A while ago, my silver jewelry buyer and I left New York on a sourcing junket, er, mission, to Bali, Indonesia. We were looking to add some unique Bali designs to our branded sterling silver line and check out Bali’s sophisticated jewelry manufacturing expertise. More on that later.
As you probably know, Bali is arguably the most beautiful spot on earth – considered the Australian Riviera. James Mitchner wrote South Pacific with the island in mind. “No wonder you want to go,” the buyer told me.
Bali is arguably the most beautiful spot on earth – considered the Australian Riviera. James Mitchner wrote South Pacific with the island in mind.
The flight, via Hong Kong, lasted 20 hours. When we arrived at the Bali International Airport, we adjusted to the slow customs check-in. (What’s a computer?) Hurry up and wait, (we’re from New York after all). But we had no choice
Other than that, the airport was bedlam — Bali’s definition of organization. We kept our eyes open and hoped for the best. Exhausting.
We selected a taxi – or rather a taxi selected us – and left for the hotel. Our agent-guide-translator would meet us there. The taxi ride was educational.
• Kites filled the clear blue sky. Kite flying is Bali’s national pastime.
• Huge, ornate, carved statues guard many street corners.
• There is no speed limit. We arrived at the hotel shaking and in one piece
• The men are handsome, the woman beautiful
• With an abundance of teak, inexpensive labor and cheap land, hotels were all on one level and gorgeous. Never seen any hotel like them.
• There were lots of Australians.
• One negative. While we were leaving, Al-Qaida blew up a local bar. The island is mostly Muslim.
• Everything, (trinkets, furniture, souvenirs) is teak. Given enough time, (a few days) they will carve anything to your specifications.
We arrived at the first factory early the next day. The rifle toting guard/sentry, after opening the barbed wire-topped gate, let us in. Inside was a bustling compound – a fort of sorts. Much of the factory labor was done outdoors.
We were led inside to a long dark showroom. Everything Teak.
The Australian owner introduced himself and his two attractive female assistants. The assistants wore typical wrap-around sarongs and spoke no English.
They brought out the trays of silver samples…..We began to work.…..
To be continued…..
