In this week’s Spotlight feature, we interview Dimitris (aka dst121gr), from Greece. Besides being the top postcrosser in his country, Dimitris is also passioned about long distance running and his local rescue team, which he co-founded in 1995.
Here is what he had to say:
- How did you come across Postcrossing? What got you hooked?
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I read an article in a newspaper and I said “Ok, lets give it a try to see what this project is about”. I was never a fan of postcards and it was really strange to use a postcard to send a message to someone I didn’t know!!! I was hooked by this feeling and even now, after a few years and more than 2000 cards (sent and received), I have the same feeling. I think it’s something magic to communicate in this way, with people you don’t know and you may never meet. To find all the differences between your character and way of life, with the others in every country in the world. Also the happy feeling to discover that there is someone in the other side of the planet, who is just like you!
- Do you have any other interesting hobbies?
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I’m a phonecard and euro coin collector. I’ve also start to collect Europa CEPT stamps. One more hobby I have lately is long distance running. I took part in mountain semimarathons. I’m not an athlete and I run just for the fun of it, but I always try to finish within the time limits. I also like the 4WD and I took part at races with my Nissan pick up, as a driver or as co pilot to a friends’ jeep.
- Show us your mailbox, your mailman/mailwoman, your postoffice or the place where you post or keep your postcards!
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Here is my postcard collection, and my mailbox:
- What is it your favorite part of the Postcrossing process?
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I really like and enjoy all the process of the project. From the first click to draw an address till the moment I drop the card to the post box. But now I think that I’m really happy when I realise that my card made the receiver happy and he or she liked it. I think it’s no need to talk about when I receive a card… :) I think the feelings are common for all of us!
- Have you been surprised by any place that you have received a postcard from or sent a postcard to?
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I think I was surprised when I drew an address to a school in Northern Mariana islands – but the biggest surprise was when I’ve got “thank you” cards from the kids there! I also was surprised when I receive my first card from a Greek who lived abroad and from a Russian member who learned Greek language and dances.
- Is there anything that you are passionate about?
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My biggest passion is the local rescue team. I’m proud to be one of the founders and one of the 4 people who worked hard to make it known for its work in Greece. It was founded in 1995 and our members have been in Turkey and Algeria for the eartquakes, we have sent humanitarian loads from Greece to Iraq and Serbia and lot of activities like search, rescue, fire fighting etc.
27 comments so far
Thanks a lot for sharing this! I just missed a very nice question;- Show and tell us about your favorite received postcard to date, and what makes it special-
@Pucky: Dimitris couldn't pick one, so we didn't feature that question on his interview. Here's what he said "To be true I didn't want to send any photo since I like all the cards I have received. I don't care if the card is an ad or free, handmade or just a kids drawing. For me every card is unique, just like the person who send it."
Very nice writeup. Thanks for sharing. All the very best to Dimitris and his team!
what a pity to keep all those beautiful cards hidden in maps. But i guess if you have over 2.000, there isn't any way to display them all.
What a nice interview and how great to read from you! Hope to see you soon again :-)
Dimitris, it's so great to see you in the postcrossing spotlight! I enjoyed reading your interview! :)
It's always amazing to hear each person's story. Dimitris is another one of those special people who does a bit of everything - very well. Rescue team - thanks for being there for those who need you. We all appreciate the work you do.
I was studying in Komotini city and while I was in the third year of my studies I decieded to start Italian lessons. One day while I was telling which were my hobbies in the class and I mentioned collecting postcards Dimitris chipped in telling me "Are you Nopi from postcrossing??" I was so surprised and replied "Are you Dimitris from postcrossing???" So tell me what were the chances of the 2 only postcrossers (then) of Komotini to meet in an Italian class???? Such a great coincidence to meet Dimitris there he's such a great guy!
Keep it up Dimitri!!! ;)
I like that coincidence!
WOW, nice albums!!! So nice to see you here, "our Greek God from Zürich". ;)
Wow, that is one big and amazing collection! Amazing work, Dimitri!
And mor_lefay, that is an amazing story and coincidence!! :D :D
lovely story and keep up the good humanitarian work as well
OMG! Look to this albums!!! Amazing!!!!
Congrats Dimitris!
hi, dear dimitris,
it was nice to see you among the spotlights!! what an active guy you are!!!!! so much more I appreciate it you solved my sons missing-fridge-magnet-probs :-))))))))
happy postcrossing and all the best for your future!!!!
ipuenktchen
i want to have an album like you someday. thanks for sharing:)
every card is unique - a good thing....
That's a nice interview, and it is great to know that neighbour country Greece helped us.
Love & Peace from Turkey.
I love to learn new things and people always had desire to maintain contact with people from other countries and when I saw the site I felt accomplished since eased and a very old dream.
I would love to send my cards to more countries, here in south america, central america and africa.
All the best to you guys and happy Postcrossing.
Thank you all, my friends. I think, more or less, we are all the same, since we are all Postcrossers :)
It was very nice to read it. :) Like the whole interview. :)
Wow, I would love to have my cards stored like this. What a job!
Hello Dimitris!! Nice to see you here. Will you put my card in one of those albuns? :)
Hugs...
nice
Great interview. Sounds like a lovely person. I put mine in these albums too! I have almost filled six of them. I have only had one card from Greece. I would love more as I would love to go to greece someday. Best wishes to Dimitris.
A very beautiful collection! I would like to have albums like yours. I enjoyed reading your words and I congratulate you for the work you do.
Great Job! Like a postcard museum!
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