The Åland Islands ~ Viking Line Gabriella ~

... Nice ship view... Viking Line is a public limited company and a market-leading brand in passenger traffic on the northern Baltic Sea... it offers passenger services, recreation and cargo carrier services... Gabriella operates the Stockholm–Helsinki route with a stop in Mariehamn where this postcard was cancelled... and with great matching M/S Gabriella Viking Line ship stamp and special postmark👍... must have been a bit weird with only 300 people onboard on a ship for over 2000 passengers... Thanks a lot Sam for thinking of me while traveling...¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Hope you enjoyed your stay in " cold" Europe!🙂

The Åland islands are located in the northern part of the Baltic Sea and consists of more than 6.700 islands situated midway between Sweden and Finland. Although the people of Åland speak Swedish, this autonomous territory is part of Finland. Mariehamn is the capital of the Åland Islands.

The  M/S Gabriella Viking Line ship was built in 1992 and currently sailing under the flag of Finland. Her length overall  is 171,2 meters and her width is 27,6 meters.The ship has a max capacity of 2400 passengers and 400 cars. 

 

Stamp: 

Ships - Passenger Ferries 

(Issued 01-06-2009)

AUSTRIA ~ Schönbrunn Palace - Vienna - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of one of the most impressive and well preserved Baroque ensembles of its kind in Europe... the palace features over 1,440 rooms, 40 of which can be visited, and is the largest palace in Austria... there are two magnificent gardens that are filled with various sculptures, fountains, and pavilions... whether you're looking for a romantic stroll or simply want to soak up some culture, the Schonbrunn Palace is an unforgettable experience... probably the most popular tourist attraction in Vienna: the palace and associated attractions pull in over three million visits each year... with nice palace garden stamp...Thanks a lot Monika! (✿◠‿◠)

The Schonbrunn Palace was originally built as a hunting lodge for the Habsburg dynasty beginning in the 16th century. Before it became a palace, Schonbrunn was owned by members of the Habsburg family for centuries. In 1683, Emperor Leopold I remodeled it and added a formal garden with terraces and fountains. 

By the turn of the 18th century, Maria Theresa had taken over control of the palace from her father. She ordered extensive renovations to be done and turned it into an opulent summer residence for the Imperial family. During this period, many of the existing Baroque structures were constructed and vast gardens were established around the palace grounds.  After the passing of Maria Theresa in 1780, Schönbrunn Palace saw no use until Emperor Franz II  came to power during the early 1800s. 

When plans for the Congress of Vienna began forming in 1814/15, it became apparent that renovations were sorely needed at Schönbrunn if it was going to meet modern standards. Under court architect Johann Aman's supervision and with a refurbished façade, this palace acquired its famous look which still stands today.  In 1918, after World War I ended, Schonbrunn Palace was seized by the Republic of Austria and declared a state property.

In 1996, UNESCO added the palace and gardens to their World Heritage List.
 

Stamps: 

2020 Definitives - Traditional Costumes 

(Issued 01-04-2020)

Definitives - Plants 

(Issued 14-02-2024)

Schönbrunn Castle Garden

(Issued ???)

AUSTRIA ~ United Nations Office - Vienna ~

... Great postcard sent from the United Nations Vienna... this group of UN Building Cluster are located along the banks of Danube River... although Vienna is comparably small it hosts 18 UN organisations, around 4,000 UN officials, and runs more than 2,000 conferences and meetings each year... only the United Nations is permitted to issue postage stamps, even though it is an organization and not a country or a territory... the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) is the only postal authority that issues stamps in three different currencies: U.S. dollars, Swiss francs and euros... Thanks a lot Olga! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

One of four United Nations Headquarters world wide, Vienna became the third UN Headquarters in 1980, after New York and Geneva. (Nairobi joined later on as the fourth headquarters.) The office complex is part of the Vienna International Centre, a cluster of several major international organizations. 

Even before that, international UN organisations such as the United Nations Organisation for Industrial Development (UNIDO) or the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had moved their operations to Vienna in the Fifties and Sixties.

