Let it rain

Seasons: Summer rain

11 Feb 2015 | From Ilona of United Kingdom 

POSTCROSSING FRIEND

Upon learning that I collect umbrella-themed postcards, Ilona eagerly sent me this lovely postcard for my collection. She added that she wanted to send it to me no matter what - and I am happy and thankful for it.

The postcard reminded me of the hot rainy summer days or even those drizzly, cold summer days. When we were little, my siblings and I would always play and bathe under the rain, enjoying the raindrops as they fall upon us. We would make mud pies garnished with litlle stones, leaves, or twigs; or we'd go mud surfing; we'd slide, glide, and run. We'd ride our bikes, or go for a bush walk. Just because it is wet outside doesn't mean you can't have fun.

And the some times I would sit by the window and watch as the rain falls into the ground. I just love how the rain softens everything and blurs the edges. And its sound is so soothing. It as if washes everything - the ground, the houses, the trees. I never let the rain dampen my spirits. But I somehow hate how the rain makes me feel alone sometimes.

Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex

Beautiful landscape of Trang An - Ninh Binh

11 Feb 2015 | From Mu Chu of Vietnam

THANK-YOU POSTCARD

Ninh Binh (pronounced Neeng Beeng) is the capital city of Ninh Binh Province in North Vietnam, famous for the nearby Karst scenery and the village of Tam Coc. The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is located in the districts Hoa Lu, Gia Vien, and Nho Quan of Ninh Binh Province in northern Viet Nam. The heritage property is spread over a large area of 10,000 hectares, and is made up of three individual components within a single buffer zone. 

The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is situated inland on the coastal plain of within the highly eroded limestone block of Hoa Lu, part of the Truong Yen – Bich Dong mountain range.  This range comprised of by limestone karst peaks of high fragmentation forming low mountains separated by valley floors composed of sedimentary rock, where shales predominate. These valley floors are characterized by a long process of denudation, erosion, and surface runoff which has accumulated as a mixture of aluvi – deluvi – proluvi.

The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For Vietnamese people throughout the ages, the landscape of Trang An, with its dramatic mountains, mysterious caves, and sacred spaces, has provided a vision of beauty and a metaphor for the Vietnamese culture.  It is a place of inspiration where natural history and cultural history are inseparable. A place where culture encounters the wonder, mystery, and magnificence of the natural world and is transformed by it.

Source: Halong Travel

Patterned and dyed

Blue Calico

20 Jan 2015 | From Leighton of China 

OFFICIAL POSTCROSSING

Calico is a plain-woven textile made from unbleached, and often not fully processed, cotton. The fabric is less coarse and thicker than canvas or denim, but owing to its unfinished and undyed appearance, it is still very cheap. The raw fabric was dyed and printed in bright hues and calico prints became popular in Europe.

The blue calico refers to the deep cobalt blue pattern mostly found in cloth, china, and porcelain. This pattern was derived from early Victorian patterns which had their roots in Chinese porcelain, representing the spring with fallen prunus blossom onto cracked ice.

An anonymous theatre company

The Kotorogo Theatre

24 Nov 2014 | From Anna of Russia

OFFICIAL POSTCROSSING

Here's a magical and whimsical postcard for my umbrella-themed postcard collection. And the stamps were cool too with their beautiful designs and embosed patterns. Anna said that the postcard shows a theatre performance whose name cannot be called. It was intriguing that I searched it up on the internet. On the postcard, a little text of 'Kotorogo Theatre' is written.

The Kotorogo Theatre is a mysterious Russian physical theatre company who keeps their identities secret. They are a secret community of strange nationality with abnormal behavior in life history. They assert that everything is changing, every second – is past, instant is dust. 

Kotorogo Theatre is something like the transformers of place: wherever you come – they are already there, got mixed up - they appear, make a stage scandal again and leave a phone number. Nobody knows for certain where are they from, but silliness can be read in their faces, pale and thin with ingrown items in hands. Since recently the Kotorogo Theatre symbiotic activity widely spread in the ranks of visual arts toilers. 

