Showing all posts in June 2024

In Expat Life, Geek Talk, Sreisaatv2

Sunday Stamps: I’m Back with a Stamp That Moves You!

Author sreisaatPosted on 8 Comments

Hey everyone, it’s been a while! Remember Postcards Crossing and the Stamp Menagerie (now offline)? Yeah, it’s been a few years since I last posted, but life (and let’s be honest, a little social media overload) got in the way. But you know what? Sometimes you just got t come back to the things you love, and that includes the wonderful world of snail mail! And for my comeback post, I’m bringing a stamp that’s all about movement and celebrating the awesome people who keep our mails moving – perfect for the Sunday Stamps theme!

Issued as FDC in 2008.

This bright yellow stamp from Croatia in 2008 is like a ray of sunshine! At first glance, I thought those black figures were working ants at first, but nope, they’re postal workers in action. The black figures and the red details are a fun contrast against that yellow background. The stamp commemorates the annual POŠTANSKI ŠPORTSKI SUSRETI, which basically translates to “Postal Workers’ Sports Games”. They’ve been doing this since 2000, and it’s not about sorting mail fast or delivering mails quick – it’s about getting everyone together for a day of fun, fitness, and some friendly competition.

Imagine it: mail carriers, office staff, everyone from all over Croatia coming together for bowling, table tennis, football, even chess! There are even medals and trophies for the winners, plus a special “Fair Play Cup” for the most enthusiastic and sportsmanlike team. How cool is that?

This stamp reminds me of the movement and energy behind the postal system worldwide. It’s not just about the mail itself; it’s all about the people who make it happen. And also the importance of getting together, having some fun, and moving those bodies! 🙂

Huge thanks to my postcard-swap buddy, Tomi, for sending this gem my way. It’s the perfect reminder to get back into the swing of things and start blogging about postcards, stamps, and letters – things I geek about. Here’s to a new season of reconnecting with old blogger-friends and maybe even starting some new snail mail adventures!

P.S. Not sure if this event is still happening, but gotta give props to the Croatian postal workers! Look at them rocking out to support their Eurovision 2024 entry. Talk about dedicated fans! Seems like the Croatian postal service is pretty active. Croatian Postal workers dance to the rhythm of Rim Tim Tagi Dim.

In Expat Life, Images, Sreisaatv2, Travels, Work

Skywatch Friday: Wat Sampov Pram, a temple on a hilltop

Author sreisaatPosted on 12 Comments

Years ago, I wrote about a few trips to  Kampot province but never made it to Phnom Bokor (Bokor Mountain) and to Wat Sampov Pram (Sampov Pram Temple, or the Five Boats Temple). I somehow missed this beauty until recently – I finally checked it off my list, and let me tell you, it was incredible!

The first thing that struck me was the temple itself. Built by King Monivong, it’s an ancient beauty showcasing Buddhist architecture built with gorgeous red-bricks (and now lichen-covered) that stand out against the lush green surroundings. The location is in the most stunning background you can imagine – right on the edge of a cliff that used to be part of a fancy French colonial resort area called Bokor Hill Station back in the 1920s. 

The best part, though, was definitely the view from the top. It was a clear day when I (and my work colleagues) visited, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. The contrast between the vibrant green jungle, the shimmering blue Gulf of Thailand, and even a glimpse of Vietnam’s Pu Quoc Island from the distance was unreal! Click the photo to enlarge. The beauty of this place deserves to be captured with a higher quality camera. On the way up, we even spotted some wild monkeys chilling in the trees – not sure they were too happy about us tourists, though!

Bokor Hill Station itself has a fascinating history. It used to be a glamorous escape for the elite Khmers and French back in the 1920s, complete with a fancy hotel, casino (I’ll save this story for another post!), and even a Catholic church. Unfortunately, things took a turn during the civil war, and the whole place got abandoned in disrepair.

These days, it is in a bit of a mixed-bag. In 2015(ish), constructions started to transform it into a modern resort. What I saw that day of my visit was – let’s say – a work in progress. There were tons of unfinished buildings and villas that give it a more of a ghost-town vibe than a luxurious retreat.  But even with the development chaos, Wat Sampov Pram stands strong as a beautiful piece of history and a must-see when visiting Kampot. Plus, the cooler mountain air is a welcome change from the Cambodian heat below.

Visit other Skywatchers this week and see other incredible sky photos.