Gallerie

Shops

Tèssere Project

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Tèssere is a continuous opportunity for networking and socialization. Every day, we try to add to this road we are creating. We would like to become a brand for products, and a new way of thinking about work, a way to respect people, and the enhancement of their capacity and specialty: a new way of experiencing the environment.

Tèssere is a big team of more then 10 women with different background and experiences: weavers, tailors, designers, a kind of “supporter” and a coordinator for each workshop.

Tèssere included two different artisan workshops where the textile turns through a traditional weaving technique called “de sa trama’e manta“. This technique allows the re-use of discarded textile or clothing and creates new styles or strips that become the weave in the loom that joins the woven of wool or cotton creating unique and very original artifacts.

Some years ago I had the idea to start ​​the project Tèssere. It began when I looked more carefully at an ancient artifact made with the traditional technique “de sa trama’e manta”. I thought that this product possessed an extraordinary value and it was a perfect combination of creativity and technology, history and culture of our communities. That object contained in itself another fundamental element: the recovery of what would end up in landfill. I thought that all these matters can be synthesized and linked with the social dimension of the work that would restore dignity to women and improve their quality of life. Because I dealt with social issues for years, it was natural for me to combine all these elements into a single project, so I cherished this dream for a few years until a competition announcement of the “Fondazione con il sud” allowed us to implement the project which was ultimately selected for a national competition that began December 2013. The project consisted of two workshops about thirty kilometers away from each other, in two different villages. 4 communities are involved as well as two social cooperatives, a cultural association, a society of environmental design and the Caritas all coming together for one goal: to create jobs in a new way, sustainable, with roots in the history and culture of their own land keeping an eye on the present and the future.

We are in Sardinia, in the smallest province of Italy, Ogliastra. It is an ancient land of great culture and extraordinary nature, but marked by deep economic crisis. We preferred to act, rather than feeling sorry for ourselves. We preferred to design and share ideas and dreams, rather than complain about the lack of jobs.

Tèssere is a challenge. We often repeat that with determination and courage we can overcome even the most difficult challenges. In this first years of work many beautiful things have happened: we have seen the generosity of people who donated clothes and fabrics destined to be thrown away; wasted fabric becoming transformed, contributing significantly in reducing pollution and last but not least, watching Tèssere enter the market force with quality artisan products, recognizably beautiful. We have also seen the windows of other shops with our products, our bags carried around with the natural elegance of women, new relationships blooming with other organizations, individuals, and designers, the large amount of brand new clothes donated to the Caritas for families in need; the smile and the satisfaction of women who have found jobs through us, and are still employed.

Tèssere is this and much more.

Because every day it opens a new window for us, new connections develop for our small company.

Tèssere is a continuous opportunity for networking and socialization. Every day, we try to add to this road we are creating. We would like to become a brand for products, and a new way of thinking about work, a way to respect people, and the enhancement of their capacity and specialty: a new way of experiencing the environment.

Have a look here!

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Shops

L’ATLANTE DEI BOTTONI

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“Take life lightly, for lightness is not superficiality, but gliding above things, not having weights on your heart.“

 

My name is Silvia, I’ m 27 and I am native of Samassi, a small village in Sardinia, although I‘ve been living in Cagliari for several years. For about a year and a half, my partner Francesco and I created a little brand called “L’atlante dei Bottoni” (The Atlas of buttons). We take care of giving life to new and different materials, especially old paper, which are perceived by many people as trash, that is why they are usually thrown away, such as dictionaries, encyclopedias and school books.
I always thought that my life’s work would have been in the historical archives, since years ago I dreamed of handling historical paper materials, and doing field research. I never thought that the way out of my impending degree in literature would be this. My passion for everything that concerns the past and the Italian language lead me to take this path now. It monopolizes all my time and gives me many satisfactions.

Where your passion / your work come from?

My passion and then my work comes out of this innate love which I feel for the past, and the way of understanding the world from people who lived in a different epoch, with eyes and a vision of things different from today.
When I happen to find definitions for words that are explained differently from our current vocabulary, or when I find words in our language that no longer exist I shudder, because it is a unique feeling and I’m so happy. I also hope that I am able to convey this feeling to all who see my work.
Another important aspect is the love I have for the Italian language, and what it represents to me that is often abused and used in a wrong way. My intention is precisely placing it at the heart, giving her the importance that it deserves. During the various exhibitions I meet people who understand my art, who are passionate and read with pleasure what is inside the various accessories. I am happy because in that moment I feel I’ve reached my goal.