Stamp:

The 45th Anniversary of the Vienna International Center 

(Issued 23-08-2024)

GABON ~ Mission Church of St Anne de Fernan Vaz ~

... Another great new African country to add to my collection😀👍... a lovely church view with a great story behind... the church was designed and built in the Parisian workshops of Gustave Eiffel and transported in pieces to St. Anne where it was built in 1889... bought by Mrs. Bichet, who offered it to her son, then a priest at the mission... located on the edge of a lagoon, visitors who approach by the river have their first glimpse of the Mission by the church spire rising above the canopy... one is immediately struck by the surrounding atmosphere of peace and tranquility due in part to the isolation of the site... nowadays, the mission is run by the Edith Stein Institute and is taught by West African teacher.... as for most of my African received postcards I donated money to the "Bookfeeding Project" a charity that buys children's books for local libraries💙... Thanks a lot Alena!【ツ】 

The nation of Gabon straddles the equator on the west coast of Central Africa. It is bordered by Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon,  the Republic of the Congo and the Atlantic Ocean. Libreville (free town) is the capital and largest city of Gabon.

In 1885 France occupied Gabon and made it part of French Equatorial Africa in 1910. Gabon would be part of this group until 1960 when it gained its independence.

 Photo: M. Davalan

Stamps:

Locomotives from Around the World 

(Issued 10-12-2000)

Nice detail: 

This African stamp is showing the belgian locomotive passenger transport network !😊

SCOTLAND ~ Paisley Abbey -

... Beautiful view of one of western Scotland's greatest abbeys when founded and it still impresses today... located in the heart of Paisley... a stunning example of Gothic architecture, has stood here for over 850 years, holding deep historical and cultural significance and awe-inspiring architecture... while its grand arches, stained glass, and historic ties to the Stewart dynasty draw many visitors, one of its most intriguing features is its collection of grotesques and gargoyles... they serve both a practical and symbolic role in architecture in medieval times... among them, a peculiar "Alien" sculpture has gained widespread attention, sparking curiosity about its origins and the craftsmanship behind these fascinating figures... Big Thanks Andrene!! \_(♥‿♥)_/ (here the weather is finally starting to get a bit nicer, hope in Scotland too🌞)

Photo: © Roman Michnowicz Founded in 1163 by Walter Fitzalan, the first High Steward of Scotland, Paisley Abbey was originally a Cluniac monastery. Over the centuries, it became a major religious and intellectual hub, known for its connections to Scottish royalty, including the Stewart dynasty.

Over time, the abbey suffered damage, especially during the Scottish Reformation, but restoration efforts in the 19th and 20th centuries have helped preserve its grandeur.

 

Stamp: 

Definitives - King Charles III

(Issued 04-04-2023)

COSTA RICA ~ FOTW ~

...Nice flag view from the FOTW postcard series... the flag was officially adopted in 1848 inspired by the French Tricolore to represent liberty, equality, and fraternity.... the dark blue represents the sky, idealism, opportunities and perseverance... the white stripes represent peace, wisdom, and happiness... the red stands for the blood spilled by martyrs defending the country, as well as the warmth and generosity of the Costa Ricans... Thanks a lot Aloy!¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

Costa Rica literally meaning "Rich Coast" is a small country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and Ecuador. Its capital is San José.

Costa Rica’s history dates back to pre-Columbian times, with indigenous peoples like the Caribs, Borucas, and Chorotegas inhabiting the region. Christopher Columbus was the first European to land in Costa Rica during his final voyage to the New World in 1502.

 

Stamps:

Towards the 200th Anniversary of Independence 

(Issued 12-09-2019)

Authors of Costa Rica 

(Issued 25-10-2022)

SRI LANKA ~ Nine Arch Bridge - Ella ~

... Great aerial bridge view also known as the "Bridge in the Sky"... a stunning testament to colonial-era engineering nestled amidst lush greenery, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere... located in the small mountain town of Ella... this viaduct is an engineering marvel, with nine arches built entirely of bricks and cement without a single piece of steel... the serene ambiance and the structural grandeur make Nine Arch Bridge a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Sri Lanka's cultural and historical treasures... it is  still used on a daily basis and the train stops on top of the viaduct so you can get off and take photos, definitely the best way to see it... Thanks Ravindra!【ツ】 (will send stamp soon☺️)

Photo: Lithira Buwaneka
The bridge is located on the railroad line between Kandy and Badulla, one of the most picturesque train routes in the world.The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24 meters and forms a viaduct between the Demodara and Ella Railway stations.