This somehow reminds me of the movie Step-up: Revolution. They perform exactly the same anonymous manner. They do elaborate, cutting-edge flash mobs, called "The Mob", then leave their mark or name. The Mob then turn their performance art into protest art as the movie progresses. 

The Parasol of Myanmar

Pathein Umbrella

22 Oct 2014 | From Jeli Ko Ko of Myanmar

FACEBOOK-POSTCROSSING SWAP

The umbrella industry of Pathein, the capital of the Ayeyarwaddy Division of Myanmar's delta region, is well known worldwide. This cottage industry was established in Pathein over a hundred years ago.

These newly fashioned umbrellas gained popularity with the ladies and sales expanded to the whole country. The umbrella attracts foreigners to buy as souvenirs or for interior decoration on walls and for use as unique lampshades.

The bright and colourful Pathein umbrella seems to give added grace and allure to Myanmar feminine beauty. Pathein umbrellas in all sizes and colours are readily available in any shopping arcade or market throughout Myanmar. and since it does not take up much space when neatly folded. it would be ideal for foreigners to buy this lovely item as a gift for someone special.

Source: Myanmar News

Traditional Indonesian Umbrella - finally, I have you in my collection ;)

The Indonesian Payung

22 Oct 2014 | From Juned of Indonesia

POSTCROSSING SWAP

I instantly fell in love with this postcard the first time I saw it. I love the colours, its traditional vibe, and how the lady seemed to blend with the perfectly arranged umbrellas.

It was at Postcrossing Facebook where I saw this postcard. I was randomly browsing the page when I saw this postcard in one of a post's comment. My umbrella-themed postcard collection was just starting then. I asked the Postcrosser if she may have a spare copy but unfortunately she haven't got any. Or perhaps she did mot want to swap with me. That was several months ago. I even tried to ask some Indonesian Postcrossers in Postcrossing for this postcard. But those I've asked seem to have no extra copy.

Then some months later, I was given my first Indonesian address for the official Postcrossing. It wasn't my first time sending a postcard to Indonesia (I have made swaps before) but it was my first in the official Postcrossing track. I was somewhat excited. Not that I asked him for a postcard swap in my letter or have any intentions of it, but it made me think of the umbrella postcard again. When he received my postcard though, he asked me for a postcard swap. A month later, he surprised me with this postcard!  

The payung is a traditional lacquered decorated wax paper umbrella or parasol in Indonesia. In our country, the Filipino translation for umbrella is 'payong'. These traditional payungs are known for their vibrancy in colour, meticulous details and quality of workmanship, and impressive designs. They are used as souvenirs or gifts, or with traditional dances such as the Tari Payung or Umbrella Dance - a Minangkabau’s traditional dance. Minangkabau is one of regencies in Indonesia, which is located in West Sumatra.

The photograph shown in the postcard is taken by Agus Leonardus, a photographer and lecturer at Nikon School Indonesia.

Umbrella Beauties

Women rocking the Ostsee

10 Oct 2014 | From Margot of Netherlands

OFFICIAL POSTCROSSING

A friend, who's also a postcrosser, received the same postcard months before I received this one. She got hers from swap, and it used to be one of my favourite postcards in her collection. Now, I have exactly the same postcard that I've received through the official Postcrossing track - a lovely addition to my umbrella-themed postcards.

This postcard is actually a part of the Rocking the Ostsee Postcard collection. I have checked the other postcards and I just love the vintage vibe it gives. The setting is set in the Ostsee. Ostsee is German for the Baltic Sea, a mediterranean sea located between Central and Northern Europe.

The Baltic Sea is one of the largest brackish inland seas by area. The Baltic Sea occupies a basin formed by glacial erosion during the last few ice ages.