Your most important achievement so far.

My biggest goal is to be able to turn one passion into a real job, I know it’s a privilege and I’m immensely proud of it. Luckily so far I have not had great disappointment. The only small exception would be when I realize that people find it hard to see the difference between craft-trade and industrial products, therefore they can’t really appreciate all that is behind the uniqueness of a product made manually by a person.

Where do you produce? 

I produce at home. I use a room as laboratory, and I often lock myself in for hours, listening a lot of music, writing, designing and slowly the ideas crop up. Sometimes I go to flea markets where oftentimes I find very often inspiration and materials that I can used for my works.

Do you have a kind of mantra to help you through rough times?

Not exactly. I have a quite particular character, I would say that I can handle myself better when in difficulty and under pressure. It may seem strange, but for me it was always been like this. Difficulties make me more productive, so much that on days when nothing seems to go in the right direction, in my opinion I can create the most beautiful pieces of my collections. In those moments, however, I tell myself that “It can be definitely worse than that” and then I see everything in a lighter and more approachable way.

Future projects?!

My project is to grow more and more, to continue to evolve and improve in every aspect and detail. Finding new ideas to develop and succeed in bringing our work beyond the boundaries of Sardinia. Last year we were able to participate at the International Handicrafts Trade Fair in Florence: we hope to have more of such experiences, because besides being really satisfactory, they are also a good way to keep an open mind and to meet different and exciting people.

How to face life and work?

Calmly and above all keeping in touch with reality. I am aware that as things can be great one moment, they can suddenly change for the worse. However, continued effort must be required and it’s important to give consistency to things in order to retain a balance.

There is a phrase from Italo Calvino (an important italian writer) that could answer this question perfectly: “Take life lightly, for lightness is not superficiality, but gliding above things, not having weights on your heart“.

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Food

Mariù Kebab

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Riccardo Cortese comes from Maddaloni, Campania, in the South of Italy, the Land of Pizza. He studied Public Relations in Milan and he is amused by the act of giving life to projects like start-ups in different fields, especially food service. Currently he is CONFAPI youth President (an association of small and medium sized businesses) in his territory. He is also a national web marketing CONFAPI representative. His associate partner is Federico Pinna, a Sardinian young man who studied Economy and Marketing. Likewise his specialization lies in the field of start-ups, more specifically regarding Marketing and Communication projects, and he is also founder and partner of “Milano Food Week”, the Milan Week dedicated to food and wine.

How did you get the idea to open this kind of restaurant and why have you decided to do it?

The passion for good cooking and food service have always fascinated us and we always mixed them in/with our projects. Foodation is a multi-brand holding that includes all the different formats of our firm: Mariù – culinary kebabberia, Macinata – Sarti di burger, Burbee – Artisanal Burger & Beers and the last born, Briscola – Pizza Society.

All the premises belong to the typology of fast or casual dining.

Mariù is the result of an attempt and desire to bring closer a broader female public to the Kebab – World, also due to the introduction of a menu – that allows to create a customise kebab with many different and genuine ingredients that come from the best of the Italian tradition (for example, the Puccia Salentina – a typical regional bread, Burrata cheese, Pecorino cheese, crema di tartufo – truffle cream).

Macinata is the “Hamburgeria – Burger House” where “customization” finds its best application: the bread, the type of meat, the size and the way to cook the latter, and every single additional ingredient are choosen by the customer, whom imagination can run free while inventing his own high quality personalized burger .

Burbee is the only format created for franchising projects and agreements. An “hamburgeria” that reflects a street mood: it offers burgers and handcrafted beers thanks to a series of recipes strongly inspired by the original hamburger and its native land: USA.

Briscola is a pizzeria enhanced by the best Neapolitan tradition, where the main ingredients are (San Marzano DOP tomatoes and Campanian Fiordilatte) associated with a winning spirit, a location with a captivating contemporary  design and where the healthiness of the product is exalted. To offer a flawless product is essential; this goal is attainable by using wholewheat dough for pizza and a special care while cooking it in a daily kept clean oven.

What is the main idea of it and what goals you would like to reach?

Foodation is born to meet the new demands of the Italian and international public. Further to our travels abroad we realized that – at least in the big cities – the clients want to eat more quickly compared to the past. Foodation aims to create and manage this type of format at an affordable price without sacrificing the quality of your product and a pleasant environment.
The goal is to be able to spread our quality format through the Italian territory and abroad.