History says the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella was fulfilled in 1921. Popular hearsay about the bridge was that when the construction of the bridge started, Britain was getting into the warfare of the Second World War. She had to reallocate the steel assigned for the bridge to the battlefront projects which caused the building process to a standstill. Eventually the locals took on the work and completed it using bricks and cement; without any steel.

Stamps:

Flowers of Sri Lanka 

(Issued 07-10-2016)

The 150th Anniversary of the UPU - Universal Postal Union  

(Issued 09-10-2024)

NORWAY ~ Nordkapp ~

... Great views of Europe’s northernmost point at the latitude of 71° north... the steep mountain cliff topped with a large flat plateau is rising to a magnificent 308 metres above the Barents Sea and marks the end point of the European continent... it used to be a vital orientation point for sailors but is now better known for its spectacular natural beauty and striking globe monument with views out to sea... a majestic landmark that has been challenging explorers, royalty and tourists to the north... today boats, planes and buses make this legendary place a popular destination... with once more the great special and "unique" postmark stamped on the cruise ship to to commemorate an Arctic Circle crossing💙... and as extra bonus this time a fantastic postmark by the North Cape Hall staff from the gift shop... they collects the mail and hand-stamps each postcard with a special Nordkapp postmark before mailing them😍... Big Thanks once more Gian Luca & Raffaella! ! (✿◠‿◠)

Photo: Ole P. Rørvik
Nordkapp  sits on the northern coast of the island of Magerøya and was named by English navigator and arctic explorer Steven Borough, captain of the Edward Bonaventure, who sailed past the cliff in 1553 in search of the Northeast Passage shipping route. In 1664, Italian priest Francesco Negri became the first person known to have traveled to Nordkapp. King Oscar II, Union King of Norway and Sweden, visited in 1873, and in 1956 the first road to Nordkapp was built. Beyond Nordkapp, the Norwegian Sea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, meets the Barents Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean.

In addition to the globe, several other monuments are scattered around Nordkapp. An obelisk honoring King Oscar II sits at one end of the plateau, and the Milestone Monument points out to sea at the other end. Artist Eva Rybakken’s sculpture “Mother and Child” is encircled by the Children of the Earth monument. Children of the Earth was created in 1988 by seven children from different parts of the world who gathered at Nordkapp to illustrate symbols of cooperation, friendship, hope and joy.

 

Stamp:

Domesticated Animals
(Issued 11-06-2021)

North Cape is accessible from the small town of Honningsvåg.

AUSTRALIA ~ Norfolk Island - Kingston - UNESCO ~

... Wonderful aerial view of a remote pristine island paradise in the South Pacific... Kingston is a living showcase of Polynesian, convict and Pitcairn Islander history... also one of the most haunted places in Australia... during the 19th century, this now-peaceful Australian retreat was a convict colony, home to criminals who’d been banished into exile... it was indeed the Hell of the Pacific, a place dominated by death and despair... Britain regarded these colonies as dumping grounds for their overflowing prisons... you can visit the settlement’s remains, an eerie yet beautiful collection that includes a jail, a cemetery, lumbar yard and salt house.. they are revered for their historical significance... with great matching stamp and unique special postmark for the 200th *Anniversary* of NI's Penal Settlement... Thanks a lot Helen!(✿◠‿◠)

Norfolk Island is an Australian territory that was once home to Polynesian settlers who left in the 16th century, and where Captain Cook landed in 1774. Kingston is the capital and main administrative centre.

The island was subject to two periods of penal settlement by Britain: the first from 1788 to 1814, the second from 1825 to 1855. The second penal settlement was intended to turn the island into a “great hulk or penitentiary”, a place of punishment for those recalcitrant male convicts who had reoffended since being deported to the Australian colonies. 

On 6 June 1825, 57 convicts reoccupied the island and by 1834, there were nearly 700 prisoners. They received harsh, inhumane treatment, including floggings, restraint with leg irons, poor food, inadequate housing and hard labour in chain gangs. Between 1828 and 1850, convicts were transported to and from the island on around 40 voyages. 

