Wild Postcards

Thea in Queensland, Australia, with whom I swap postcards regularly, thought she would make me work for my postcard this time around. This postcard-sized puzzle arrived in an envelope in 48 pieces. I thought I might delegate this to 6-year-old Grandson #2, but then I looked a little more closely. If you examine the individual pieces rather than the completed picture, you will notice that almost every piece is an abstract mess of wavy lines or dots.

The joke’s on Thea, though. I let the puzzle sit for four days, being extremely busy with work; the missus decided to put most of it together for me. She figured out Leonardo; I filled in around the edges.

This “postcard” came from a Da Vinci exhibition near her home, with working models of Leonardo’s vehicles and some of his other inventions, built according to his plans.

Thea in Queensland, Australia, with whom I swap postcards regularly, thought she would make me work for my postcard this time around. This postcard-sized puzzle arrived in an envelope in 48 pieces. I thought I might delegate this to 6-year-old Grandson #2, but then I looked a little more closely. If you examine the individual pieces [...]

Lyan was very excited to have been able to visit the birthplace (now a museum) of P. Ramlee (1929-1973), an actor, director, and singer/songwriter, and an entertainment icon in Malaysia. I can’t help but notice that she selected this very dashing, shirtless portrait of Ramlee, when there were no doubt other options — say, Ramlee (seen with his guitar) in one of his comedic roles:

The stamps denote the “1Malaysia” initiative. Malaysia is a very diverse culture, comprised of native Malay and other indigenous peoples, as well as ethnic Tamils and other Indians, Chinese, Vietnamese, and many more groups. 1Malaysia recognizes this diversity, but encourages unity by celebrating the unique Malaysian culture.

Lyan was very excited to have been able to visit the birthplace (now a museum) of P. Ramlee (1929-1973), an actor, director, and singer/songwriter, and an entertainment icon in Malaysia. I can’t help but notice that she selected this very dashing, shirtless portrait of Ramlee, when there were no doubt other options — say, Ramlee [...]

This card from Dustin in Albuquerque is pretty much self-explanatory; the odd thing is that this card was intended for use in the People’s Republic of China.  Being a fan of Mariah Carey, Dustin was lucky enough to receive this from another Postcrosser.  I hope he didn’t send me his only copy!  Looks like the Chinese have indeed embraced the free market; the card was manufactured by Oriental City Publishing Group Limited.

This card from Dustin in Albuquerque is pretty much self-explanatory; the odd thing is that this card was intended for use in the People’s Republic of China.  Being a fan of Mariah Carey, Dustin was lucky enough to receive this from another Postcrosser.  I hope he didn’t send me his only copy!  Looks like the [...]

Anıtkabir (in Turkish it literally means “memorial tomb”) is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Atatürk is still venerated there, much in the same way that George Washington was idolized during the first hundred years in the United States, almost as a god among men. I have stood on these steps.

The very cool thing about this card is that it came inside a package from Leslie, whom I met on Postcrossing, and her husband Hilmi.  I had casually mentioned that I had brought back from Turkey a Beşiktaş football club flag, but that I had lost it during Hurricane Andrew.  Hilmi, who is himself a fan of Beşiktaş, made it his personal mission to find me a replacement flag.

Although they did not find a new Beşiktaş flag, they came through with some Turkish swag for me that was even better!

Two of the neighbor boys were present when the mailman delivered the package and, being originally from Mexico and rabid soccer fans themselves, they were very impressed by the contents.  In addition to the Turkish flag (which will go in the parlor) and a very nifty week-by-week calendar from the Turkish General Staff (whom I would run into from time to time, back in the day), there is an excellent Beşiktaş scarf, which will find a home on the wall in my office.

Leslie writes: “Sürpriz! Umarim bu küçuk paket seni mutlu edecek (I hope this little package makes you happy).”  Bu beni çok mutlu yaptı. Size çok teşekkür ederim!

Anıtkabir (in Turkish it literally means “memorial tomb”) is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Atatürk is still venerated there, much in the same way that George Washington was idolized during the first hundred years in the United States, almost as a god among men. I have stood on these [...]