How long it took to organize all? Did anyone help you?

The first format was developed in 2012: Trita. This model, innovative and highly successful, was followed in 2013 by Burbee – artisanal burger&beer. In 2014, the Food Lovers Invest (throttle start up WithFounders) and some business angels invested in Foodation with the aim of contributing to the growth with new openings, also in Milan: thus the first points of sale format Mariù (September 2014), Minced (October 2014) and Trump (February 2015 ).

Why do you think that it is so important- successful the integration of cultures and this reinterpretation of the food?

Food is no longer just the answer to a basic need but it’s also a cultural factor able to leverage on the memories and desires. Going out for dinner, or lunch break, can be a kind of trip, it is certainly an experience, a daily discovery and re- discovery parenthesis.

We are observing, in the last years, a strong emerging trend for the Italian food: Eataly probably is affirming his supremacy and is riding this wave ( defining quality, sustainability, real “Made in Italy”). Do you feel that you are also taking advantages of it, but in a different way?

The stores of Eataly in the world are almost the embassies of Italian soft power abroad regarding the sector of food and wine. Certainly Eataly realized before others the power inherent in the Made in Italy, but it is also true that it is worthily represented abroad.

Next projects – new ideas

For now, after the opening of the three formats that we wanted to create, we are focusing on new openings abroad, for us this is the biggest challenge.

What kind of message do you want to share with your customers through Mariù?

The kebab can be absolutely genuine and unexpectedly refined! Seeing is believing.

What would you like to suggest to young men- women who have a dream and would like to accomplish it?

Preparation is the key, but even more important is the work and the life experience that allows to know the context in which you want to create your own projects.

Mariù

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All photos are property of Foodation srl.

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Shops

Lamerti

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“So over time I’ve learned to take everything very lightly, not to be afraid of the bank account, and to have much confidence in the future. I think that there is no better good luck charm then his will combined with calm and wisdom, but with a bit of madness please, because otherwise would be boring!”

 

Martina is my name, I am 29 years old and I am born in Sardinia, in Cagliari, but I live far away from it since many years. This helps me to think abou it in a romantic and blurry way.

I live and work in Paris! Do you know the kind of stereotype about Parisian fashion designers?! Okay, I am exactly the opposite! No events, no public relations. I’m actually a very simple person, I like to do my job in peace, I like to have lots of free time to recharge creative inspiration, walk, go to markets, drinking beers at the bar with friends, eat and read.

How did your passion start?

I already had an education in tailoring and a passion for fashion and accessories. I already created  jewelry but very different from what I do now. One day I met a talented stained glass artist in a garden. At that point, it became easy to understand what my future would be.

Why flowers?

Because they touch me, simply. Their delicacy, their shapes and their colors, their perfection and their imperfections they move me to emotions, surprise me and stimulate my creativity.

What are your future goals?

My biggest goal is to work on the same project that I started five years ago, to improve myself exponentially every day in my work, to work every day with greater passion.
Certainly the path of creativeness is very difficult, many doors were slammed in my face and I’ve received a fair amount of scams and disappointments… For the moment I do not give anyone the opportunity to be a disappointment of my life!

Last year you made a crowdfunding to support your ativity, tell us how it was!

It was hard but it went well! Finding out how many people love what I do and believe in me gave me an amazing energy and motivation but I am not done yet, I am now looking for a space – which is not an easy undertaking, but I promise I’ll make it very soon!

In the morning you wake up… what is usually the first thought?!

Coffee! 🙂 I swear, usually my job doesn’t make me lose sleep, and even if I woke up and already a few minutes later I start to respond to mails and organize my working day, I do not want my commitments to disturb my good habits. That’s why I start with a nourishing breakfast before I go crazy with productions, sponsorships, customers, shipments etc.

Is there a phrase that you repeat like a mantra when you are in trouble or to get through?!

😀 I can not say it!

Cagliari, Rome, Paris … how you came there, and above all, what are you looking for?

I was born in Cagliari, ended up in Rome to escape from the isolated Sardinia that seemed suffocating to me when I was only 19. It simply happened by taking a ferry, the most common way to get to the “continent”, and I chose Paris instead in a more logical way, because as I became older, new needs arose in my life. I wanted to live in a functional and beautiful city, full of incentives. I wanted to change the country and try a different kind of society. I do not know where I’m going, but I know that I have a great need for “home” and even if I moved several times, every time I wish to have some stability, and therefore I do not want to live with the projection of a future change. Who knows, maybe I will have a workshop in New York in twenty years!

