“Collecting Memories: My Passion for Souvenirs”
I like to keep one to mark my memories of my visit
Souvenirs, souvenirs all the way! Do you like them too?
I am very fond of souvenirs. Wherever I go I usually buy a small souvenir to remember my visit. One day I noticed that I had many souvenirs in the house and it was time to stop buying them because my home was getting crowded with things.
I haven’t stopped buying them completely but I have certainly reduced purchasing them.
I will describe just a few of them here.
🌹Singapore souvenir
I took 50 students from my MBA class in International Business to Singapore for a Global Immersion Program at the National University of Singapore from 15th-20th December 2017. It was the most memorable visit.
I had the opportunity to share knowledge with the professors over there and also attend classes with the students. Teaching and learning all over the world is the same but the diversity makes it fun to learn.
We did case studies and they took us to live locations to do experiential learning too.
They were very courteous. They took us sightseeing and shopping during our visit.
In one such touristy place I bought the souvenir in the above picture that shows all the places where we went to while we were on the trip. I saw all the places mentioned in the souvenir and this is a great reminder of the beautiful place. It is so artistically made.
It is neat. It is spick and span and I could keep on going to this country again and again but alas there is a limit to travel. I loved it so much. I have been there 4 times and each time it created a memory.
We all received a souvenir from the university too:-
🌹The Singapore University mug
The National University of Singapore is a vast expanse of land considering the space shortage in this country the university is well fed for space.
It is a sprawling campus with the latest types of equipment and modern gadgets. It has a unique architectural style.
It is a busy university and it hustles and bustles with activity. Students are busy participating and discussing projects. Being an academician the environment resonated with me.
They gave us mugs on the last day and as you can see I still have the mug with me. It has been 6 years since I went but the experience was so alive that I can remember it even today.
🌹The revolving clock
I bought this clock in 2001 from Germany. My son was working and completing his master's in Karlsruhe University and I had gone to Sweden for a conference so I went to see my youngest son. He took me to many sightseeing places and we had a fabulous time together.
He used to have a collection of cars and I used to have clocks of different kinds of shapes and sizes. The moment we spotted this clock we loved this revolving clock with a pendulum full of Swarovski. I bought that clock.
It has stopped working. I gave it to a watchmaker. It worked for a while and finally, it just shut down. It does not work any longer. However, people who visit me always ask about the antique clock with the gleaming Swaroskies.
🌹Prayers
When I saw these figurines in Amsterdam, I was very emotional. Lost in myself at the airport, the salesman from the curios shop said you take this beautiful set and I will reduce the price for you.
The figurines were so beautiful and it was so sad to see Mary holding Jesus after the crucifixion and the others all praying for salvation. Jesus said forgive those who have done this to me and all the prayers were going on.
It was sad but serene and to this day it stands on my shelves looking just the same reminding humanity not to be cruel.
🌹Dancing dolls
I am not sure what these dolls are doing but I call them my dancing dolls. They spread positivity, love, and happiness around.
When I see them I become joyful and my friends love this collection too. I find the etching and the carving extremely beautiful. The art was amazing.
I bought these in Salzburg on my first visit abroad in my life. In the eighties, I got my first fellowship and these were the dolls I bought and I still have them with me. So they have been with me for four decades. They look just as new as they were when first bought.
🌹Elephants
My latest acquisition was from Jaipur in Rajasthan, India. I went for a visit there and when I saw these elephants in marble I could not look away. They were 3 marble pieces beautifully designed.
Look at the lovely vibrant colors. How real are the elephants' eye
Don’t you like the colors and the amazing designs of the elephants? I picked them up and It felt like such a treasure to hold them.
The hooves were painted orange. The legs had a red strand for whatever signal they wanted to give and they had a blue bright cloth on the back showcasing them as royal elephants. The art was so well coordinated and amazing.
I decided to buy them and now they are proudly displayed in my showcase.
To wrap up
I love souvenirs and these are just a few of the collections I have with me. I feel if I display them all my home will be like a museum. My memories are intact but now I think I should not collect any more. It is quite a job to clean them and keep them shining.
Souvenirs are fun. Enjoy them if you have them.
This is in response to the Globetrotters Monthly Challenge by Anne Bonfert
Tagging two beautiful souvenir stories
©Dr. Preeti Singh, 2023. To get my stories in your inbox, you may subscribe to my content here. You may connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, or via email: [email protected]
