Postcards Tangible Traditions

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Ending a 400-year tradition, Denmark is the only country to have completely stopped state-run physical letter delivery to homes nationwide. Who doesn’t love receiving a postcard from a glamorous location with a modest heartfelt greeting: Wish you were here!

Postcard photos of a magnificent setting sun over a sapphire sea, renowned landmarks, seaside promenades; offering proof of culture and life in a foreign country, staying connected across a continent or just a few states away.  A story waiting to be heard, snail mail joy!

Most news traveled as quickly as a ship crossed the seas, a train car dedicated to handling mail was historically known as Railway Post Office (RPO) car. For an 18-month span from 1860 to 1861, one of the quickest and most reliable ways to send mail across the United States was via the Pony Express. A fast mail service that covered nearly 2000 miles from Missouri to California, cutting delivery time to just 10 days! Imagine waiting 10 days for a letter to be delivered. Fast forward to today to glance at selfies on social media, a text message – does anyone take the time to buy, write a quick message, stamp and mail a postcard today?

I am a paper collector; I snail mail greeting cards, postcards, accumulate gorgeous heavy stock with paper lined envelopes. Nostalgia keeps postcards and paper alive. As a teen, I was excited to receive a distinctive blue ‘airmail’ envelope with onion skin paper, translucent but strong enough to withstand ink. The envelopes with the iconic border of red and blue – known as ‘par avion’ borders – allowing postal workers to identify the mail as priority air cargo. A high school boyfriend sent weekly postcards as he and his father toured Europe, a suggestion of a world I had not seen, yet! I remember the Little Mermaid postcard from his Copenhagen visit – writing that I had not been replaced!

As technology overtakes more of our daily lives, there are people who resist and push back with a desire for a more relaxed, slower lifestyle and embracing more meaningful experiences.  When I interview a new client, I cringe at the few who want to travel halfway across the world for a long weekend – lacking authentic experiences and merely checking off a bucket list location. Sending or receiving a postcard taps into that feeling of a personal experience and the effort a friend or family member made to send a quick note, it’s a small intentional effort, unlike an online instant snapshot story – which disappears in an hour.

I guess the next question for younger travelers, is the ancient art of cursive. Only 14 states require cursive writing instruction.

Wish You Were Here!

Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco

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An otherworldly escape sits high up in Morocco’s Rif Mountains. Surrounded by striking green valleys which are a vibrant contrast to the beautiful blue and white houses and mosques.

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Chefchaouen, Morocco

A typical path to reach the ancient blue city known for the striking, blue-washed buildings of its old town; wake up in Tangier, enjoy a short two-hour drive southeast to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco. Leather and weaving workshops line its steep cobbled lanes. In the shady main square of Place Outa el Hammam the red-walled Kasbah, a 15th-century fortress and dungeon.

There are endless opportunities for scenic hikes and walks in the Rif Mountains that surround Chefchaouen. Artisan shops offer traditional hand-made goods including handwoven rugs, Moroccan lamps, Berber textiles and ironwork, jewelry, caftans, and woven baskets.

Known for its weaving culture, and given its cool winter climate, the ponchos, blankets, and djellabas produced in Chefchaouen are exceptional quality, my December visit, although the weather was pleasant, motivated a purchase of a snuggly wool djellaba! Its old medina is filled with local artisans who create hand-made goods ranging from woodwork to colorful woven carpets, blankets and scarves, impressive earthen round pottery and hand-painted furniture.

  • Public oven
  • Public oven
  • Public oven

My stay at Lina Riad and spa – close enough to the village to walk down the stairs to the village, but above the noise and crowds. A tranquil oasis with an indoor pool, reserved privately for guests. One of the best Chicken Tajine dinners in Morocco, from my window balcony! Enjoy breathtaking views of Chefchaouen from the expansive roof terrace, perfect for relaxation.

Its heritage is rich, the inescapable Medina with its famous narrow winding alleys, is an opportunity to mingle with the local population, and to smell and taste delights: from freshly baked bread to skillfully prepared tagines. This is one of the few towns with an original public oven and an old public water fountain. There is also the Kasbah which stands in the middle of the old quarter: its lush gardens, located in the center of the city.

The essentials of Chefchaouen: crafts, the ethnographic museum, Ras Elma. The museum offers visitors an insight into the culture and history of the region through a collection of ethnographic objects. You’ll find exhibits featuring traditional costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, ancient weapons, craft tools and other artifacts that reflect daily life and local traditions.

As you explore the museum, discover the different facets of Berber, Arab and Andalusian culture that have influenced the region over the centuries. It’s a great way to learn more about the rich and diverse history of the area and its people.

Ras El Maa Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and prominent natural landmarks in the charming city. This waterfall is extremely popular with visitors and tourists from all over the world, thanks to its unique beauty and captivating natural charm.