The Motherload

Like last year, I participated in the Christmas-Hippo-Gift-Exchange (see posts: Exchange-(Hip)Pos and Keep Out?). Both packages arrived nicely on time. Very happy with that, because now I did not have to worry about ending up without hippo-presents on Christmas. On the other hand, not happy at all, because it was a tough exercise in self-control, I could hear both boxes scream: "OPEN ME!" But that would have made me fly off to the "Naughty List" for sure ;-). Dear Brenda and Carol (Hippo Annie), thank you so much for being my "Secret Santas" this year. I have been spoiled rotten, and as you can see, it was like discovering "The Motherload" of Hippos under the tree. Or should I say, Hippoload?

To all my Hippo-Friends and fellow Hippo-Lovers, I am wishing you a Healthy, Happy and Hippo 2014!

Hippo-Head-Cake

Just before we moved, my dear friend did not give one, but two of these hippo-head-cake-pans to me. Our shipment was already on its way, so these were hand carried to a new oven, on the other side of the world. My friend told me that she and her sons spotted a large basket with animal-head-cake-pans in a department store. They turned the basked up side down... looking for hippos, only to find two. They were a bit disappointed, but they should not have been. The fact that they found one, is already precious to me, not to mention two. I have not made any hippo-head-cakes yet, but I will do so very soon. Dear Divya, thank you for introducing me to hippo-head-cake-pans, I did not know they exist. I knew about hippo-cookie-cutters... this was a very nice surprise to me! I am still missing you so very much. But also very grateful that our paths have crossed. I know we will find ways to see each other, no matter where we will live. 

Kissing Hippos

As I was roaming around in one of my favorite shopping malls in Bangkok (JJ Mall), a funny looking black and white cow drew my attention, and pulled me into a tiny shop full of animal paintings. Not long after, I was ordering a large painting with eight hippos (see post: Hippo Night Watch). While discussing the details, this cow kept staring at me, making me wonder whether they would make a hippo. Of course they would! After a few weeks, I came back to pick up my painting, and my funny looking "cow-look-alike-hippo", who turned out to be orange, like all the hippos in the painting. Then, I saw another hippo (purple) on the ground... next to the cow, that started  it all. "What? You made two hippos?" How could I leave the shop, knowing there was still another hippo left... so I ended up going home with a large painting, and TWO "cut-out-of-hard-board" hippos. I convinced myself, I would find a place for all of them... The purple one had a tail, a bit too tiny for my taste, so that was being fixed on the spot. I did not have the idea about them kissing when I saw them in the shop, but when I had to hang them.... there seemed to be no better way... At the moment they are still packed and stored, as we have moved, and I do not have the space to display them, but who knows, in our next home they will be touching each other again... kissing (or about to...) like in this photo, or maybe switch them around so they will be "touching butts" for a change ;-).

jano_ole@yahoo.co.th

Hippo Baby Bank

Time for some "hippo-cuteness" after these last two scary posts. Let me introduce you to the second Hippo-Bank on my blog (first one, see post: Marius), my one and only Hippo-Baby-Bank. Unfortunately, not much I can say about this, as I have no idea how I got it. All I know is that I have had it for a long time already.

What? Don't you think my back is cute? OK, what about the front then?

Scary Hippo - Part Two

While writing the previous post, I remembered I have another scary hippo in my collection. I find the number of interpretations by artists of one single animal so fascinating. From cute and cuddly to flat out scary, and everything in between. I found this mug in a store in Bangkok, and almost did not buy it, because it looks too scary. Like the hippo in the previous post, the fact that it was a hippo, won me over. If possible, I always buy two mugs, one for the collection, and one to use. Of this particular mug, they only had one, so I do not use it. But if they had two, I wonder whether I would.... because holding this mug by its scary hippo head is not very inviting... especially in the morning, when I really do need my coffee... I prefer a mug with a friendlier hippo face ;-).

But I do love this mug. I think it is great that somebody can make a hippo you almost can hear roaring: "Don't you dare touch me!"

The Hippo Has Landed!

