In the interest of getting this started. I have decided not to write to any of you seperately and to start blogging.

I have just arrived in Hong Kong from Hyderabad (India) and have at last got an internet connection and 5 mins before I go to sleep to connect with you all. India, as I guess we all know in our minds is a wonderous mixture of colour and smells. Warm and friendly people and great food (well you kow how I love Indian food!)

I can’t imagine though, that in 4 days I could have had a better experience. I was, day and night, with some of the most incredible people. People who have pioneered Fair Trading organisations and led the way in development in a country where people are still insisting that it is impossible. There is so much happenning and so much more to come.

On my last day, with my evening flight imminent, and after a meeting which ran too late, we were given the opportunity to go and visit a new cotton co-operative which has only 13 members at the moment. We were assured it would take about 2 hours to get there, no more than 2.5 hours so not to worry that I had to get back for my plane….

3.5 hours later we arrived at a tiny village and were welcomed into the home of the president of the co-operative (a woman!!!) I have attached some photos. Unfortunately due to the length of the drive we could not stay very long but we did manage to witness the most lucky thing.

As a new co-operative, they have only received one premium payment as yet. This payment was spent on a ‘weighing machine’ as up to now, they have been cheated left right and centre when they take their cotton to be weighed. We were there to witness the opening of the box. It ws very moving for who work selling fairtrade to see such an immediate benefit. I wish I could share all my photos but will put a few up on the site now.

More Later

I hope someone looks at this!

Love to you all

Natasha