How do you face life and work?

We should ask those who stand by me how do I deal with them!
I think that living peacefully when doing my job is very difficult, you never have an economic stability. Many times I make investments that are not entirely useful, and I never exactly know what are the right steps to take, so over time I’ve learned to take everything very lightly, not to be afraid of the bank account, and to have much confidence in the future. I think that there is no better good luck charm then his will combined with calm and wisdom, but with a bit of madness please, because otherwise would be boring!

Discover the magic of Martina’s creations here:

LAMERTI

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Shops

Pure & Simple

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Munich is a big city that offers many shopping opportunities, nevertheless it is not so easy to find shops with exclusive clothes. Furthermore many of them pretend to sell Italian dresses but unfortunately most of the time they are not. Our goal is always to help you to find the most fancy item for the best price!

If you are looking for a special and lovely spot where you can buy also clothes from Italy… then here you can’t go wrong!
The first time I stepped a foot into “Pure & Simple” was about two years ago. My sister- in- law Elena, who was visiting me in Munich, saw it first.  At that point I was not used to walk around that area so often that is why I never noticed it. Already the outside you really realize that it can be so precious and once you are inside, you definitely are sure about it! It is a small universe but incredibly exquisite.
They sell some of the best Italian and international brands, from Lanvin to Missoni (and if you love Italian style you know what I mean), items that can be afford because (here at least) they are not so expensive even though they look wonderful and elegant.

 

“Pure & Simple”

They also have a special corner where you can purchase some pre-owned clothes. I go there most of the time without thinking whether I need something special, just to have a glance and eventually allow these beautiful things, I accidentally see, to seduce me and win my love!
If you prefer to have a look without help, you can just do it.

The shop is in Munich, in the wonderful Glockenbackviertel neighborhood, in the heart of the city.

I have lost the count of how many people I have suggested to stop by “Pure & Simple” to get a glimpse, even when they weren’t looking for anything in particular they have been captivated, and nobody, up until now, no one has been disappointed. The upside is that you can find casual clothes or even formal dresses to wear for a special event. You better not forget that it is a first and also a second hand, so there isn’t an endless choice of sizes; it is more like “First-come, first-served”, I would say that it is more a matter of chance (this is always the case with outlets and second- hand shops).

“Pure & Simple” provides also shoes (upstairs they have a big selection) and accessorize, like sunglasses or bags.

Good Luck and enjoy!

All Images are the property of Dietlind Tornieporth

Donatella

Food

Ruyi & Lyn

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Ruyi & Lyn is the new modern and trendy spot in Kuala Lumpur, located on the 4th Floor of the BSC ( Bangsar Shopping Center)

Visitors were surprised when they popped into the restaurant for the first time or by chance, totally astonished from the noble furniture that adorns the lounge area, which also credits its beauty to the shiny showcase collection of regal Moet and Dom Perignon. A refined cigar room decorated as a “Parlour” from another era brings its guests in a timeless space where great minds can meet, discuss and create projects. Get lost and relax, sipping one of the best quality whisky and smoke the finest cigars the home has to offer. Business can definitely meet pleasure in the busy private rooms, where guests, managers and entrepreneurs, can rent a space for a business lunch or dinner, and also enjoy their private time with their beloved family and friends. The nice furniture comes from the collaboration with Linds Furniture.

runway

In the second area of Ruyi and Lyn, you can access only with a great entry. All the guests are invited to feel like a VIP as they walk down the majestic red “Valentino” catwalk in their most catchy and elegant outfits absorbed by the enchanting atmosphere created by the suffused lights, giant screen, and the diamond DJ console in the room.

 

RUYISUSHI

The menu? A bomb. A new concept, a fusion of Asian traditional flavors and best quality ingredients with a contemporary look, a mix able to satisfy even the most sophisticated palates. Modernity meets Tradition; both coexist like Ying and Yang, two halves that come together as a whole, two halves chasing after each other as they seek a new balance.

 

ChefJames

Each dish is a small work of art ready to be hashtagged, shared, and liked by your followers. What can’t be shared is the privilege to be twisted by the intense, orgasmic, apocalyptic taste of each single specialty designed by the multi awarded Chef James Ho.

