#012 - My Tibetan Dream, 28 Countries and Song of the Week

Hello Friends!

I had been trying to get a postcard from Tibet since I started sending and receiving postcards. It was my big dream! Few months ago I finally found a person who helped me with making my dream come true. Eventually, I received a wonderful postcard from Lhasa. It was sent to me by Hirakawa. Thank you so much!

The postcard shows how the annual Shoton Festival (also known as the Yogurt Festival) is celebrated in the summer, from the 15th to the 24th of the 5th lunar month.

Yesterday, I received an interesting postcard from the Philippines. It was sent to me by my old friend Charmaine. Thank you very much! The Philippines - the 28th country I have received a postcard from.

 

By the way, I intended this blog to be about postcards and, as you can see, there are not too many posts about them. I am not sure why but I feel like I want to write not only about postcards. It would be boring to read about them all the time, would it not? I hope you do not mind another topics. I also consider changing the name of this blog, so that more people could find it easier.

I have the fourth Song of the Week for you. This time I want to recommend you something unusual. Have you ever heard about Jadea Kelly? No? Alright, you probably do not know her as she is not really known, whereas her songs are very good and deserve to be listened. Ladies and gentlemen, our Song of the Week - 'Lone Wolf' by Jadea Kelly.

 

Yours,

Sebastian

#011 - The Uncommon Reader

Hello Friends!

Today, I would like to tell you something about one of my favourite books.

Have you ever read 'The Uncommon Reader' by Alan Bennett? He is one of the leading British dramatists. He won many awards for his books, screenplays and acting.

'It was the dogs' fault.'

'The Uncommon Reader' is a short novella telling the story about Her Majesty Elizabeth II who accidentally, led by her yapping corgis, comes to a travelling library outside Buckingham Palace. Having discovered this place, she feels obligated to borrow a book. It is not really easy for her as she did not use to enjoy reading books. Obviously, she read books, as everybody does, but she left liking them to other people. Reading is a hobby and the Queen could not have hobbies, she thought, because 'hobbies involved preferences and preferences had to be avoided; preferences excluded people.'

 

After reading the first book borrowed from the library (Ivy Compton-Burnett, a difficult one for an amateur reader, taking some reading), Her Majesty becomes obsessed with books. She employs Norman Seakins, a boy she met in the mobile library, as her amanuensis - a literary assistant. The novella follows the consequences of this obsession. Her public duties begin to suffer. The obsession leads to an unexpected ending.

 

I have already read this book three or four times in both Polish and English. The Polish title is 'Czytelniczka znakomita' and it has an interesting cover - you can see it on the left.

 

I would reccomend this book to everyone who likes great stories, a bit of humour, and a good entertainment.

Yours,

Sebastian

#010 - Song of the Week

Hello Friends!

Last week, I did not have too much time to write here but my winter holidays  have just started and I am going to write something new.

Meanwhile, I have a new Song of the Week for you. This week, I am in love with 'Dirty Paws' by Of Monsters and Men. If you do not know their music, go and check them out!

 

Have a good weekend!

 

Yours,

Sebastian

#009 - Interview

Hello Friends!

Today, I decided to interview my friend from Ukraine. Olya agreed to answer a few questions for you.

Me: First of all, do you find your country interesting? What is the best part of living in Ukraine?

Olya: I think my country is interesting for foreign people. It is good to visit Ukraine, to watch its places of interest and so on... But it is hard to live here. Especially now. I suppose you know what I am talking about.

Yes, we all know the current situation in Ukraine. What do you think about the conflict between Ukraine and Russia? Does it have an impact on the life of people from your city?

Yes, of course. This situation has an impact on the life of people from my whole country. Our currency fell and prices increased, but salaries stayed the same.

You said that Ukraine is an interesting country for foreign people. Do you have many tourists?

Yes. Also a lot of people from all over the worls come to Ukraine to study. As for tourists, our mountains in the west and Crimea attract them.

I guess many tourists are also interested in Ukrainian traditions. What are the most unusual Ukrainian traditions?

The most strange tradition is celebrating "Старого Нового года".

The Old New Year? Yes, it is really weird. (The Old New year is an informal holiday, celebrated traditionally as the start of new day by the Julian Calendar which is used by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic adopted the Gregorian Calendar in 1918 and it caused the problem of celebrating the New Year. Since then there have been two New Years.)

What are the most popular Ukrainian dishes?

Undoubtedly they are borshch and dumplings. These are traditional Ukrainian dishes.

How do you deal with two languages spoken in your country? All the institutions use Ukrainian but what if somebody speaks only Russian?

All the people in Ukraine understand Ukrainian. And for us it does not matter what language we use. Even in schools many teachers speak only Russian but our books are written in Ukrainian. Because we live in Ukraine and it is our national language.

Alright, thank you very much for your answers. I wish you all the best.

