I’ve been toying with the idea of making my debut on the blogging circuit for quite some time now. The question has been what can I offer that is not already being offered by Gina’s fabulous writing skills? We’ll, a man’s perspective on the whole HOPE, Chiang Mai scene might surprise a few people! The scene is a little quiet at the moment in terms of bodies as our staff have returned to their villages to help their families with the forthcoming rice harvest. It’s amazing how you get used to the sound of sewing machines and cutting machines whirring and buzzing you through the day. I miss that. I really believe in what we’re doing here and particularly in Gina’s vision for the future of Fair Trade. It has to be fashion as that’s what is going to make sweeping changes.

This truly is a labour of love – no-one in their right mind would try to explain to a hill-tribe woman why a men’s shirt should have two pleats in the back to make it more fitted. I just got laughed at. It’s called Euro-styling, hello! When my son insists that we wear the same shirt, I instantly forget the ridicule that I’ve recently felt and I start campaigning for bigger sizing in our boy’s line!


The good news is that you won’t have to be reading my blogs very often as Gina will be back soon and I run out of things to say way sooner than her!
However, I like it and I might be back sooner than you think! In any event, the writing was fun while it lasted.

Sawadee,

Greg

P.S. The ponchos really are awesome and so are the hats!