Cool events celebrated at Ruyi and Lyn?

Guardian People’s Choice Awards, Marie Claire’s 21st Anniversary, Duchess & Co amazing Fashion Show and several private events and parties!

 More and more is coming…

Visit Malaysia, visit Kuala Lumpur, reserve your seat in this luxurious spot and have a great time!

Ruyi and Lyn

Bangsar Shopping Complex

59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

www.lyn.global ; info@lyn.global

+60 3-2083 0288

Highlights

LYN SIEW

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Date and place of birth

6th July 1983, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Education:

BA (Hons) Art history and Film Studies – University of Nottingham

MA in Art history – University College London

Please, tell us more about your project; how would you define it, what is the main goal and what do you expect from it.

We designed Ruyi & Lyn to be an ultra cool and hip Modern Chinese Restaurant with an unusual dance club ambience. It’s the first innovation of its kind in Malaysia, to bring people together regardless of race, religion and societal background into one ambitious project.

How much and in which way a business man like your father (and your mother) influence your career and your life? What has been his/her best teaching so far?

My father is a highly successful restaurateur with decades of experience; hence he has given me ample support, and a fast track initiation into the FnB business which made my career jump from TV to FnB much easier. His enterprising and generous spirit is an inspiration to many budding entrepreneurs such as myself. My mother is almost my PA – she organizes my personal life while I am too engrossed with work! Both parents are my biggest role models; they have instilled the importance of generosity, honesty and having a good heart as an integral part of my upbringing.

How have you spent these years abroad and how did these long trips changed you into the woman you are today?

I lived and built a career in Europe during my 20s – First moving to Munich, Germany where I knew no one to work for a media company back in 2005. From then on, I have travelled, played, lived and grown within a global sphere of friends and society. To date, I have lived in Italy, Spain, UK, Switzerland and Holland and have built this surreal lifestyle where you only see in movies! All these experiences inspired me to return to Malaysia and to give back my home country in the form of creating employment and influencing lives with a difference through Ruyi&Lyn

Your relationship with your country: how would you define Malaysia? How is to be back after all these years?

I love Malaysia, although I must admit we have created some negative press lately. My core value is to believe in the good of people, and of a country in a bigger scale, we are a progressive society which needs time to develop the confidence of a first world country. My decision to give up my Germany residency and career to return to Malaysia has raised many eyebrows – my friends thought I was crazy! I have no regrets though, as Malaysia is home and I see prospect in my contribution to building the society here. Home is home and I have had my share of fun! ☺

What about doing business in Asia and in Europe: in Asia everything seems to go so fast, people work a lot, and everything is growing up at a incredible speed. Is this the truth or the first impression of a foreigner?

There’s a saying in Europe: “We work to live” and in Asia, it is “We live to work”. That’s true.

We can admire a stunning installation by the Designer Melinda Looi in your new spot, Melinda is one of the top 10 famous fashion designers in Malaysia. Considering that Mr. Jimmy Choo is number one, we can definitely tell that Malaysia has great talents! How did it come to your mind this collaboration ?

Melinda is one of the most innovative fashion designers in the country, hence I am very proud to showcase her work as it correlates with the branding of Ruyi&Lyn. The restaurant is designed to be versatile, ever changing and innovative hence our patrons can always expect something new each time they return to the restaurant. Same goes for Melinda’s creations!

Connect with Lyn and her dynamic team:

Ruyi & Lyn Facebook page

Ruyi & Lyn World!

Fashion Designer, Made in Italy

ELISA SANNA

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“Elegance must always be the foundation of everything. Even before wearing a dress, it must be part of the attitude of a person. Only then you can give life to what you wear. My passion starts from here. From the beauty of women.”

 

Who is the young powerful lady Elisa?!

I am a young creative girl who has always done everything that was going through her head. Despite the difficulties, I have always had big dreams and big ambitions and I have always aimed for something bigger.

My passion is to create clothes, which means to me an idea to become reality, a form, a thought or emotion.

How and why did you start to work as a Fashion Designer?

It’s something that I have always had inside, that slowly took shape over time, and so has turned into this job. There is no exact timeline to which I could place my decision to become a fashion designer.

Could you imagine having a different job?!

I could adapt to everything, but I could never imagine my life doing another job. For me it is not a job, it’s a real passion to which you can assign the value in getting more work.

Where do you find your inspiration?

