Column

05-05-2022

THE JOY OF SOUVENIRS

This morning I have been sorting a few things out at home… one of these is a table lamp that I bought in Spain many years ago; this I carried on my lap back home and have had ever since, and it reminds me of a wonderful holiday in Basque country.

Are you a souvenir shopper? I have friends who collect from all over the world. My mother collected beautiful glass paperweights. I am more of a collector of fairly substantial items! Although I do have a collection of hair clips from all over... Murano glass from Venice and Mdina glass from Malta probably vie for my favourite.

As a young twenty-year-old travelling overland to Europe, my one purchase was a handmade rug in India – about 3m x 2m and beautifully woven. Packaged up by the shop and posted to my address in London seemed sensible, rather than carrying it for months. The issue was that it didn’t show up until two years after my trip to India when I received notification of a parcel to collect. You can imagine my excitement… when I collected it, the rug had somehow shrunk to prayer mat size! 

I was in the antique markets in Cairo and came across a chandelier I couldn’t resist. From the Art Deco period and made of Lalique glass, the French colonial past of Egypt was reflected in this piece – to be honest, it was something you instantly loved or hated. Made of wrought iron arms shaped like ivy leaves, with yellow glass trumpet flowers, it emanated a gentle light above my dining table. 

As you walk through the back streets of Kathmandu, the carpet shop owners call to you; in I went sitting on the floor with a glass of Chai, as they rolled out carpet after carpet – when they flicked one carpet out, you can imagine my shock when two rats ran out! 

Waiting for the ferry at Saint-Malo in Northern France, I came across an optometrist with unique glasses frames – how could I not be tempted?

My most recent purchase was in Azerbaijan in 2019, as yet again, I was tempted. In Baku, wander the cobblestoned streets of the old town until you come across the Flying Carpet Shop under the tower. A treasure trove of beautiful hand-woven carpets made from hand-dyed wools from the regional villages, the craftsmanship is exquisite. Expertly folded into a cube, I was lucky to have my son Hamish with me to carry my latest purchase! 

In a remote village in PNG, the villagers were weaving bags from handmade rope… I purchased a couple as a donation to the community. Australian customs wouldn’t allow them into the country – apparently, little mites and nasties live in the fabric.

On the other hand, herbs and spices from the markets in Avignon were OK to bring into Australia, and I still use them today when I cook. It is odd what is and isn’t allowed, but I always happily declare anything I purchase as I return home.   

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