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Ah - someone has asked me why my website is advertising that Pam Holland will be on the Mexico cruise when they have spoken to her and she is not going. This is correct. Pam had originally agreed to come with us but then found she was unable to make the trip because, as she said, she had forgotten that she will not be coming to Houston this year so will not be in the US as she originally had believed.

As magazine advertising had already gone to the presses, it was too late to pull those ads when Pam told me she could not go, however, her name was removed from the website. The only thing I can suggest that could cause a website to appear to have a discrepancy is that sometimes, one forgets that their browser retains cookies to previously opened pages and when one tries to access the page again, one will see the same exact page as before, because it was "saved" by the cookie. Some browsers are automatically set to refresh after a certain length of time, others have to be manually refreshed.

I apologize to the person who wrote for causing any concern or confusion, it was certainly nothing intentionally left for someone to misinterpret - those browser's can sometimes be tricky. Because your comment seemed that you were so concerned, please let me know who you are so I can give you a free berth on this trip. You may identify yourself by repeating for me what you said in the comment.

Pam WILL be joining me this August on the Quilt Cruise for a Cause - and we are looking forward to a fabulous time. It is exciting that when given a choice, people may choose to take the cruise only or opt for the addition of joining the group at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham.

Incredible Bali

INCREDIBLE BALI
Twenty eight quilters from the United States and Africa descended on Bali last Saturday morning. Suddenly, our trip was not about buying batiks, but learning about the traditions and cultures that that have existed for centuries and are embedded in the textile heritage of this island.

An amazing people, the Balinese are extremely gracious and have gone out of their way to make our stay more than memorable. We began our visit in Ubud at the 5 star Komaneka Bisma Hotel, where we were treated like royalty. With this as our home base, we explored this cultural and art rich area of Bali for five days. Visiting batik dyers and textile weavers we were fully enriched in the arts of textile creation. Each of us tried our hand at dyeing our own batik using the was resist method – and all will go home with an incredible indigo and white fabric of their own creation.

Knowing the techniques of dyeing and seeing the process of printing, mordanting and dyeing – the amazing instant transformation of color in the dye-bath was truly an eye-opening experience that at least for me, and reinforced all that I have read over the years. Here, the authentic “BATIK” is done by hand – and is a timely process; taking at least one month to complete a hand waxed and dyed sarong. Each piece is dipped into 5 separate dye baths, 25 times to get the rich and intense colors.

Not to be left out of the textile culture are the Ikat weavings – which to the Balinese are very much like the traditional Hawaiian quilts on those Islands. Designs are used only by family members and to use another’s design will bring on things “bad for the soul”.
The group is having the shopping experience of a life-time, I do believe that we have brought the country out of a recession. The batiks which are original to Java and Bali – are not the same as the BALI style prints we see at home in the States. One can buy a patchwork batik sling shoulder bag for $2.50. A mass produced batik sarong for $3.00, which is about $1.33 a yard! There are more expensive (and labor intensive pieces) that sell for an average of $3.00 a yard. It is very easy to find Batiks in shops and in open markets.

We have connected with several individuals here who are helping organize free trade arrangements for the native dyers and weavers, while at the same time helping the dyers learn about natural dyes and processes – as opposed to the chemical dyes they have been using for the last generation. The hope is to empower them while improving the ecology of the area. It was incredible to learn that Bali royalty has taken the lead in this process as he facilitates work for many Balinese women to work in their home where they can care for their families.

The landscape is breathtaking – from the beautiful rich turquoise of the sea to the deep bright green of the tropical jungles. Along the landscape one frequently sees tributes to the Hindu gods, small personal temples in front of businesses and homes, as well as large neighborhood temple areas. Tiered rice paddies fill the open areas and are found in many private yards, as rice is the main staple.

Our guide is perfect, well versed in the religious and cultural aspects that we find unique to us. The Bali people are very respectful of others – no matter who one is. They believe that the most important thing is to ‘respect people (after god). Family is extremely important, and they stay together in all business and social aspects. Their people are happy with little, having a worth ethic of “no work, no money”. Imagine that. The most interesting job that I have heard about are the Salt Makers, women who dry the ocean water, sift the sand from the salt and collect the salt for food use of the community.

Departing the Komaneka Bisma Hotel, we head for Nusa Dua, the most well known beach in Bali – for the last five days of our journey. After our check in at the luxury Nusa Dua Beach Resort Hotel, we made our way to the sand and shores for some down time. From here we set out to visit additional sites rich in Bali culture. An incredible journey to the cool mountains took us to the Ulun Danu Temple, found on a smile island in a lake, lunch was a feast overlooking terraced rice fields in the valley below. Following our stop here we spent the evening at the Tanah Lot Temple area and enjoyed a cultural dance show by the sea. A fun stop was the Monkey Forest, as many babies had recently been born it was the highlight of our visit to watch them cling close to "mama".

