James

It’s funny how the brain works, at least mine… Last October, after exploring the historical sites of Marrakech during the day, I couldn’t wait to rest in my medina-riad with my new favourite toy, the iPad. Today, while being surrounded by Christmas decoration, gift wrappings and screaming ads for electronic equipment, I suddenly long for the simple things in life: like the beautiful Rings of Time puzzle that has been on a top shelf in my living room for a few months now.

Made from the wood of Cypress trees, it does keep me wondering about the history of the tree and its surroundings.

The puzzle is made from the wood of Cypress trees, that died naturally and it does keep me wondering about the history of the tree and its surroundings. Unfortunately I didn’t find this object too near to the region of the Patagonian Andes lakes, where it actually comes from. I simply never been there, although it is said to be an incredible area. I came across the ‘Time Rings’ puzzle while switching planes in La Plata, Buenos Aires, almost 1000 miles up north.

Time Rings is designed and handmade by Manu Rapoport and Martin Sabattini. Therefore each piece is unique and numbered, and there are 2 levels available: Easy and Difficult. Both the designers and thus the product are part of Designo Patagonia. This Argentinian design studio primarily focuses on sustainability using Patagonia’s natural resources and materials.

I feel the Rings of Time puzzle is the perfect gift for somebody that is already electronically equipped.

I had heard about the puzzle and the Designo Patagonia initiative before, as it has been highlighted in the media a few years ago. So having only 1 hour in the city of La Plata, I immediately decided to buy 3 pieces when I saw them in the beginning of this year. In these particular days I feel the Rings of Time puzzle is the perfect gift for somebody that is already electronically equipped. It works for me.