing folk use them.. and lots of people are collecting them. High end top quality seemed to be in demand. On the last epic trip to Nepal and India (the first since before covid) we made a huge effort to boost the depth and range of supplies. Almost everything is online in the UK (some more exciting things still on the way). Check this page to see most things Singing Bowls Central with links there to other pages.
I just wanted to suggest that maybe a Singing Bowl corner in your shop or section in your website - might work very well. Super fun, easy to engage customers, and healthy sales values. And I believe even though these artisan made items can have supply delays, we have enough depth and range to always have enough items to keep you stocked and your sales healthy. I really feel a Singing Bowl Pop Up shop in the right place would be magic.
Soap Flowers Gift Boxes
This product is a little under the radar, but Soap Flowers generally have been selling well for years.. what we have noticed recently is higher end (but good value) soap flowers taking off more and more. So Coco working with one of our old suppliers, put together a posh range, Bondhan (our designer in Bali) designed the gold embossed packaging and I made the final selections. And I came up with that bad kind of French pun.. so they can be used as a "Thank You" gift.- that was last spring.
Check Soap Flower Gift Boxes. In Europe they are selling like hot cakes.. we just reordered full containers just of these in Slovakia and Spain. In UK.. selling great but I feel still basically undiscovered in the uk. So consider them also.. I think could also make a Pop Up shop on their own.. We re-took the pictures this week to give you a better idea. Good time to start.. will sell through Christmas to Valentine's day and Mother's Day to next year's wedding season. Magic... Go for it!!
Going a bit crazy..
The UK warehouse is a bit busy at the moment.. We are doing our best. Kane and the team are running around in super fast mode.. I understand they have a plan to catch up, but dispatch time is lagging a day or two at this time.
We appreciate your understanding.. we are doing our best!
Anyway, I wish you a magical, lovely and peaceful weekend.
Take care.