There is not an historical period or an exact event from where I find inspiration. The flair and the inspiration come from everywhere and everything and from nothing: I mean, sometimes I find it looking at someone walking on the street, from the colours that I see in the city and are parts of it… but also from a thought, or just putting together different fabrics, and the forms they create can be a source of inspiration for me. I can be really inspired from everything! The most important thing is to be able to interpret ideas and to put them into reality.

What is your philosophy? Where does your passion come from?

My philosophy is to make something beautiful into something even more beautiful, that is able to emphasize the best side of the female body. Elegance must always be the foundation of everything. Even before wearing a dress, it must be part of the attitude of a person. Only then you can give life to what you wear. My passion starts from here. From the beauty of women.

I started my journey learning the trade a few years ago in a tailor’s shop where a great seamstress was able to form me and teach me the secrets of this work. I did not attend any academy of fashion; I just did practiced in tailoring, where I started sewing simple linings. I have always been fascinated by everything around me, my ideas were born playing around with the fabric and the dressmaker’s dummy. Just the touch of high quality fabric moves me, to observe the expert hands of a seamstress that transform a design into reality, and to see my idea taking shape. I think that direct contact with the fabrics and the sewing machine is the most effective way to learn and absorb the most of everything that you need to know. It takes a great load of patience and humility, but if you have patience, passion and determination nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams.

What is the message you want to share with the colours and materials you choose?

For this collection i decided to use natural fibers, like silk, nettle, soy and hemp. I am a lover of light colors and contrasts. The colors that I like to use are beige and light peach. They are colours that are lightweight, make clean shapes and personally, for me, they represent serenity. I also like to create contrasts with these colors combining them with more nuance decided, as can be white, black, or simply create contrasts embellishing the fabric with crystals.

What are your goals for the future?

My goal for the future is surely to keep doing what I love. I would like to have a distribution and make it grow over time showing what I know and what I can do.

You are young and a woman: do you think that it is more difficult for you to be credible?

Absolutely not. I think the credibility depends on the actual capacity of a person, regardless of whether it is male or female. I think to devalue the work of a person just because she is a woman, is part of a mind perhaps a little “bigoted”. By now many women have very important roles of men and I think that we are slowly moving away from the idea of the woman like an housewife without ambitions.

Your biggest regret / failure / success / intuition!

I think it’s still early to talk about failures and successes. Definitely my success for now is to have the good fortune of being able to realize and develop my projects, in this I am very lucky. Having courage and the desire to get in the game, I consider a small success.

What would you like to change in the fashion world/ culture?

The fashion world contains within itself many diverse branches and many different tasks. People often generalize when it comes to fashion. It’s a world worked primarily by designers and tailors, from which everything is born, then around them all other tasks are developed.

There is nothing in particular that I would change… maybe I would relive in a period when the great couturier was given more importance, when we focused more on the work done by hand.

The new collection of Elisa Sanna is now available for the customers!

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Travels

The Two sides of Cambodia by Celinne

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After two weeks of volunteering in the slums of Phnom Penh, I’ve come to realize that Cambodia is so much more than the backpacker hotspot it’s advertised as to the outside world. In the past few years, tourism in Cambodia has been on the rise following the country’s (relative) stability and growth, yet living amongst the locals for 2 weeks taught me that, other than where to visit and what to see, many foreigners don’t know much about the country.

Cambodia is a complex place that houses as much beauty as it does hardship. One side, the one most exposed to visitors, boasts hundreds of years of rich history, breathtaking natural wonders, and the food, tradition, and culture eccentricities that make Southeast Asia so unique. The other side, shielded by the glitz of the tourist industry and only revealed to those who look, is much less glamorous: though it is growing, Cambodia continues to be a country ridden by poverty, political turmoil and a dark history.

Perhaps precisely due to its multifaceted nature, Cambodia is a fascinating country to visit for those looking for adventure, natural beauty, and a humbling lesson on the human condition. Here is what you need to know if you are planning on heading to Cambodia:

children in CambodiaDespite its current impoverished state, Cambodia is a beautiful, dynamic, and overall worthwhile place to visit

When visiting, there’s unfortunately no way to ignore the fact that Cambodia is one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in the world: approximately 20% of Cambodia lives under the poverty line, meaning many people survive on less that $1.25 per day. Despite the lamentable economical situation, Cambodians are friendly and welcoming people once you get to know them. Though there is definitely a strong language barrier since most don’t speak fluent English, I didn’t mind: I found it challenging yet fun to communicate with locals via gesticulations, smiles, and rough sketches. So long as you are open to communicating and learning from others, there is a way!

