Showing all posts tagged Italy

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

A Covered Bridge Charm: Ponte di Rialto

Author sreisaatPosted on 4 Comments

This week’s Thursday Postcard Hunt adventure takes us to the heart of Venice, Italy, thanks to my friend Chatru who was on a grand European holiday back in 2011!

Chatru sent me a beautiful postcard featuring a view of a magnificent covered bright that instantly sparked a sense of recognition.

The postcard shows the Ponte di Rialto, or the Rialto bridge, the most famous and oldest bridge out of the four that cross the Grand Canal of Venice. It is an iconic symbol of Venice, spanning the Grand Canal with grace and elegance. The vaulted stone bridge was built from 1588-1591 under the supervision of Antonio da Ponte, it offers breathtaking views, a bustling atmosphere (lined with shops on either side), and a rich history that reflects the essence of Venice. It replaced previous wooden structures and stands as a stone arch masterpiece, connecting the districts of San Marco and San Palo. Source.

As it turned out, the view was the very same spot my friend captured in one of the photos he sent to me ! Talk about a picture-perfect location.

My friend captured the iconic covered bridge that’s been gracing the Grand Canal for centuries so nicely. Looking at this postcard, one can almost feel the vibrant energy of Venice. Imagine strolling across the bridge, soaking in the sights and sounds, having coffee in one of the cafes, and peeking into the charming shops lining the covered walkways. It’s a quintessential Venetian experience!

In Cambodia life, Expat Life, Geek Talk, hobby, Sreisaatv2

The Olympics and Philippine Pride

Author sreisaatPosted on 6 Comments

This week, Sunday Stamps celebrates the Olympic spirit with two stamps that capture the essence of these global sporting spectacles.

First up, we have a piece of Estonian history. Issued in 2004 to coincide with the Athens Olympics, this stamp marks a significant milestone for Estonian athletes. After decades under Soviet rule, the Estonian Olympic Committee resumed its activity in 1989 and in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, they were finally competing under their own flag. Can you imagine the pride and excitement of these athletes finally representing their country on the world stage? It’s a powerful symbol of independence and national pride. Since then, Estonia has certainly made its mark on the Olympic stage, with an impressive medal tally to boast – 44 medals in both the Summer and Winter Games – 14 gold, 11 silver, and 19 bronze medals. (Source)

My second stamp is Italy’s contribution to the Olympic philatelic series is a beautifully designed €0.85 stamp from 2008, part of the ‘Lo Sport Italiano’ collection.

The design merges Ancient Greek motifs with Asian (Chinese) elements. It features a disc framed in a harmonious blend of Greek and Asian borders, with the figures of athletes reminiscent of Ancient Greek pottery art on one side, and Asian athletes on the other, symbolizing the global unity of the Olympic Games. The stamp is completed with the iconic Olympic rings and the words “GIOCHI OLIMPICI-PECHINO 2008” (“BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES”), along with the country’s name and denomination.

Italy, a country with a rich sporting heritage, has hosted the Olympics three times and has an incredible medal count. Italy boasts an impressive tally of 772 medals from both Summer and Winter Games, reflecting its rich Olympic legacy. Having hosted the Games three times, with plans for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy’s passion for sports is evident.

The Philippines, in other news, just made history at the Paris Olympics! Our athletes have brought home TWO GOLD MEDALS and TWO BRONZE MEDALS! It’s an absolute dream come true. This is a monumental leap for Philippine sports, especially in men’s gymnastics. Who would have thought we’d be celebrating gold medalists in this category? And our female boxers? They are fearless and their determination and grit knows no bounds! Mabuhay kayo – Carlos Yulo, Aira Villegas, at Nesthy Petecio!

These victories are a testament to the incredible talent and unwavering determination of the Filipino athletes. They’ve overcome countless challenges, including limited resources, to stand on the world’s biggest stage. I can’t wait to see these heroes celebrated with their own stamps. They deserve all the recognition and honour we can give them.

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.