The Happy Postcrosser

Moved!

2008-01-19T17:42:00.001+08:00

Hello everyone!

I have imported the content of this blog to my new wordpress blog, http://ilovepostcards.wordpress.com. I would like to thank everyone who took time out to pop in here, especially those who left their comments. See you all at my wordpress blog! =)

From Holland

2007-08-28T12:15:00.001+08:00

Here's another card through private swap. This is from a woman who loves sea shells. Thank you, Anneke!

Asklepion Theater, Turkey

2007-08-13T11:36:00.000+08:00

The sender of this card is not from Turkey. She is an American but she has a lot of cards from Turkey. I chose this card showing the Asklepion Theater from her collection. Thanks for sending this, Julie!

Mount Rushmore

2007-08-13T11:33:00.000+08:00

Who wouldn't recognize this monument? It already appeared in many films, even in cartoon flicks.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial became a reality in 1941 through the efforts of state historian Doane Robinson and sculptor Gutzon Borglum. Thanks for this card, Linda!

First Card from Russia

2007-08-13T11:32:00.000+08:00

In my country, we do not have snow. So I was thrilled when Anya of Russia sent this postcard to me.

This snowy postcard shows a frozen Nera--the main river of St. Petersburg. Thank you, Anya!

Chateau Fronterac, Quebec, Canada

2007-08-13T11:31:00.000+08:00

You will see in the postcard what is dubbed as the most photographed hotel in the world, the Chateau Fronterac. According to its sender, Melissa, the hotel opened in 1893 and became the action center of the Quebec Conferences of World War II, in 1943 and 1944. So it not only a hotel where many famous people have chose to stay, it is also part of Canada's history. Cool! Thanks, Melissa!

First Card from Slovenia

2007-08-13T11:30:00.001+08:00

Nika sent me this multiview card from Slovenia, a European country. It was so cool of her to have sent me this. This is why i love collecting postcards. I get to see many parts of the world through postcards. Thank you, Nika!

Fine Quilts from Amish Country

2007-08-13T11:30:00.000+08:00

The card below is the second card sent by Michelle of Pennsylvania. I love the quilts, Michelle. Thank you!

First Cards from India

2007-08-13T11:28:00.000+08:00

Sita from India agreed to swap two UNESCO world heritage sites postcards, written on and stamped.

The first card shows the Gateway monument, a prominent landmark in the city of Mumbai built to commemorate the first visit of British King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.

The second card shows the world famous Taj Mahal built as a symbol of Emperor Sha Jahan's eternal love for his queen, Mumtaz Mahal.

Thank you, Sita!

An RAS Card from Sydney!

2007-08-13T11:25:00.000+08:00

To my readers who are non-postcrossers, RAS means "Random Acts of Smileness." The phrase was coined by a forum member who started the thread. An RAS card is a card sent to surprise you. The sender will not give you any hint that he or she is sending a card to you.

This RAS card was sent to me by Katrina. I was very happy when I received it. That someone thought to surprise me is really cool. I love surprises! And I love giving surprises, too.

Thank you for this card, Katrina! It really made my day.

Germany

2007-08-13T11:24:00.000+08:00

This is my second official postcard from Germany (DE-90591). Thank you, Inge, for this postcard showing one of Germany's beautiful cities.

Cabrillo National Monument

2007-08-13T11:23:00.000+08:00

Lighthouses are on my wishlist so Katherine from the U.S. sent me this card.

This shows the Point Loma Lighthouse in San Diego and also the Cabrillo National Monument which marks the the harbor where Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo and his crew sailed into and became the first Europeans to set foot on what would become the west coast of the United States. Thanks, Katherine!

Dresden, Germany

2007-08-13T11:22:00.000+08:00

Here's another one from Germany, sent by Helga. When Helga got hold of a Manila postcard, she said she never thought Manila already looks modern. This is why I love postcards, I get to have other people see my beloved country and I also get to see theirs. Such a fun thing!

Thanks, Helga!

In exchange for a Jeepney Postcard

2007-08-13T11:20:00.000+08:00

Davynn of Finland was interested to have a postcard with a picture of a jeepney. So I sent him one and he sent me this postcard showing this waters rapids called Tammerskoski which runs through the middle of the city. Cool!

First Cards from Thailand

2007-08-13T10:47:00.000+08:00

Valerie from Thailand sent me these three postcards, written on and stamped! Each postcard has 2 stamps so that means I got 6 stamps! So fun! I love stamps, too!

This card shows some of the beaches on the Gulf of Thailand side.

This one shows the famouse 3 pagodas built to honor 3 princes in Ayutthaya, the capital of Thailand before Bangkok.

