Here are the postcards!
I’ve been collecting postcards since 2008. Since then, I’ve sent and received over 1800 postcards from all over the US and dozens of countries. I respond to every postcard I receive, so I’m always open for private swaps.
My origin story: Back when I was a young boy, I got the idea to write a letter to several world leaders, but I only ever ended up writing the US president and the Queen of England. I was so tickled to receive responses from President Bush and then Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II! Well, they weren’t directly from the world leaders, but rather from their staff members. President Bush sent me an autographed photograph (which I lost later in a show-and-tell accident).
One of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting sent me a very detailed letter, typed on Buckingham Palace stationery, answering all of my questions about the Queen’s horses and her corgis and her favorite foods. I marveled at the strangely-sized paper, the texture of the embossed coat of arms centered at the top of the page, and the stamps on the envelope. A real person had spent time reading my letter, responding to it, folding it and placing it in an envelope, and then more real human beings had taken the time and effort to transport it from London to some mail distribution center, to an airport in England, to an airport in the US, and back through the various USPS chains until it arrived in a plastic mailbox at the foot of my driveway in southeast Michigan.
I’m still fascinated by this process today, and all for less than the price of some chocolate! So I maintain correspondence with about a dozen penpals across the world, and send and receive postcards. At last count, I have a little under 2,000 postcards that I’ve received. Keep scrolling to see the most recent postcards that have arrived in my mailbox.
Valetta (Malta)
Lino traveled to Malta just over a quick weekend with some friends. I haven’t been to Malta, yet, but I’d definitely love to go!
2 postcards in envelope (Germany)
Dominique visited the Kreissparkasse Böblingen which is a contemporary art museum (hence the art postcard by Stagily) in an old German Renaissance house.
Old Mission Tavern (Michigan)
They also ate at Old Mission Tavern, the newest tavern in Traverse City. It was opened by their former coworker. They said it was fantastic!
Brys Estate Vineyard (Michigan)
Among the four wineries they visited in Traverse City, they enjoyed the Pinot Noir at this one! I’m glad to know we have similar taste in varietals.
Platte River (Michigan)
Our niece and nephew spent a few days up in Traverse City environs of Michigan; on the fourth day, they.canoed down the Platte River and enjoyed the day in true Michigan fashion. She writes “My canoe, (team Voldemort), tipped around halfway through. The sight of all our things floating down the River as we attempted to right the canoe was incredibly funny to drunk Gedas.” I have been in those very shoes!
Mirabelleküeche (France)
Andy knew immediately upon seeing the headline of this card that it was Alsatian. “Mirabelle” is clearly French, and “küeche” is clearly Germanic. What other option could there be?! Aww, we miss Alsace dearly.
Japanese koi (Iowa)
Nozomi sent this postcard from her recent trip to Japan, the first in several years and the first time for her husband. She offers some very practical advice: if visiting in the summer, leave time to freshen up between appointments!
Maid of the Mist (New York)
My former student Dhruval took a trip around North America with his family this summer. He took the time to send this stunning postcard from his experience. He writes beautifully “I was totally astounded by its deafening sound and raw, off-the-chart energy.”
I love Singapore
My penpal Andreas went to Singapore and sent this absolutely beautiful postcard of some of the icons of Singapore!
Berlin Pan Am (Germany)
Katie and Walter were traveling in Germany on vacation and took the time to send this arresting image. Thank you!
Booksmith turns 50! (California)
Kimee and Michael met at Booksmith, so of course they went to help celebrate its 50th birthday! What a community space, and an offering of peace and learning, discovery.
June 14, 1914 eruption (California)
Matt took a camping trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park and really enjoyed his time there, even in the wake of the Dixie Fire. He writes “While the devastation of that even is plainly visible, it has its own beauty. And among the charred trunks, a riot of green shrubs and yellow, white, orange, purple, pink wild flowers!” Beautiful.
Batorama (France)
Dominique écrit que le Consulat Général des États-Unis à Strasbourg peut-être se fermera. Ça me rend triste car, comme Dominique écrit, en 2016, la consulat général a fêté ses 150 ans de présence à Strasbourg.
I love Chicago (Illinois)
Our niece Phoenix traveled to Chicago for the Noah Kahan concert. They had a great trip to the city, which was her first time there.
el amor español (Spain)
On the back of this postcard, there’s a thermometer to be filled in, indicating the day’s temperature; loos like its as 28C (82F) which seems quite pleasant for summer in Spain!
leather man (Australia)
Matty writes about travel and the World Cup. I wonder what the fever of it all is like in Australia right now? I’m surprised at how big it is in the US; I always thought the US didn’t care about the World Cup but I think I’m wrong.
Luna de Valencia (Spain)
J&S write about the lovely friends they made during the competition, which was hot and sweaty and not in the great way. The weather really does seem like it was quite the damper on the event, although J&S in true style found the best parts to enjoy and hold close!
angry paella (Spain)
I’m not sure why this man looks so angry, or perturbed. It looks like he’s responsible for a delicious paella here!