Quote: If you're feeling guilty about buying products made by people earning only pennies, here is a solution. The Ten Thousand Villages store supports artisans worldwide by giving them a fair price for their goods. At the same time, shoppers get beautiful and unique crafts.

The attractive store, one of several around the country, is located on The Commons, Ithaca's pedestrian Main Street. The shop is colorful, with brightly hanging decorations like the silk sailing ship decoration and a hammock that I saw in August. Goods are priced very reasonably, starting at $5 or so. Displays around the store give snapshots of the artisans and what this project means to their lives. Even the candy at the counter is free trade -- giving farmers a fair price too. To keep prices down, the store is staffed by volunteers.

My suggestion is to shop here for the colorful linens, woven baskets ,and holiday decorations. This is a perfect place to buy ornaments, menorahs, and stocking stuffers--the Nativity sets at Christmas are especially beautiful. And what a great place to buy gifts for the office!

You can even order online, and learn about its mission, at www.tenthousandvillages.com.


From journals Ithaca: Adventures in a