Some of you may be aware that we are attempting to build a house, a bit further up the Hume Highway than we currently are. One thing I love about the area we’ll be moving to, eventually, is the community spirit. This has been even more noticeable in the last few months, with it being a bushfire-affected area. I love how everyone looks out for one another, and just how genuinely friendly they are.
I popped into the area this morning, to check on progress, and to treat the kids and I to a late breakfast at the local bakery. As I got out of the car (which wasn’t parked as badly as it appeared – I promise) I was intrigued to see a little shop tucked away in the corner that I hadn’t noticed before. Once we’d filled our bellies with cookies, tarts, coffee and babycinos I stuck my head in to have a look (I was mostly curious about the giant bean bags they had advertised on the front window).
I have to confess that even though I read the name of the store, Anatolian Handcrafts, as I entered, I had no idea what to expect. Apparently I didn’t pay enough attention during my geography classes at school, so the young man that greeted me had to explain at some point that most of the range originated from Turkey. Aaaaaah. That would be what Anatolian means. 🙂
I’m not sure what I liked most about this store – the giant, beautifully comfortable bean bags that I’d originally gone in to look at, the bold, rich colours that are oh so my style (I just love them!), the delicately hand-painted porcelain plates that screamed out for Alicia-Rae to keep touching them (apparently) or the hand-knotted, naturally-dyed rugs and carpets that hung from the wall like a doorway beckoning me into another world. Or perhaps it was the genuinely warm welcome I got. Or the fact that Ali invited, even encouraged, Alicia-Rae to sit on the bean bags and have a nap while we chatted, instead of cautioning me to keep her under control. I know that warning well, despite the fact that she rarely needs it (except when hand-painted porcelain plates are involved). I was even offered a cup of apple tea – how’s that for service. And it was very nice, by the way.
As it would happen I had my camera with me – which is no surprise really. It goes with me everywhere. I was so impressed with the store, and with Ali (who wins Great Big Points for customer service), that I offered to take some photos for him, promising to share them here on my blogsite. I guess I was kind of caught up in that community spirit thing I was talking about earlier, and wanted to do what I could to help promote his business. He’s probably sitting at home right now talking about what kind of nut-job I am, but oh well. 🙂
Seriously, if you’re out Wallan way do pop in and say hi to Ali. I know he’d be glad to see you. He’s just that kind of person. And definately check out his handcrafts – they really are beautiful and, I have to say, quite reasonably priced. I actually feel a bit bad at the moment, as I had to rush out the door at the end, not realising what time it was, and didn’t end up purchasing anything, but I’ll definately be back. For sure.
Feast your eyes on these – the colours, the textures, the details. Gorgeous.
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And the apple tea. Mmmmmm. I could do with another cup now, actually.
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Couldn’t you just curl up on one of these bean bags with a good book and a hookah! Ok – I’m not serious about the hookah, though I’ve always been curious what it would be like to try one – just not curious enough to actually try.
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I’m actually thinking one of those bean-bags would be great for posing newborns on. Hmmmmmm.
I should mention that while Ali doesn’t have a website for his Anatolian Handcrafts store just yet, he would be happy to hear from him if you’d like to call. His number is 0433 777 122. And I think, from memory, that he’s usually at the Wallan Markets every second Saturday of the month.
Thanks Ali for your hospitality, and your patience, and for not thinking me rude for rushing out the door with little notice. I’m sure you don’t really think I’m a nut-job, but I wouldn’t blame you if you did. 🙂
And, by the way, there’s a few more photos if you’re interested. Just click here.