Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts

Sunday, April 14, 2013

A Vietnamese traditional market.


Postcard
According to the back of the postcard this is a Hà Tây Country market.  Hà Tây is a former province of Vietnam, in the Red River Delta, now part of Hanoi. 

The traditional market is still the major channel of retail In Vietnam, dating back more than a thousand years since the very first urban areas arose and society went into an organized structure under the rule of dynasties. There are approximately 9000 traditional markets nationwide and up to 80% of all retail sales are conducted through these traditional channels.

Stamps
(left) This plant, Plumeria obtusa, is commonly known as Frangipani and is grown for its flowers. In Vietnam the Frangipani is also used for its healing qualities: the bark, mashed in alcohol, prevents skin inflammation, it is also used to treat indigestion and high blood pressure.

(right) Ao Daiis Vietnam's traditional dress, which was first designed over hundred years ago. It finally became Vietnam ladies' current formal dress, usually worn in formal events, festivals and is now a popular uniform for girl students.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Åland à la (post)Carte



Postcard
Åland is an autonomous region of Finland. Åland consists of more than 6,700 islands situated midway between Sweden and Finland.

Although the people of Åland speak Swedish, this autonomous territory is part of Finland. Åland has its own flag, has issued its own postage stamps since 1984, runs its own police force, and is a member of the Nordic Council.

The current population of 28,000 live on only 65 islands.  Over 40 per cent live in the only town and capital Mariehamn. The archipelago is largely made up of coastal rock slopes and heather moorland, and has large areas of pine forests. Only about nine per cent of Åland is arable land.
The postcard shows 4 typical Åland dishes: Åland Panncake, Gravlax, Pickled fish and Smoked Åland flounder.

Stamp
Georg August Wallin (1811 – 1852), also known as Abd al-Wali was a Finnish (born in Åland) orientalist, explorer and professor remembered for his journeys in the Middle East during the 1840s.

Flags

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