Showing all posts tagged Thursday Postcard Hunt

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

Jeepney: Philippines’ Rolling Masterpieces

Author sreisaatPosted on 8 Comments

For this week’s Thursday Photo Hunt, I’m presenting to you the Philippines’ iconic mode of transportation and a public art gallery on wheels: the jeepney. More than just a vehicle, the jeepney is a living, breathing masterpiece that encapsulates the Filipino spirit.

These colourful jeepneys used to be the King of the Road.

The jeepney was born from the ingenuity of Filipinos after World War II. When American troops left the Philippines, they left behind surplus military jeeps. Resourceful Filipinos transformed these vehicles into public transport, extending their frames, adding roofs, and decorating them. The name “jeepney” is a blend of “jeep” and “jitney,” a term for early American shared taxis. (Source)

Over the years, the jeepneys have evolved into a symbol of the country’s resilience and artistic flair. Adorned with intricate designs, bold colors, and often religious or pop culture themes, jeepneys are a feast for the eyes. They are  like mobile art galleries, each one a unique expression of its owner’s creativity and personality. From religious icons to comic book heroes, the decorations are as diverse as the Filipino people themselves. Today, these vehicles are more than just a means of getting around; they are rolling public art galleries that reflect the nation’s rich culture and imagination.

Riding a jeepney is an adventure in itself. As a former student and a commuter, I can attest to the thrill of squeezing into a packed jeepney with other students, enjoying discounted fares and the camaraderie of shared experiences. The music, the crowds, the constant motion, the smell – it’s a sensory overload. Passing the fare along the row, like a human conveyor belt, to the driver and back for the change, is a unique Filipino custom. And when it’s time to disembark, the simple phrase “mama, para po sa tabi” (stop here, please) is all you need to signal your stop. Beyond the ride itself, the jeepney offers a front-row seat to the daily lives of Filipinos . It’s a place to observe, to connect, and to be inspired by the vibrant spirit of the nation (read: weaving stories around the faces around me while riding the jeep home).

More jeepney photos here.

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.