Postcrossing Blog

The writing prompts invite postcrossers to write about a different topic on their postcards’ messages every month. These are just suggestions though — if you already know what you want to write about, or the recipient gives you some pointers, that’s great too!

October’s writing prompt comes a few days ahead of schedule but since we’re participating in the global climate strike today, we thought it was the right time for it. This is a topic that has been on our mind this year, and perhaps yours as well.

I’ll go first then. As temperatures increase for us in southern Portugal, our summers will become hotter and hotter, with less and less rain — basically, an extension of Morocco’s arid weather. Forest fires will be even more of a problem, and droughts will likely be a yearly recurrence, impacting not just crops but also our ability to generate hydropower.

On the other hand, there’s also the rising sea levels to cope with, and the impact of that rise on many of the coastal ecosystems. Where will the seahorses and flamingoes go, if we no longer have lagoons and salt ponds to host them?

What about where you live, how is the climate changing going to change there? And what is the prognosis for the future of your region? Let’s take this opportunity to inform ourselves and start some conversations about the future of our planet.

PS – If you’re in Europe, this comprehensive study assesses how a 2°C warming scenario could affect the continent in eleven impact areas. If you know of similar studies for your area, please share them in the comments below.

The writing prompts invite postcrossers to write about a different topic on their postcards’ messages every month. These are just suggestions though — if you already know what you want to write about, or the recipient gives you some pointers, that’s great too!

This month, we suggest looking at an interesting part of our cultural inheritance: crafts!

We all know that each country or perhaps even a particular region or town has its own special form of handmade crafts that they’re famous for. Some are even classified as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, such as the hand-making of washi paper in Japan or the bobbin lace-making in Slovenia. So what about your own region or country? What crafts do people do there?

If I had to pick something to represent the southernmost region of Portugal, I’d probably choose palm weaving. We have lots of palm trees around here, and for centuries their leaves have been dried and weaved intricately to create a variety of products — like baskets, bags, chairs or brushes. They’re well-made, last a very long time, and look beautiful too!

So what are the handicrafts that your region is known for? Share them with others on the postcards you write this month!

The writing prompts invite postcrossers to write about a different topic on their postcards’ messages every month. These are just suggestions though — if you already know what you want to write about, or the recipient gives you some pointers, that’s great too!

This month’s prompt was suggested by both Jetske and LenaSophie some time ago on the forum:

So… any good literary tips?

The last book I’ve read is one I’ve read quite a few times, and regularly return to when I’m feeling overwhelmed. It’s a very short read called How to Live on 24 Hours a Day, by Arnold Bennett. Despite being a book from the early 1900s (and thus available for free at Project Gutenberg), its advice still feels very appropriate in the age of digital distractions. I would recommend it to anyone who feels like they are constantly running out of time, for some refreshing perspective.

What about you? What was the last book you’ve read? And would you recommend it? We encourage you to write about it on the postcards you send out this month.

PS – A quick update on our 150 years of postcards party: events are being planned in 12 different countries already, including museum tours and many meetups. Later today we will check our PO box to see if the first postcards for the UPU postcard exhibition have already arrived. We’ll keep you posted! 😊

The writing prompts invite postcrossers to write about a different topic on their postcards’ messages every month. These are just suggestions though — if you already know what you want to write about, or the recipient gives you some pointers, that’s great too!

July is here and temperatures in most of Europe lately have been sizzling… (45°C/113°F in France! 😰) It’s way too hot to think about complicated writing topics, so this month we’re keeping it simple and suggesting a refreshing escape with an icy treat.

Though super popular in the summer, ice-creams are a hit in all seasons, so whether it’s summer or winter where you are, it’s always a good time to consume one.

Among the team, our taste choices go to carob and orange for Paulo, coconut milk and corn for me, and Ben and Jerry’s fairy floss for Vicki in Australia. That Unicornetto on the right was a thing of beauty though… have you ever tasted an ice-cream made of unicorns? 🦄

So what about you, do you have a favorite ice-cream flavor? And are there perhaps some flavors that are specific to your country? We invite you to write about them on the postcards you send out this month!

The writing prompts invite postcrossers to write about a different topic on their postcards’ messages every month. These are just suggestions though — if you already know what you want to write about, or the recipient gives you some pointers, that’s great too!

This month, let’s talk about sports. Do you have a favorite sport to practice or watch?

Although football is the sport most commonly associated with Portugal, I have to confess that I don’t find it particularly interesting myself. Instead, my favorite sport is definitely swimming! I love the feeling of slicing through the water, and there’s nothing quite like jumping into a pool on a hot summer day. I try to make time for it at least once a week, and often bring a friend along, so we can chat while we lazily make our way across the pool.

If I had to pick a sport to watch though, I would be most interested in watching a game of Quidditch, which I recently discovered is a real sport with tournaments and everything. I hope it’s as fun to watch as they make it look on Harry Potter!

What about you? Which sports are your favorites, or which do you like to watch? Share them with others in the postcards you send out this month!