Epistolary Engagements
The Postcrossing Project connects the world, one letter at a time
Postcrossing Spotlight from Thailand
A few favorite postcards
A stack of postcards.
Times are tough for the United States Postal Service. You might have seen the recent “Too Big to Mail” Daily Show sketch, making light of the recent and widespread budget cuts, layoffs and office closures. And decreased funding is matched only by Americans' widespread apathy towards sending mail.
So why not send more than one Christmas card this year? Postcrossing is an ingenious postcard crossing service, whose goal is to “allow people to receive postcards from all over the world, for free.” Well. Almost free. You'll have to send a postcard first in order to receive one.
All you have to do is register for a Postcrossing ID and request your first address. The system will then randomly generate an address from anywhere in the world — the streets of Belarus or the Australian outback. Once your first postcard is received and verified online by your fellow Postcrosser, your address will automatically be entered in the Postcrossing system and you'll be next in line for a postcard.
The groundbreaking project turns your mailbox into an international surprise party. You never know where your next Postcrosser card will be from and the element of surprise when you check the mail every day is intoxicating.
And while the sender might be a mystery, you can customize the postcards from your Postcrosser pen pals by creating a profile online. Tell your fellow members anything — your interests, hobbies, profession, etc. Or request specific information in your postcards. For instance, asking Postcrossers to relate the most interesting details or facts about their hometown or country.
It’s like exploring new countries through your mailbox.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri