Scarves with a Purpose

Homesoul

 

 

While stopping in London on my way to Italy I finally had an opportunity to explore Spitalfields Market.    Markets are perfect for solo travelers  You can either be invisible in a crowd or stop and chat with any vendor who might show an interest.  

The enormous open area has endless booths, tables, shops and food locations.  I did not plan suffient time to explore the entire market and was glad I had not come on a Saturday!

A colorful display of printed fabric caught my eye.    Drawing closer I found stacks of colorful scarves, pillow covers, bedspreads and other home décor.       I was delighted to learn from the co founder/co owner Ipshita where her products were created.   She kindly allowed me to do a short film while we chatted.

The two sided scarves were made from re-purposed silk saris.   They are hand sewed together by Indian woman, giving them employment and keeping the 'art' alive for the  next generation.   Cotton saris are used to make the throws and other items.

It was difficult to choose one pattern from the large selection.   But the effort was worth it.  I have a treasure with a history and a purpose that I shall think of every time I wear my scarf. 

Homesoul   www.home-soul.co.uk
Old Spitalfields Market
16 Horner Square
Spitalfields, London
Thursday to Sunday  11 am to 5 pm

The Best Exotic Fur-ever Hotel

Just like the movie, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel",  there is a loving home in London for retired cats. Homeless after years with a faithful human, retired cats often find themselves homeless when their human 'family' member is no longer able to live on their own or pass on. Patchouli A local shelter is often where these treasured furlines find themselves, confused and often still mourning the loss of their best friend. The retired house guests each have their distinctive personalities. I had the opportunity to meet the kindhearted woman who manages this haven for retirees.   She describes her 'guests':    "I share my home with 7 elderly cats, whose safety is of paramount importance to me.  They go in the garden but never out of the front door." Biggles While in London I had the opportunity to book  a room in this private home through a great booking service    www.athomeinlondon.co.uk  #134.  The very interesting owner I stayed with does volunteer work at a local rescue site and fosters retired felines after they become homeless. During my visit I was ignored by most of the guests but one friendly 'fur' face stopped in my room to see who had moved in.
	Peaches	Snowball
	Look at those blue eyes!  Spencer Sylvester Thena

http://www.supportadoptionforpets.co.uk/rescue-centres/london/battersea-dogs-and-cats-home/906

Russia: St Petersbury, the church of the Spilled Blood

Some countries are much easier to visit when all the arrangements, visas, translations and plans are done by someone else.   A 2 week  overview of the Baltic countries gave me a sample of most of the region.  I could plan to return for a deeper look at a future time.  

 I have NEVER taken a tour.  I use ships every year to avoid a crippling 10+ hour captivity in a plane seat that is shrinking every year.

Russia requires a Visa.  You can obtain one for yourself and use any of the local tour operators or allow the cruise line to issue a temporary visa for you ONLY if you take the cruise line sponsored tours.

Only taking one tour while in Russia I was able to see this amazing church.   After an hour long canal boat ride and an ENDLESS visit to a gift shop we had a mere 10 minutes in this amazing building.   The crowds were massive.  

Our guide knew a great deal about the building but it was impossible to hear her.   

 I have NEVER taken a tour.  I use ships every year to avoid a crippling 10+ hour captivity in a plane seat that is shrinking every year.

 A suggestion to Holland America is to correct the time distribution for their tours.   They did not add more tours for the open bus and free time walking for passengers (sold out) and told me they were 'not allowed'.  Possibly true since Russian has endless restrictions.   I was only there a day but it was not a cheery place.  Perhaps the grey skies contribute to the overall malaise.