Travel treasures

Travel has ground to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic. The UK lockdown has been extended and there is an ‘indefinite’ ban on non-essential trips.

In these strange times we can make virtual visits or look at our holiday snaps. The other day I hit upon another idea.

The shelves of my apartment are filled with items that are so familiar I don’t notice them. We’re talking about objects I’ve picked up on many overseas adventures over the years.

I decided to give them some love and had a photoshoot. Getting close to these keepsakes revived holiday memories. We all have souvenirs, some of them cherished. Now’s the time to dust them down.

Tap/click first image to see gallery

: Soviet Union (1986)

: Morocco (2011)

: Ukraine (2005)

: Chile (2018)

: Armenia (2018)

: South Africa (2019)

: Oman (2010)

: Japan (2019)

: Kosovo (2019)

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Tags: keepsakes, lockdown travel, macro photography, objects, onyx, photography, Russian dolls, souvenirs, stay at home, tiger eye, world travel

18 thoughts on “Travel treasures”

Geri Lawhon on July 8, 2020 at 22:04 said:

We have made a metal board in the computer room and have covered it with fridge magnets from our travel. Our Christmas tree looks like a travel ad with different ornaments from different places. Thanks for your post as it helps to look back and smile during the virus.

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- mikeosbornphoto on July 8, 2020 at 22:33 said:
  
  Hi Geri, good to hear from you and glad you like the post. Excellent idea to keep your fridge magnets close to hand – lots of memories at a glance!
  
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khyatimaloo on May 25, 2020 at 12:45 said:

Wow! This made me look at my travel treasures and remember the good old days. Can’t wait to travel again!

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 25, 2020 at 12:48 said:
  
  I’m glad it evoked some fond memories! I’m happy to wait a while before setting off again but can certainly understand the hunger to travel :)
  
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Cherryl on May 18, 2020 at 10:21 said:

Souvenirs remind us that those experiences and memories were not just a dream, and now really is a great time to look. back at them 🔆

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 18, 2020 at 10:58 said:
  
  Hi Cherryl, good to see you here. You’re absolutely right, they serve as little reminders and now is right time to revisit them. Let’s face it, we wouldn’t do usually. I hope you’re well and safe.
  
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Charles Dada on May 3, 2020 at 11:29 said:

Beautiful photos of treasured memories. I wonder if they all have a story?

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 3, 2020 at 12:15 said:
  
  Thank you Charles. Yes I believe they do. Whether they’re of any interest beyond my own is another matter, maybe 🤔
  
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ckponderings on April 22, 2020 at 16:07 said:

A lovely summary of your recent travels, Mike! How did you choose which ones to photograph? I have an excuse for not dusting down my knick-knacks, as most of them are still in boxes! But this is a great idea, lovingly carried out! :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 22, 2020 at 18:16 said:
  
  Thanks Richard, this also went back to the very early days of travel! You should show us all your nick-nacks 😏
  
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Kiki on April 18, 2020 at 11:33 said:

Good idea, especially – as you said – we don’t notice the things we have around anymore at some point. Looking through your pics I was thinking about the items I bring home from my travels, but looking at them you’d never guess where they’re from, just as my travel pics of details very often don’t tell you where they’re taken :-)

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 18, 2020 at 11:50 said:
  
  Oooh I feel a game coming on! I realise I often don’t give it away either. Our eyes must be drawn to the detail. If nothing else this is a good indoor photography exercise and really helped to rekindle some memories.
  
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leecleland on April 18, 2020 at 09:40 said:

An eclectic collection of travel souvenirs. I’m lucky in a way having a small garden I can dig in the dirt and plant veg. That is when I can get some seeds :) Here everyone seems to be digging over the dirt and putting in a plot. I’m thinking seed packets are the latest ‘toilet paper’ !

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 18, 2020 at 09:45 said:
  
  Ah dang :/ That’s a pain. I’ve preserved last year’s balcony geraniums as no garden centres are open. Lee, surely you’ve a fair few trinkets from your travels?
  
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  - leecleland on April 18, 2020 at 09:57 said:
    
    Not as many as you might suppose. I cut back savagely when I moved a bit over two years ago. Now it’s mainly photos (in books and as canvases). I’m a sucker for a good small local print when travelling :)
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on April 18, 2020 at 11:14 said:
      
      Ah yes that’s a good keepsake. I have a little watercolor from Russia and an Armenian metro token which has remained in my wallet! But it’s obvious that these items are often overlooked completely.
      
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Jane Lurie on April 18, 2020 at 02:48 said:

Great idea for a photo essay, Mike. 😀

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- mikeosbornphoto on April 18, 2020 at 09:42 said:
  
  Thank you Jane :) I must say it actually worked. The power of objects can’t be underestimated. Hope you’re well and safe over there.
  
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