Normally I do not buy toy-hippos made of plastic for myself. Often, I get them as presents... but sometimes I just can't help myself. I found this hippo in a tiny gift shop in a hospital in Bangkok. I looked at it for some time, because it was a toy.... made of plastic.... and looking a bit scary. But the fact that it was a hippo, won eventually. I had the idea of making it look like it just landed on the railing of my balcony. After trying different poses, I liked this angle best, but not all feet did fit on the railing. The fact that the hippo was actually too large to fit precisely on the railing, turned out to be just the right thing. Because now it looks like he is just holding on with the toes of his hind foot. Making it look very plausible that hippos can fly, land on the railing of your balcony and scare you! 

One Hundred!

Time for a mini-celebration! And before you get any ideas... I did not get one hundred hippopotamuses, but this is the One Hundredth post on my blog :-). This blog was initially mend to be a personal archive, as I started to forget how certain items became part of my collection. But then I got to know the International Hippopotamus Society (www.hippos.com) and I never could have imagined how that would impact my life and this blog. I feel my blog is not only an archive anymore but it has also become a vehicle for sharing Hippo-Happiness! I was very curious to see what would come up through Google Images, if I searched for: Hundred Hippos. And this wonderful picture surfaced... with that exact title. You can order a print on www.redbubble.com. It represents the One-Hundred-Hippo-Posts, it reflects my feeling of being part of a huge, wonderful and caring bloat and as you can see... there is room for many more... hippos and posts ;-)!

I know there are quite a number of loyal followers of my blog. Thank you for making it so much fun for me to keep posting! And to the occasional visitor: I hope you will, after reading some of my posts, love hippos too. 

Pincherette (hip) Pos

I considered to call this post: "Welcome to the USA, part two", because this was another surprise gift that found its way to our new home. A very nicely decorated (with hippos, of course) little box was delivered. My daughters rolled their eyes and gave me "you-must-be-kidding" look, together with the "More hippos? Really?" and "Let me guess... another hippo!" remarks. I never would have guessed to find such a wonderful hippo-gift. A vintage pincherette ashtray. To be honest, I was not familiar with this kind of ashtray. Only after using Google, I found out that the cigarettes are placed in the hippo's mouth, explaining the name "Pincherette" (I know, a lot of catching up to do... especially on fancy hippo-items like this ;-)). This ashtray will not be used as ashtray, but it will spend the rest of its life as "fancy-hippo-decoration". Dear David, thank you so much for this perfect gift. You must have remembered the remark about me being a "Human Magpie"... absolutely loving everything bling-blingy and shiny. You couldn't have given these Pincherette Pos a better home! 

Welcome to the USA!

A few months ago, we moved to the United States of America. We ended up in a lovely house in a very nice neighborhood. During the first few weeks, many neighbors came to our house to introduce themselves and welcome us with home made pies and cookies! I had seen this being done in movies... but it never occurred to me that people actually (still) do this. A very nice surprise for all of us. Although we have left many friends behind in Asia, it is nice to live closer to many of my hippo-friends. And it were a few very special hippo-friends that made us feel even more welcome. Not long after we moved in, this wonderful Limoges (hippo) Box was delivered. A "Welcome-to-the-USA" gift. For this photograph I laid it down, because I wanted to show the inside of this pretty box as well. It is not only a very nice piece, it is also my first Limoges Box. Dear Sheila and John, thank you for sending this lovely gift, welcoming us to your country, your amazing friendship.... and for making all of us laugh so much! Dart gun anyone? ;-)

Shaking Hippos

And what did you think? Hippos living in Antarctica... shaking because they are cold? Or did you think about shaking real hippos, to wake them up? Most likely, you saw the picture first, and already knew this is about (hippo) salt and pepper shakers! Another first. As a collector, I am clearly an amateur, because I know of some "professional" collectors, having a Hippo-Salt-and-Pepper-Shakers-Collection, as part of their hippo collection. Apparently I have always looked in the wrong places, because I could not find them. I was so happy when I could buy my first set during the the Annual International  Hippopotamus Society Convention / Reunion, taking place in Denver, Colorado - USA, September 2012. Unfortunately, I can't remember who brought them, so if you read this, please let me know. I would like to be able to thank you personally for bringing these shakers. You really made my day. And then, that same year, I got a set of lovely salt and pepper shakers as a Christmas gift (see post: Keep Out?) So who knows, maybe it will not be long, before I have a Hippo-Salt-and-Pepper-Shakers-Collection too!

