Well it's that traveling time of year again so now Jay (hubby) and I are making a BIG adventure of it! Together for 3 weeks in New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh - then home again for Jay and a few more weeks in Dhaka and the UK before I also head home.

Why the whistle-stop world tour?

... we chose to put family first and spend time with relatives far, far away and in the process became closer and closer - what a wonderful time shared together with them and other good friends too!

Fairtrade whistling on down under

Whilst on tour we also scouted out the Fair Trade scene in each place. In New Zealand Trade Aid is the 'go-to' fair trader with 30+ shops throughout the country like this one in Raglan. In Australia Siham Craftlink is a major importer of fair trade craft, supplying many shops around the country. Oxfam Australia has 19 fair trade stores in the main cities too. Awareness of fair trade issues is on the rise down under and we're excited for that.

Trade Aid, Siham Craft and Oxfam Australia all support many fairtrade artisans in Bangladesh and in these hard economic times their commitment to these established relationships is key. This difficult season truly brings out the best in fair traders. As Motif was in touch to meet with each agency, we received messages of concern and a desire to support those artisans already 'with' them rather than take on new relationships at this time. So, although it may be a while before Motif is seen in these nations, we're thankful for the strength of fair trade already on display.

What made our whistle really stop?

... the Little Penguins of Phillip Island, Melbourne! They reminded me of how important this solidarity is. These wee ones grow to 12" / 30cm high and tenaciously protect their community with jaw-dropping feats of energy and skill. Amazing to be eye level with these tiny giants, just an arms-length away, and see first hand the determination and focus on their goal. The result? ... numbers are now growing.

Let's dig in for that kind of growth in fair trade and in Motif in 2012!

Looking Forward,