A famous Thai cartoon character

Mamuang

10 Sept 2014 | From Khalil of Thailand

POSTCROSSING SWAP

Khalil asked me for a swap some weeks ago, and sent me this cute postcard featuring Mamuang, a famous Thai cartoon character 

Mamuang was created by cartoonist Wisut “Tum” Ponnimit. Thai audiences have become acquainted with her in the past three years. But she has been in existence for more than a decade since 2003: the year Wisut moved to Japan to learn the language and revel in his fascination with the island nation’s culture. Mainly created so Wisut wouldn’t be starving and penniless in Japan, Mamuang was a cartoon which first appeared in monthly magazine The Big Issue Japan.

Mamuang has become one of the most popular Thai-designed Line stickers, something created with sensibilities and signature touches rather than just as promotional logos. Despite her birth in Japan, Mamuang still has a Thai feel to her, coming from what Wisut has learned about life.

Focusing on happy things, Mamuang was made to be as simple and carefree as possible, unlike previous broody comic series hesheit that Wisut has drawn. Usually consisting of one box, words of wisdom that reflect life are shared through the actions and emotions of this cheerful girl named after a mango.

Source: Bangkok Post

With my bike and umbrella...

The Art of Living

10 Sept 2014 | From Elina of Finland

OFFICIAL POSTCROSSING

'Elämisen taito on maailman kaunein taito' translates to 'The art of living is the world's most beautiful skill'. It definitely is a skill each person must learn to master, or at least learn how to stop existing and start living.

Existing is simply being here, there - on earth. Not doing anything of any significance, staying on a boring routine, not taking chances, having no control of your decisions - just breathing. Living is being in control of your life, doing things your way. It's fulfilling your dreams, finding something meaningful, making yourself happy, taking action, and actually changing something.

In general, someone who exists feels as if everything is outside of their control while someone living is about knowing what you want in life. You try to find meaning in everything. Living involves thoughts, feelings, and emotions - understands them and not letting it interfere with our decisions.

The Town of Umbrellas

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival

29 Aug 2014 | From Film of Thailand

POSTCROSSING FRIEND

Bo Sang is a village in San Kamphaeng district in the outskirts of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. The Bo Sang Umbrella Festival celebrates village’s reputation as the community that creates Thailand’s most famous umbrellas made from Saa paper. It is known for its handmade umbrellas and parasols, which are brightly coloured, and often decorated with floral motifs.

At first it was just a profitable hobby that supplemented the villagers’ earnings from the annual rice crop. The festival was conceptualized in 1941 when the production of the Saa paper umbrellas prospered. During the three-day festival, streets are illuminated by lanterns, while hundreds of umbrellas are hung from the rafters and beams of houses and shops. The festival is made colorful and loud with all the music, concerts, pageants, and food. People gather to celebrate Bor Sang’s innovative handicraft skills.

An Alexey Anashkin photograph

Broken Umbrella

19 Jun, 2014 | From Sergey of Russia

OFFICIAL POSTCROSSING

I'm not sure if this is the right Alexey Anashkin that I found in the net. Accordingly, he was born in Kovrov, Russia, and took up photography in Moscow. He specializes in photography, portrait, genre portrait, male portrait.

A Photograph by Stefan Korber

Winter Walk

31 Mar, 2014 | From Anna of Russia

OFFICIAL POSTCROSSING

Here's another postcard for my umbrella-theme collection. I love how the man (or woman) and the umbrella stand out in the pure white, snowy scene.

A Claude Monet illustration

Woman with Parasol Facing Right

8 Mar 2014 | From Marjatta of Finland

OFFICIAL POSTCROSSING

Claude Monet was a French painter, initiator, leader, and unswerving advocate of the Impressionist style. He is regarded as the archetypal Impressionist in that his devotion to the ideals of the movement was unwavering throughout his long career.