Beads of Beauty

When you know somebody is a collector, it makes things easy and difficult at the same time. Easy, because you always know what to get that person for birthdays and or special occasions. Difficult, because of the stress: "Does he or she has this already?" "Would he or she like this?" And what if you can't find anything at all? For my parents in law it is particularly difficult, because they are living so far away, so "casually-checking-out-what-Lien-already-has" is not really possible for them. And adding to this... hippos are not very easy to find. To me, it makes hippo presents in general very special, because I know it takes some effort and special attention. This beaded beauty was a gift for my birthday this year, a real treat! Dear Zwany and Jan, thank you for giving me this lovely hippo present. And just for the record: No! I did not have it yet, and Yes! I love it very much!

Are you coming along, or what?

At least one reader of my blog will recognize this hippo immediately! I had brought two of them to Denver, last year, to give away during the Hippo-Games (see posts: Maryann and Hipporita Time). I had bought this hippo for myself some time ago at the Chatuchak (JJ) Market in Bangkok, Thailand. I thought it would make a perfect gift for the game. When I came back to this shop I found two more hippos, and decided to buy them both (I felt bad to split them up ;-)). I made several pictures at different angles of my own hippo, but I liked this pose best. It looks like he wants to say: Are you coming along, or what? Dear Diane, I am very happy they have found a loving home. Just now,  I think it is more likely that my hippo is turning its head and greets you: Sa wa dee kaaahhhh!

Kong Fu Po

Every collector knows that "the find" can show up at any, and often, most unexpected places. A long time ago, I was doing some grocery shopping in an "Asian Supermarket". A rather dodgy looking place, with freezers scattered all over the place and only a few working tube lights. But it was the best place to find a great assortment of Indonesian chilly pastes, frozen shrimps and egg noodles. While zigzagging around freezers and piles of boxes, I found this hippo, just sitting there, between the bottles of oyster sauce and "long-life" noodles. Made in China, and lost? It was a very surreal sight, I could not believe my eyes. It looks rather fancy but it is made of a very light-weight kind of plastic. If it were ceramic and larger, it could easily have been the center piece of my collection, because the details and colors are quite nice. Now, it is part of the "plastic-pod"... standing out, because it is definitely the most beautiful plastic-y one. Maybe I should create a "curiosity-pod"... first member: Kong Fu Po. 

Soap or Bacon?

These two hand carved hippos from Kenya, are made out of talc. In this form better known in English as Soapstone. I do not know when or where I bought them. The only thing I can remember is that they came from Christmas markets in Germany, just like the previously posted sleeping hippo (see post: Nilpferd), but of which city or cities, I forgot. If I feel figurines (especially large ones) made out of this particular stone, it is not too difficult for me to imagine why it is called Soapstone. This made me wonder why in Dutch it is called "Speksteen", which would translate as "Bacon-stone" to English. I don't see or feel anything "bacon" about them.... It could be that the smoothness of the stone, made Dutch people think of a piece of greasy bacon? Maybe the color? Maybe they were hungry, and thought of food all the time? Food for thought, I would say. I am sure, these two hippos do not care whether they are made out of soap or bacon, as long as it is the stone, which makes them look beautiful, forever!

Dino-Po

Don't you think its body looks a bit like a large dinosaur egg, too? I found this wonderfully hand made South African hippo in a tiny shop, about 10 years ago in Utrecht, The Netherlands. We were about to move abroad, almost everything was packed already. While doing some last minute shopping, I stumbled upon this ceramic beauty, and couldn't resist. At home, I did not bother to unpack it, and put it in the "hippo-box" (to be stored) right away. It would be a few years later that we decided to have our things in storage, shipped to our new home in Indonesia. I was so happy to see my collection again, but to finally unpack this "new" hippo, was an extra treat. I call this post Dino-Po... but I think I will have to come up with a more arty or cozy sounding name. On the other hand... it is one of the very few hippos in my collection, feeling like a dinosaur egg, when you hold it... not that I have ever held one, but let's just say.... a huge egg! Oh well, Dino-Po it is!!