This one shows a UNESCO world heritage site in Thailand. I collect world heritage sites in postcards so I am happy to have this.

Thanks, Valerie!

Rome's Colosseum

2007-08-09T17:07:00.000+08:00

In this postcard, courtesy of Francesca, is Rome's most famous monument: the colosseum. I've seen this on TV and read in books and magazines. Now I have it in a postcard! Thanks, Francesca!

First Card from Poland

2007-08-09T17:01:00.000+08:00

My first card from Poland is courtesy of Marta. This is also from a private swap. Cutie doggie! Thanks, Marta!

First Cards with Children's Book Illustrations

2007-08-09T16:58:00.000+08:00

I've written at the forum that I love chldren's storybooks. Maria, who also sent me the typical Swedish views card below, surprised me with these three cards! I was really so happy to receive these. How thoughtful of her.

This is Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren's most famous children's book figure.

The illustration from the card below is from the book, Noisy Village. It's a book about kids in a small Swedish village who had a lot of fun together.

The illustration on this postcard is from Astrid Lindgren's book, Madicken.

Below is a postcard showing an illustration from another Astrid Lindgren's book which is about a little man living on a roof.

Thank you very much, Maria!

First Card from Sweden

2007-08-09T16:57:00.000+08:00

Here's a postcard showing typical Swedish views. The pictures look so calm and peaceful. Thanks, Maria!

Flinders Ranges, Australia

2007-08-09T16:55:00.000+08:00

Here's another postcard from Australia. This was sent by Jean, a very nice lady who had already visited my country once. Thanks, Jean!

From Finland

2007-08-09T16:49:00.000+08:00

I am receiving a lot of postcards from Finland because there are too many postcard collectors in that country. Since some Finn collectors have gone to the media to promote the hobby, a large number of Finns have jumped into the bandwagon and are now also addicted to postcard collection :).

Here's another one from Nea of Kuopio, Finland, showing a typical country view. Thanks, Nea.

Taipei 101

2007-08-09T16:46:00.000+08:00

Here's a postcard showing Taipei 101, Taiwan's highest building and was also the tallest in the world before the Burj Dubai came. This card was sent by Andrea, also through a private swap. Thanks, Andrea! I wonder how it feels to be at the top of this skyscraper.

First Panoramic Postcard

2007-08-09T16:42:00.000+08:00

I received today the first panoramic card in my collection through a private swap with Simone. Thank you for this coastal Australia postcard, Simone!

First Card from Malaysia

2007-08-03T15:24:00.000+08:00

Today I received my first card from Malaysia. The card was sent by a girl from Malaysia. She was among the first visitors of this blog and we agreed to swap. I am happy to have met her because she is really nice. She keeps on encouraging me since I am just a newbie at this hobby.

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Thank you for this, Kelly! The coconut trees and the beach make the postcard look like home to me.

Northern Lights from Finland

2007-08-03T15:01:00.000+08:00

Here's another official card from Finland (FI-193195) sent by Lyra. It shows the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. The Finns call Aurora by the name "foxfire" (revontulet), based on an old folklore (one of many) of a fox striking fire or spraying up snow with its tail causing the Northern Lights.

First Card from Austria

2007-08-03T14:02:00.000+08:00

Here's a card from Austria sent by Susi.This shows the city of Scharding.

Thank you, Susi!

More from Holland!

2007-08-03T14:01:00.000+08:00

I received an envelope containing three postcards from Regina. This is from a previously agreed three-card swap.

The first card is a mapcard showing the 12 provinces of Holland.

The second card shows Middelburg, the city where Regina lives.

The third card shows the back of costumes people wear in the province of Holland called Zeeland (Isn't it a cool name for a province?)

Thank you, Regina!

Little India in Singapore

2007-08-03T13:58:00.000+08:00

A receiver of one of the official cards I've sent had sent me back another postcard. usually, receivers of official cards do not send back any cards. They are not compelled to do so. What they are obliged to do is register the card they've received. So it's cool when a receiver takes time out to send a card in return. Thank you, Marjorie, for this card showing Little India in Singapore.

From The Netherlands

2007-08-03T13:56:00.000+08:00

Here is a card showing a typical Dutch scene with the cows, windmills, and traditional clothing. And the dogs, of course. Thanks, Margarita!

First Card From Japan

2007-08-02T12:10:00.000+08:00

Through a private swap with Ai, I got this card which shows the Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto, built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th year of the establishment of Kyoto.

My First Black and White Card

2007-08-02T12:08:00.000+08:00

This is the first black and black card sent to me. This is an official card (US-114592) from Cathy who is from Tennessee.

