David's AW News: Why Málaga Has Turned Purple

Greetings from Spain...

And strangely enough... it has actually been hotter in parts of the UK than it has been here this week. Hope you fully enjoyed last weeks Bank Holiday.

I've been spending a few days with Toni and the Spanish team in our Málaga warehouse. Nothing especially dramatic to report this time, although my Spanish residency card saga continues. The card itself is ready, but actually obtaining an appointment to collect it appears to be another challenge entirely. My agent checks every morning for available slots... and every morning the answer is the same. None available. I am beginning to suspect it may be easier to source gemstones from a mine in the remote backwaters of India than secure an appointment with Spanish bureaucracy.

Last week I was telling you about my adventures in Spain and the ongoing residency card saga. If you missed it, you can catch up here.

One thing that certainly caught my eye this week was the spectacular Jacaranda trees that are now in full bloom all around Málaga.

Although they feel completely Spanish, Jacaranda trees actually originate from South America. They were introduced to Spain over a century ago and have become one of Málaga's most recognisable sights. For just a few weeks each year they burst into flower, turning streets, parks and even industrial estates into a sea of lavender-purple blossoms. In some cultures the Jacaranda is associated with wisdom, good fortune and new beginnings. So this is an Ancient Wisdom tree! Whatever the meaning, they certainly make the morning drive to the warehouse rather more cheerful.

Of course, while the trees may look relaxed, the team certainly isn't.

Friday was the final trading day of the month and across Ancient Wisdom, from Sheffield to Slovakia, Spain to Bali, everyone was working flat out to dispatch every possible order before month end. Warehouses are buzzing, customer service teams are chasing last-minute requests and buyers are already planning the next arrivals.

And naturally, because this is Spain...

Warehouse team member Brahyan appears to have been inspired by the wedding season and decided to model his future wedding outfit using a generous quantity of bubble wrap. There is never a dull moment in a wholesale warehouse. Especially in Spain where every day is a party.

Talking of arrivals, some exciting new gemstone products have landed from India this week. We have been working closely with trusted suppliers and gemstone specialists to bring in ranges with genuine provenance and quality. See new products below..

The recent spell of warm weather has also got us thinking about outdoor living, festivals, glamping and camping. Most people don't immediately think of Ancient Wisdom as a camping supplier, but you might be surprised how many products fit perfectly into that market.

As we head into the summer season, - 1st of June is offically Summer (can you believe it) let's hope the sunshine continues, the campsites stay busy and the Jacaranda flowers hold on for a little while longer.

Until next week, thank you for your business and support.

Best wishes,

David