Collectibles

Or "souvenirs", if you like..

I have thosands and thousands of travel photos on my hard drive. I'm currently assembling an album to the web of the most essential ones.

Why I have so many pictures, and what they are mostly about, that's another story. Also explaining why I prefer to visit cities that have Hard Rock Cafe's for a t-shirt and a shot glass will make a nice story - but sometimes later.

Tonight, while I looked at the photos, I came to wonder what kind of stuff I have collected from the places I have visited?

I like maps of places very much. If you've never been to a city, the map looks strange. Then when you've just arrived to a new place, the map looks even more confusing. But after a few hours, it starts to make sense. During a few days, paper maps tend to get a bit rugged. And right after the trip you may feel they are useless. But years after, looking at that rugged map brings up memories. Some maps may become priceless, even though they were eventually free. Maps are excellent memorabilia.

As well as maps, I like to collect beer coasters. They are free. And you can use them as postcards too. I doubt if my collection will ever have any financial value, though. :)

I also keep good travel guidebooks I can find, thinking they might come useful if I visit the place again. Well, as the phrase goes, maybe a few more words about that too.. but later..