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I got a great surprise in the mail yesterday. I get them every so often from all corners of the world and generally without much knowledge of when they would come. Yesterday, I received a postcard.
A present in the mail!
Recently, its been brought to my attention that people don’t really send postcards anymore. I didn’t know this was a thing. Everyone that I traveled with always sent postcards home. I always send postcards on my travels. I try to send them from the actual city as much as possible too. Maybe we’re the anomaly? In today’s digital age, who doesn’t love receiving snail mail (that isn’t a bill!)?
Sending off postcards from Prague.
Every new city or country that I visit, I hunt down the best deal for postcards at a tourist shop, find a local post office (easier said than done!) and send off my little notes destined for all parts of the world. Sometimes, its hard to explain what you want, especially when the person doesn’t speak English. I can’t count the number of times that I’ve told someone that I wanted stamps for so many different countries. Usually they don’t understand why I want so many and for so many places around the world.
Finally found a post office in Krakow!
My funniest encounter happened in Hungary of all places where I could at least some what communicate with the lady behind the counter. She spoke no English and my Hungarian is beginner at most. What followed was the biggest display of acting, me trying out my Hungarian vocabulary and her talking to me like a 5 year old. In the end, I got what I wanted and I count it as one of my biggest Hungarian success stories. A whole 10-15 minute conversation in Hungarian and I got exactly what I wanted. Win! It could have all been avoided if I had gone to a post office closer to the tourist centre, but what is the fun in that?
Postcards to be sent around the world from NYC. Do you still send these?
I always send a postcard home to my parents. I’ve now accumulated 20 cards (and stamps!) from different countries that I’ve visited. When I read what I wrote on the back of each card, it’s like I’m transported back to that particular city and seeing it all again. I also send a few postcards to friends back home. It’s a nice “hey I’m thinking of you” moment.
A small part of my collection of postcards from around the world.
When I was in Budapest I met some globe trotting ladies and we’ve been keeping in touch. With occasional Skype calls, thousands of Whatsapp messages and the occasional letter or postcard. Anytime one of us goes somewhere, the other 4 girls expect some sort of correspondence in the mail. I’ve since received postcards from all across Asia and Europe, like the one yesterday which came to me from Cordoba, Spain. I love getting these little pieces of mail from them. To hear ever so briefly about their current adventures makes me feel like I’m there right with them and they tie me over until I can next head out on my next adventure.
Do you think postcards is a dying form of communication? Do you send postcards?
Definitely a big yes to postcards! My writing hand aches after a couple of postcards, because of the lack of practise and a marked deterioration of penmanship. I think it’s a little sad not everyone appreciates the fine art of writing and sending postcards, but I like to think people appreciate receiving them.
I love receiving them so I hope others like it too when they get them! More people need to be sending postcards.
I still send postcards sometimes – but I can’t remember the last time I’ve gotten one! Sometimes I just bring them with me to give to people when I’m back home, if I can’t find a post office.
That’s a great idea, I should do that. I’m usually scrambling the last day of a trip to try and find a post office.
We still send post cards. My friend has a collection of them and requests that we send one to her. I even make it a series on Twitter. But, you know, hardly anyone clicks on twitter stuff.
Fun! Collecting postcards is a great idea 🙂
I send postcards all the time. Email is boring, plus most people rather get something in the mail other ghan bills.
Definitely! No one wants to be getting bills all the time. Postcards are nice 🙂
Always good to hear about people doing things the old-fashioned way. Send us a postcard any time 😉
Postcards are the best. I love getting them and yes, will do! I usually send a round of postcards to my readers when I’m traveling. I’m next on the road in late August so keep your eyes peeled for the announcement 🙂
Hurrah! We’re looking forward to it 🙂