www.swap-bot.com

onlyincambodia

onlyincambodia
Date Joined: June 15, 2007
Last Online: February 11, 2012
Birthday: September 12
Country: Cambodia
Only In Cambodia blog
Postcards I've designed
Etsy Favorites
My Amazon Wishlist

About Me

PLEASE NOTE


I will be away from my PO Box for 3 weeks (from 20 December, 2011 - 14 January, 2012). I will rate swaps ASAP after 14 January 2012.


Mail takes 2-6 weeks (sometimes more) to travel to/from Cambodia, depending on where it comes from/goes and what happens in transit. Recently things have been closer to 2-3 weeks, but some things may still take longer.

Thank you for your patience in receiving a rating from me, or if you are waiting to hear whether I have received your items if it's a private trade.


PLEASE DATE YOUR POSTCARDS

It helps me to have a better idea of transit time.

AND make sure you have the numbers written clearly for the PO Box: 7 NOT 1

Thank you!


angkorwat

I'm a native California girl, born and raised on the central coast, though I've also done a lot of international traveling/living, and am currently back living in Cambodia, my second home.

I am an English language teacher, but am involved in several organizations that are working to alleviate the affects of poverty on Cambodian people through education, job training and nutrition programs.

badge

I promise to rate when I receive something from you. I also promise to send out all of my swaps. If there is ever an issue I will send a message to inform or to inquire. All I ask is the same of my partners.

When in doubt, ask.

I am generally an organized, linear person (or at least I like to think I am). I always say that I should have been a math major because my mind works in a more logical fashion, with occasional jaunts on the less-than-logical side. I do surprise people with out of the ordinary behavior or words that they didn't predict would come out of me. Hey, I gotta keep people on their toes!

I am also fairly active as a Couch Surfer where I have hosted people from all over the US and world when they travel. I discovered this organization while living in Cambodia and spend a great deal of time organizing meet-up events in Siem Reap for CouchSufers traveling through the town. It's a great way to meet people and encounter other cultures in a non-intimidating way, while breaking down the barriers of intolerance and ignorance at the same time.

GOOD NEWS! I've been back in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the home of Angkor Wat, since December 2010. I'll continue swapping, but on a limited basis. If anyone is interested in swapping exclusively with me while I'm there, please sign up for my group at Only in Cambodia.

cambodia

group badge

Likes/Dislikes

STUFF I ENJOY RECEIVING:

  • Silver stars, particularly sparkly stickers that are holographic; star-shaped ornaments; or just about anything with stars on it

  • Recipes for stir-fry dishes or soups (because ovens are a rarity in Cambodia)

  • Liquid ink highlighters; I'm pretty fond of the Tul brand, Sharpie, but just about any will be great; any color but yellow

  • Postcards (see below for more info): famous places, funny pictures, maps, UNESCO, tourist spots, international, and more. Naked or in an envelope.

  • I am interested in Kawaii/Sanrio/Hello Kitty stationary sets, notepads, or sticker items; I am new to collecting, so I'm not too picky about specific types

  • post-it notes: LINED large or square size or cute shapes (e.g. stars)

  • scents: jasmine (I'm particularly fond of the Bali Jasmine scent from Cost Plus World Market); cinnamon; apple/pumpkin spice

  • 1 quart / 1 gallon Ziplock/Gladlock slide-close plastic bags. These are good for my travels to Cambodia.

  • Things I collect for poor Cambodian villagers: toothbrushes, pencils, erasers, hotel/sample size shampoo, hotel sewing kits

  • Alpha Beads & Laser Pointers for the Ponheary Ly Foundation where I volunteer to teach Cambodian public school primary teachers.

  • Anything from my Etsy Favorites

FOOD/SNACKS I ENJOY:

The sweets: :: thick red licorice (no Twizzlers) :: rootbeer barrels :: orange slices (the candy) :: orange Tootsie roll pops :: Mentos :: Sour Patch Kids (I know, below I say I dislike sour things, but these are a vice)

Unfortunately all the meltable stuff is out of the picture while I'm in Southeast Asia (dark chocolate (non-Hersheys & the higher the percent of cocoa the better! i.e. 70%+) :: Junior Mints :: Ritter Sport chocolate (but no raisins!) :: soft homemade chococate chip cookies :: snickerdoodles)

Other not so sweet things: Cheetos :: Good Earth tea (sweet & spicy) :: English Breakfast tea :: PG Tipps / Tetley tea :: dry roasted & slightly salted almonds :: turkey jerky :: Crystal Light drink mixes in orange, white grape, pomegranate-cherry immunity ::

STUFF I DISLIKE:

  • scrapbooking supplies since I DON'T enjoy this hobby; same with bits of ribbon and embellishments

  • cutesy, girly things with lace, fringe, cartoon animals or baby animals, and pastel colors.

