Sukkasunnuntai - Easter Sunday

Received on: 26 Mar, 2013

Distance: 8,738 km (5,430 miles)

Travel time: 7 days

Callie from California sent me Easter Greetings with this Egg Hunt card.

I like this happy and cheerful card! 

I suppose that Egg Hunt in California takes place outside in green parks, in warm and beautiful weather.  We usually have still snow in Easter and the weather may be quite chilly so usually  the parents hide some chocolate eggs in the morning and after breakfast the children can search them.

Lankalauantai - Holy Saturday

Received on: 12 Mar, 2013

Distance: 351 km (218 miles)

Travel time: 13 days

Thank you Leila from Lappeenranta, Finland

" Virpominen "  is from Karelia and takes place during the Holy Week. Children decorate willow branches to represent the palms thrown under Jesus legs when he entered Jerusalem. Scaring evil spirits or bad luck away with branches is a widely practices tradition in Finno-Ugric cultures. At Virvonta the children dress up as witches and go from house to house gifting the willow branches and telling the “Virpomis” poem [Virpomis loru] to wish a good coming year. In return they receive painted or chocolate eggs or sometimes money.

”Virvon varvon tuoreeks terveeks
 tulevaks vuodeks.
Vitsa sulle, palkka mulle.”

"With this twig I wish you
blessings and good health for next year.
You get the twig, I get a treat"

In the evening we have Pääsiäiskokko - Easter Fire. Mostly an Ostrobothnian tradition to set bonfires on Holy Saturday. According to tradition, it is set Saturday so that it scares away the evel spirits and witches, that freely roam around, because Jesus died on Good Friday and will resurrect only at Easter Sunday.



Pitkäperjantai - Good Friday

Received on: 25 Mar, 2013

Distance: 1,591 km (989 miles)

Travel time: 4 days

Jessica from Sleeuwijk, Netherlands

sent me this nice Easter postcard.

Thank you Jessica!

Easter in Netherlands is very much like the rest of the western countries. However one remarkable Easter tradition in Netherland is the Easter Carnival. Easter in Netherland is marked by carnivals that proceed the fasting season of Lent.  Carnivals feature colorful celebrations with dances, parades and masquerade balls. In each town a person is elected prince of the Carnival and he is handed the keys to the city.

Many village folks in the Netherlands light an Easter bonfire on a high point and this is the sign of starting Easter. 

Kiirastorstai - Maundy Thursday - Wielki Czwartek

Wesołych zdrowych i pogodnych Swiat Wielkanocnych

życzy  Barbara

Cieszyn, Poland

Our daughter got this card from her friend Barbara in 1989.

It is hand written and it was a little difficult for us to read and understand Polish at that time - no Google translator - it was quite difficult still now, even with the help of Google. But from the picture we understood it to be an Easter card with Happy Easter wishes.

In Poland they celebrate Easter with the Blessing Basket. They prepare the basket the Saturday before Easter. Inside the basket they place beautifully colored eggs, bread, cake, salt, paper and white colored sausages and with the basket they then go to church to have the basket of food blessed. It is believed that Great Lent which is the forty day fast before Easter is not over until the basket has been blessed hence the reason why it is called Blessing Basket.

All that is contained in the basket is of meaning such as the colored eggs mean the risen Christ, the bread and salt are for good health and a prosperous life, the sausages are supposed to be a wish for enough food and fertility for the coming spring. There is also cheese and marzipan which are another part of the Easter basket.

Życzę Wam miłych, zdrowych i pogodnych Świąt Wielkanocnych!

Toivotan teille hauskaa ja rauhallista pääsiäistä!

Kellokeskiviikko - Holy Wednesday – Peaceful Easter

Received on: 14 Mar, 2013

Distance: 692 km (430 miles)

Travel time: 4 days

Thank you Jørg from Oslo, Norway for this funny Easter card!

In Norway, Easter break is longer than in many other European countries. The Easter holidays start Wednesday afternoon before Maundy Thursday, and end on Tuesday morning after Easter Monday. This makes for a nice long Easter weekend in Norway!

Påske, the Norwegian name for Easter in Norway is characterized by more colorful traditions and joyous festivities than solemn religious observations.

A quite peculiar national trait in Norway is solving crimes during Easter. Reading crime stories and detective novels during Easter is a national trait in Norway. Each year, nearly every TV and radio channel produces a crime series for Easter. The milk company prints crime stories on their cartons. In order to cash in on this national pas time, publishers churn out series of books known as "Easter Thrillers" or Påskekrim. Nobody quite knows why, but for some reason, Easter is a high time for reading crime stories and detective novels in Norway, where many say that Easter and the crime genre simply work well together.

