David's AW News: HEATWAVES & Opportunities

Greetings from Spain,

Hope you guys are doing well and enjoying the weather. For once, it's HOTTER in the UK than Spain. Enjoy!

Last week I was telling you about my journey from Indonesia to Spain, Father's day and our summer BBQ in the UK.. If you missed it, you can catch up here.

Sadly I don't have much time in Spain. Shortly, I'm travelling again.. I'll miss the sunrise in Spain. As I sit down to type this, it's 7am and this is the view..

I love my house in Spain, but never get much time to stay here..

June here is a time of long, warm days (not as warm as the UK) and some lively local festivals. Last weekend I went along to the Marbella feria and had a wander around.. It didn't seem so busy. Spain seems to be getting its knickers in a twist about over-tourism with demonstrations everywhere.. So, yes there is a delicate balance between visitors and community. But it's more complicated than blaming tourists for everything.

I did get time to take our man Toni for a beach lunch to celebrate his birthday, so I have been soaking up the atmosphere - white wine and sardines - while keeping tabs on Ancient Wisdom. Perfect summer!

This week, Spain is gearing up for the Noche de San Juan, it's on Monday.. and I won't be here.. It's when they have bonfires on the beaches, some say to welcome the summer solstice, others to celebrate John the Baptist. But I'm off somewhere else.. you'll find out next week.

Volcano trouble in Indonesia. More trouble in Java. And an opportunity.

Bondhan called me from the Ukulele supplier in Central Java.. It seems the locals are protesting there also. Truck drivers are on strike over something (I don't understand), and the container he went there to load has been delayed by ten days. Meanwhile, you will have seen the news, a volcano on the island of Flores is erupting, disrupting flights.

So our export lady, Made, cancelled her flight from Bali and Bondhan is stuck in Yogyakarta.. 

I just had a long chat.. I think it's a good opportunity for him to visit the Rudraksha bead farming area, it's a few hours' drive away in the mountain forests.. but now is the harvest season and a good time to buy the Tears of Shiva beads. I was thinking if he goes now, he could secure some rare shapes.

We discovered the area quite by accident back in February..  I wrote about it here. 

Then it was the wrong time to secure supplies, but we made some good contacts and now might be a good time.

Yes, everyone assumes that the  Rudraksha beads come from India and Nepal..they are associated with Indian culture and used in jewellery and bangles and of course, the 108 bead malas. But it turns out the best quality comes from this mountain forest area in Java.  The locals told us that Chinese, Indian, Nepalese and Balinese are the biggest buyers. With Indian and Chinese behaving like mafia trying to corner the market.  We had a super interesting trip there.. I really want to go back.

Meanwhile, in the warehouse.. lots of great stock is arriving at the moment.. all those travels, deals and hard work are finally coming to fruition..

And it's always so satisfying when the guys in the office love the products and get enthusiastic. Everyone is very enthusiastic about the new range of copper and magnets jewellery that is on its way. We worked hard to get these designed and organised, and our guy from Agra, India has done a really good job.

Wherever you are, I hope you’re finding moments of inspiration and connection. And grabbing those opportunities when they crop up!

Have a lovely heatwave week. Enjoy!!

All the best

David