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In Blogging and the Web, Geek Talk, hobby, Sreisaatv2

Cheers to Czech Food and Drink

Author sreisaatPosted on 6 Comments

Behold the Czech Republic’s EUROPA stamp a philatelic feast for the eyes, and my entry for this week’s Sunday Stamps with the theme food. Issued by the Czech Post in 2005, this illustrated stamp celebrates the nation’s culinary delights, where meat reigns supreme.

Czech Republic’s EUROPA stamp classified under the Food and Cooking category. Issued by the Czech Post in 2005.

Poultry, pork, beef—you name it, Czech cuisine offers a variety of hearty options, often accompanied by their beloved knedliky. These dumplings are a carb-lover’s dream are a comforting staple, made from wheat or potato flour, lovingly boiled into a roll, then sliced and served piping hot. I stumbled upon a photo online that’s a virtual twin of the stamp’s illustration, minus the beer.

I found the this photo online, almost exact copy of the stamp, save for the missing beer. Source.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or should we say, the beer in the mug? The stamp proudly features a frothy mug of beer, which is practically a national treasure in the Czech Republic.

Beer is not just a drink in the Czech Republic; it’s a way of life. The country boasts the highest beer consumption per capita on the planet. With legendary brands like Budweiser Budvar and Pilsner Urquell, the Czechs have made their mark on the global beer map. But wait, there’s more! The Czech Republic is home to over 470 different types of beer. That’s right, folks, 470. And with that 470 different types of beer, the Czech Republic offers more than one brew for every day of the year. Everyday is beer festival, hurrah!

I love this stamp. As a foodie and a stamp enthusiast – it’s a small rectangle of joy celebrating the big flavours of this vibrant culture. Collect, lick, and post… or better yet, I’m going find myself a Czech beer and pour myself a cold one and toast to the love of food and stamps! Na zdraví!

In Blogging and the Web, Cambodia life, Expat Life, Geek Talk, hobby, Sreisaatv2

From Taiwan to Tunisia: Bowls and Tunics

Author sreisaatPosted on 8 Comments

This week’s theme over Thursday Postcard Hunt is “crafts, fabric art, and textiles”, and I have two to share this week that I hope align with the theme.

My first postcard takes us to the vibrant island of Taiwan, where indigenous artisans craft stunning porcelain rice and noodle bowls. These handmade pieces, adorned with intricate designs, are not only functional but also beautiful works of art.

The designs on these bowls often reflect the cultural heritage of different Taiwanese indigenous groups. Each stroke of paint tells a story, showcasing the unique artistry and traditions of these communities.

Our second postcard transports us to the North African country of Tunisia, where traditional women’s clothing is a display of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

This traditional attire is worn by women in Ksouf Essen City, located in the Sahel region, as well as in the cities of Mahdia, Monastir, Sousse, and Sfax. Each region has its own unique style, though they all share similarities. This postcard features the black version, but there’s also a more luxurious and beautiful red-purple variant.

Tunisian women’s attire is known for its vibrant colors, intricate embroidery, and distinctive styles. Common garments include the farmla (waistcoat), jebba and kadrûn (dress), takrita (scarf), quofiya (cap), kmâm (“handles”), and qmajja (tunic). A key feature of Tunisian traditional clothing is the bent cut tunic, which has an asymmetrical hemline that creates a visually striking silhouette. The garments are often adorned with intricate embroidery, particularly on the neckline, cuffs, and hem.

The fabrics used for Tunisian traditional clothing vary depending on the occasion and region. Wool, cotton, and silk are common choices. These garments are often accessorized with ornate jewelry, including money wires and other decorative elements.

Once all these garments are put together it creates a lovely and very colourful costume! Wedding attire in Tunisia is even more elaborate, featuring even more intricate embroidery and luxurious fabrics. While these stunning ensembles are undoubtedly beautiful, one can’t help but wonder about their weight!

In Blogging and the Web, Cambodia life, Expat Life, Geek Talk, hobby, Sreisaatv2

The Colourful Thanksgiving Parade on Stamps

Author sreisaatPosted on 6 Comments

Finally back in the city! And in this week’s Sunday Stamps, the theme is colours and I have a set of stamps celebrating a beloved American tradition – the Thanksgiving Day Parade!

In 2009, the USPS issued four commemorative stamps featuring iconic scenes from this joyous holiday event. Unfortunately, my collection only holds two of these four se-tenant stamps.

Even with just these two stamps, we get a vibrant glimpse into the parade’s atmosphere. One stamp showcases a lively marching band, while the other features beloved characters and the larger-than-life turkey balloon that have become synonymous with the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Take a look at the full strip:

While I haven’t personally witnessed this extravagant event, I’m captivated by parades and the artistry of floats. These stamps perfectly capture the essence of the Thanksgiving Day Parade, just like the ones I see on TV. They offer a colourful window into American culture and the spirit of this special holiday.

The vibrant colours on the stamps are a result of designer Paul Rogers’ unique approach. He drew inspiration from mid-century advertising and poster art, then used digital techniques to bring them to life on these miniature masterpieces. (Source)