Here you have more Easter traditions in Norway if you like :)

Tikkutiistai - Holy Tuesday

 

 

 Easter decorations in Finland show lots of colored eggs and yellow flowers. Colourful flowers, like tulips, daffodils and carnations, are popular at Easter time. Bright colours like yellow and green and all things reminding of spring, sun and new life are popular Easter items also here in Finland, even though it is usually still very wintry outside, with snow covering the ground in many parts of the country. 

 

Some Finnish families sow grass in small pots before Easter, and put eggs in them when the grass has grown. To decorate the homes, bare twigs of birch and willow trees are brought in well ahead of Easter. The twigs may be decorated with colourful feathers and other Easter ornaments.

Malkamaanantai - Holy Monday

Happy Easter

I got this card from my aunt Anna in 1955.

 

Easter is one of the popular holidays in Finland. It is the start of warm spring when the snow has mostly melted and the freezing weathers are behind. This year we still have lots of snow but the weather is a little warmer so hopefully the snow melts in soon.

 

Easter is preceded by a quiet week (Hiljainen viikko) that culminates on Good Friday (Pitkäperjantai – meaning Long Friday). The actual Easter starts with Easter Sunday (Pääsiäissunnuntai) and ends with Easter Monday (Toinen pääsiäispäivä). Good Friday Easter Monday following the Easter Sunday are a days off.

 

Pääsiäinen means “to get away from fasting” referring to the Lent that is taken to run from Ash Wednesday (Tuhkakeskiviikko) to Maundy Thursday (Kiirastorstai).

 

The week preceding Easter is called Holy Week in Finnish called ‘Hiljainen viikko – Quiet week’ or ‘Piinaviikko – Torment Week’ is also used. In Finland the Holy Week’s days have their own names:

 

Palm Sunday – Palmusunnuntai or Virposunnuntai
Holy Monday – Malkamaanantai
Holy Tuesday – Tikkutiistai
Holy Wednesday – Kellokeskiviikko
Maundy Thursday – Kiirastorstai
Good Friday – Pitkäperjantai
Holy Saturday – Pääsiäislauantai, Lankalauantai or Hiljainen Lauantai
Easter Sunday – Sukkasunnuntai or Pääsiäissunnuntai



Treasures of Bulgaria

Received on: 2 Mar, 2013

Distance: 2,103 km (1,307 miles)

Travel time: 21 days

Yoana, from Ruse, Bulgaria sent me this lovely card of Bulgarian treasures.

Thank you Yoana!

 Some examples of these treasures:

Mask

In the middle is a mask of  King Seutus III, the Thracian king who ruled in the fifth century BC. The mask depicts a full face with moustache and beard. It was found in 2004 near the village of Shipka, in the so-called Valley of Thracian Kings.

Rhyton

The rhyton was found near the town of  Panagyurishte in Sredna Gora mountain of central Bulgaria. The whole treasure consisted a phial and eight rhytons, one shaped like an amphora and the others like heads of women or animals. Dated to the turn of the fourth and third century BC, the find was sensational, not only for its weight in gold - over 6 kg, but also for the originality of its forms.

Lion and  Stag 

A lion with gilded mane attacks a stag whose legs are folded under the body is dated to the second half of the fourth century BC and proves the rich artistic life in the northern Thracian lands.

Taipei, National Concert Hall

 National Concert Hall

I think this is one of the most beautiful and unique concert halls in the world. 

Located in the Boai District in central Taipei, the National Theater and Concert Hall (NTCH) features a traditional Chinese palace-like structure. The gold roofs, overturned edges, Chinese red colonnades and colorful arches demonstrate an elegant and imposing manner. The two buildings and the four adjacent plazas create an interesting and artistic living landscape, becoming one of the most significant landmarks in Taipei. ( source )

Received on: 2 Mar, 2013

Distance: 8,009 km (4,977 miles)

Travel time: 17 days

Thank you Gina from Taiwan also for this lovely, little origami crane.

The crane is one of the classic origami patterns.  The crane symbolizes many things such as peace, longevity, and fortune. It is commonly believed that  folding 1000 paper origami cranes makes a person's wish come true. This makes them popular gifts for special friends and family.

I must start folding.

Andalusia 1973, Malaga

26.5. 1973

 Beach and shopping day

Paseo Maritimo

Costa del Sol region consists of the wide sunny coastline of Malaga province, and continues all the way from Nerja in the east to Estepona in the west, with cities of Malaga, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella and Benalmadena. The whole length of the Malaga coastline is more than 150 kilometers, most of which is covered by white-sand beaches.

