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In Expat Life, Geek Talk, Sreisaatv2

Thursday Postcard Hunt: Geographical twins

Author sreisaatPosted on 5 Comments

Calling all map lovers! Buckle up for this week’s Thursday Postcard Hunt, because it’s a treasure trove for geography enthusiasts like myself. We often think of maps and flags on postcards and stamps as a bit, well, plain. But let me tell you, when they’re creatively designed and spark unexpected connections, like the postcard I have today, they can be absolutely mind-blowing, a game-changer!

This week, we’re venturing into the heart of Eastern Europe to explore Lithuania, known as Lietuva in its native tongue. Let’s see where this map-on- a-postcard takes us!

Lithuania’s location makes it a fascinating geographic and cultural blend.  Historically, its ties to the Eastern Bloc placed it firmly in Eastern Europe. Geographically, it sits snug on the Baltic Sea’s eastern coast, making it a natural part of the Baltic region. But its modern political landscape tells a different story – Lithuania is a proud member of the European Union and NATO, aligning it with Central Europe. This fascinating mix of influences is part of what makes Lithuania so unique. Rather than getting hung up on labels, let’s focus on the map card itself.

My postcard features an outline map, showcasing Lithuania’s diverse landscapes and natural treasures, and one that has a surprisingly familiar shape. Lithuania boasts a fascinating history. Once part of the Soviet Union, it’s now a rising star in the Baltic region, brimming with dynamism and growth – one of the fastest growing economies in the Baltics. Its capital, Vilnius, even held the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture in 2009.

But here’s a curious detail you might not have noticed: Lithuania’s shape bears an uncanny resemblance to Cambodia (where I am), a Southeast Asian country! Take a closer look at the outline maps below – both countries share a similar outline, broad at the top and tapering towards the south.  It’s almost like a geographical heart-shaped twins across continents, a fascinating quirk and wonder that sparks one’s imagination.

Lithuania
Cambodia

Intrigued? This postcard is a treasure! Perhaps this is going to be a start of an online research to unearth mirror image landforms across the globe. Remember, the world is full of unexpected connections waiting to be discovered. So, embark on your own map-tastic adventure and share your findings, please!


Sources: Outline Map of Lithuania, Outline Map of Cambodia.

In Expat Life, Food, Sreisaatv2, Work

From Drama to Delicious

Author sreisaatPosted on 2 Comments

Ugh, homesick alert! Missing you tons, Mama, and craving all the good stuff back in Capiz! This Capizeña needs to visit the homeland soon!

Today was a rollercoaster! Ugh, not again! The day kicked off with more drama, this time courtesy of the same person who always seems to be in the middle of it. Tsk, never learns a lesson, it seems. But hey, as they say, sometimes you lose some to win some.

The win today? An incredible lunch invitation to a home-cooked Khmer lunch! It wasn’t just any meal – it was a feast of homemade Khmer dishes, all prepared with such love and care. I felt so honoured to be included in their family, and in their community. អរគុណមិត្តសម្លាញ់! Thank you, dear friends!

The food was amazing! My colleague and her army of young assistants cooked for me one of my favourites – prahok khtis dong, a rich and flavourful dish with minced pork and prahok (preserved fish), slow-cooked in fragrant kreung (aromatic paste – lemongrass, galangal, ginger, etc.) and coconut milk, and a side of fresh vegetables to eat them with.

Clockwise, from the top: Meatballs with Napa cabbage soup, fresh veggies, rice with the pickled-cabbage stir-fry, and the spicy prahok khtis.
Takeaway dinner is served. Prahok khtis is eaten with fresh vegetables – cabbage, cucumber, string beans, eggplants, etc.
Up close. That’s tiny, round thingy is a Thai pea eggplant.

There were also meatballs in a clear broth with Napa cabbage (great palate cleanser), and a stir-fried pickled cabbage with pork (well-balanced savoury and sour flavors). It was hearty, homey, and the delicious meal felt almost like an embrace for an expat who’s missing the comforts of home. Like a big, warm hug, on a day that could have been a total washout.

Here in Cambodia where hardship is a familiar face, it’s the everyday acts of kindness that shine the brightest. Despite facing challenges, the Cambodian people continue to amaze me with their generosity and resilience. They truly embody the spirit “those who have less are often the most giving. ”

P.S.1. As I shuffled back to the office, Tita Shawie is bleating inside my head, on repeat: ‘balutin mo ako sa hiwaga ng iyong pagmamahaaaaaaaal…’ (wrap me up in the magic of your looooove) A cheeky grin spread across my face as I clutched the unexpected takeaway container a little too tightly (I didn’t ask for one!). Dinner sorted! Maybe I’m turning into a bit of a…Sharonian*, haha.

“*Sharon” is Filipino slang referring to the act of taking leftovers from a Filipino party. It’s derived from the song “Bituing Walang Ningning” by Sharon Cuneta, which contains the lyric, “Balutin mo ako” (“wrap me up”). Those who do “Sharon” are also referred to as “Sharonians.”

The Filipino-American Life on Instagram

P.S.2. Just finished dinner. Belly full, heart happy! Thank you, universe, for reminding me that even on challenging days, there’s always something to be grateful for, especially the kindness of strangers (or in this case, friends!)

In Expat Life, Geek Talk

Thursday Postcard Hunt: The Swinging Ritual of Belize

Author sreisaatPosted on 10 Comments

Okay, confession time: This week’s Thursday Postcard Hunt entry almost became my own archaelogical dig in my junk box. While I was searching for my rogue yo-yo (please don’t judge, I’m an old-school girl at heart) that I bought for myself on my birthday this year, I stumbled upon this Belize postcard. It was tucked in a box with a faded, fluorescent yellow sticker note with a screaming handwritten note, FOR BLOG POST. Who knows how long it has been in there, and how it even got there, but it seems that this postcard was destined for a rediscovery.

This little detour has thrown me off my weekly postcard line up, but it also reminded me of another delightful ritual — and I’m sure you’d all agree on this – discovering hidden gems through postcard swaps!

Now on to the postcard from sunny Belize.
Belize is this incredible tropical paradise nestled between Mexico and Guatemala. They boast pristine rainforests, stunning coral reefs, and ancient Mayan ruins. TRIVIA: it’s the only country in Central America where English is their official language! But the focus of this, though, is the swing bridge in Belize City.

The Swing Bridge in Belize City is a historic landmark and a popular tourist destination. It is the oldest swing bridge in Central America and one of the few manually operated swing bridges left in the world. The bridge was constructed in Liverpool, England in 1922 and was brought to Belize City by a United States company in New Orleans. It was built to allow sailing ships with tall masts to pass the bridge and continue up the Haulover Creek, a tributary of the Belize River, to offer supplies and services to the city.

The bridge requires a minimum of four men to crank it by hand until it is perpendicular with Haulover Creek. This process can take up to ten minutes. Today, the bridge is only swung on special occasions, such as for tall ships or for ceremonial purposes. However, it is still a popular spot for tourists to take photos and to watch the boats go by.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swing_Bridge_(Belize)

Imagine rush hour traffic grinding to a halt for ships and fishermen making their way to and from the harbour since 1923 – all thanks to this manually operated marvel. Talk about a well-oiled (hopefully?) routine! That was the daily routine for Belize City folks back in the day.

So, a big shoutout to Debbie for the postcard. I almost “lost” the postcard, but thanks to that errant yo-yo, I found it again. Sometimes, the best finds come out unexpectedly life’s detours and lost toys!