Tag: amusing postcard messages

Europe, Military Postcards, Postcards

Nice spot in the Azores [1953, Portugal]

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Azores Postcard 1950s Vintage

I love this postcard. It’s so informal and full of life.

I wonder if 1SG (First Sergeant) Nikkel ever took a pass and made it out to this scenic spot in the Azores for a visit. I’m sure the islands were even more remote and exotic feeling in the 1950s than they are even still today.

Lajes Field, a small but strategically located air base in the Portuguese Azores out in the Atlantic Ocean remains an active part of the NATO foot print with strong U.S. Military influence.

Azores 1953 Vintage Postcard

Postmark: Missing (Azores, Portugal)

Handwritten Date: April 18, 1953

Stamp: Portugal

To:

  • Ex. Mo Senhor I ro. Sargento
  • Walter Nikkel
  • 1605 Air Police Sqdn. AATS
  • Lajes, Terceira

Front: S. Miguel—Açores—Lagoas Verde e Azul das Sete-Cidades  Foto Toste

18 April 53

I wish you & Mac are here with me. God damn it, this is a nice spot! Why don’t you take a 3-day pass (and Mac), & get the hell down here?! I am damn sure you both would like it muito!!

My best regards – [name?]

Aerial of Lajes Field 1950s

Note (3/11/2020): Thanks to Ricardo Reis for commenting to let me know that the last word of the message is “muito,” which is Portuguese for “much.”

Much appreciated!

Related Postcards:

Without a Blueprint [1951, N. Dakota] Same recipient (Walter Nikkel)

 

Europe, Postcards

Driving the tires right off [c.1985, Italy]

lostgreetings

Postcard Italy 1980s Postcard

I can’t decide if I would want to travel with the sender of this postcard or not. It would certainly be an adventure, but my clothes would need a wash and my pockets might be empty at the end. Still, it is wonderful to read about the sender embracing the spirit of travel and enjoying viewing both the majestic landmarks and the beautiful people.

Enjoy. This postcard isn’t too terribly old, but fun to read nonetheless.

Italy 1980s Postcard

Postmark: Nov, 1980s? Pallanza (Italy)

100 Lire Poste Italiane stamp

To

  • Aarolyn & Paula Galbraith
  • 1600 S. Joyce St B-408
  • Arlington 2, Virginia U.S.A.

Image: Lago Maggiore, Isola Bella

Had an audience with Pope Paul – he gave you his best.

Aarolyn & Paula

We are driving the tires right off the red V-W but are really getting around. Roma was really the grandest city I’ve ever been in – Tivoli, Villa D’Este, Baths of Caracalla, “sound & light” etc. etc. Plus the Italian men!! Our craziest stunt was climbing to the top of Mt. Vesuvius in a strong wind & rain storm. Loved the Italian Rivera but hated the dirt & grabbiness of the south. Heading up to Switzerland & finally to Rotterdam by the 12th. Due to lack of funds doubt if we’ll go to Spain – plus my clothes are filthy.

LRL