26.5. 1973

Malaga - Helsinki  -Turku

Back to home with souveniers, a doll for my little sister and a hand bag for me :)
Thank you for joining us on the time travel to the 70's  and Andalusia.

Andalusia 1973, Ronda

25.5. 1973
Benalmadena - Fuengirola - Marbella - San Pedro - Ronda - El Burgo - Coin - Alhaurin el Grande - Benalmadena

Ronda ( Costa del Sol )
Partial view and Tajo
Ronda is one of the few cities in the world to have a deep gorge running through the heart of the city, and is luckier still to have the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge ) spanning it. The gorge also served as the most formidable defence Ronda’s enemies have ever tried to attack. Known as El Tajo, the gorge was created by constant erosion of the rio Guadalevín which is fed by mountain streams and melting snow high in the mountains of the Sierra de las Nieves. The gorge is quite narrow only 68m at it’s widest, but in places very deep, up to 120 metres.



Puente Nuevo, New Bridge, built between 1759 and 1793.

Also Ronda has inspired many artist for example Ernest Hemingway who's famous novel " For Whom the Bell Tolls" describes the 1936 execution of Fascist sympathisers who are thrown off a cliff. It is considered to be modeled on actual events at the time in Ronda.

Andalusia 1973, Alhambra

24.5.1973

Torrremolinos - Malaga - Colmenar - Loja - Santafé - Granada - Padul - Motril - Benalmadena

Alhambra
Unique artistic creations, the Alhambra and the Generalife of Granada bear exceptional testimony to Muslim Spain of the 16th century. They form an exceptional example of royal Arab residences of the medieval period: neither destroyed nor changed by the alterations of radical restorations, the Alhambra and the Generalife appear to have escaped the vicissitudes of time. Despite the development that followed the Christian conquest, the Albayzín still bears witness to the medieval Moorish settlement, as its urban fabric, architecture and main characteristics (form, materials, colours), were not changed when it was adapted to the Christian way of life, to survive as a remarkable example of a Spanish-Moorish town.
The Alhambra became an UNESCO World Heritages site in 1984.

Granada, Alhambra - The Comares Tower

 The Comares Tower (Torre de Comares) is 45 meters high and therefore the highest tower in the Alhambra.

Granada, Alhabra - Garden of Partal

Those marvelous gardens, bordering on the Alhambra, were made in early 14th century and conserve their original shaping. They inspired many important musicians and authors, among them Washington Irving ("Tales of the Alhambra") and Francisco Tàrrega ( Recuerdos de la Alhambra ) 

More about Alhambra here

Andalusia 1973, The Caves of Nerja

23.5.1973

Torre del Mar, Nerja and The Balcony of Europe

The Caves of Nerja are a series of caverns close to the town of Nerja in the Province of Málaga, Spain. Stretching for almost 5 kilometres, the caverns are one of Spain's major tourist attractions. The Caves wer discovered by schoolboys hunting for bats in 1959. The collection of caves was soon recognised as being one of the most important cave system in the country. They provided archeological proof that Cro- Magnon lived in these parts more than 20 000 years ago.

Entrance to Cataclysm Hall



Background of Cataclysm Hall

Cascade Hall



 The Balcón de Europa – Balcony of Europe – is situated on a rocky promontory and was formerly a fortress designed to keep out British pirates and privateers.

Nerja Today here

Andalusia 1973, Sierra Nevada and Marbella

22.5.1973

Alhaurin de la Torre, Alhaurin el Grande, Coin, Ojén  Sierra de las Nieves and Marbella

 Granada - Sierra Nevada

The Borreguiles slope

The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in the region of Andalusia, provinces of Granada and Almería in Spain. It contains the highest point of continental Spain, Mulhacén at 3,478 metres above sea level.

There are few places in the world where you can ski in the morning then head to the coast for a swim in the afternoon, but the proximity of Sierra Nevada allows this.

 Marbella Old town

Marbella's old town is very lovely with a lot of narrow streets with white houses, statues, fountains and churches.

The blue Virgen de los Dolores at El balcon de la Virgen.

The Lady of Pains

Marbella is one of the Mediterranean's most representative tourist venues and a top favorite for travellers. What was once a small white village of fishermen is now one of the most cosmopolitan beach resorts on the Costa del Sol. 

Andalusia 1973, Malaga and Mijas

In the year 1973 we were students at Turku University and my husband attended the study tour to Andalusia in Spain. He sent postcards to me and my sister.

The following year it was my turn to attend the study tour

and then it was a trip round Eastern Finland :(

I was really bitter about that.

I didn't send any postcards ...

This was their program.

20. - 21. 5. 1973
 Malaga and Mijas

Paseo del Parque
Park Walk

My friend Helena also sent her regards.