Yours,

Sebastian

#008 - Coming Out and Song of the Week

Hello Friends!

Some of you already know, some of you probably suppose... yes, I am gay. It is nothing special, I guess. Today, I want to tell you something about coming out (of the closet) and give you some advice.

If you are homosexual:

Do not force yourself to tell others.

First of all, never force yourself to come out to anyone. Coming out to everyone may be even dangerous as there are still many homophobes around you. Make sure you know the person you want to come out to. You do not have to do this unless you are ready. And everybody has own secrets, after all. You are not an exception.

Do not be afraid.



Sometimes it takes longer to discover your sexuality. Many people question their sexual orientation. You may not be sure what your preferences are but do not worry. It is known that sexual orientation can change during your life. Do not label yourself if you are not sure who you are and do not be afraid of accepting your own orientation.



If you are a friend of a homosexual person:

Do not make your friend come out.

If your friend is still closeted, and comes out to you, never make him or her come out to others and do not out him or her. He or she trusts you and maybe needs your support. It is not your decision. Your friend should come out on his or her own.

 Stay by your friend's side.



If your friend tells you about his or her sexual orientation, do not reject him or her. It is probably one of the worst things you can do. Even if you do not like the idea of your friend being homosexual, stay by his or her side. You are friends, for goodness' sake!

If you are a parent of a homosexual child:



Never force your child to change his or her orientation.

Do not make your child change himself or herself. It does not work and it is not comfortable. Accept your child's preferences.

Support your child.

You may not know but your support is really important for your child. You are the parent. You have to help your child. You are the one to support your own child in everything he or she does. Your child needs you. When he or she comes out to you, do not reject him or her. Try to understand your child instead. 

I wrote here only few thoughts but I hope it may be useful for you.

It is time to announce you the second Song of the Week. This week, I would like to recommend you 'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perri. This beautiful song always makes me happy, no matter how many times I have already heard it.

Also, if you like my blog, make sure you follow me by email not to miss my new posts.

Yours,

Sebastian

#007 - First Week of 2015

Hello Friends!

My first week of this year was not really bad. I would even say it was great. Not too much happened though.

I went bowling with my parents and my sister (I won!), I started blogging and writing happy notes, I suppose I fell in love with the Lord of the Rings, especially with the elves, and I went to barber's today but I need my hair to grow up to change my hairstyle.

Yours,

Sebastian

#006 - Jar of Happiness

Hello Friends!

Have you ever heard about a Jar of Happiness?

 

Few days ago my best friend told me about this project and I thought it might be also interesting for you. But... What is it about?

 

First of all, you need to find your own jar. You can decorate it or not - it is your decision. You have to add a happy note everyday. What is a happy note? Everyday something happy happens, really. What you are going to do is to choose the happiest thing everyday and write it down. on the 31st of December you empty the jar and read how happy your life is.

 

I could not find a nice jar and therefore I decided to use a happy tin instead.

What do you think about it? Would you like to have your own Jar of Happiness?

Yours,
Sebastian :*

Photo from: http://farm8.staticflickr.com

#005 - My Great Masters and Song of the Week

Hello Friends!

I would like to tell you few words about my personal Great Masters. This group includes writers, musicians, artists and other intelligent people. They inspire me or make me fell better when I am upset or sad.

My most important Masters are:

1. Alla Borisovna Pugacheva  (Алла Борисовна Пугачёва)

 

She was born on 15 April 1949 and is considered to be the most important Russian (formerly Soviet) musician and one of the most important women in Russia. She started her music career in 1965, recording her first track called 'Robot'.

 

Since then she has recorded several hundred songs. She is a singer, componist, director, producer and even a teacher.

 

Her songs always cheer me up. They are not only beautiful, they are also really intelligent. My favourites are: 'Million Alyh Roz', 'Arlekino' and 'Aisberg'.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Joanne 'Jo' Kathleen Rowling (or rather Joanne Murray)

 

Is there anybody who does not know the woman who created Harry Potter - The Boy Who Lived?

 

Her books are read by readers of all ages in many countries and have been translated to at least 74 languages, including Latin, Old Greek and Welsh.

 

The series about the boy with a lightning bolt scar on his forehead made my childhood better. I love reading this story and I have read it several times in few languages. I collect translations of the first book - 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' - I have got English, Polish, Czech and German versions so far.

3. John Flanagan

He is best known as the author of the series of fantasy books called 'Ranger's Apprentice', which tells the story of a boy named Will who is taken as an apprentice Ranger to Halt, one of the most mysterious Rangers in the whole Ranger Corps.

John Flanagan wrote this story to encourage his son to read and it was not intended to be published. Thank God, it was!

His books inspire me a lot, even though older readers may find them too childish. Anyway, I would recommend his books to everyone who likes good stories!

I decided to share with you my favourite song every week. The first Song of the Week is 'Private Dancer' by Tina Turner. Yes, I am fond of her music. Have fun!

