Highlights from Colvin's trip to Peru...

Hi everyone! 

Colvin just returned from the 17th annual Peru Gift Show and would like to share some show highlights with you!  

• The Peru Gift Show was once again held alongside the PeruModa exhibition. This time, however, the venue was moved to the Costa Verde area on the seaside in the Magdalena district of Lima. The new venue was spectacular with easy access from buyer's hotels, lots of parking, and beautiful ocean views accompanied by fresh sea air.  We never had to wait for a taxi and we were able to come and go without any traffic issues. The venue itself was well laid-out and the food vendors were great.  There was always a line for coffee fresh juices, Peruvian sweets and fresh ceviche! 

• The "Peru Home" displays never fail to inspire and this year was no exception.  The show "deconstructed" the house and had different rooms set throughout the venue.  The bedroom and dining room were especially wonderful.    

• PeruGift continues to recine it’s offering with a great group of up-and-coming exporters offering a new take on Peruvian handwork. Old favorites like Allpa, Wayra, Berrocal, Raymisa, and Jallpa Nina continue to provide great resources for those interested in Peruvian goods.  And newer groups like PaTs, Wari Urpi and Hilos y Colores are taking traditions and adding their own flair to them.  (For those of you who are fans of PaTs, look for their new 8,000 sq. foot showroom in San Ysidro to open sometime this month!)

• If you're planning a trip to Peru be sure to check out some of the great stores and restaurants. We have a list of our favorites we can send you! This trip we went to the new Astrid y Gaston and the food is just as amazing as ever. They just opened and the service was a little off, but we still had a great meal.  (Be sure to try the whole fish!) 

• And, of course, it isn't truly a trip to Lima without lunch at our favorite Cevicheria, El Bigote in Miraflores.  It is only open for lunch and you can find it on Jose Galvez between Avenida Grau and Calle Bolognesi.  Afterwards be sure to walk over and see Wayra's store on the Bolognesi Ovalo. Peru continues to amaze us with all that it offers.  The rich culture and diverse skills make for a truly amazing opportunity.