Fabric Shopping in Uzbekistan: Gorgeous ikat and vibrant colours
Textile Lovers, visit Uzbekistan! Here is my shopping guide for ikat, suzani and more in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and in the textile-producing Fergana Valley.
Travelling
In the Shops
Silk Road Treasures: Beautiful Souvenir Shopping in Samarkand and Bukhara
This is my no nonsense guide to shopping in Samarkand and Bukhara for when you visit Uzbekistan. It is focused in local fairly made craft items, textiles and foodie souvenirs, with plenty of practical tips on where to find the nicest quality Uzbek souvenirs,
Shopping in the Caucasus: Great Souvenirs from Armenia and Georgia
Your guide to shopping in the Caucasus is here! I am finally beginning to catch up during this period of not travelling very much. I mean, I could go, but due to the nature of my work, I am still somewhat more needed here in …
Fabric Shopping in Nagasaki: Gorgeous cloth galore!
A hobby sewist shares insights from fabric shopping in Nagasaki. The blog details various high-quality Japanese fabrics available, from traditional prints to modern designs, and provides a thorough guide on fabric types such as cotton, chirimen, and Liberty Tana Lawn. Key fabric stores in Nagasaki are highlighted for their selection and decent prices. The post emphasizes personal experiences and advice for fabric enthusiasts.
Shu Matsubara Knives – the perfect Kyushu Souvenir
My first Nagasaki souvenir, a Shu Matsubara knife, remains sharp a year after purchase, evoking fond memories of Kyushu each time I use it. Shu Matsubara, located in Omura, offers traditional and modern Japanese knives forged by the dynamic Katsuto Tanaka, who trains the next generation of smiths. My initial purchase led to subsequent visits, enriching my collection with a personalized knife. Shu Matsubara Knives, not just a store but a workshop, provides an enriching experience for those looking to own quality Japanese knives.
Two Wheels and a dram: Our Islay whisky trip – with a bit of cycling
While unable to travel, there’s an opportunity to recap something older that may otherwise never see the light of day. It may delight, in this case, lovers of whisky. I never wrote about my Islay whisky trip. It’s been a while, but as I occasionally …
Treasure Hunting in Arita
Treasure Hunting in Arita was dream come true. I love Japanese ceramics and porcelain. Many years ago, trips to the now defunct Oriental City were a wonderful respite from toiling away in a laboratory. Years later, my already decent Japanese tableware collection was supplemented by …
The best Eastern German Christmas Goodies
Some amazing things come from Eastern Germany but are below many people’s radar. Eastern German Christmas goodies are one such thing, and it is a real shame they are not celebrated worldwide. And as a proud Eastern German, I see it as my job to …
Fabric Shopping in Bursa: From gorgeous silk to beautiful cheap cotton
As far as I can see, there is no blog post on fabric shopping in Bursa yet – but if you are a sewist and find yourself in Istanbul or the Marmara region, I highly recommend a trip out to Bursa. Bursa is well worth …
Rishton Ceramics: Beauty and Tradition in the Fergana Valley
What’s in Rishton? Firstly, it is the centre of ceramics in Uzbekistan. Rishton Ceramics are famous all over Uzbekistan. Moreover, of the ceramics you can buy in many of the tourist places all over Uzbekistan, many are produced in Rishton. The reason for this is …
The Tasty Tea of Sonogi on Kyushu Island
Now that I had successfully made it to the University of Nagasaki, I spent my first two weeks there studying, venturing out on trips inside the city only. Then my husband came to visit, so we hired a car and went to explore the countryside. …
Kumtepe Bazaar Marghilon – heaven for fabric shopping
After a jolly Sunday at Urgut Market, I was really excited about visiting the other famous Uzbek Bazaar the Kumtepe Bazaar of Marghilon. I hadn’t found much about it online, especially not whether it would be good for purchasing some quality locally made silk and …
Urgut Market – the best place for Suzani shopping in Uzbekistan?
Oh, the fabled Urgut Market. For years, I read internet forums and guide books, wishing to visit this bazaar south of Samarkand. This time, I was going to visit Urgut Market, and please, if you are interested in textiles, let me share my Sunday shopping …
Shopping in Venice: More than Glass and Masks:
Italy is a great place to shop for quality food and fabulous style. And shopping in Venice is no exception. But this time in Venice, on my first trip for nearly a year, I wanted to see sights, visit restaurants, and shop things that cannot …
Holiday Golightly’s Gift Guide 2022 or: give the gift of travel!
Here it comes, the season to… shop and shop, and the publication of endless gift guides on the internets. And, with just a tiny bit of delay, but ready for the (s)hopping madness here in Europe comes Holiday Golightly’s Gift Guide 2022. In 2019, I …