Back to Nepal

We've just returned from a quick trip to Kathmandu. We had such a positive response to the things we bought in November, we needed to go back to top up for the summer.
It is always fun to be in Nepal, though at this time of the year it was either hot and dusty or wet and muddy.
Still we had a great time and managed to visit some of the small factories that produce the clothes and bags that we buy.

The woollens are generally made on these low tech knitting machines.

The fun part is choosing the colours of New Zealand  wool to use.

These women were doing some quality control.

Lots and lots of bags to choose from.

Wandering through the markets and checking out the incense sellers.

 

We weren't there nearly long enough. but we'll be back.

Now it is time to wind up our stay in Asia and get back to Canada and Bwana Johns for another season.

 

Bwana Johns in New Zealand

Last weekend we had our local food festival or Kai festival as it is known here in New Zealand.
People came from all over to sample the traditional and not so traditional food that was being served.
We set up our tent there and spent a great day being part of the local scene.
The weather wasn't the greatest, but that didn't seem to slow down the delivery of fine food or inhibit the great music.

 

 Those of you familiar with Bwana Johns will recognise some of the clothes and jewellery in these photos.

 

The Kai festival was held in Kawhia a small town at the end of the road sitting on the shores of a large west coast harbour.

 

 

The music played in the park, and as you can see the sun did shine through for some of the day.

 

Our favourite group on stage - Holly and the Blue Benders. I'm not just saying that because they are friends.

 

 

These kids were pretty talented too.

 

Lots and lots of food.

 

 

 

But my favourite has to be the wok cooked mussels. The whole process is very dramatic, and the end result is very yummy.

 

Not sure this is traditional, but the water melon and ice cream was a great way to finish to the meal.

 

Ecuador

It is at this time of the year we bring out the woollies we buy in Ecuador.
Some of my favourite tropical places are at high altitudes. Otavalo in Ecuador sure qualifies for that honour.It can get quite cold here so it is no wonder that they produce so many woollen goods, from hand knit and woven sweaters to wool felt hats.
The markets here are busy and a riot of colour. It is great fun to wander around them buying for our stores.
It all starts with the sheep.

 

Then comes the spinning of the wool on a spinning wheel similar to this. I just love the colours of the wool.

Some of the wool is sold in the markets. There are row and rows of skeins of wool to choose from.

 

Some of the wool gets woven into sweaters on looms like this one.

Some gets hand knit into sweaters,gloves,touques and sox.

 

 

In the markets you'll also find an array of felt hats, in many styles and colours.

 

During the processing of the felted wool a generic hat blank is made. The hat is then put on a wood form that dictates the style that will be produced, and the hat is steamed into shape. 

The final hat looking very stylin'

 

As well as woollen goods, there is a wide range of jewellery and handicrafts. Here are some colourful wood art works.

 

I love to capture some of the faces I see in the markets.

 

Doesn't her face have so much character.The market places are a great place to photograph the people.

 

One of the many small stores surrounding the market.