  • dust collectors (e.g. things that sit on a shelf and collect dust).

  • things that have too many colors; things with just the color purple (postcards are exempt).


FOOD THAT IS YUCKY TO ME:


black licorice :: sour candy :: gum :: white/milk chocolate :: anything blueberry/raspberry flavor :: chocolate with peanuts, crispies or raisins :: fruit-flavored herbal teas (except blackberry tea)

Favorite color

BLUE--just about any shade of it.

GREEN--particularly when it comes to nature prints or landscapes, or combined with blue.

RED--the Asian/Chinese red or a deep, dark red.

Even though I like most colors, purple by itself is NOT preferred. It's fine with other colors.

Places I've Been

In order of most recent. . .

  • Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana on a road trip in July 2011. Saw Yellowstone National Park, the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Devil's Tower, Wall Drugstore, The World's Largest Ball of Twine, The St. Louis Arch, and more!
  • Bangkok & Chiang Mai, Thailand (Dec 2010 to visit a child I sponsor with Compassion)
  • Eureka, California (have been many times, as family lives there, but most recently in November 2010.)
  • Montara, California (to visit a former housemate and her new baby in July 2010)
  • Taipei City, Taiwan (September 2009, 1 day layover from Cambodia to USA)
  • Palos Verdes, California (May 2009, visited the Terranea Resort before construction was finished and open to the public. Awesome!)
  • Santa Barbara, California (been there many times, but most recently to the zoo & State Street in Jan 2009)
  • Santa Cruz, California (used to be my "2nd home" as I grew up visiting my mother's family there. Last time I was there was in March 2009.)
  • Cambodia (Siem Reap, Battambang, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Kompong Thom, Koh Ker, Beng Melea, Phnom Kulen)
  • Guatemala (Guatamala City & Antigua, December 2007)
  • Birmingham, Alabama (October 2007)
  • Reno & Carson City, Nevada, USA (My sister used to live there, but the last time I was there was in January 2007.)
  • Vietnam (Hanoi, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City. August 2007.)
  • Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ko Samet, Aranyaprathet, Nong Khai)
  • Malaysia (Georgetown, Penang; Kuala Lumpur, many times)
  • Singapore (many times)
  • Forrest Grove, Oregon, USA (only once in August 2004)
  • China (Beijing, Shanghai & Inner Mongolia, lived there in 2002-03)
  • Mexico (Ensenada, Tijuana, Cancun, Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlan. cruises mostly, but also served & translated in Ensenada)
  • Alaska, USA (a cruise in 199?)
  • Vancouver, B.C. (same cruise to Alaska)
  • Ukraine (Kiev, Crimea)
  • Germany (Hamburg & Lubeck, 1992 & 1993)
  • Sweden (Malmo, 1992-93)
  • Denmark (Bornholm, AFS 92-93)
  • Rome, Italy (spring 1993)
  • Bloomington, Illinois, USA (Urbana '93)
  • Indianapolis, University of Indiana, USA (Phi Delta Kappa)
  • Arizona, USA
  • New York, USA (1992?)
  • Pennsylvania, USA (1992?)
  • New Jersey, USA (1992?)
  • Washington D.C., USA (1992?)
  • Maryland, USA (1992?)

PLEASE DON'T SEND ME...

The following items are things that I DO NOT NEED, and would prefer NOT to receive in a swap:

  • paper scraps
  • ribbons
  • glitter or confetti
  • craft supplies of any kind
  • fruity teas
  • pens
  • milk or white chocolate, or any chocolate with fruit in it

POSTCARDS


PLEASE DATE YOUR POSTCARDS

It helps me to have a better idea of transit time.

AND make sure you have the numbers written clearly for the PO Box: 7 NOT 1

Thank you!


I have discovered (with the help of Swap-Bot) that I love sending and receiving postcards. I host many swaps, including the "Places I've Been" series, monthly postcards, and the colored postcard series, as well as being the founder of the Postcard Lovers group.

