Strange Souvenirs: Hezbollah T-Shirts Lebanon

Most people can’t resist bringing home something from their travels. Some seek out beautifully made local handicrafts, while others bring back the edible (coffees, teas, spices). And let’s not forget the classic T-shirt or mug.

But some mementos are more memorable than others. How about T-shirts emblazoned with the Hezbollah logo, which include the silhouette of an automatic weapon? They were a popular keepsake amongst tourists visiting Lebanon’s Baalbek Temple complex.

Vendors just outside the temple had stalls with the garments, which featured one side in English, the other in Arabic: "Hezbollah The Victorious Party. Islamic Resistance In Lebanon." I wonder if those purchasing them wore them after they got home.

I’ll be writing more on some of the more bizarre souvenirs I have come across. What strange souvenirs have you found or bought when traveling?

Strange Souvenirs: Barbed Wire DMZ Korea

A limited edition complete with serial number you won’t see one of these on any infomercial. But for about $15 you can pick one up at one of the world’s most dangerous borders, now a tourist attraction replete with souvenirs.

Among the standard pens, key chains and tee shirts are framed pieces of barbed wire from the demilitarized zone, or DMZ, the no man’s land separating North and South Korea. A commemorative souvenir it was issued in recognition of the 50-year anniversary of the Korean War. It reminds me of the pieces of the Berlin Wall that are sought out as souvenirs. Perhaps one day the barbed wire that separates North and South Korea will also come down and a country reunited.

Previous Posts in this Series:

Mosque Alarm Clock
Earthquake Detectors
Ojamas
Autopsy Cell Phone Straps

Strange Souvenirs: Cultural Revolution Kitsch China

I wonder how may people traveling to the Olympics in Beijing this summer will come home with Chairman Mao-Era inspired souvenirs.

Walk through any major market frequented by tourists in China’s major cities and there is plenty of Cultural Revolution kitsch stocking vendor’s stalls.

Ceramic collectibles depicting followers are lined up like atrophied action figures with a post war color palette. Propaganda posters and wind up alarm clocks complete with a devotee waving the Little Red Book of Quotations are popular items. I’ve been tempted by the alarm clock on several occasions.

Stacks of the Little Red Book are also common. They are available in many languages. I saw French, Japanese and German to name a few.

Here are some of the places in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong where you can stock up on Mao Memorabilia:
Liulichang Beijing
Dongtai Road Antique Market Shanghai
Hollywood Road Hong Kong

Strange Souvenirs: Jubilee Ma'amite

Mugs with the Queen’s (err hem) mug are typical souvenirs to bring back from the British Isles especially those marking milestones.

But Marmite has taken commemorating her Majesty a step further with a special edition Jubilee Ma'amite. After addressing the Queen as "Your Majesty" first, correct protocol is to call her "Ma'am" after. 

Marmite, which can be found in most kitchen cupboards in the UK, is a savory spread made from yeast extract. It can be an acquired taste, much in the same way people love or hate olives - there is no in between.

Those who managed to get their hands on a jar of Jubilee Ma’amite can spread some on their toast and literally toast the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Sixty years of reign is a long time.

I’d love to have a pint with the person who coined Ma'amite.

Strange Souvenirs: Ojamas

Inaugural souvenirs came in all shapes and forms in DC. People everywhere were wearing concert-like and bedazzled T-shirts with President Obama’s portrait (under warm coats of course).


But I wonder how many came home with a pair of Ojamas. The PJs are emblazoned with a replica of the campaign logo, in the shape of a “capitol” O of course.

Previous posts in this series:
Lucha Libre Masks Mexico
Autopsy Cell Phone Straps
Emirati Family Dubai
Cultural Revolution Kitsch

Strange Souvenirs: Edible Cosplay Treats Tokyo

Tokyo’s Maid Cafes are part of the cosplay (or costume play) culture unique to Japan. Young women dress up as maids and serve customers at the venues, which have been booming in the last several years. Patrons, who are served tea and cakes, are of often greeted with “Welcome home, Master.”

