Postcrossing Meetup (Received Cards): MARCEL from THE NETHERLANDS

This is one of the postcards we have received from The Netherlands. It was sent to us by Marcel, who lives in the city of Weert, near Eindhoven, 1448 kilometers away!

The image that appears on the postcard is an old painting by Pieter Brueghel, one of the most famous Flemish painters of all time. It is 'The battle of the Israelites and the Philistines', and was painted in 1562. A brief description of this painting goes as follows:

Marcel's text is quite brief, just wishing us a nice day; the stamp in the top left corner shows the typical shape of northern European housing.

Thanks a lot, Marcel!

Jorge Costoya on RIJSSEN!

Rijssen is a town in the Dutch province of Overijssel. Since 2001 it is part of the township of Rijssen-Holten in the region of Twente. It has more than 28,000 inhabitants and it is easily accessible by car from the Highway A1 or by train. Rijssen inhabitants are known for pride for their city, their self-sufficiency and working ethos. This pride shows in the fact that Rijssen has its own anthem

Downtown is plenty of bars, pubs, restaurants and shops. Because of the proximity to Germany, Rijssen is also well-known for its transport and construction companies.

A must-see is the Windmill Pelmolen 'Ter Horst', which it has been totally restored. There is also a museum dedicated to the history of the fire brigades containing more than 19,000 objects. Another typical destination for tourists is the church, also called 'Big Church' or 'Schildkerk' (Shield Church in Dutch). 

Close to the town we can visit the Canadian War Cemetery situated in Holterberg, where almost 1500 Canadian soldiers who died during the last years of the World War II were buried. If you like the nature, there is a National Park not far away.

RIJSSEN CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY

Postcrossing Meetup (Received Cards): MARY from BELGIUM

Take a look at this postcard that we received from Belgium! It was sent to us by Mary, who lives in the city of Mons, very near the French border, 1288 kilometers away.

The image in her postcard shows a work of art by Anne Geddes, a renowned Australian-born photographer, currently living and working in New York. She specializes in baby photography, as you can see from the picture on the card.

On the back Mary tells us a bit about herself, her cat and her country, Belgium, famed worldwide for being 'The Land of Chocolate'.

Thank you, Mary, for your generosity in sending this card and sharing an intimate piece of yourself in your card too!

Iván Camba on POSTCROSSING!

Have you ever heard about post crossing?

I´ve discovered it last year and in my personal opinion it is like a breath of fresh air among so much technology.

The idea is very simple. It just consists of a traditional exchange of postcards!

Yes! Exactly, like before internet existed.

What do you think? Interesting? Are you ready to use again pen and paper?

Well, Let me tell you about the experience!

I sent my first card last year. I think it was December and the postcard was sent to Brazil. It was written to a girl named Eliane...

It was something strange because when you write a post you don´t know who is the person that you are writing to.....but maybe, that aspect is the most interesting of the postcrossing.

As you describe something or somewhere of your own city...other people describe to you their own

places. 

All these things considered, you could think that it looks so boring Writing a letter, sending it and waiting, waiting..... and waiting that someone writes to you... Wouldn’t it be easier to send a text message?, Maybe..... but, What about the surprise of getting a card into your mailbox?

Yes, that´s the point!. When you are into postcrossing and after sending some cards you´ll receive some others and each one will be a little surprise.

 The best of all will be that feeling, in between curiosity and impatience when you receive new notices..... and at the end you could discover the most singular places around the world because they won´t be shown by guides or travel books but shown directly by personal and subjective experiences.

 Try it! and Join us!

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