Yours,

Sebastian

I do not own the photos. They were taken from: wikipedia.com and randomhouse.co.au

#004 - 28 Countries

Hello Friends!

Today I would like to tell you about 28 countries I have received postcards from so far, and show you some of my favourites.



 

This beautiful postcard was sent to me from a small German town called Schleimünde by Helga. It shows the Schleimünde Lighthouse which enlightens the inlet in the Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany.

 

Let me list the countries:

 

1. Australia

2. Belarus

3. Belgium

4. Brazil

5. Canada

6. China

7. Czech Republic

8. Finland

9. Georgia

10. Germany

 

I received this interesting postcard about one year ago. I like the idea of making a collage from post stamps. It was sent to me by Ugnė from Kaunas, Lithuania. Thank you!

 

11. Hong Kong

12. India

13. Indonesia

14. Italy

15. Japan

16. Latvia

17. Lithuania

18. Malaysia

19. Moldova

20. Netherlands

 

The postcard sent to me by Hildegarde from Belgium belongs to my most beautiful postcards. It shows a fresh flowers carpet on the Market Place in Antwerpen. Thank you, Hildegarde!

 

21. Poland

22. Russia 

23. Slovakia

24. Taiwan

25. USA

26. Ukraine

27. United Kingdom

28. Vatican City

 

Taj Mahal, India - a white marble mausoleum was built in 1632-1653 by Mughal emperor Shahjahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been already visited by millions of people.

Yours,

Sebastian

#003 - 2015 Wishlist and Reading Challenge

Hello Friends!

I am not going to write about postcards today.  I will tell you something about my 2015 Wishlist and Reading Challenge.

Two days before New Year a good friend of mine told me something about an interesting project she heard of. I liked the idea and decided to make my own 2015 Wishlist. It includes few things I would love to do this year.  Here it is:

1. Meet my sweetheart in person.

2. Continue writing my book.

3. Receive postcards from 100 countries - (28 so far).

4. Meet John Flanagan, one of my favourite writers - (he is probably going to visit Warsaw this year).

5. Write a blog for at least 1 year.

6. Pass two language certificates - First Certificate in English (FCE) and Тест по русскому языку как иностранному II - (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language II).

7. Read at least 52 books.

Number 7 leads us to the Reading Challenge that I have decided to take part in. There are 52 points like 'last book you bought' or 'a book you never finished'.

The first book I am going to read this year is 'The Lord of the Rings'. It is the one I never finished, even though I have already tried to read it three times. My best friend loves this story and I feel ashamed that I have not done it yet. Wish me luck!

I wish you a nice weekend!

Yours,

Sebastian =)

#002 - Postcrossing and My First Postcard

Hello Friends!

 

 

Today I want to tell you something about a wonderful website called Postcrossing. On this website you can send postcards to people from all over the world and receive postcards back from random people. Of course, it has its own advantages and disadvantages.

 

Main advantages:

+ You are able to receive postcards from almost every country.

+ Every postcard has its own ID - receivers have to register the postcard they receive and then you can receive your own postcard from another (random) user.

+ It is always a good surprise to find a new postcard in your mail box.

+ You can check how many postcards you have already sent, received and how many postcards were expired (it means your postcard travelled too long and probably was not received).

 

Main disadvantages:

- You do not know the person who sends you a postcard.

- You are never sure what will be sent to you (however you can write in your profile what you would like to receive).

 

Summing up, I would definitely recommend you this website if you want to start collecting postcards!

 

I started using postcrossing.com almost two years ago and the first postcard I ever received was from Washington D.C. I received it on the 13th of August 2013 and I really liked it.

 

 

 

The postcards shows the Washington Monument which honours the first president of the United States, George Washington. It is considered to be both the tallest stone structure (it is made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss) and the tallest obelisk in the world. It stands 555 feet 5 ¹⁄₈ inches (169.294 meters) tall. There are also photos of the U.S. Capitol Building where the U.S. Congress meets, the White House which is the official residence of the President, the Lincoln Memorial honouring the 16th President of the U.S., Abraham Lincoln, and the Jefferson Memorial dedicated to the 3rd President of the U.S. The postcard was sent to me by Erin. Thank you so much, Erin!

 

Since then I have received postcards from more than 25 countries. I am going to tell you about them next time.

 

Have a good day!

 

Yours,

Sebastian :*

#001 - Hello there!

Hello Friends!

First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Sebastian. I am 16 and I live in the capital city of Poland - Warsaw.

As you can guess, I love collecting postcards and it is what I am generally going to write about on this blog. But it is not my only hobby - I am a little bookworm and I am also into learning foreign languages or travelling so I would like to write about it, too. I hope you will like it.

I am not sure, whether I am able to write a new post everyday, but I want to try. Wish me luck!

Yours,

Sebastian =)