19-01-2008
5
When we first went to Vilanova, we were rather worried that we might not be able to buy all the fairly-traded staples that we use in the UK. But we need not have worried, as this very small but very friendly branch of the Spanish Fair-trade chain, linked to the world-wide Oxfam organisation, sells most of what we need. It has now become a regular port of call.
Unlike Oxfam in the UK, there are no second-hand items here: the bulk of their stock consists of fairly-traded craft products from around the world, most of them hand-made: there are crockery and glass items (vases, mugs, tea-sets, candle-holders), throws, bed-spreads, oven-gloves, cushion covers, writing and jewellery boxes, lots of candles, rain-sticks, toys - most of which would make excellent gifts. There are some books, mostly aimed at children.
There is also a limited range of clothing (including T-shirts, sweat-shirts and real Panama hats), and staple food lines - rice, pasta, honey, tea, coffee, cocoa, biscuits and other nibbles, chocolates and much more (well, I suppose chocolate counts as a staple?).
The staff (all volunteers) are extraordinarily friendly, if occasionally a little amateurish - but you can forgive a lot in return for their smiles!
Tags
pasta, coffee, tea, clothes, gifts, biscuits, fair-trade, crockery, crafts, linens, cereals
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