Hippo Birthday Painting

This hippo painting came together with another hippo-present. You can find that present on this blog, see post: Hippe (Potamus) the Hippo-Head. My dear friend, who made the hippo head, decided to make a painting. "I thought about a happy birthday card" she said "but, then I thought it would be more fun to make a painting". This kind of casual remarks make me so jealous, because only gifted and creative artists like her can make it sound like it is the easiest thing to do. Not for me. I don't know how to hold a brush and my ceramic art achievements exist of an odd looking ash tray and a candle holder, made in primary school. Worst part: they both look similar.... just to put things in perspective here. 

Painting made by Mrs. Anneke van der Zijden - Steenmeijer 

Hippe, waar bèèèèèèèèèn je??? Is Dutch for: Hippe, where aaaaaare you??? Hippe, of course being the hippo head. This painting is made for my 36th birthday by the absolute coolest hippo-artist I know. Dear Anneke, missing you and Hans very much. La Douce France is a little bit closer, now we have moved, but still not close enough to enjoy your company more often. Don't forget to "kiss the (your) cook" ;-).

Flea Market Find

It is time for another: First! This lovely marble hippo figurine is my very first flea market find! I love roaming around at flea markets, always on the look out for hippos. But they are not easy to find. I remember the guy asking seven and a half Dutch guilders for it (pre-Euro-era... a very long time ago, indeed ;-)). I also remember that it was one of my first bargaining attempts. As I had no idea what I wanted to pay, I simply told the guy it was too expensive. "OK, five guilders then (around five US$)" the guy said. I was so happy! Finally, I found a hippo... and I (sort of) bargained!! The only "problem" with this figurine is that the head is heavier than its body, so it does not take much to make it tilt forward. I just realized it is also my first hippo made of marble. A "double-first-hippo". I don't have many of those.

Gloria (again)

As you already might have read, I just love Gloria (see post: Hollywood Hippos). When the movie Madagascar 3 was released in Bangkok (June 2012), I went with a group of seven to the cinema. We all had our sets (drinks with popcorn), but I told them that when the movie was over, I had to get one of those special sets: huge plastic bucket (to be filled with popcorn) and a plastic drinking cup. For the cup they had different lids.... each with a different character of the movie. "Could you please give me a Gloria-lid for my cup? And NO drink" "????" "It is for my collection, and I do not want my cup to become dirty"... things didn't improve with that last remark ;-). But, yes, I got my cup with special lid, including the "you-must-be-weird-look" and another huge bucket of popcorn that was devoured by the rest of the gang... because I was too busy admiring my cute looking Gloria... happy as a hippo!

Kuda Nil

Kuda Nil means (Surprise! Surprise!) "Hippopotamus" in Indonesian. A few years ago, I bought this mug in a department store in Jakarta, Indonesia. It a was rather funny event. While walking in, I almost bumped into an enormous pile of these hippo mugs. It made me a bit suspicious, I really thought they had to get rid of them or something. I circled around the pile a few times, but I could not find any evidence of a clearance sale or special promotion going on. Just there, in the middle of the "kitchen-ware-household-department", displayed as newly arrived item. The only thing missing was a sign saying: Get one today! NO household can do without! 

As always (if I have the chance) I bought two of them. I am very lucky I did so. Unfortunately, the quality of these mugs is not very good, the one I used chipped very easily and the color of the paint also faded a bit. So I still have the "spare" one for my collection. I always handle it with extra care. 

In hindsight I should have bought the whole pile, as it would have been great to have shared them with my fellow hippo collectors. But at that time, I did not have the honor to know them. All I can do now, is ask my Indonesian friends to keep an eye out for me! 