The absolute highlight of our tour was spending time with the workers at the facilities of Hoffman of California's batik factory. Mr. Hoffman is known throughout the Island as "a very good man", and one realizes why when they discover how happy his employees are and learns of the company's philanthropy to the Bali people. The Hoffman's have retained employees for over 20 years in addition to serving as a blessing to many of Bali's families. Additionally, with insight as to what the chemical dyes might be doing to the area's environment, the Hoffman's have had the foresight to build what they told us is the only Bali batik industry water-purification system. The almost black water which was used in the dyeing process goes into the tanks, through the system and returns to the river clean and clear. CONGRATULATIONS to the Hoffman's! As a side note - one of the Hoffman's mentioned to me at Quilt Market that the impetus for the system was the notable disappearing of tropical fish off of Bali's shore within a few years after the Batik export industry exploded in the 1980's. If they haven't already, I truly hope that other island batiker's will follow suit.

Overall - an incredible experience, one that will be remembered for many years to come. If you havn't opened the smilebox link already, Please feel free to take a few minutes with some pictures from our adventure!

By the way, yes, we are going again next year!

Win..Win...Win

It is time for some fun news!!

I am having a contest - and anyone who is not already on my email update list will want to sign up! Someone who is on the update list by December 21, 2009 will be the winner of their choice of a Costal, Caribbean or Alaska cruise in 2010!

Japan Tour Success

The almost sold out 2009 tour to Japan and the Yokohama Quilt week was the brainchild of a Japanese quilter - she has had so much personal input as to the places that are 'must see' places for anyone that likes quilts and fabric, yet, the group will be seeing the true Japan, not often seen by tour groups. It was first suggested late in 2007, that I put this tour together, much like my tour to Bali was suggested by a friend who spends much of his time there. Sometimes it is easier than others to create itineraries that are unique - but with people there who are "in the know", the journey's are nothing but incredible!

For example, one can google, Yangtzee River Cruise, and come up with 100s of offers from companies all offering the same thing. I really strive to be different, I may go to similar places as other tour providers, but I hope that I can show my groups things that no one else has thought of.

There is so much to see in the world - and it is awesome that almost everywhere there are textiles and in many places one will find quilts and/or quilt makers. Recently, I have had a suggestion for a tour from Bonnie Browning at the American Quilters Society. Bonnie has traveled extensively and is really a great gal to be around. We have known each other since 1996 when I became a certified appraiser, and I am thrilled she would like to do a tour with me. Bonnie was way a head of me on this one - and already has contacts made for incredible quilt stops.

Be looking for some great itineraries next year. They will be coming out as availble, airlines will not release group air rates until 11 months from the departure date, so some tours will not be available right away - but check the site often to know what is in the works!!

Travel in Mexico

I recently had the opportunity to talk to someone who had just returned from a Mexican Riviera cruise on the same ship as the one my group is booked on in November of this year. I was eager to hear about her experience because of recent news about violence associated with the drug cartels. She told me that there they felt very safe and secure at every port, stating, "the ports stops are very secure, they want the tourists there and made it clear to us that we were protected....if there are any reasons to be concerned, they are not in the cities where the cruise ships dock."

I would never think to offer a tour if I thought there would be any reason for concern, but like you I understand the need for caution and would not want you to join my Mexican Riviera cruise if you feel the least bit concerned.

The US goverment issued a security warning to Americans in February of 2009 which stated that we should off country roads at night, and not to wear flashy jewelry or carry big bags in central Mexico locations, this is true for a lot of the world.

It is important to note, according to news agencies, the drug cartel problems are in central Mexico, not in the Mexican Caribbean or Riviera areas. Mexican authorities pay close attention to security in tourist areas, as my friend said, they want the tourists there - it is vital to their economy.

A recent news article states: "There were over 5,589,000 cruise ship visitors to Mexico from February 2008 to February 2009....There have been no cruise ship related incidents in Mexico related to drug cartels...no cruise ship passenger has fallen victim to cartel kidnappings or killings or muggings."

I am certainly not one to want to spread fear, but this is an informed decision you must make for yourself - however, considering the way of the world, who knows what next year might bring? As a concession to you, if you want to join my Mexican Riviera cruise this year but have concern over your safety - then let me know, I will give you a $250 credit toward any cruise or tour next year.

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.

I just heard about this today, and regret that I did not know about it before now. However, it is not too late to go back and trace my steps....for everyone that has booked a trip with me in April - either before today or after, I will donate $25 to raise awareness on this important issue.

Let's all challenge ourselves to be informed.

**A very generous friend has agreed to match my donations 3:1...for every registration received this month - I will be donating $100 toward this worthy cause.

The Big Announcement!

I am blessed and honored to have received a call from the folks at All American Crafts, publishers of The Quilter and Fabric Trends magazines (among others). It seems they would like to host some quilting cruises and have asked me to help arrange them. So we are off! The magazine will offer two cruises over the next year, one in November, 2009 to the Mexican Riviera and the other in the Caribbean, departing on February 28, 2010 from Miami.

I would be thrilled if anyone who has been a quilt cruiser would comment - and let me know what their best and worst impressions were!

For information on these trips - please refer to my webpage: http://worldofquiltstravel.com