Comments on: The Things We Bought (And Then Carried)

By: Theresa

Theresa — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:13:16 +0000

Richard,
The board came with the set. I’m not sure what wood it’s made from. I’ll have to take a closer look and let you know if I figure it out. I bought the set at the Otavalo Market.

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:28:07 +0000

The chess set looks interesting. Did you get the board with it? Or purchase that seperately? Any ideas what wood it’s made from?

By: Angela W

Angela W — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:46:44 +0000

I can’t believe I never thought you ask you what you bought while you were away!

I’m with you–I HATE tsotchke crap–so I don’t buy it for anyone!

By: Matthew

Matthew — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:58:55 +0000

Yeah, if you are going the chess board route you pretty much have to be fully committed to using substantial “flat” space to showing them off. I have two in my place right now – the Prague one and the Russian one – with two or three more back at Mom’s (Greece, Egypt, random board). I’m going to need a table here and a table there to actually display them all. The wooden ones do better out in the open, while the ones made from harder materials tend to do better behind a glass display. I’ll probably end up with one or two in my school office when I get settled wherever I end up, so, like you, I’ll just have to get creative about where to display them. Not really sure if I could own anymore at this point. It would have to be something pretty unique to catch my attention.

Judging from the picture, it looks like you got a set where you actually can tell what the pieces are (and tell the pieces apart from each other). I’m all for unique, creative sets, but I draw the line at the point where there’s no connection between them and the design of the traditional pieces. You’ve made prudent purchases in the past for me!

And, to end this, I don’t have a favorite souvenir or style of souvenir. Have tried pins and hats mostly. Both are pretty goofy – to me – for different reasons. I work with texts, so that’s probably the route I should go. Maybe not postcards. What about local newspapers? – while they still are around!

Wait, I actually have three sets here. I also have the mini-board I got from Pa way back when. And my “competition” board. So, there’s more than I thought…

By: Sara

Sara — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:41:43 +0000

I am the exact same way…I hate to shop at home, so why do it when I’m traveling! But, like you, my favorite souvenir’s are ornaments as well. Small, inexpensive, usual, creative and fun. We always have a blast opening up each one in December and reminiscing about that particular vacation. When I backpacked/studied in Europe, I bought T-shirts or some form of fabric from each country/city/destination and when I got home I made a quilt with all the t-shirts. It was another great souvenir, useful and a good conversation piece when people see it draped over my couch.