Cambodia is also an economical place to visit for most foreigners, especially Westeners. The cost of living is very low – I could comfortably eat, take tuk tuks (the main method of transportation), and tour sites for $10-$15 a day. The markets, which can be found in abundance around any tourist-friendly area, boast a variety of lovely and cheap souvenirs ranging from the highly popular “elephant pants” (harem pants with adorable elephant patterns on them) to beautifully painted serving dishes made out of coconut shells. Remember to always negotiate down at least 70% the initial asking price! Though Cambodians love to bargain, keep in mind that a couple of extra dollars may not be a lot for you, but is worth a few meals to many of them.

Be conscious of Cambodia’s loaded history – it is both rich and horrific 

Visitors are drawn to Cambodia’s breathtaking beauty, yet far too many are unfamiliar with the recent traumatic history that has shaped the country’s current state of affairs. During the early 1970’s, the communist ruling party – the Khmer Rouge – brutally murdered approximately ¼ of the country’s population. Led by totalitarian dictator Pol Pot, the regime is responsible for unspeakably brutal, inhumane acts on millions of innocent Cambodian people, including torture, cold-blooded murder of women and children, and submitting the entire population to strenuous working conditions and famine.

Considering the current broken state of the country, it’s strange to think of Cambodia as powerful empire that ruled over most of mainland Southeast Asia from the 9th to 15th centuries. Easily forgotten by foreigners and too often trumped by the residual trauma of the Khmer Rouge, the achievements and incredibly rich history of the Khmer Hindu-Buddhist Empire are prized by the Cambodian people. The country’s most important (and famous) legacy is the Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap, which served as the capital region at the peak of the Khmer Empire’s glory.visit Cambodia

Angkor, and all of the majestic temples that populate it, is testimony to the country’s past power, wealth, culture, and architectural prowess. Though what is left now are rapidly eroding ruins, each of these temples tell a rich story of what was once a global urban center. It is very clear to me from my time here that to Cambodians, Angkor is more than proof of the country’s greatness – it is a symbol of hope. Angkor represents Cambodia’s potential for growth and a return to prosperity. Its global fame is also a pivotal source of pride for its people. So much, in fact, that the main temple – Angkor Wat – is featured on the country’s flag. Angkor consistently makes major travel sites’ shortlists as one of the top places to visit in the world (it was voted #1 by Lonely Planet this year), bringing in millions of tourists every year.

Some unconventional tips before going      

  • The best way to enjoy Cambodia is to live it without expectations – I quickly learned that expectations are no good in Cambodia. The more of them you have, the more likely you’ll be disappointed. Cambodia is the type of place that you love precisely because it is what it is. It’s uncomfortable, rough to live in, and its luxuries do not come in the material form: rather, they manifest in the form of a rich history, complex yet loving people, and an overall resilience to extreme difficulty. If you can go with the flow, you will learn to find pleasure in the laid-back and low-maintenance “Cambodian way.” On a personal note, it was certainly a nice change of pace from the high-strung, stressful New York City life I’m used to.
  • The most fascinating part of Cambodia is the people. Get to know them – The language barrier may definitely be an issue, but absolutely worth a try. Every single Cambodian that I communicated with, whether in person or through a translator, had a captivating story to tell. Most of the locals I encountered were direct descendants of people who suffered through the Khmer Rouge or were personally affected by it. I heard heartbreaking stories of survival, extreme poverty, and suffering that no human should have to go through, but also amazing tales of strength and perseverance that reignited my faith in human kindness. These people have been through a lot, and it’s worth hearing about it.
  • As you go through your trip, take a moment to count all of your blessings – Considering how much they’ve had to go through, I don’t think I will reach an understanding of whether Cambodians are happy or unhappy people. Frankly, the question itself is moot. What I have repeatedly seen in my time here, both with the children I taught while volunteering at an orphanage and with the people I’ve met, is that happiness is achieved by living in the moment. Considering how barren this country is of opportunity and prosperity, thinking too much about one’s future can be discouraging. Cambodians take life by the day, figuring out how to make the best of the moment they’re in. From my conversations with locals, I’ve learned that family, community, and taking care of one another plays a pivotal role in their everyday lives.

children in Cambodia

It’s fascinating to think about how different this mentality is from Westeners’. We spend so much time thinking about the future, perhaps because we can afford to. My time in Cambodia has reminded me of how many of the mindsets we take for granted are actually a luxury: not having a religion to hold on to for faith, being able to care for our children, even little things like being vegetarian or eating healthily. There is so much we don’t realize we are allowed to do just because we have a little bit more than most of the world. We find happiness in the prospects of a future, while less fortunate communities seek it in the reality of their present day. Which is better? It’s hard to say. But I’ll admit, I’d rather find happiness in my reality than in a future that does not yet exist.