And with something popular there is often a commercial spin off of some sort. In this case it’s themed cookies and cakes.

The sweets are also available in the school girl variety.

Imagine getting caught with these in customs and trying to explain yourself.

Have you ever brought something home from your travels that might be difficult to explain to a customs official?

Previous Posts In This Series:

Barbed Wire DMZ
Mosque Alarm Clock
Ojamas

Strange Souvenirs: Mosque Alarm Clock

Waking up to the Call to Prayer echoing throughout a metropolis is peaceful, powerful and beautiful. But there are some experiences you can’t transport home.

Enter the mosque alarm clock. You’ll find them in Dubai, other parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Made of plastic it comes in a variety of sizes and colors and lights up when the alarm goes off. The voice of the tone-deaf muezzin makes him sound as though he is falling off a building. Perhaps one day the recording will be updated with one more appealing to the ear. Inshallah. In the meantime for your listening pleasure here is a link to a video of said alarm clock on youtube. It’s the extended remix version. No snoozing allowed.

The clock does have an upside. If you live in an apartment building with thin walls and noisy neighbors it’s a perfect way to get even. Do try this at home.

Previous Posts in this Series:
Earthquake Detectors
Ojamas

Strange Souvenirs: Lucha Libre Masks Mexico

Humans don’t come equipped with the plumage that some bird species use to intimidate their competition and foes. Instead they must accessorize.

The masks worn by Mexico’s professional wrestlers are the icon of the sport and its participants. Lucha Libre (free fighting) is also part theater and part acrobatics with its own kingdom of stars that take on superhero personas. It draws large audiences to the arenas where the masked men compete. To be unmasked by your opponent is the ultimate defeat.

You’ll find the masks in markets where crafts are sold. Most are made of leather. The masks pictured are handmade and lace up in the back. Don’t they have a serial killer sensibility about them?

Previous Posts in This Series:
Autopsy Cell Phone Straps
Emirati Family
Cultural Revolution Kitsch
Hezbollah T-Shirts

Strange Souvenirs: Earthquake Detectors Mexico

Only in Mexico could an earthquake detector come in the form of folk art. Made out of wood the heads of the brightly painted animals, reptiles and insects wobble when seismic activity begins. Turtles appear to be the most popular.

Eco-friendly they require no electricity or batteries. And the pocket-sized critters are easy to take home or bring with you the next time you travel to an earthquake zone.

Previous Posts in this Series:
Ojamas
Lucha Libre Masks
Autopsy Cell Phone Straps

Strange Souvenirs: Autopsy Cell Phone Straps

Cell phone adornment is a big deal in Japan. Extremely popular are cell phone straps or keitai straps (keitai is Japanese for cell phone). Like a key chain they have trinkets attached. Ketai straps aren’t just objects of desire for trendy youth. You’ll see them dangling from the phones of people of all ages and both sexes.

The range of straps is enormous. Many feature characters such as the ubiquitous Hello Kitty and anime (Japanese animation) characters. While designer straps exist, most don’t cost more than the equivalent of a few dollars.

In Tokyo I kept coming across these “autopsy” cell phone straps exposing the innards of various creatures and landmarks.

This is called Edible Horse.

Here you see the Inland Chicken.

Those who are squeamish might prefer Mount Fuji.

The perfect gift for the iphone owner who has everything, no?

Previous Posts In This Series:
Emirati Family Dubai
Cultural Revolution Kitsch China
Hezbollah T-Shirts Lebanon

Strange Souvenirs: Emirati Family Dubai

The mastermind of these borrowed the concept from painted wooden Russian nesting dolls.

This Emirati family includes a Dad, Mom, Son and Daughter in traditional dress. For a local touch the family circle is completed with a tiny baby camel in the center. Easy to transport this could be considered a classic nomadic keepsake.

Previous Posts In This Series:
Cultural Revolution Kitsch China
Hezbollah T-Shirts Lebanon