What better way to prepare for Europe than to start with Tasmania – isn’t that what someone famous once never said? Well, they were right! Actually, I have no idea. I’ve never even been to Europe… Nine Yaks whisked me away to Tasmania for a few days – a little bit of business and a lot of enjoyment. People have always told me how beautiful Tasmania is, how much like New Zealand it is, how much I should go. Well, I’ve done it, and I bloody wish I could have stayed for the weekend! We didn’t even get to MONA (“what! You didn’t even get to MONA? That’s the one thing you must see!”). Sorry to disapoint – we saved...
Origins of cashmere Have you been wondering where your cashmere shawls came from? Are you asking why ponchos made of cashmere are more expensive than products made of other types of wool? It is because of the wool’s low supply and costly production process. Cashmere wool comes from the soft undercoat of goats that are specially bred for the purpose. The wool from two goats are needed in order to make a two-ply sweater. It involves a tedious process of separating the fibres of the warming undercoat from the coarser protective top coat. Harvest of the wool usually takes place during the spring malting season. Harvesters have to comb and sort the hair of the goats by hand....