Hippo-Head-Candle-Holder

Thailand is not only famous for its silk, but also for its ceramics. The most famous one is called: Bencharong, colorful and wonderfully hand painted pieces (google images for an impression). The other more modest looking one is called Celadon (www.baanceladon.com). Pieces are easily recognized, as they have one color only (emerald green, white, blue or brown) and a crackled glaze. Most of the time the decoration is carved into the pieces but sometimes parts are painted too. Some time ago, I bought a few wonderfully hand made bowls in a shop of a Cultural Center (near Kanchanaburi). I like those very much. To be honest, I am not much of a fan of the Celadon that you can find in department stores and souvenir shops, as it is mass produced in factories. But of course, as always, there is an exception... and this exception comes in the form of a (very much mass produced ;-)) Hippo-Head-Candle-Holder. As the elephant is Thailand's national animal, all animal related items are almost always elephants. To find anything "hippo" is very, very unusual. I wonder for how much longer the department stores will carry them. I hope... indefinitely! 

Didi

Even though my dearest friend Albina is not particularly fond of hippos, she has brought many beautiful ones from Tanzania, including one that was custom made for me (see post: Kiboko). I also showed the bottle opener (see post: Hippo-Opener) and I still have 2 more lovely paintings to share in future posts. This wooden figurine is one of my favorites. I love it because you can clearly see that the artist has a good sense of humor, making a hippo sitting like this. And if you look closely, it even does have a bit of an attitude :-). It did not have a name until now, but I have decided to call her Didi. Didi means: older sister, in Nepali. As my friend is older and like a sister to me, I always call her Didi. At some point she started to call me Didi too.... So this figurine is named after both of us! Dear Didi, we can't wait to finally visit your home country next year. Of course I am excited to see many hippos in the wild, empty the handicraft shops and get the best coffee in the world. But most of all, we all love to see you, Mr. Bo and Ms. Patty again, it has been way too long. Little wooden Didi will have to do till then. 

Hippomallow

After three years we have left Bangkok. I am missing Thailand already. The food and the smells, but most of all our dear friends. We are meeting a lot of nice people already, so I am sure our stay in the USA will be wonderful too. Going through my pictures, I found this one. Marshmallows... hippo style. Unfortunately, the taste and texture are not that great (to my taste), but the packaging could not be better. I am not sure if they are for sale here in the USA, but if you fancy any, head to Bangkok, Gourmet Market. I do not know why they are called Mallow Plus. On the other hand... the smiling blue hippo is definitely a plus!

Wobbly-Hippo-Head

If you have been in a taxi in Asia, you have seen the "wobbly" figurines... decorating almost every dashboard. In Thailand, the Maneki-neko, or "lucky-cat-with-waving-paw", Hello Kitty and flowers (in a pot with "dancing" leaves) are very popular. Then, there are the occasional dog and lion, but I have never seen a hippo. I know they exist because I have one! No idea how I got it, the only thing I know is that it is in my collection for a very long time. It is just a silly toy, but I can't help myself. Every time I see it, I just have to touch his head. Not everybody who sees my collection, notices him, but if they do.... his head must wobble!

P.s. I just learned from my dear friend Sheila, that these toys are actually called Bobbleheads! Thank you for letting me know. So the last sentence of my post should be: .... his head must bobble!

Eau d' Hippo

This post is not about a recently launched celebrity fragrance and it is also not about the smell of hippos, but it is about water and about hippos! Last year, I shared the story about the opening of the Hippopotamus Grill Restaurant in Bangkok (see post: Hippopotamus Grill Restaurant). Unfortunately, the chain does not sell any merchandise anymore. The only thing they have are specially labeled bottles of water. I do not know whether all branches of this chain do have this, or that it is only here in Thailand. It certainly gives the dining experience a very nice touch. Of course I was a bit disappointed I could not buy anything else, but I was happy to bring a few bottles home. Who wouldn't want to have something special at home to offer to guests... Hippo-Water anyone?

Blue Blob

Some time ago, I already shared my one and only hippo printed on silk (see post: Wood Cut on Silk Screen) by Mr. Sitthisak Natheechaichana. He is not only a talented wood carver but also a very accomplished painter. He loves to mix and match colors in his abstract work and he likes to paint animals, mainly cats. I thought it would be nice, not only to have a printed hippo but a painted one by him as well. I really love the colors and the enormous smile on this hippo's face, so I was very happy. Coming home, my husband looked at it and said: "I do not like it, it looks like a huge blue blob to me..." Appreciate artistic looking hippos much? Ha ha. Well, you can't always agree on everything. Luckily there are a few other hippo paintings that he does like. The funny thing is, the remark "blue blob", kept coming back in my head. I couldn't come up with a better name for this painting. So, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you.... The Blue Blob!

