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bags of fun

2/12/2015

14 Comments

 
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Many of the bags and purses I carry in the Green Gecko come from this family owned business in Bangkok.  They have a row of stalls at the market that are always packed with everything from beautiful silk bags to cute owl backpacks. 

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Its a bit comedic to work with them. Our encounters always follow the same format.  I start by checking out all the options, colours, styles etc. The gentleman in the picture (the husband) follows me around, smiling all the time and nodding in this cute attentive way.
There's always lots of choice. I start with the styles and designs I like then I examine the pieces more carefully looking at stitching, fabric, zipper quality, and things like how many pockets does it have?  Thinking of my customers wants and needs in a bag.  Then when I'm starting to narrow it down to the styles I'm interested in, the important question - price. This is where my friend comes in, I ask him the price at which point he yells (literally) to where ever his wife is and asks the price which she yells back in Thai. I have the basic numbers down in Thai so I usually understand the price and he knows this. Still, each time, he pauses and does the translation in his head and tells me the price in English (with a huge smile).  We repeat this process over and over.  It seems his responsibility is to translate his wife's yelled prices into English for me.   There's nothing to do but go with it, and he's just adorable.  Eventually I decide which styles I'm going to buy.  At which point another girl appears and tells me how many colours each style comes in and I select how many and which colours I want.  
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Peter is a great help with quality control. Or like he's doing here, he'll search through bins of little change purses because I only like certain colours.  He's a good partner (and a good sport).

All of this is done in a non-air-conditioned row of stalls at the market where the temp is often getting close to +40C. Its a bit sweaty and can take a while so I always make sure I have a bottle of water with me. 

I  like working with this family.  They always have a good selection of quality bags.  But that's only one of the requirements from me.  I also choose to buy from them because they are kind.  Kind to each other, kind to their workers and kind to me.  I have walked away from beautiful goods, at great prices, because of the people.  I choose not to buy from people who treat their workers like slaves or who treat me like just another $ sign.  For me, that's part of the reason I make the journey all the way to SE Asia every year to purchase items for the Green Gecko.  It gives me a chance to meet the people behind the products. 
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At the end of the day my friendly numbers man helped us cart out this package of samples to the taxi stand.  I've never seen him scowl before but when a taxi driver attempted to over charge the 'tourists' (us) for the taxi ride his face completely changed.  It was like he was personally offended that someone would try to scam one of his customers.  He chastised the taxi driver in Thai and slammed the door. It was very sweet of him to stand up for us. 
14 Comments
JP
2/14/2015 11:08:09 pm

nice to hear it is warm there -30 with the wind chill AGAIN :) Stay safe. JP

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Gerry Last
2/14/2015 11:55:30 pm

I'll be interested in talking with you when you return. I bought one of the owl bags in Portugal last year.

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Penny
2/15/2015 12:18:02 am

I have one of those beautiful bags and get so many compliments on it. Of course I tell them I got it at this wonderful shop - The Green Gecko - and that it came from Thialand. Can't wait to see this year's selection!

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Kat
2/15/2015 12:37:37 am

Wonderful story. I feel exactly the same way and have stood up for store or wait staff in Kingston who were being abused by management or other customers. Bad behaviour is shameful. You and Peter have hearts of angels, which is why you have so many loyal customers!

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Jeanne
2/15/2015 01:31:56 am

Sounds like you are having fun doing this. Thinking of you nice and warm in Bangkok. Enjoy your travels.

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Robert Taillon link
2/15/2015 01:45:23 am

What a wonderful experience for you. Love the complexity/ diversity of our world. Thank you for sharing. Cheers

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Frank Kinsella
2/15/2015 02:52:42 am


Thought that Peter had a new job and was bringing a new skill set to Lyndhutst. Every year these blogs get better and better. Wishing you great sucrsson your trip.
Frank

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france desjardins
2/15/2015 06:39:20 am

I love hearing from you Terry! And I totally enjoy your blog! Enjoy your next few weeks. Big hugs to you and Peter

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judy phinney
2/15/2015 07:57:26 am

I love the little details in your blog! Brings your experiences to life! Thanks for allowing us to be a part of the trip. Continue to enjoy.

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Lesley
2/16/2015 01:15:05 am

As always I love hearing the real stories behind the treasures you find, and that you put ethics before $$$. Love all the amazing colors of their bags and purses, so vibrant. Thanks for sharing!

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John Stoddart
2/16/2015 01:23:09 am

Wonderful to hear about your adventures. Have fun

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Nipper
2/16/2015 02:31:24 am

Love the blog as it makes me feel like I am there with you guys.
Dorry & I had lunch with your Mom & Dad yesterday and enjoyed every minute of it. Next year we will likely have lunch with you and Pete instead because Rose & Wayne are going to switch places with you.
It was kinda, sorta my suggestion and they picked up on it and when we are in 30 below degree weather it made sense to us all.
Just sayin
Take care Love Nipper & Dorry

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Lindsey
2/16/2015 12:43:15 pm

What a lot of gorgeous bags!! And great storytelling, too! Love to hear about your adventures!!

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Designer Diaper Bags link
3/7/2018 11:08:07 am

Backpack diaper bags are very convenient to use during busy days. These bags are especially made to ease the burden of the one wearing the bag. It frees both hands of the backpacker so that he or she can move freely and hold other things that are necessary. As for diaper bags, backpacks are also great choices.

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