Welcome to the jungle

Welcome to the jungle

“You know where you are? You’re in the jungle, baby! You’re gonna die…”  -W. Axl Rose I’ll admit, based on the online community’s chatter on Brazilian travel, I had reservations about going there. Reading about the high crime rate, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, along with statements like “always keep a few reais in your pocket for…

Visiting the artists of Italy

Visiting the artists of Italy

In route to the Marmomacc stone fair, we once again planned a few “extra” adventures before conducting our business in northern Italy. Starting in Bari, we made our way off the beaten path to the ancient city of Matera, one of the longest continually inhabited cities on the planet. The oldest parts of this Basilicata…

The incredibly difficult job of sealing granite countertops

The incredibly difficult job of sealing granite countertops

One of consumers main concerns regarding granite countertops is that they must be sealed. Competing solid surface products enjoy pointing this fact out, to instill fear into the prospective customer. Score one for the competitors because, yes, granite should be sealed. But to discredit it out of fear?  I think they are insulting the intelligence…

A Passage to Bangkok, part 3

A Passage to Bangkok, part 3

Stupas, monks and dogs… The first thing you notice when visiting Myanmar, besides hearing the delightful “Mingalaba” out of everyones mouth, is the unbelievable amount of golden stupas and pagodas dotting the countryside. Thousands of them. I’ve never seen so much gold since Mike Myers starred in Goldmember.  “I love gooold…” Running a close second for…

A Passage to Bangkok, part 2

A Passage to Bangkok, part 2

Our introduction to Cambodia is by way of a tuk tuk, the regions preferred method of transport.  The heat is almost unbearable, even though this is the cool season in Southeast Asia.  I can’t begin to imagine what the hot season is like. The poverty of the country reveals itself immediately as we drive through the dusty…

A Passage to Bangkok

A Passage to Bangkok

“Our first stop is in Bogotá…” Actually, our first stop isn’t Bogotá at all, and we won’t be “checking” any Colombian fields either (as suggested by Neil Peart’s drug fueled lyrics from the classic Rush song that I blatantly stole for this blogs title). We are not exactly “drug free” however, as our bodies are…

Holiday Rocks

Holiday Rocks

Just in time for the holidays, the stone I purchased in Italy this September is beginning to trickle in. Our staff waits in curious anticipation, as the first bundles of slabs emerge from the shipping container.  Most of the time we play it safe, importing only proven, marketable colors. This container however, is what I…