OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

When this card arrived it kind of left me scratching my head. I am honestly OK if someone chooses to type out the message on the card. I do not have the best handwriting so can appreciate typing makes it easier to read and you can say more. Over the years I have had different people mention in their typed notes that they have a shaky hand, a broken arm, whatever. This card though was a little bit different. The message is printed on the back - a one-liner wishing me the best - and the only thing written is my name, address and ID number. It was a fancy handwriting font with lots of white space. I have never seen anything so generic. When I look at their sent cards I see I am one of many who have received the exact same card. Doesn't even mention the view is of their home town, Zaporizhia, Ukraine. How do you feel about typed postcards?

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

Katy lives in Kiev and sent this vintage view card of England, more specifically showing The Cascade House in Chatsworth. In her message she did not say if this was from a trip, a special place for her, not even what the view shows, nothing other than "Hope you like it". Personally, I do prefer my views to be sent from the country they are showing, this feels disjointed to me. How about you?

Greetings from Ukraine - Direct Swap with Anna

Another wonderful swap via Facebook. This time I connected with Anna who lives in the city of  Dnipropetrovsk. She wrote it has the longest promenade in Europe - 25 kms! Wow, that would be beautiful to see! And I almost can as it is shown on the stamps she used. Those too are stunning!

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

Anna sent this card in September. The view is of Chersonesus, one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine. She writes this ancient city is located on the Crimean Peninsula which is now occupied territory. It is hard to read things like this and not feel for the people that are living with these struggles on a daily basis. Wishing them all peace.

OFFICIAL Card - Ukarine

Oksana lives in Kyiv and sent this card of one of her favourite cities - Lviv, which she describes as the cultural capital of her country. She shared some of the nicest words about this city and her memories. The view shows the Dormition Church.

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

Tanya from Kharkov, Ukraine sent this interesting world map for my collection. Thank you!

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

Elena lives in Kiev and chose this card for me as it is one of her favourite places. The view is of St Andrew's Church. Love how the image is framed by the beautiful spring flowers.

 

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

Ternopil is a city in Ukraine. Svetlana sent this card sending me greeting of happiness and health.

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

What is the first thought that comes to mind when you see this card? For me it was moody, and in a good way. The view shows the Opera House in Kiev. I think what it is, is the sky and clouds are "real". Let's face it, postcards are meant to show the best side of a city or place, no rain, stormy clouds, etc. Only blue skies and sunshine like life should be - right?!?!. This card is totally different and I love it. Neat thing too is the back is also very dark not the typical white background for text. Thanks Anastasia and also for sharing your hobbies and likes with me.

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

When I pick my mail up I always read the card first before flipping it over to see the front. This card confused me. I am the first to admit some days I am slower than others, but I just couldn't figure out which way was up without referring to the back. I scanned it both ways. While it looks a bit odd upside down it does sort of make you do a double take, doesn't it? Please don't say it is just me! The stamps Vika chose are unbelievably stunning!!! Made all the more so by the fact she is 12. Love it!!!

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

Inna from Rivne, Ukraine sent this fantastic card showing the Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans in Chernivsti. In 2011 it became a UNESCO site. Stunning architecture!

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

Anastasia sent me this card from Kiev showing the Ukrainian National costume. Strange thing, she wrote my address out perfectly and it came with a Canada Post printed sticker with my address on it. Weird, and weirder that it came in 15 days.

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

Nastia is an 11 year old girl from Kiev. She sent this relief map of Ukraine to me in August. Interesting to see the differences in elevation. The highest point is Hoverla Mountain, which is part of the dark brown area on the western side of the country.

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

Anna, a lawyer from Kiev sent this interesting card to me. The card itself is from Turkey and shows Evil Eye Beads. For some reason when I read this my mind sees "Red Devil" not "Red Evil", which then makes me wonder more as they are all blue and black not red. She shared her favourite quote with me which is great - "respect the past, create the future". Do you have a favourite quote?

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

Zoya from Kiev sent this card showing young boys in traditional Cossack dress fighting. In her own words she describes this a very Ukranian card. Love the stamps too!

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

While I prefer my cards sent without an envelope I must say this card arrived in one of the prettiest envelopes I've ever seen. I wasn't able to scan it easily to show the design with both my and the senders address removed. It has a really elaborate and cute Easter basket with paska bread, eggs and flowers. Anastasia sent me this view of "House with Atlantes". I can find many different photos when I Google search but this was the only link I could find with any text. She wrote me about her hobbies, travels and school.

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

Without even conciously trying, I am slowly builind a nice collection of UNESCO sites. With close to 1000 different places, I don't ever think I will have a card from each one, however really enjoy the ones that come my way. Inna lives in Melitopol, Ukraine and sent this view showing Kiev Pechersk Lavra.

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

I received this postcard from a young couple who live in Vinnista, Ukraine. The view on the card shows the A.P. Chekhov house-museum on the Black Sea. As soon as I saw it all I could think was how James Bond-like! They wrote telling me their city is famous for having the largest fountain in Europe. Having checked out some of the You Tube videos of this fountain it looks like something I would go to all the time. Kind of puts the Eaton Centre fountain to shame. Also, love all the different stamps used. I never seem to think of putting stamps on before I write, such a better idea.

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

Juliette lives in Ukraine and picked this card up at a jazz festival she went to. She wrote that there were really cool bands and at least one from Canada every year. The card, from the band Plaistow, is not done any justice by my less than great scanner. The feather are amazing! Something truly different for me.

 

OFFICIAL Card - Ukraine

This multi view of Crimea arrived earlier in the week from Olga in Simferopol, Ukraine. While it may be hard to see, the water slide in the upper left looks fun - I love water slides! She says she has two young daughters that are also happy to participate in Postcrossing. Olga also let me know that she was looking forward to Christmas, New Year's and the premiere of the latest Hobbit movie. Not a series I am fond of, but I am sure my husband and son will fill me in.  The stamp she used is new to me and one I really like.