Claude Monet painted Woman with a Parasol Facing Right in 1886. He lost interest in figure painting after his wife Camille's death, but, in Giverny, he enjoyed painting companion Alice Hoschedé's daughters outdoors in the fields of wildflowers. 

Monet painted Suzanne in a white summer dress under a green parasol twice, once facing right and once facing left. The painting is reminiscent of Woman with a Parasol - Madame Monet and Her Son from 1875.

Source: Painting Mania 

Japanese Parasols Poster

Magic Umbrellas. Alfred Becker

8 Feb 2014 | From Nina of Germany

FACEBOOK SWAP

Nina sent me this beautiful umbrella postcard for my help with her UNESCO World Heritage Sites collection. I really like this postcard. Nina shared that she like this card a lot, she actually bought copies for herself :) This is a happy addition to my umbrella postcard collection :)

Day and Night

Tag und Nacht

17 Jan 2014 | From Angelika of Germany

OFFICIAL POSTCROSSING

"Tag und Nacht" is German for Day and Night - and the postcard shows a funny representation of day and night activities.

A 1904 illustration for a learn-to-read book

"OT en Sien" | Cornelis Jetses (1873~1955)

17 Jan, 2014 | From Ineke of Netherlands

OFFICIAL POSTCROSSING

This is a postcard showing Ot and Rien walking in the rain, discovering the world around their home.

Ot en Sien (Ot and Sien) are two little children who appear in a series of stories which were written in the Dutch language more than a hundred years ago. Ot (short for “Otto”) is a little boy and Sien (pronounced like the English word “seen”), whose name may be short for “Francine”, is the little girl who lives next door. Although they are now very old fashioned, the books are still popular in Holland. They were written in rhyme and were illustrated with colourful pictures.

Source: Wikipedia

My 400th card

Autumn in Helsinki

17 Jan 2014 | From Sari-Anne of Finland

OFFICIAL POSTCROSSING

Helsinki is the capital of Finland. It is the world's northernmost metro area of over one million people, and the city is the northernmost capital of an EU member state. Helsinki is Finland's major political, educational, financial, cultural and research centre as well as one of northern Europe's major cities.

In autumn the daily mean temperature remains below 10°C. Autumn begins around the last week of August in northern Finland and about one month later in southwestern Finland.

Source: Wikipedia, Finnish Meteorological Institute

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)

29 Nov, 2013 | From Choonjong of South Korea

FACEBOOK SWAP

Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village with a long history located between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The traditional village is composed of lots of alleys, hanok and is preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment. Now it is used as a traditional culture center and hanok restaurant, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Joseon Dynasty.

Hanok may look uncomfortable, but they are part of Korea's architectural tradition and have many points in their favor. Many of their most passionate enthusiasts and defenders live in Bukchon Hanok Village. To walk with an umbrella along a narrow hanok-lined street on a drizzly afternoon is to take a trip back in time.

Street of Dreams

Street of Dreams

29 Nov 2013 | From Vivian of China

POSTCROSSING SWAP

This postcard, along with the "Maiko" and "Bukchon Hanok Village" postcards that I received today, made me wanna start my own umbrella-themed postcard (as I realized I just received three today). Umbrella are really fun to see with their colors, patterns, sizes, and styles.

Interestingly, I don't like using umbrellas :p But I do have one just in case.

Maiko Girls

Maiko at the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto

29 Nov 2013 | From Masayo of Japan

OFFICIAL POSTCROSSING

Maiko dancers on wooden clogs share a paper umbrella. Hanging down on their back are silk obi sashes with elaborate embroidery.

Maiko is an apprentice geisha in western Japan, especially Kyoto. Their jobs consist of performing songs, dances, and playing the shamisen (three-stringed Japanese instrument) for visitors during feasts. Maiko are usually aged 15 to 20 years old and become geisha after learning how to dance (a kind of Japanese traditional dance), play the shamisen, and learning Kyō-kotoba (dialect of Kyoto), regardless of their origins.