In Expat Life, Geek Talk, Sreisaatv2

Sunday Stamps: Gearing Up for the Games

Author sreisaatPosted on 11 Comments

This week on Sunday Stamps, with the highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics approaching, we set our sights on the Northern Hemisphere countries that are participating.

For my entry, here is one iconic stamp from Italy that celebrates athletic prowess and the thrill of competition. It came in a maxicard sent in 2009 by two Italian sisters via Postcrossing, showcasing a summer Olympic sport: cycling!

How cool is that postmark?

Cycling holds a special place in Italian sporting history. From the legendary Fausto Coppi to the modern-day heroes of the Giro d’Italia, Italy has consistently produced champions on two wheels.

This maxicard and matching stamp honour the most successful and popular cyclist of all time, the Italian Fausto Coppi, on his birthday. Both feature a dynamic image of Coppi out-of-the-saddle, powering his bicycle forward with a car following him closely. A majestic mountain range fills the background. This set beautifully captures the exhilaration and competitive spirit of this sport.

Coppi won his first Giro d’Italia in 1940 at age 20 – to this day the youngest ever to do so. He went on to win Giro d’Italia four more times, in 1947, 1949, 1952, and 1953. He also won Tour de France two times (1949 and 1952) as well as the World Championship in 1953. Professional cycling races like the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France were the pinnacle events for cyclists during Coppi’s era. The Olympics didn’t feature professional cycling competitions until 1968, well after Coppi’s retirement.

The stamp, issued before 2024 Paris Olympics, serve as a reminder of Italy’s longstanding tradition of participating and excelling in international sporting events. This year, Italian athletes across various disciplines will undoubtedly be vying for glory in Paris.

In All things Khmer, Expat Life, Images, Sreisaatv2, Travels, Uncategorized

Skywatch Friday: Rainy Adventures

Author sreisaatPosted on 2 Comments

For this week’s Skywatch Friday, here’s a glimpse of the Bayon temple at the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap last taken last year. Trees burst from the ancient stones, and the moss-covered sculptures seem even more enigmatic under the dramatic sky.

The video above shows the temple courtyard where I stood. While I opted to admire the exterior during that time (I’ve seen them already before and those slippery grounds can be treacherous!), the rain truly creates a different atmosphere than visiting during the summer season. The sound of raindrops on the ruins is strangely calming, and the clouds add a touch of drama to the landscape.

Prior to Bayon temple, I explored Preah Khan first under a sky alive with rain! You can read my post about how Preah Khan Temple awakens in the rain.  The downpour only amplified the sense of adventure, making the exploration even more thrilling.

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.