Super(hippo)model

According to Wikipedia, the term supermodel refers to a highly-paid fashion model, who usually has a worldwide reputation and often a background in haute couture and commercial modeling. All this does not apply at all to the model I love to work with as a photographer, but he is a supermodel to me! I already featured him on this blog (see post: Boris), showing a travel bag. From time to time, I am experimenting with camera settings. It is already difficult to get children or pets to sit perfectly still for a few seconds... let alone for any time longer than five minutes. Luckily, Boris never runs out of patience and does not need to be bribed ;-). I converted this photo to black and white because I did not want any distraction from colors. I just love how contrasts and textures appear... making Boris look ultra fluffy!

Hippo Puzzle

My collection started as a Hippo-Figurine-Only-Collection. Slowly but surely other hippo-items made their way to my house. Hippo-mugs, hippo-banks, hippo-socks, hippo-soap-trays, hippo-soft-toys... hippo-anything! At some point I even had a little hippo-mushroom-brush... Some years ago, as space was limited, I decided not to collect any hippo-(soft)-toys anymore. Many toys found their way to orphanages, schools and friends. Except this three-part-wooden-hippo-puzzle.... it survived many "clean ups". Somehow, I grew very attached to it. Therefore, I have convinced (at least) myself that it falls into the category: puzzles, and not in the one of toys... Self deception can feel so good... once in a while ;-). I forgot how I got it, but I am determined to keep it. So when you are visiting me and suddenly feel the urge to solve a hippo-puzzle, I have just the thing for you. No peaking! :-)

Hippo-Opener

A few years ago, my dear friends brought this bottle opener for me from Tanzania, together with  some other hippo-presents. I liked it very much but to be very honest, looking at the two screws, I had my doubt whether it would work. So, for a rather long time I did not use it and kept it in the cabinet, together with the rest of my collection. Of course, that day came... I needed a bottle opener and couldn't find one, so I took out "the hippo". I found out that it works perfectly, is easy to use and on top of that so much more fun than one of those "normal" openers! Dear Mr. Bo and Didi, my apologies for doubting your lovely present. The good thing is: every bottle is now opened with "the hippo", while thinking of you. Sometimes, I can almost hear it say: "you see how easy this is?" I can't wait to see you all soon, it has been way too long.... and yes, you have all the right to tell me "told you so!"

Hipporita Time

The second round prize of the "Hippo Games", I already described in the post: Maryann. Time to show you my first round prize. As you can see, it is a small painting made by a fellow hippo lover and great artist Adelaide Prentice. For those of you paying attention to detail, you've already noticed that the glass is not a "Margarita glass" but a "Martini glass". I choose this glass, because of its light purple shade, perfectly matching the color of the hippo on the painting. Since both drinks are associated with parties... I thought it would be OK. It's Hipporita Time indeed, cheers! Dear Ade, thank you for bringing this lovely prize for the Hippo Games. It has found a good home. I am looking forward to see you again in Branson!

Bloat in Bag

Every photographer has a favorite object, model or field. My favorite objects and models are not hard to guess. You might think my favorite field would be product photography or nature, but I am more specialized in documentary photography and human development. Of course, when a friend asks for help, in this case making photographs of a travel bag for a website, I'll help out. I took a lot of photos of every angle and detail of the bag, so he had a large collection to choose from. The only "problem" with this friend is that he does not understand my affection for hippos. So, I took some extra photos... one with a large hippo (see post: Boris) and one with a whole bunch of them. Just to show him that his bag can also be used to transport or house hippos... but most of all, to show him that his travel bag looks much more fun with a bloat!

Petit Popotame

Last year, our dear friend Jo visited us. I already mentioned the hippo he brought back from a short trip to his brother, who lives in Hong Kong (see post: Hippo Jo). But he also gave me my first hippo from Paris. A "sweet-looking-fridge-magnet-carrying-daisies" hippo. It has to be mentioned that Jo currently lives in Kenya.... hippo heaven! And he "complains" that he is seeing hippos everywhere... such hardship ;-). I do not know when we will see each other again, but should I visit him, I will have to bring some extra suitcases, as he already told me he has some great ideas about all the hippos I will have to bring back! Petit in French means: small. Popotame is how very small children in France would say: hippopotame (hippopotamus). Popotame sounds cute and daisies make anything look cute, so.... voilà!

