PHOTOS FROM JAN'S BUYING TRIPS

We would like to share the experiences that our owner has encountered during his many buying trips. We love the merchandise that is created in these countries as well as the people and cultures that it comes from.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER PICTURE.

WELCOME TO CHINA

About a fifth of the world's population is Chinese, 1.23 billion, and about 93 percent of them are Han. They originated in the Yellow River basin, the cradle of a highly sophisticated civilization that gradually spread throughout the area now known as China. The term Han is a cultural rather than ethnic identity, shared by people of diverse physical traits, dialects, cuisines and traditions. China is a beautiful country that has a remarkable history dates back some 3000 years ago. Yet many of China's precious artifacts remain uncovered. In recent years, exotic artifacts and art from China has grown in popularity. Below you will see pictures of the special pieces that Jan found on his trips.

BACK TO TOP

TO HELP BURMESE CYCLONE VICTIMS

WELCOME TO MYANMAR, FORMERLY BURMA

Burma or Myanmar, the country with two names. Occupying the largest area on the South East Asian peninsula, and is bordered by China on the north and north east, Laos on east, Thailand on the south east, on the south by the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal and on the west by Bangladesh and India. Burma is as large as twice the size of Germany.Burma has become an independent state since 1948 after 62 years under the colonial administration. Burma is the country that regained her independence first though she was the last country in the region occupied by the British. Burma has 135 ethnic groups, each with its own culture, language and beliefs. Burmese culture is a blend of Chinese, Indian and Burmese native traits and characteristics. Buddhism has great influence on daily life of the Burmese. The people have preserved the tradition of close family ties, respect for the elders, devotion for Buddhism and simple native dress. Burmese are known for their simple hospitality and friendliness.

WELCOME TO THAILAND

Thailand was a unified kingdom, established in mid- 14th century. It was known as Siam until 1939. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power.According to the Lonely Planet South-East Asia travel guide, Thailand's climate is tropical and sticky year-round - especially in Bangkok. Thailand has three seasons: hot - March to May, rainy - June to October, and cool - November to February. Its population is about 59 millions, comprises mostly of homogenous. There are many hill tribes in the northern area and some Malays in the south.

Lotus Flower	Best friends in Suk	Hill Tribe Mountain Market
Selling ant eggs in Suk	Buddha Tree with Buddha Houses	Entourage at the Burma/Thai border.
Red bamboo tree	Celebration ceremony before this man enters monk-hood.	Family members and friends of the man joined the celebration.
Meat market on the street	Roadside breadfruit vendor	A lovely Thai girl in Chiang Mai
Papaya growing in North Thailand	A Sacred Fig, also known as Bo, Pipul or Ashwattha trees, which are sacred to Hindus, Jains and Buddhists. Siddhartha Gautama is referred to have been sitting underneath a Bo Tree when he found enlightenment and became the Buddha. To show respect, posts in the colors of monastic robes are placed under the tree.	The yellow hue of Ratchaphruek tree is regarded by the Thai people as the color of Buddhism and the color of glory. Ratchaphruek blooms annually from February to May and symbolises the unity and harmony of the Thai people. While the flowers are blossoming, the tree sheds its leaves, leaving only bright yellow flowers hanging on its branches. The Ratchaphruek is widely known in Thailand and is grown in abundance along the roadsides.
Sukothai	Sukothai	Sukothai
sukothai	smoking banana leaves
This woman asked for her first cigarette at the age of 100. Good time to start smoking.	Hanging orchids at market	Sukothai

BACK TO TOP

WELCOME TO VIETNAM

Legend has it that Vietnam's origin lay in the harmonious union of Lac Long Quan, King of the Sea, and Au Co, Princess of the Mountains. Vietnam was under the domination of Chinese for an entire millennium, which was finally thrown off in the 9th century, therefore Vietnam's traditions and culture were heavily influenced by China. External control was imposed once again in the 19th century when Vietnam was occupied by the French.Although many westerners still imagine Vietnam through the lens of war, it is in reality a country filled with captivating natural beauty and tranquil village life. Its highlands and rainforest regions, far from being devastated, continue to yield new species and team with exotic wildlife. Its islands and beaches are among the finest in all of Southeast Asia, and its cuisine is very possibly the most delicious you will ever find.