The Alcazaba - Strong Castle

La Alcazaba is Malaga's most important landmark, and overlooks the city from a hilltop inland. It is one of two Moorish fortresses in the city, the other being the Castillo de Gibralfaro, situated above. The Alcazaba is the best-preserved Moorish fortress palace in Spain.

Aerial partial view.

Marina fountain, El Cenachero
Sculptor Jaime F.Pimental

El Cenachero is an important symbol for Málaga. It was a peculiar kind of fisherman, who sells his fresh fishes in the street (sometimes called “fishmonger”). Jaime Pimental immortalized this figure as a statue in 1968 and it is next to Málaga's port, at Plaza de la Marina.

Mijas - The White Village

Typical street in Mijas.

One of the jewels of the Costa del Sol is this beautiful little village of Mijas.

Many artists and writers have made it their home, enjoying the benefits of an excellent all year round climate, without being part of the busier, more commercial coastal towns just 7 kilometres down the mountain side.

to be continued ....

Kultahietikko

Today it has been snowing the whole day and really A LOT.
It is March and I would love to see some sunny days.
Luckily I have a lot of sunny postcards,

today they come from Bulgaria.

 Golden Sands Bulgaria

From my mother 10.9. 1993

From our friend Anneli 20.6. 1985

Golden Sands is famous with its nice golden sand and long beaches. The Black Sea beaches are covered with crystal clear sands. Because of its natural beauty, Bulgarian Black Sea coast has become famous international resort area. The resort's beach strip is 3,5 km. long and up to 100 m wide. The average air temperature in Summer is 27-30 degrees and the water temperature is 25-28 degrees.

Albena, Bulgaria

To my mother 20.7. 1979 from her friends Raija, baby and Siiri

Albena is a Blue Flag winning resort, located in a picturesque and ecologically clean gulf on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, famous for its flower gardens, close to Varna international airport (30 km). Temperate continental climate, vast sand beach, clean sea without any dangerous animals - your guarantee of wonderful conditions for seaside holidays from May through October.

 

Jip ja Janneke / Mick and Mandy

Received on: 8 Mar, 2013

Distance: 1,512 km (940 miles)

Travel time: 15 days

Thank you Marieke from Zuthpen, Netherlands

Marieke sent me this  cute card of children's book illustration.

Jip and Jenneke was one Maireke's favourite books when she was a young girl.

Jip and Janneke is a series of children's books in the Netherlands, written by Annie M.G. Schmidt and illustrated by Fiep Westendorp. The series is known for its simplicity and wit.

Annie M.G. Schmidt is called the queen of Dutch children's literature. Her best-known work for children may be the series Jip and Janneke, for which she received the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1988.

Fiep Westendorp was a Dutch illustrator who became especially popular due to her long-term collaboration with writer Annie M.G. Schmidt. Three generations of Dutch people have grown up with her illustrations.

 Here is an other cute card illustrated by  Fiep Westendorp.



Kölnin tuomiokirkko ja Reinin laakso

Received on: 2 Mar, 2013

Distance: 1,469 km (913 miles)

Travel time: 10 days

Than you Elke from Germany

She sent me this atmosferic card of Cologne Cathedral - Festive panorama.

The Dome is the highest church in Europe and the third highest in the world it is also inthe list of UNESCO World Heritage.

  

Elke posted this card in an envelope she had made herself.
 in the envelope there are many beautiful pictures of  romantic Rhine valley.

 View from Spitznack and Lorelei.
 Lorelei and is the most famous feature of the Rhine Gorge.



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Haltern

Received on: 28 Feb, 2013

Distance: 1,526 km (948 miles)

Travel time: 7 days

Ariane from Germany sent this nice card of Haltern am See.

The town looks very nice with lake and old buildings.

Because of the lake an surrounding area the town is called  the "Lung of the Ruhr Region"

Up: On the Lake, Seven Devils Tower

Down:  Millstreet, Boat dock, Old Town hall 

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Kolding, Tanska

Received on: 28 Feb, 2013

Distance: 1,072 km (666 miles

Travel time: 5 days
Photo: Michael Langeland Jensen

Thank you Rita for my first postcard from Denmark!

 Rita lives near this beautiful, little city of Kolding.



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Hong Kong

Received on: 25 Feb, 2013

Distance: 7,924 km (4,924 miles)

Travel time: 15 days

Thank you Fred from Hong Kong for this nice card Hong Kong Central at night.

I shows Des Voeux Road and Statue Square with Legco building (left centre). The road was named after 10th Govener of Hong Kong, Sir George William Des Voueux.

 Photography: Keith Macgregor,  2012 

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