I thoroughly enjoy sending, receiving and trading postcards. I have access to lots of different postcards from Cambodia that I am willing to swap in private swaps: UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, other Angkor era temples, countryside life, life on the lake, etc.

I LOVE to receive postcards from your area, country or hometown that show scenery, landscapes or historical sites; vintage cards of anything; and most art cards. I even enjoy the occasional ad card if it's actually interesting.

I prefer the postcards I received to be stamped with a message written on them and sent through the postal system (i.e. naked). But, I don't mind if several are sent together in an envelope for my collection. Check with me 1st!

I would prefer NOT to receive a lot of handmade postcards unless they are artfully and tastefully created. I really like when you create a beautiful piece of artwork through painting or drawing or collage. Just don't paste a magazine cut-out on it and call it homemade. Again, check with me 1st.

US State Map Postcards I'm still looking for:

  • Alabama
  • Hawaii
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Massachusetts
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • North Dakota
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wyoming

People who have flaked on me :

This is the disappointing part of Swap-Bot:

@seexlorvexrun - Places I've Been - Sept 2010

@Roosterruler - September Birthday Postcard

@Whiskey - Postcard Lovers: Upcycled Postcards

@karliskielty - Christmas Cards x 5 from the Newbie Niceties group. Bad Newbie!

@KnittingMystery - has disappeared leaving several swaps incomplete and 2 groups unattended.

Quartered Postcards #4

Recycled Postcard Swap #1 (she was the host!) angeled by @Vblarney

@SusanLS - Quartered Postcards #3 - angelled by @crochetninja

@Mrsswappie - US State by State postcards angelled by @Sapphyre

@southernsara - US State by State postcards angelled by @susieq11

@missarah01 - US State by State postcards angelled by @

@Fizbin - Theme a Day Journal angeled by @JoyAnne

@DutchTammie - DARK BLUE postcards angeled by @NaughtyElf

@duplessis3 - 090909 Postcard Swap

(There have been more, but I have only recently decided to start listing them.)

Things to Remember

Send Angel postcards from Cambodia to:

@pennypuppy

@lanie206

Ratings

DebR rated for New Year, New View on Jan 17, 2012
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the lovely postcard of the volcano
Response: I'm glad you liked it. I think it was quite stunning.
Castlequeen rated for New Year, New View on Jan 14, 2012
5
rating
Comment: New Zealand has always seemed like a magical place to me also and I hope you are able to visit there one day. Thank you for your lovely card and note!
Response: You're very welcome :)
Drachenfrau rated for Triple Threat Postcards on Jan 14, 2012
5
rating
Comment: I love the postcards you sent Nikki. My favourite is the one from Ta Prohm Temple as I love trees. Looks amazing! :-)
Response: Ta Prohm is quite amazing. Nowadays, most people have to traverse scaffolding to get any decent pictures of the trees!
carmen rated for New Year, New View on Jan 12, 2012
5
rating
Comment: I had a lovely time visiting, too. I am sorry to see you return to your cozy home across the sea. Although I am sure it will be warmer. We absolutely MUST do Santa Barbara one of these days.
Response: It's a plan! I should be back in September which will be a perfect time for weather, but maybe not for school :(
HannahsMommy07 rated for Christmas Wrapping Paper PC on Jan 12, 2012
5
rating
 
