Blogs

CHINA- It all began with our son, Ravidas, at age 4, begging to go to China. He studied his Mandarin for a month before, learning words like poisonous frog and scorpion. Not really helpful, as the average person spoke not a word of English. While SD has been to China more times that we can count, this was the first time that Ravi and HG visited China, though clearly we should have gone sooner. 

We found China to be a beautiful mix of the old culture and the new. With skyscrapers everywhere interspersed with old Chinese Pagodas. Growing up in India, the old temples and forts just become part of the everyday scenery. China was a unique experience that I am sure to repeat again soon. The food was the best Chinese food in the world, of course, but as a vegetarian, you never know what to expect. 

We visited the old factories, choosing Stone Dragons, Marble Lions, Chinese Wedding Beds, and Old Tibetan Cabinets. We created a new line of Chinese Bedroom Furniture, with Hand Carved Beds using reclaimed woods, Wedding Beds and Chinese style Carved Seating. We walked the ancient markets, buying everything from Jade Pendants, old brass tibetan bells, and choosing Fabrics for our new Chinese Silk Cushion Cover line. Ravi enjoying the shopping for our stores here as much as we did, giving his input on each and every piece.

INDIA- Having grown up in India, its been a long time since we had a trip that was so much fun. Ravidas was old enough to enjoy the sights and sounds (maybe not the smells). We stayed at our home in GK-1, with Murli to serve us authentic Indian food daily, and Chai throughout the day. 

The highlight of our trip was Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where we stayed with our people at the renovated Ajeet Bhavan, with individual Cabanas and a pool with an underground cove that you had to swim under waterfalls to get to. 

We shopped during the cool part of the day. Haha, anyone who has been there knows that there wasn't one. So we had to reconcile ourselves with basking in the heat and enjoying a nighttime swim. We traveled with Clients who chose the merchandise that was perfect for their stores for the holiday season. We traveled the markets for silk fabrics, inspected our Moroccan Sofas and Jhulla Seating, and designed furniture such as reclaimed wood beds made from hand picked old doors, arches and pillars.

It was a successful and painless trip, despite the may heat, which reached over 100 degrees while we visited. I know Siri Darshan cant wait to get back for some proper paranthas and mango lassis.

INDIA – Siri and I are on the train on our way to Rajasthan. Terrific time watching the fields and towns pass by us as we travel towards Jodhpur.

We were not able to get into first class so we are in second class sleeper. A big difference for a little price difference.

Packed in like compressed fish in a tin, the bed I have has the roof line of the train bending, and thus every time I turn over or try and get up, I smash my head.

Good thing I tied a larger and more padded turban today. Still it hurts. But the tea is amazing. On our sixth cup.

This is just rich. Turns out Siri and I sat or actually went to sleep in the wrong beds, well I did at least and I was just woken up but getting poked and prodded by an elderly mans cane. Definitely going to leave a mark!!

Here is a picture of the train from the perspective of my bed.

RAJASTHAN: JODHPUR, India – Today we are in Jodhpur.

This is where our factory is and where we have a warehouse to centralize our purchases throughout India.

Gaganprett, (Gagan) Siri very old friend runs the factory in Jodhpur and also the stitch room where we design and make our silk and sari bed covers, pillow covers, and all other Indian textiles.

Gagan is the best partner one could ask for and a terrific father and friend. Much of what I say will go to his head, so please don’t tell him.

Here is a picture of Gagan.

RAJASTHAN: JODHPUR, India – Siri and I went shopping today for antique gazebo’s, old dowery chests and other Indian antiques. We purchased some incredible doors and one very special piece, which we will send to our store in Arizona for one person to discover.

We hand a hand cut piece of marble made specifically for the piece’s top and largely left it in its found state.

It is one of the finest Damchiya’s (dowery chests) that we have found. In addition we found a beautiful gazebo made from antique carvings, archways and columns. Finished in reclaimed teak.

Here are a few links to pictures from today's journey.

JODHPUR, India – Siri and I went to see some local architecture to inspire new designs and to just hang out.

We went through Jodhpur, taking tea with old traders and new friends.

You would be amazed how much chai can be consumed in a day. I think that by my count we drank over 15 cups of Chai today. Surprised that I have not had a diabetic seizure from the sugar. Forget about the over consumption of cream, ghee and roti’s( Indian bread served with all meals).

We went to the old city and saw from the highest point the blue city (the name for Jodhpur as much of this section of the city is painted an incredible blue). We saw 25 foot doors as the entrance of the Fort which are spiked every 3 inches to ensure that they did not use an elephant to try and ram the door in the old feudal days.

I am writing this from the garden at the hotel we always stay at. It is quiet but only for another 2 hours and then a Indian wedding will take place. So much for sleeping. Not sure if you have ever been to an Indian wedding, but image for a moment hundreds of people gathered in one very large tent, every 10 feet around the perimeter a man with a lamp on his head to light the place, bright colors, a buffet which would put any Las Vegas hotel to shame, incredible beats from a drum and laughter.

Now imagine trying to sleep next to that while it goes until 5 am. The smells of incredible food. The giggling of children long past their bedtimes. Adults dancing to powerful bhangra music. No luck sleeping. Guess I will try and bother Siri. Moments past. Evidently he can sleep through anything.

So I will sleep tomorrow.