Postcrossing Blog

Agapi (aka agapara) hails from Greece and came to Postcrossing during the pandemic, as did many other members. She started the lottery chains in the new forum, which has led to hundreds of lotteries popping up, one after the other, and many happy postcard recipients. We were curious to find out where her love for postcards came from, so we asked our usual questions.

How did you get started sending postcards? What is your earliest memory of them?

My family always bought postcards from souvenir shops when travelling, but we always postponed or forgot sending them to our friends, involuntarily creating a ‘collection’ of postcards back home. I actually started sending out postcards when I was 17 years old and a friend of mine that travelled a lot decided to send me postcards from his trips abroad. I liked the idea, so I started doing the same when travelling. At that time, I had already started collecting postcards from every place that I visited in Greece and hanging them up on my wall or organizing them in albums.

How did you come across Postcrossing? What got you hooked?

Three years ago, I was introduced to the project of Postcrossing by a friend who used to be very active in Bookcrossing and had also joined Postcrossing for some time; but I didn’t feel like joining, as I thought I didn’t need a new hobby at the time.

Fast forward to September 2020: we were already 6 months into the pandemic, travelling was not the same anymore and we had to spend more time at home. So, while I was re-arranging my postcard albums, I remembered my friend telling me about Postcrossing. That was it! I drew my first address, picked a nice postcard from my collection and headed to the post office. The months that followed were pretty hard for me (and for lots of other people too, I’m sure), as the pandemic took over our lives. Postcrossing was like a window to the outside world – a reminder that I am not alone and that we’re all going through this together.

Show us your mailbox, your mailman/mailwoman, your postoffice or the place where you post or keep your postcards!

This is the post office in Karpenisi, the place where I have temporarily moved because of work. The Greek Post Office logo features Hermes, who was the messenger of the Olympian Gods, according to the Greek mythology.

Also, here’s an old postbox I spotted in a village near Karpenisi. So small! And look how different Hermes looks in the old logo.

What is it your favorite part of the Postcrossing process?

I love reading people’s profiles and trying to pick a postcard that “fits”. I’m also very curious about how long my postcards will take to arrive at their destination, so I always keep an eye on the traveling postcards page and try to guess which postcard will be delivered first.

Show and tell us about your favorite received postcard to date, and what makes it special.

These postcards have got to be my favorites of my officially received postcards up until today. On my profile I state that I am a big fan of Alfred Hitchcock’s films, so the sender decided to send me not one, but two postcards of “The Birds” and “Psycho” posters, designed by two Czech artists. So unique!

What’s one way that postcards have changed your life for the better?

Sending and receiving postcards during the pandemic has definitely helped me maintain my sanity and cure my wanderlust. It has led me to do things that I probably wouldn’t do otherwise, such as finding penpals and trying out various DIY crafts; I’ve started to use my hands more. Also, creating an online map of my postcards has significantly boosted my geography knowledge.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or collections?

I have a small collection of four miniature houses, a hobby that I also took up during the pandemic.

Thank you Agapi, for sharing your Postcrossing experience with the community! While we are at it, happy holidays, everyone!