The postcard shows the beautiful actress, Julia Adams, in a 1954 movie, The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Thanks, Cathy!

Puzzled with Ad Cards

2007-08-02T12:06:00.000+08:00

I received three ad cards today from Saipan. I am not really into ad cards. This is actually the first time I've seen ad cards. What puzzles me is that I don't know who the sender is because he or she did not indicate his or her name on the card. I am pretty sure that this is not through a private swap. First, I haven't met anyone from Saipan yet in the forum. Second, my real name is written in the addressee section. In postcrossing, I always use my nickname.

So maybe, I should be thinking that the one who sent me this knows me personally. However, I don't have any relative or friend in Saipan. I'm puzzled. To whoever sent these ad cards, thank you.

My First Map Card

2007-08-02T12:03:00.000+08:00

Today I received my first map card. It's from Shelly who lives in California. This is an official card (US-114331). Thanks, Shelley!

When It Rains, It Pours!

2007-07-30T18:22:00.000+08:00

Guess how many postcards I got today. Not one, not two, but 10! Yes, 10! That's why I'm smiling from ear to ear.

I got my second official card today and it's from Julie of Germany. Here it is:

Thank you, Julie!

Then in the afternoon, I received another postcard from Barbara, the sender of my first official postcard. She's really a very thoughtful lady. She sent me these lovely dogs!

Thank you, Barbara!

Later in the afternoon, a big envelope arrived from New Zealand and it contains this children's storybook...

and these postcards!

The envelope came from Kelly. Thank you for your generous heart, Kelly! I really appreciate the book and the postcards.

The book from Kelly is the first children's book I received through postcrossing. Aside from postcards and stamps, I am also collecting children's books in different languages.

I wonder how many postcards are still on my way ;)

Private Swaps: Latvia and Australia

2007-07-26T17:46:00.000+08:00

I am so happy today! I got three postcards—two in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The two postcards which came in the mornig came from a very far away land. Situated in north-eastern Europe with a coastline along the Baltic Sea, Latvia is geographically the middle of the three former Soviet Baltic republics.

This shows the longest river in Latvia, the Daugava River. At the background is the city of Riga, the capital of Latvia. This is where the sender, Tatjana, lives.

Here's another postcard from Tatjana which I also love.

This is the cold Baltic Sea.

These postcards from Latvia made me realize how other countries make their postcards. The first postcard has a gold borderline. The second postcard has the word "Latvija" embossed in gold. I'm sorry i couldn't enhance the pictures to make the gold part appear. I just don't know how.

Paldies, Tatjana!

The postcard which I received in the afternoon came from Sydney. It's a beautiful postcard showing the Sydney Opera House that stands on Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbour.

This postcard was sent to me by Katrina. A very nice well-travelled lady who lives near the city. Thank you, Katrina!

A Postcard from Gran Canary Islands!

2007-07-25T17:45:00.000+08:00

Yey, I got a postcard today! It's a surprise from a friend living in Italy. She had been to Great Canary Islands and this is what she had sent me.

Thank you, Ross! It's so sweet of you to remember me even if you were so busy there and the scorching air was toasting you :) Toasted or not, you will always be one of my treasured friends ;) *hugz*

Fourth Official Postcard Arrived

2007-07-24T17:46:00.000+08:00

The fourth official postcard I've sent to Luisa in Germany arrived today! I have requested for a new address so card PH-1644 will be sent tomorrow to Mauritius.

This morning, I've had three private swaps. Can't wait for the cards to arrive.

I got one from Pennsylvania!

2007-07-24T17:41:00.000+08:00

A postcard from Pennsylvania started my day right. Rissy sent it to me in exchange for a card I sent to her sister in Kenya. Her sister shows all the cards she receives to some children in Kenya and I am happy to be a part of the project. If you are reading this blog and you become interested in making some Kenyan children smile by sending them postcards, let me know. I'll give you the address where to send the postcards. I'll also let Rissy know.

Thanks for the postcard, Rissy!

Two Down, Three To Go

2007-07-23T19:14:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, Christian of Switzerland sent an email saying he already received one of my 5 official postcards. Last Friday, Marjorie of Singapore also emailed me saying my postcard got through. I was already getting worried about my first five official postcards. I was thinking maybe they got lost. Thanks to Marjorie and Christian for letting me know that they got through. I hope I’ll also get confirmations soon from Soile of Finland, Luisa of Germany, and Stephanie of U.S.A.

