Showing all posts tagged postcards

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!

In Expat Life, Geek Talk, Images, Sreisaatv2, Travels, What's on in Cambodia

Thursday Postcard Hunt: Preah Khan awakens in the rain

Author sreisaatPosted on 9 Comments

This postcard is an old one in my album and it shows Preah Khan Temple (the back side), one of the captivating temples nestled within the sprawling Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Unlike past hot summer visits, my Siem Reap adventure in July last year was in the middle of the monsoon’s refreshing embrace. My friends, seasoned Angkor explorers, swore by the rainy season’s magic, promised a magical transformation, and I was eager to see it for myself.

A a massive stump is what’s left of a huge silk-cotton tree with overgrown roots that used to stand there (see postcard for reference). The roots look like it’s strangling a part of the gopura wall. Some say they are actually supporting the structure. What do you think?
This is the West Gopura entrance. If you look closer, you will see two headless devarapalas guarding the entrance. For comparison, here is a photo of the devarapalas taken in 1942.

Preah Khan, translating to “sacred sword,” holds a unique charm despite its lesser fame compared to Angkor Wat or Bayon Temple. Built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, it served a dual purpose: a temple city and a tribute to his father following a hard-fought victory. Here’s a walk through of the Preah Khan Temple, for those interested.

Leaving the hotel under clear skies, we breezed through the Angkor Archaeological Park checkpoints, armed with our resident (free) passes. Yet, as we neared Preah Khan’s eastern entrance, a downpour caught us by surprise. Undeterred, we hopped off the tuk-tuk and laughed at the absurdity of it all. We joined a mix of curious, umbrella-toting foreign and local visitors, to look at the intricate carvings adorning the causeway’s balustrades.

Crafted from ancient sandstone, these panels depict a timeless battle between good and evil – the seven-headed naga (serpent) carried by divine devas on one side, and the opposing asuras (demons) on the other. Sadly, weathering and looting have taken a toll, scattering fragments of these magnificent sculptures (heads, mostly) across museums worldwide.

Venturing into the rain-soaked forest, a sense of adventure surged through me. Imagine Lara Croft, but rain-soaked and determined – that was me, Zarah Croft, navigating a maze of ancient ruins. Our mission within Preah Khan’s main temple this time? To find a hidden altar, rumoured to hold a wish-granting image revered by many Thais, but unknown to most visitors, including ourselves until our Thai and Khmer friends told us about it.

Under the relentless rain, with only the temple’s partial shelter, we navigated corridors adorned with weathered stone carvings of mythical beings. Each sculpture, some vibrant with rain-washed hues, others cloaked in moss or lichens, bore the tales of the past. Each corner revealed mythical and spiritual beings, their details begging for examination.

Rainwater pooled on the floor, splashing with every step we took. It was like stepping back in time, a real-life adventure. Finally, after diligent exploration, and soaking wet, we stumbled upon the inconspicuous altar and its sacred image. Lighting candles and incense, we offered a silent prayer. My feet, submerged in the cool water, felt strangely connected to the past. In that moment, I could almost picture the kings and queens who once walked these very halls, their hopes and dreams carried on the wind. I could almost hear the whispers of ancient prayers echoing through the halls. My imagination soared as we continued to explore the other chambers in the temple – what if a devata, a heavenly being, or an apsara, a celestial dancer, materialized from the shadows? I’m fine with either, as long as it’s not an asura blocking my way! Lol.

Soaking it all in (literally and figuratively!) at the awe-inspiring Preah Khan Western Gopura. The rain couldn’t dampen this explorer’s spirit!

The persistent rain, far from dampening our spirits, added a layer of unexpected wonder. It evoked a childhood nostalgia for the Philippine monsoon season. Memories of playful splashes in puddles with classmates and cousins, a carefree spirit untamed by the thought of scoldings from our mothers and elders. A time of pure, uninhibited joy.

Preah Khan’s magnificence speaks for itself, but under the cloak of rain, it revealed a whole new layer of magic I have not seen and experienced before.