Member Letters
Cloisonné work, an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects with coloured material, being created in China. A smaller piece makes a great souvenir to take home. | PHOTO: ALEX WOLF/ADOBE STOCK
SAVVY SOUVENIRS
As a long-time frequent traveller, I found the content of “Souvenir Savvy” right on the money. My husband and I have travelled the world, and the majority of our home decor was purchased on our many trips. Looking around the living room, we have an Iranian silver tray on the wall, a large wood carving from Malaysia and a stunning cloisonné vase from Beijing.
I also agree with knowing local regulations against exporting cultural treasures. We visited the Pisaq market near Cusco, Peru, where we found a stand with beautiful fossils. My husband has a background in geology and purchased a pair of ammonite halves. When we were at the Lima airport, we were paged by security. Unbeknownst to us, it was illegal to take fossils out of the country. We were shocked, embarrassed and annoyed that these fossils were being sold at a popular tourist market when surely the seller knew it was illegal. We now know to check on these regulations in the future.
–Phyllis J.
Where in the World?
We have the pleasure of seeing the Donalda lantern light up our property every night. We moved out here two years ago, only to find out that we had family living 20 minutes away in Heisler — my grandparents and my mom’s family owned the Heisler hotel in the ’50s. We love the lantern and small-town feeling that gets you away from the rush in the city. To the east of us, we can see the coulees every morning when the sun comes up. The beautiful fall colours are so delightful. –Andre L.
I was reading the AMA Insider and saw the world’s largest oil lamp. It is located in Donalda, Alberta, Canada! Cozy town with beautiful landscapes. Above is a photo of my now-fiancée and me at the oil lamp when we went on our “Giants of the Prairies” road trip back in 2021, where we visited many “World’s Largest” landmarks scattered across the Canadian Prairies. –Emmari M.
At the turn of the century, my grandfather’s two brothers ran a small store in Donalda selling hardware, groceries and dry goods, though I am not sure how long the store operated. The name of the store was Vikse Brothers, and it was located on the main street, across from the museum referenced in the article. In the photo, the two shorter guys with matching sweaters are Michael (Mike) Vikse and August Vikse. I am pretty sure the picture is from 1911. –Grant K.
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We have the pleasure of seeing the Donalda lantern light up our property every night. We moved out here two years ago, only to find out that we had family living 20 minutes away in Heisler — my grandparents and my mom’s family owned the Heisler hotel in the ’50s. We love the lantern and small-town feeling that gets you away from the rush in the city. To the east of us, we can see the coulees every morning when the sun comes up. The beautiful fall colours are so delightful. –Andre L.
I was reading the AMA Insider and saw the world’s largest oil lamp. It is located in Donalda, Alberta, Canada! Cozy town with beautiful landscapes. Above is a photo of my now-fiancée and me at the oil lamp when we went on our “Giants of the Prairies” road trip back in 2021, where we visited many “World’s Largest” landmarks scattered across the Canadian Prairies. –Emmari M.
At the turn of the century, my grandfather’s two brothers ran a small store in Donalda selling hardware, groceries and dry goods, though I am not sure how long the store operated. The name of the store was Vikse Brothers, and it was located on the main street, across from the museum referenced in the article. In the photo, the two shorter guys with matching sweaters are Michael (Mike) Vikse and August Vikse. I am pretty sure the picture is from 1911. –Grant K.