Hippo Night Watch

Very close to the Chatuchak or JJ Weekend Market in Bangkok - Thailand, you can find one of my favorite shopping malls: JJ Mall. The JJ Weekend Market is only open (you guessed it right!) during the weekend. The JJ Mall is a 3 story shopping mall, open every day of the week. In the basement I spotted a small shop full with paintings of animals. A large painting with eight cats caught my attention. Eight cute cats sitting on a highway in the moonlight, with in the background skyscrapers and party lights. A very cool painting... I did not buy. I do have to mention it though, because it was that cat painting, that sparked the idea for a painting that I ordered.

"Excuse me? Could you make a similar painting, only not with cats but with hippos? Oh... and I do like the moonlight and the stars, but I would like a painting without the skyscrapers and party lights.... and also maybe not eight hippos on the road...."  

jano_ole@yahoo.co.th

And what a great job the artist did! Thank you Ole, for painting the cutest "Night Watch" ever!

The Hippopotamus and the Pygmy Goat

A few months ago, I bought a wonderful book called: Unlikely Friendships (check out this link). This book is about interspecies friendships. Of the forty seven stories, two are about hippos. One story I already knew (see post: Owen and Mzee), a remarkable story about the friendship between an orphaned baby hippo called Owen and Mzee, a very old Aldabra giant tortoise. 

The other hippo-story was new to me. A friendship between (again) an orphaned baby hippo called Humphrey and a Cameroon mountain goat (also called a pygmy goat). I love the part of the story where they describe Humphrey trying to climb anything, imitating his dear friend. And just before Humphrey is transferred to a private reserve somewhere else, he was discovered to be.... a she! The whole book is an amazing read. But of course, the hippo stories are my favorite ones! 

Hippo Crisps

It has been a long time since I wrote something about the: Hippo-Happiness shared by friends, mentioned in the introduction of my blog. It is about time, because many friends have been sending me a lot of hippo related messages. One of my friends even has a folder in her phone: Lien Hippo. She stores all the hippo related messages she gets. Often I hear her say: "...and I am not even the one collecting them, but they keep sending me stuff!!!" Makes me chuckle every time. "Finally something in Indian Market for you" she wrote to me. When I received this message, I immediately forwarded it to my fellow hippo-collectors. One of them asked whether the crisps are hippo-shaped? Looking at the picture, I do not think so. But one has to be sure. And how do they taste? All very important questions that need to be answered! Dear Divya, could you, in name of very important research ;-), ask you hubby to bring back some "Crispy-Hippos", next time he visits India?

Hide it in the Hippo!

To be honest, I do not hide anything in any of those drawers, but I know for children (it is a toy after all...) it would be a good place to put their "treasures". I saw it some years ago on display in the window of one of those China-Town-Whole-Sale shops. With: "one of those", I mean shops where you do not impress anybody with orders of less than five hundred pieces. I went inside to ask for the price. The first thing the sales woman told me: "Sorry, only have one!" I told her I was very happy with only one. I think she was happy to get rid of it, because she did not give me the: "you-are-a-bad-customer" look... only giving me the: "you-are-weird-I-feel-sorry-for-you" smile (same smile I sometimes get when I tell people I collect hippos :-)). I normally do not buy these kind of things for my collection. Most of the time I buy figurines made out of wood, bronze or stone. But sometimes, it is  nice to buy something "hippo-y" just for the fun of it. This "spontaneous" splurge costed me a little less than three US$. Sometimes, happiness comes with small and unexpected things or.... hidden in hippos!  

