Travel Souvenirs: 7,000 Pieces from All Corners of the Globe
Edoardo Flores is an avid traveler who has been a collector of "do not disturb" signs since 1993. His 32-year career as a trainer for the ILO (International Labour Organization) of the UN allowed him to travel to virtually every region of the world.
His collection now includes nearly 7,000 pieces of all varieties - magnetic, hand-crafted pieces decorated with seashells or seeds from exotic plants, fabric, leather, brass, wood and of course paper.
Here he shares a few pieces of his collection with us:
1. Domus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City
This is no common hotel. It functions as a guest house for those having business with the Holy See; but it is best known as the hotel residence of the College of Cardinals taking part in the papal conclaves to elect new Popes.
2. Park Palace, Kabul, Afghanistan
There's nothing special about this sign. It just makes me wonder how anyone could possibly imagine that a simple door hanger could guarantee privacy (or even safety) in the most dangerous city in the world.
3. Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
It is a 5-star (often misleadingly referred to as 7-star) luxury hotel. The shape of the structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship. Prices of rooms vary from approximately $1,000 to $27,000 per night.
4. Coral Sea Hotels, Papua New Guinea
I just love the translation in Tok Pisin (the language of PNG).
5. Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa, Vietnam
This very fancy piece in brass is usually fixed to the door. The hinged eyelids can be set to convey the desired message. Purchased from the hotel.
6. Puri Kamandalu Resort & Spa, Bali, Indonesia
This gracefully carved and decorated wooden sign from Bali is one of the most expensive pieces purchased from a hotel.
7. Rufflets Country House Hotel, St. Andrews, Scotland
His name is Rufus and he protects your privacy in one of the oldest established and highest quality Country House Hotels in Scotland. Purchased from the hotel.
8. The Ace Hotel, Palm Springs, USA
Not all signs are made of paper. This very unusual one is made by a very famous California firm, Heath Ceramics.
9. Arkansas' Excelsior Hotel, Little Rock, USA
The hotel where Bill Clinton, then Governor of Arkansas, supposedly crudely propositioned Paula Jones in 1991.
10. Hard Days Night Hotel, Liverpool, UK
Inspired by The Beatles the hotel is located at the heart of Liverpool's 'Beatles Quarter' offering luxurious accommodation and exclusive event space with a twist.
Do you collect any travel souvenirs? Share with us in the Comments.
To see more of Edoardo's collection, you can visit his site here.