Response: Did the embellishments fall off in postal transit? I was hoping my Aleen's Tacky glue would do the trick!
LASummer rated for Christmas Wrapping Paper PC on Jan 12, 2012
5
rating
Comment: So adorable! Thank you.
Response: :-D You're welcome!
LeSillyMe rated for Christmas Greetings Postcards on Jan 11, 2012
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for hosting this swap, and it was SO nice to receive a pretty handmade card from you! Didn't expect that from this swap, and i really appreciated it! Very pretty fiber paper, cute stickers, and you have very nice handwriting! :))
Response: Awww...thank you so much! I really wanted to do some crafting this year, and that was the extent I could do with time constraints. So happy you loved it!
darzy30 rated for Spell HOLIDAY with postcards on Jan 10, 2012
5
rating
Comment: Thanks for the great collection of postcards. I especially love the map and the PC from Yellowstone NP. Happy 2012!
Response: You're very welcome!
suepier rated for Christmas Greetings Postcards on Jan 4, 2012
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the greeting postcard that you made for me.
Response: I'm happy you liked it. It was fun to create a Christmas postcard this year and have it appreciated rather than use my store bought ones. Thank you :)
carmen rated for Christmas Dessert Recipe PC on Dec 28, 2011
5
rating
Comment: Thanks for swapping with me! Your truffles look divine!
Response: They are so easy and so yummy! See you soon!
carmen rated for Christmas Side Dish Recipe PC on Dec 28, 2011
5
rating
Comment: I love sweet potatoes, and this looks great. I think I sent you a sweet pot. recipe, too!
Response: yum! I think I can find them in Cambodia.
winniethepooh rated for Christmas PC Swap on Dec 27, 2011
5
rating
Comment: Thankyou Nikki for lovely handmade Christmas PC, it was so nice from the postie, have a lovely time in the Christmas holidays, thanks love Jennifer.
Response: So glad you enjoyed it! I have a fun time making it and am pleased it arrive in one piece :)
sammybongo rated for Christmas Questions on Dec 27, 2011
5
rating
Comment: Thanks for the Answer they where really great to read hope Christmas was good for you.
StarMouse rated for Christmas Questions on Dec 25, 2011
5
rating
Comment: Your answers are interesting! How wonderful to be someplace warm at Christmas time. It's way cold in Chicago. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful visit with your family. Safe Journey back to Cambodia!
Response: Thank you! I'll be experiencing some cold in Indiana for a week, so I'll really be looking forward to the warm temps of Cambodia. Have a wonderful holiday season!
aladyde rated for Christmas Greetings Postcards on Dec 24, 2011
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for your nice card. Have a great Christmas and a good start into the year 2012 filled with loads of good swaps.
Response: I'm so glad you liked it and that it survived the overseas mail :) Have a very happy new year!
mcall rated for Christmas Greetings Postcards on Dec 23, 2011
5
rating
Comment: Thanks ;)
bookwormAL rated for Christmas Greetings Postcards on Dec 23, 2011
5
rating
Comment: Thank you so much for the holiday greetings. Merry Christmas to you.
Stepht rated for CHRISTmas Cards on Dec 22, 2011
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the beautiful handmade card! Merry Christmas!!
Response: Merry Christmas to you, too! I really loved these cards and it was difficult to let them go, but I'm happy this one ended up in your grateful hands :)
PinkDixie rated for CHRISTmas Cards on Dec 22, 2011
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the beautiful handmade card.
Response: You're welcome! The credit for the hand making will have to go to the organization that I bought it from. They make cards and other goodies to help support their schools for poor children in the Cambodian countryside.
5
rating
Comment: Thank you so much. I like your campaign to stop tourists from buying post cards from children. I had never thought of that as a problem.
Response: Thank you! The problem is not so much buying only postcards from children, it's that children should be in school and the adults should earn and children should learn. Glad you liked the postcard!

Rating Overview

Overall Hearts Stars  
5.0000 754 222  
Completed Fives Threes Ones
498 1213 0 0
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Uncategorized
14 280 24 180
View all

Comments

BambooBailey on Jan 11, 2012:

Thank you so much for the Angel package of postcards I have received today. I really love the Christmas ones! If you ever need an angel please let me know. Have a great day! Beth

Kims on Jan 11, 2012:

Hi Nikki! Thank you so much for the Christmas card you angeled for me(Christmas card #4), I really appreciate it. :) Hope you are having a great day!

KellyS on Jan 10, 2012:

I got a post card and holiday card in the mail yesterday that you sent for @Treksek major flaking. Thank you so much!! :-)

KellyS on Jan 10, 2012:

Oh good, I'm glad the post card arrived in one piece. I wasn't sure with that cut-out part :)

Maggiesmother on Jan 9, 2012:

Thanks for the lovely postcard for the Postcard Lovers December WTA. Hope 2012 is great

RobinT on Jan 9, 2012:

Thank you for the amazingly cute Christmas card that you angeled for me! So cute and creative with the summertime reindeer!

carmen on Dec 26, 2011:

Merry Christmas, Happy Boxing Day! We are goinng to be in Cayucos over New Years. Let me know if you will be in town. Hugs!

RyeRye on Dec 24, 2011:

boriquaz on Oct 27, 2011:

thank you so much for the postcard i just realized i didn't send you a message. Thanks again for the wta postcard

Neeky8 on Oct 17, 2011:

Hi Nikki, thanks for your postcard for the Postcard Lovers Question Tag! Philadelphia is one of my faves too... along with some of your others. Haven't seen Power Of One, will have to watch it. Thanks!

Login to leave a comment now!