Hippo JJ

About 3 years ago, I met my friends at the Art Section of the JJ Weekend Market (Bangkok - Thailand) for the first time. Mostly painters, but also a very nice artist named Chatchai Suvannachot, who is making metal sculptures. He and his wife have 2 shops at the market (KC Gold Gallery). As you can guess, they display a lot of different animals like horses, dragons, deer, birds and fish.... but no hippos. So I ordered a hippo.... about 3 years ago... but never saw one... as the artist is very busy with large orders. Good for their business of course, but not good for my collection ;-). But then... finally.... last week, my hippo was ready. A belated birthday gift, they told me... and apologies for  having to wait sooo long. Of course, they were forgiven on the spot. Nothing else I could do after falling in love with it at first sight! 

kcgold_gallery@yahoo.com

Hippo Notepads

Some time ago, I found a packet with two notepads... hippo shaped! Only one left that day. Unfortunately no "refills" between future visits. So I went to the website, and sent this lovely Thai Paper Design Studio (PuBB Pa Do WuBB) a kind but urgent message ;-). Would they be so kind to inform me where I could buy more of these packs (as one is certainly not enough :-)). 

They responded very promptly and very kindly that I could order via their e-mail as many packs as I needed... To my surprise it turned out that these notepads come in yellow and green too! Very funny to mention, the company asked whether it was OK for them to mix the colors for my order. I told them that was OK, as long as they would not mix in any other animals!!! A very nice contact person: Khun Nattida (likes hippos too!), perfect and prompt service and within a few days an "any-color-only-hippo" order (including a sweet present) delivered at my door. Sometimes life is just Hippo-Perfect!

PuBB Pa Do WuBB

La Mama

Time for another hippo-painting! I noticed that several of my artist friends at the JJ weekend market (Bangkok - Thailand), master different painting styles. I think it is hard to believe that Mr. Monchai Kosolpradit made both "The Ninth" (see post: The Ninth) AND the painting below. The painting is a copy of a photo found on the internet. He sent me several, and I told him I liked this one best. The baby looks super cute and the details of the mums head are amazing. It is definitely one of those photos I wished I made myself. I hope the photographer recognizes his/her work one day, and will contact me..... In the meantime, I will try finding out who the photographer is, and of course where these cuties live. If I manage, I will put all the information here. I hope the photographer will be even more proud of this amazing shot, it being the inspiration for a wonderful painting by a great artist.

Flipping a Hippo?

Not very easy, but you could flip this hippo if you wanted to! This is a very special (only 500 are made) silver hippo-coin, made in the Republic of Niger in 2012. As the box and coin rightly state: Magnifique Animaux Africains, which means: Magnificent African Animals. On the coin they put a real citrine. Citrine is a quartz crystal whose color ranges from pale yellow to brown (interesting fact: the name is derived from Latin citrina which means "yellow"). 

The coin was a gift from a fellow hippopotamus - collector to many fellow-hippo-lovers. I felt a bit overwhelmed receiving such a generous gift, because I did not have the pleasure of knowing him at all at that time. Dear Richard, thank you very much again for this special gift, the beautiful hippo (the colors and details still amaze me, every time I see it) and fond memories. And of course... when it is going to be flipped one day, I will call "Heads" or in this case "Hippo" for sure!

Hippo-Ring

SugarHead BKK is the company that designed this hippo-ring. They design brass, gold plated and enamel (and according to them the coolest) jewelry. The ring is huge and rather heavy. Not very surprising... we are talking about a hippo-head, mind you :-). The hairband with pink flowers makes her look very cute. When I saw it, I thought about the fact that it is not very practical to wear such a ring, but I could not resist. One has to have some fun sometimes. Also, it is not very often that you find cool hippo-jewelry. So "Bye Bye!" to practicality.... and "Hello!" to unpractical, beautiful and funny hippo-accessories!

Hippo "Moo"

There are many places here in Bangkok, where you can find animal figurines carved out of buffalo horn. Sometimes on sidewalks, sometimes in shops. Of course, I always had to check whether they have a hippo, but never had any luck. It so happens that there is such a shop in the Art-Section, at the Chatuchak (JJ) Weekend Market, not far from where my friends sell their paintings. The owner of the shop said that he never made a hippo in his life but if I had an example, he could copy it. The result is this black beauty! I love it very much. I think also due to the fact that I know, there are no other buffalo-horn-hippos around. It looks heavy, but because of the material it is very light weighted. I just decided that "Moo" would be a suitable name for this newest addition to the bloat!