Freiburg

Along the way Megan also went to Freiburg. Why are European cities so beautiful? They have something, they have a character that American cities lack...

That is not to say that American cities are not amazing in their individual ways. Maybe it is the history behind European cities? American cities are still so young in comparison.

ps. i love the little German boys on these stamps!

Amsterdam

The word is out ~ send Alia your postcards! Not only will they make my magnetic door so beautiful, but the rest of the world wide web can share in your adventures!!



My friend and co-worker has been busy a traveling this year around Europe, and on her most recent trip she visited Amsterdam. (I wanted her to go to Basel, but she didn't listen to me - next time, right?)

The only down side to all these beautiful postcards is that the list of places I want to go just keeps expanding. One of these days I will pick up and not return for a couple of years! Enjoy!!

Best Birthday Wish Ever!

This year, as every year, I was/am a lucky girl with friends and family sending birthday wishes and love from all corners of the continent. The most wonderful birthday wish was from my best friend Karolina. We have an on-going problem of never getting either's birthday present in the mail in time for our actual birthday, but this year KG was on top of it and her's was the first present I opened on my actual birthday.

**with permission, I am sharing her awesome birthday wish**

Espana

Dorit's adventures led her to Spain and indirectly to this amazing postcard. Can you spot Mark?

Chicago: Part Three

Karolina sent this to me when she first moved out to Chicago. I would love to go back and visit with kg again. Although delays in flights can be a pain in the ass - I was lucky to get stuck in Chicago on the way back to Portland in January.

Belize

I went to Belize in October 04 for a work trip. We went all over the Cayo District and several of the beach areas. This was my first trip to Central America and I had no idea what to expect. I absolutely loved Belize! Jungle and clear blue ocean. The country and people were beautiful and warm. The food was amazing! And, of course Marie Sharp's Hot Sauce.

The Postcard

The United Postal Service defines a postcard as:
rectangular, at least 3-½ inches high x 5 inches long x .007 inch thick
and no more than 4-¼ inches high x 6 inches long x .016 inches thick.


Deltiology is the study and collection of postcards. Compared to philately, the identification of a postcard's place and time of production can often be an impossible task because postcards, unlike stamps, are produced in a decentralised, unregulated manner. For this reason, serious collectors may choose to limit their acquisitions to cards by specific artists and publishers, or by time and location.

Philately is the study of revenue and postage stamps. This includes the design, production and uses of stamps after they are authorized for issue, usually by government authorities, the most common one being postal authorities. Although many equate it with stamp collecting, it is a distinct activity. For instance, philatelists will study extremely rare stamps without expecting to own copies of them, whether because of cost, or because the sole survivors are in museums. Conversely, stamp collecting is the acquisition of stamps, at times without regard for origin or usage.

I decided to look up postcard. I just linked from definition to definition - it was interesting to just read these bites. Thank you information super highway.

New York, New York

A few years ago I went to NYC for work.
It was a sweet deal because I got to visit the family
a little and spend some time in the city.
I sent this to Mark while I was out there.

More Chicago

My best friend moved to Chicago for grad school. I was finally able to visit her - the prior post - but prior to this she has sent me some fun postcards. These are two that I have received from her. If you have not been to Chicago, you should plan a trip. There is a lot to see, do and eat!!

Chicago

This May I visited my friend Karolina.
I had a blast with her and Melissa.
I sent this to Mark after I visited the Art Institute.

Corfu

Ah - the blue Mediterranean. I could handle that for a week or two or three...

Japan

This summer my friend Michelle went to Japan. I really like this postcard, it is one of my favorites.

Philadelphia

Just a note to say hello from Janene.

Guatemala: Part II

While Dorit was in Xela this summer I received another woman carrying two tons on her head. Talk about good posture and balance.

Guatemala: Part I

Do you think you could carry a 5 lb bag of potatoes on your head? More love from Dorit in Guatemala.

Hawaii

Aloha! Dorit wanders far and wide...

Lugano

This fall I went to Switzerland for my company. As usual the trip flew by and I wanted to stay longer. I sent Mark this postcard from Lugano - It works because it is Swiss, but has the flavor of Italy!

Tuckaleechee Caverns

My stepmother, Claudia, went to Tennessee this fall with her sisters to celebrate Tammy's birthday! She sent me this postcard from the Great Smokey Mountains.

History of Texas

This Thanksgiving, Goldie visited Adam's home in Dallas. I love this postcard because it's title is the history of Texas, but it doesn't tell me it. Oh well, good thing I know the real story.

Also, a favorite because of the lovely words that found my eyes.

Arenal Volcano

I received this postcard
from my father when he,
claudia and the rest of the
crew were in costa rica!
PURA VIDA!!

The Beginning

At the end of last year, I was talking with my friend Goldie about making a blog of all the postcards that I have received. They are enough to cover most of the magnetic door that is the entrance to my apartment. They are from family and friends. Each one is a story that has made its' way to me - from other states, countries and continents.
I have decided to go one by one and scan them to post on a blog. I think that postcards are wonderful bits of mail that do not always get sent but mean the most when they do. I picture the place and take a quick break to the ones that find my mailbox.
I do not plan on posting them in chronological order because I must confess I have not kept track, but the stamps should place them somewhere. I have also blurred out most of the text because not all needs to be shared on the information super highway. Please enjoy my collection! When I get my act together I would like to have others contribute theirs for all to enjoy.

Sweet Dreams,
Alia