I’m Up for Private Swaps

2007-07-21T15:45:00.000+08:00

Last week, I got invitations for private swaps in the forum. And I thought, “Why not?” The official postcards are slow to arrive so I think this idea is great. I have accepted all offers for private swaps and I also offered. So before the week ended, I was able to send 15 postcards. Now I’m awaiting to receive15 postcards fro the people I agreed to swap with. I’m so excited. I wonder how the cards look like.

My ABCs of Wishes

2007-07-20T15:31:00.000+08:00

My ABCs of Wishes

I love getting postcards from all over the world, postcards with the name of the countries/places where they came from. Aside from that, I would also love to get postcards which show the following:

A - Angels, Anne Geddes baby cards
B - Babies, Beaches, Bridges, Birds, Black and white cards, Butterflies
C - Cats, Cathedrals, Cartoon Characters, Children's Books Illustrations, Castles
D - Dogs, Dances, Deserts
E - Ethnic arts
F - Fairies, Flowers, Fishes, Forests
G - Guinea pigs
H - Hotels, Houses, Hhuman rights cards,
I - Icebergs, Ice cream
J - Jars, Japanese gardens,
K - Kaj Stenvall paintings
L - Lighthouses, Local customs and celebrations,
M - Mapcards, Moomin, Mosques
N - Native games, Nature
O - Owls,
P - Penguins, Pandas, Polar Bears
Q - Queens, Quilts
R - Ruins
S - Scenic and city views, Sunsets, Snow, Shrek-related
T - Traditional costumes, Trees,
U - UNESCo World Heritage Sites, Universities, US States
V - Volcanoes
W - Waterfalls, WWF
X - Xmas
Y - Yachts, Yaks
Z - Zebras, anything Zen

I'll get this list updated as soon as new things come into my mind. If the postcards you are about to send me are not in the list, it's okay. I am not really choosy. What matters is that you took time to send me postcards, and that's more than enough to make me smile :).

First Set of Five Postcards

2007-07-13T08:06:00.000+08:00

After my first official postcard was received by Aarni, I am now allowed to ask for new recipients. Each member is allowed a maximum of 5 new recipients. So this afternoon I am going to send postcards to:

•Soile of Finland
•Stephanie of U.S.A.
•Marjorie of Singapore
•Luisa of Germany
•Christian of Switzerland

I hope they'll like the postcards I'm going to send them. I'm looking forward to receiving some postcards next week. I wonder where the next ones will come from and from whom?

Yey! I Got a Postcard from Aarni!

2007-07-07T19:27:00.000+08:00

Aarni is a 7-year-old boy from Finland. He was my first "assignment," meaning, he was the recipient of the first official postcrossing postcard I had sent. When he got my postcard, he sent me an email saying he'd send me a card. This morning, I got what he sent me, here it is:

At the back of the postcard he wrote:

"Here is my promised postcard. It's a multiview card from my hometown. I hope you like. I will send another postcard next week. We have here in Finland very warm and sunny weather and I like I like it a lot. Hope you enjoy summer, too. Greetings from my family. Your new friend, Aarni."

What a sweet, smart little boy. I am definitely looking forward to the postcard he's going to send me. I'll be sending him a second postcard.

Got my First Postcrossing Postcard!

2007-07-05T19:02:00.000+08:00

...and it's courtesy of Barbara from Germany. Thank you, Barbara!

Part of her message goes, "Because you like cute things, I thought this card is the one for you." How thoughtful. She took time to go over my profile first before she chose a card for me. I'll send stamps and a postcard to this thoughtful soul who also collects stamps.

The Postcard that Sparked the Passion

2007-06-30T18:34:00.000+08:00

Last year, I received a postcard from a good friend, Daisy, who now resides in Prague, the capital city of the new Czech Republic.

Daisy has been my friend for over a year now. We came to know each other through blogging. We haven't met in person yet because we live continents apart.

One day, while I was looking at the postcard, it occured to me that I was actually looking at how a part of Prague looks like. It looks very much different from the city where I live. Then an idea sparked in my mind. I thought of how wonderful it would be to have a glimpse of how other parts of the world look like and how other people live. So I decided to travel around the world, through postcards. I didn't exactly know how to go about it so it was put off for many months, until another blogfriendfrom Africa, Shakira, resurrected the idea. Shakira introduced me to a group of people from all over the world who are involved in postcard exchange.

I joined the group a few weeks ago and was given my first assignment. I was to send a postcard to a 7-year-old boy named Aarni from Finland. Reading his profile, I noticed that he likes trucks and other vehicles. So I sent him a picture of a jeepney, a public utility vehicle in my country, and hoped that he would like it. Two weeks later, I got an email from Aarni saying he got the my postcard and he liked it. And guess what, he also told me he had sent me a postcard! I can't wait.