I will wear almost anything, anything! on my ears. And I have done. My earlobes have been home to turtles, owls, birds, flowers, and the letters L.A. Masks have dangled from them, as have crescent moons and stars, paper cranes, bows and arrows, keys, the Eiffel tower, though strangely enough no Big Ben, black cab or red double-decker bus. I've worn odd pairs, loooong pairs, pairs which have a back as well as a front, even some the glow in the dark. I'm an earring tart, I'll do anything for a nice pair of earrings. As long as they aren't gold. Or pink. I don't do pink.
So guess what my preferred souvenir is? Yup a pair of earrings. If it's something gaudy and iconic of the place I'm travelling to, then all the better! But I'm ok with ones that are just different - or hand made.
If it's not earrings, my souvenir will be something else practical or wearable. I just don't do ornamental keepsakes anymore. I used to. But being an expat meant I had limited storage. And, as I've always been an earring addict, what better excuse to buy a few more? And each time I wear them, I'll be reminded of my travels :)
Some other practical souvenirs I've picked up on my travels include trousers (Valencia), scarves (Lisbon - I wore it the entire winter, and Valencia), Japanese blue ceramic bowl, miso bowl, mug and tray (Japan), coin purse (Lisbon), shoes & jeans (Bangkok and New York)
Erm, what about edible souvenirs? A girl can go to great lengths to get her hands on some delectable delights. I once planned a trip to Brussels purely to stuff myself with frites and waffles and had hopes of finding earrings, which I did. So. Worth. It. Oh and Chimay cheese. I practically inhaled a small wheel of it when a friend brought it for me on returning from a Brussels trip.
But my favourite souvenir? Its hard to choose. Its probably a toss up between the unique plate I got at a pre-show tea ceremony when attending the Miyako Odori in Kyoto and the Venician mask I got to decorate myself. Then again, the best souvenir, even if I come away with nothing, are my photos. I ALWAYS bring photos and memories back.
What is your souvenir tradition?
Join the travel blog linkup with Emma, Kelly, Rebecca or guest host Jaime and share your souvenir story.
Such a wonderful souvenir, Sam! The pair from Barcelona are gorgeous; I love the odd pair; and the pair from Bangkok are very sweet. I'm impressed that you can remember where you bought each of them too - I'd have a hard time remembering!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jaime. Im actually surprised I remember too, I normally have a shocking memory.
DeleteThis is such a cute idea! Something small that you can just easily fit in your luggage and when you look in the mirror it reminds you of the place you've been!
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
Hi Angie, yes, the size is really the best thing, there is always room for them :)
DeleteYou're such a girl after my own heart!
ReplyDeleteearring - small unique and some thing hat will remind you of a time and place.
ReplyDeleteI love to look at charity shops and send hand book shops and have found some wonderful old pamphlets or tourist brochures from early 1900's that are great souvenirs (for me) . And then of course there are my travel sketchbooks which are capturing my adventures .London 2013 was brilliant ! two sketchbooks in three weeks. I LOVE London https://www.flickr.com/photos/alissaduke/sets/72157634899452853
Old pamphlets and tourist brochures are such a great idea. But im sure your sketchbooks are amazing, full of treasures and memories making them the best souvenirs.
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