Showing all posts tagged Thursday Postcards Hunt

In Expat Life, Geek Talk, hobby, Sreisaatv2

Thursday Postcards Hunt: A Tale of Two Cathedrals

Author sreisaatPosted on 7 Comments

Lithuania, a Baltic gem, boasts a rich history woven into its stunning architecture. Nowhere is this more evident than in Vilnius, where two extraordinary cathedrals stand side by side, each with its own captivating story.

First, we have the St. Anne’s Church (below, left), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Constructed entirely from 33 different types of brick, its unique and stunning facade is a marvel captivating visitors for centuries. Its intricate details and delicate spires have earned it comparisons to a fairytale castle. Often described as “flamboyant Gothic”, its beauty was so renowned that Napoleon Bonaparte famously wished to transport it to France “in the palm of his hand”. Thankfully, for Lithuania, this ambitious plan remained unrealized. (His hands weren’t big enough. Just kidding.)

Directly behind St. Anne’s (right) stands the imposing St. Bernardine’s Church. A larger and more spacious structure, it transitioned from Gothic origins to embrace Renaissance and Baroque elements, reflecting the architectural tastes of the 17th and 18th centuries. Uniquely, this cathedral played a defensive role in Vilnius’ history. The cathedral’s scale was such that it was incorporated into the city’s 16th century defensive wall. It featured strategic shooting openings, transforming the sacred space into a formidable stronghold.

Sadly, the cathedral’s role as a religious sanctuary was tragically interrupted during the tumultuous Soviet rule when it was repurposed as a warehouse. However, with Lithuania’s independence in 1994, St. Bernardine’s was returned to the Franciscan order and restored to its former glory.

The stamps at the back of the postcard – on the right, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s apparition in Šiluva, a significant religious site, and on the left, a part of a series with holidays and celebrations as theme, provide a glimpse into Lithuania’s heritage. And let’s not forget the creatively handwritten message itself – it adds a personal touch makes it even more special.

But why are these churches built next to each other? It’s been said that the close relationship between the two religious orders – the Brotherhood of St. Anne and the Bernardine Monks – is the sole reason to build their places of worship adjacent to each other and allowed them to share resources, community, and a stronger religious presence in the city. This is a widely accepted historical fact, often presented as general knowledge in historical and architectural texts about Vilnius.

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

The Corny Point Lighthouse Shines On

Author sreisaatPosted on 10 Comments

A friend, an avid geo-cacher on a mission to document Australia’s lighthouses, sparked my interest. In 2011, he’s already halfway there, with many stations logged on his site. It’s fascinating to learn that most Australian lighthouses are now automated or even decommissioned. Some stand in their original glory, though not always in the best shape.

However, my postcard – a maxi card – for Thursday Postcard Hunt this week showcases a different story.

The accompanying stamp, a commemorative se-tenant pair from 1986, marks 150 years of South Australian statehood. It features Captain Hindmarsh’s ship, the Buffalo.

The Corny Point Lighthouse, proudly perched on the southernmost tip of Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, is a vision of beauty. Completed in 1882, this limestone marvel, quarried from a nearby farm, is a photographer’s dream. The surrounding area is said to be a haven for camping and picnics – idyllic on a sunny day. But what about the stormy side? I wonder how this beacon cuts through the rain and fog.

De-manned in 1920, the Corny Point light continued its vigil until 1942. Fearing a Japanese invasion, it was temporarily extinguished for several weeks. Finally, in 1978, it embraced the modern age and converted to electricity. Lightkeeper logs, a treasure trove of history, recount the lighthouse weathering earthquakes and other natural phenomena, even witnessing meteors streak across the night sky. Today, the lighthouse reserve welcomes visitors, offering a glimpse into its fascinating past. More about the history and operations of the Corny Point Lighthouse can be found here.

There’s something undeniably romantic and mysterious about lighthouses. Perhaps it’s the stories they hold – tales of brave keepers, harrowing shipwrecks, and even whispers of ghosts. Despite visiting a few lighthouses that, frankly, weren’t as dramatic as I’d imagined, their mystique remains. Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to their stories and snatch up any image I find – stamps, postcards, even fleeting glimpses on TV. They hold a magnetic pull, drawing me in with their promise of adventure. I can’t help but conjure images of heroic rescues, dramatic storms, ghostly encounters, and the solitary beacon piercing the darkness.


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!