Monthly Archives: January 2013

Haji Ali Mosque, India

postcards, India, direct swaps

I got this postcard from one of my 12.12.12 swaps last year. I find the mosque really interesting and a tad similar to this local one in Jolo which was built near the water.

Here’s what the back of the card says:

Haji Ali Mosque is the tomb of a Muslim saint who died while on pilgrimage to Mecca. It is believed that a casket containing his mortal remains floated and came to rest on a rocky bed in the sea, where devotees constructed the tomb and the whitewashed fairytale mosque.

And just check out the very lovely 12.12.12 cancellation the Indian Post made especially for the occasion! Cool, isn’t it? Thanks Amit for sending this one out! I will feature the beautiful Gandhi stamps in another post. 😉

postcards, direct swaps, India

Hopefully I’d be able to find more of these interesting postcards. I wish to get some myself so that I can have more cards to swap with others. When I go to the bookstore next, to rummage through books and search for award ribbon holders, perhaps, I will make sure to find more lovely postcards to add to my stash! 🙂

Top Party Destinations in Australia

travel, travel musings, travel tips, Australia, destination

the iconic Sydney Opera House

Australia has become one of the most toured destinations in the world. Every year, millions of visitors from around the country or abroad flock in its various cities. As such, the number of annual tourists in the country peaks at over 6 million. These tourists are attracted to Australia due to its major attractions. Examples of these attractions include the Great Barrier Reef, marine wildlife, sandy beaches and the numerous wineries that dot the country’s landscape. Such attractions have always proved to be enthralling regardless of the fact that various tourists undertake Sydney, Melbourne or Gold Coast holidays.

While in Australia, tourists are always looking for fun activities to do. This includes shopping, mingling with the locals, visiting the Sydney harbor or even snorkeling. Not to be forgotten is the vibrant partying scene that has helped the country carve out a niche for itself. It is at these party joints that tourists can forge new relationships with the locals as well as get some time to unwind. Some of the standout party destinations in Australia include:

Melbourne

For those touring Melbourne, it would be hard to miss the various party joints that exist in the city. Melbourne boasts of having a grassroots party industry that consists of live music, sofas and lounges. Tourists would also do well to remember to improve on their wardrobes since most of these party joints have strict dress codes. In light of the vibrant entertainment scene in Melbourne, however, adhering to the set dress codes would be a worthy venture. Examples of party spots in the city include Hairy Canary, Brunswick Hotel and The Green Room. Here, partygoers should expect various types of entertainment in the form of different music genres.

Darwin

Beer lovers would definitely feel at home in Darwin—home of beer drinking. Apart from beer, partying in Darwin is an enjoyable activity because of the presence of many live bands and DJs. The presence of these two options means that tourists can reap the entertainment benefits of both activities. The existence of numerous pubs along Mitchell Street means that visitors should not worry about finding a drinking joint.

Surfers Paradise

When one talks about Gold Coast holidays, images of sandy beaches, clear skies and ocean waves spring to mind. Surfers Paradise better exemplifies this—it is a perfect destination for people in search of a beach party. Stepping into this party destination instantly introduces the visitor to an atmosphere of sheer fun and liberty. It is a place to let go of all worries and indulge in unrivalled session of blissfulness and ecstasy. The sandy beaches, coupled with the wonderful ocean waves, provide a great opportunity to bathe in the sun or partake in surfing. Those in need of a drink can obtain their favorite beverages from the numerous restaurants or pubs in the city. Even better, a trip to Surfers Paradise does not involve humongous financial investments.

Brisbane

The party scene in Brisbane is a mixture of elegance and liveliness. Those who are fans of posh partying would be more inclined to make a trip to any of the wine bars in the area. Lively clubs are still in existence complete with DJs belting out people’s favorite tunes. This means that partygoers who prefer lively places will not feel excluded.

1.3.13 first mailday of the year!

mailday, postcrossing, postcards, direct swaps

Today is my first ever mailday for 2013. Before 2012 ends, I signed up for this direct swap in one of our groups agreeing to send postcards on the third of January, thus my visit to the Post Office today. I am tagging along the little man, of course, who is simply too excited to see his “bestfriend” and nanay at the local post office. He has this habit of going inside the PO whenever we drop by, even when we do not have anything to pick up for that that day. Luckily, I have something today, so we’ve got an excuse to linger some more inside the office 🙂

No it wasn’t a dvd storage, which I am planning to get my little man for his growing Disney movies collection, but it was a register mail from one of my private swaps for Christmas cards and letter on Christmas tradition, which I am very much excited to open + read. I shall share about it one of my future posts! 😉

Meanwhile, I hope you find your name on this list +,hopefully, you receive the cards soon enough!

1.3.13 Postcrossing Enthusiasts Swap

  • Dorota K, Poland ~ Manila City Hall
  • Ria R, Naga City ~ Manila Cathedral
  • Annie G, Rizal ~ Manila Cathedral
  • Willa S, Malabon City ~ Manila Cathedral

Direct Swap

  • Ewelina M, Poland ~ Palay Threshing
  • Lee W, Taiwan ~ Roxas Boulevard
  • Eve C, Taiwan {thru Postcrossing.com} ~ Taluksangay Mosque

Postcrossing.com

  • Alan L, Hongkong ~ EDSA Shrine

Smile Cards

  • Marihel C, UK ~ Pagmamano

Card in Envelope

  • Ella B, MD