Wholesale From Kathmandu to Kolkata to the Kenwood Hotel… and a 12-hour sleep - AW Gifts Europe

Greetings from Sheffield. I'm staying the the Kenwood Hotel as usual.

I just wake up this morning after sleeping like a log… a full 12 hours out cold (I’ll explain why in a minute). It was Friday, 1st May — May Day… Labour Day across much of Europe… a full moon… and the eve of a bank holiday weekend. One of those moments where the calendar quietly lines up and says: pause, reflect, enjoy it.

Last week I left you with my strange night in Guangzhou — if you missed that cautionary tale you can catch up here…

Since then… quite a journey.

I made it safely to Kathmandu, caught up with our suppliers, checked on orders in progress… and yes, even squeezed in a wedding (as you do) see last weeks new..

But the real highlight — a short trip just outside the valley to visit a felt factory.

Now this is interesting… the Felt business in Nepal is booming. It’s not just a factory story — it’s a village story. Thousands of people involved. Most artisans actually choose to work from home, and the system is brilliant in its simplicity: small trucks heading up into the mountain villages, dropping off raw materials, collecting finished pieces… even taking waste back for recycling.

Yet at the same time, there are these beautiful open rooms at the factory — windows wide open to the mountain air, rows of ladies and girls (and a few boys), sat comfortably on cushions, quietly needling wool into these intricate little works of art.

They smile when you walk in. Curious, warm… proud.

The owner — full of energy — explains everything (in a mix of enthusiasm and translation). He tells us many artisans come in not just to work, but to see friends, to learn new designs… to be part of something.

Then he introduces us to one young guy — deaf and unable to speak — but full of personality. A cat lover. He’s developed his own designs… including this beautiful white cat. Real character.

There’s a small kitchen on site too. We all sit together for lunch — simple local food, shared stories, a bit of gossip… one of those moments that reminds you why we do what we do.

From there — a quick hop on Buddha Air (a story in itself…) down to Kolkata.

A slightly surreal flight. The air hostess came with cotton wool - everyone (except me) stuffed cottonwool in their ears!

Mr. Chatterjee met me at the airport—and what a moment for him and his family. They’ve just moved into a brand new apartment in a huge, Chinese-style development right on the banks of the Ganges. A real lifestyle step up — and they are proud as punch to have me as their first guest in the “spare room”.

Timing-wise… I arrive right in the middle of the Bengal regional elections. A strange atmosphere—the election commission effectively takes over governance, alcohol is banned, and only one person is allowed on a motorbike (yes, really). It’s all about controlling political tensions. Flags everywhere. Army guys everywhere. Strong opinions. Quite a scene.

Still — we got to work.

Managed to develop some new product ideas with Mr Chatterjee and his son — keeping the factory busy, pushing things forward.

And then… the journey home.

Possibly the cheapest “business class” flight I’ve ever booked — £500 from Kolkata to Manchester via Mumbai. Indigo Air. What could possibly go wrong?

Well… not a flatbed, but what they call “Stretch”. And actually… very decent. Comfortable enough to sleep, excellent food (served anytime), a glass of wine when needed, and genuinely friendly service.

Would I do it again? Yes — absolutely.

Fast forward… I landed back in Manchester Thursday afternoon, got home… and disappeared into that 12-hour sleep.

And here I am. 5am. Writing this. Quiet room, sunlight just breaking. Clear head.

Time now to head in and see the team.

As always — it’s the people behind the products that stay with me. The artisan with his beautiful cat… the Chatterjee family proud of their new home… the quiet rhythm of work in the mountains… and the feeling that, even in this fast-moving world, some things are still made with care, patience, and pride.

Wishing you all a great and wonderful week — whether you’re working, resting, or somewhere in between.