Celinne spent two weeks teaching English at an orphanage in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. For more on her experience with the country, as well as more stories on her travels around the world, visit her blog at: thenomadsoasis.tumblr.com.

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Mariposa Bijoux

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“Behind all this there is so much passion, determination, optimism, patience… but also many privations…”

 

“My name is Incoronata and I am a Designer, Milliner, and dressmaker!

I come from a small town located in the north of the beautiful Apulia named Manfredonia and I am the second of four daughters.

For 3 years I have lived in one of the most beautiful islands of the Canaries (Spain), precisely in Tenerife. 4 years ago I was on holiday with my lover and I fell madly in love with this fantastic place. It is always spring here, and this a great advantage for me and my creations because it means that I can sell them in flea markets and in luxury hotels all year round!

In fact, thanks to the markets, I have known a lot of people all around the world who contacted me on on our FB page, even after the purchase was made in person. I ships to Germany, England, Belgium and North to South Italy. My passion started from the age of 10… At that point I learned to sew from my neighbour… I loved to create clothes for my dolls and to organize fashion shows with my small friends. Art is a gift of my family… My father is a craftsman and my mother is a housewife, but above all a great cook; she makes great cakes, a skill that she passed on to my sister who is now a pastry chef and works as cake designer for “Le Delizie di Amerilde”.

She already won various competitions, including the “Cake Design Italian Festival” in Milan!

Back to me, the idea of ​​creating jewelry was born in 2003 when I was preparing my first show with Stil Daunia Fashion, organized by the Artisan Association Manfredonia. I showcased my clothes and accessories under the theme “A dress for every occasion” and I came in fourth place. Then two years later I opened my atelier called “Art and Fashion”, which was selling designer fabrics of the most prominent Italian and international fashion brands. The best sellers were chantilly laces embroidered with precious stones and printed silks. I drew and customized outfits and bridal gowns, all with accessories like Swarovski jewelry, and decorated bags and shoes!

I was really famous and everyone knew them, people came from far away to buy them…

In 2006 I participated in the same competition for the second time, and came in second place with the theme “20’s” presenting clothes and accessories including bags, all made by me. I already taught myself in the past to create jewelry.

Today I use the technique of soutaches, after seeing a pair of earrings a girlfriend wore.

In November 2013 I created my first jewelry line and created a Facebook page. Swiftly it became a success, all thanks to the collaboration of friends and family who liked my page. Facebook was an exceptional showcase and it hasn’t stopped since then! Today I can say that this “my biggest goal”.

In only 3 years I created this small workshop of jewelry; unique and original in their style, refined, elegant and created with precious materials such as beads of Tenerife, Swarovski, igneous stones, and rhinestones.

Behind all this there is so much passion, determination, optimism, patience… but also many privations… often I do early hours to satisfy all the demands of customers, especially in the period of the year between May to September where there are many ceremonies and parties.

I produce at home on a very big table, bigger than the one where I eat! Ideas and inspirations come from different worlds… from cinema to music. Many photo albums that I created on my FB page have the names of big stars like Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.

As I said, it was not always easy, that is why there is a sentence that I always repeat to encourage myself or when I am in trouble: “God help me… He helps me… He is listening to me… My faith in God helps me, and I know that there is “someone up there who protects me.”

About my future projects: I would like to open a small Atelier where I can sell my jewelry and give a wide choice to my customers, soon I will open a website, it’s a work in progress! 🙂

Important about me: I approach life and work always with positivity, serenity, happiness. That is also why most of my creations have very lively colors, only because I like to give life and color to convey something positive to people and I try to avoid people who can give me negativity.

The motto of my page is ”Mariposa bijoux, to shine like a Diva”! 😉

This is me, Incoronata 🙂 Thank you very much, I hope to gain even more success through this interview! A big hug and lots of kisses from the beautiful Tenerife!”

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FB: Mariposa.bijoux

Donatella