In 1853, Britain stopped the transportation of prisoners to Van Diemen’s Land, which is where the last of the Norfolk Island convicts were taken in May 1855. By 1855 the island stood empty once more. Never again would it bear witness to penal cruelty and inhumanity. 

In 2010 KAVHA was inscribed on the World Heritage List as one of eleven historic sites that together form the Australian Convict Sites.

 

Stamps:

Bicentenary of the second penal settlement on Norfolk Island 

(Issued 04-02-2025)

Explorers - Sir Paul Edmund de Strzelecki

(Issued 26-09-1983)

ESWANTI ~ Mlilwane wildlife Sanctuary - Lobamba ~

... Plenty lovely views of a Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the picturesque Ezulwini Valley also known as the "Valley of Heavens"... it is Eswatini's pioneer conservation area and a beautiful, secluded sanctuary that has been seeing visitors for decades... a wonderful oasis for wildlife... endless hours of guided or self-guided exploration within the small sanctuary are possible due to the relative absence of dangerous game... walking, cycling and horse riding is permitted and there are many vehicle and walking trails... it is small, the oldest and most visited of the three wildlife sanctuaries... Thanks a lot Alena! (✿◠‿◠)

Photo: Jacques Marais - Big Game Parks Photographic Library
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary covers 4,560 hectares, and its conservation efforts resulted in the saving of over 22 species from local extinction across the three reserves in Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). It was here in 1961 that Ted Reilly – whose father had settled at the property in 1906 – first took action to save what remained of the kingdom’s wildlife, converting it into a sanctuary and rounding up animals from elsewhere around the country before they were hunted out. 

Mlilwane means Little Fire, a reference to the many fires started by lightning strikes on Mlilwane Hill.

Wildlife to be seen include hippo, crocodile, Burchell’s zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, nyala, bushbuck, impala, blesbok, reedbuck, warthog, grey duiker and three species of mongoose and a variety of birdlife. 

 

Stamps

Insects

(Issued 02-04-2012)

Trees of Swaziland

(Issued 23-01-2007)

AUSTRALIA ~Gwion Gwion Figures - Kimberley ~

... Great view of rock art of the First Nations Peoples... this rock art depicts finely painted human figures in elaborate dress with a rich range of artefacts, including clothing, spears, boomerangs, dilly bags and ornaments... they tell of human life and adventures in stunning, elegant fashion... Gwion figures are usually a wine red, a hue that has been described as “cherry” or “mulberry-colored... they are thought to be at least 17,000, perhaps more than 25,000 years old... these paintings, possibly the oldest form of art in the world (and the oldest depictions of humans), are still shrouded in mystery... Thanks Jo!【ツ】 

Photo: Wunambal Aboriginal Corporation
The term “Gwion” refers to a type of figurative pictogram found in northwestern Australia, especially the sandstone of the Kimberley Plateau of the cultural groups of the Wandjina Wunggurr community.

The Gwion Gwion rock art – known also as "the Bradshaws" was named after Joseph Bradshaw, who found them in 1891. Spread over an enormous area, around 50,000km², there are literally hundreds of thousands of gallery sites in the Kimberley of both the ancient Gwion Gwion artwork and Wandjina images that also date back many thousands of years.

Stamp:

Prestamped postcard

NEPAL ~MOTW ~

...Nice postcard from the MOTW series... not really a big fan from all those different "series" postcards... but this design I like... Nepal has the greatest altitude change of any location on Earth.... the lowlands are at sea level and the mountains of the Himalaya are the tallest in the world...the majestic towering peak of Mount Everest rises to 8,850 meters and is the world’s highest peak...  home to eight of the world's ten highest mountains... therefore it is often called "the roof of the World "... Thanks a lot Sara! (✿◠‿◠)

Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia lying along the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountain ranges. It is located between India to the east, south, and west and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north.

Kathmandu is the nation's capital and largest metropolis.

 

Stamps:

Bala Tripura Sundari Temple, Dolpa

(Issued 15-02-2024)

2015 Fewa Lake & Machhapuchchhre, Kaski

(Issued 01-08-2015)

CHILE~ Huerquehue National Park - UNESCO ~

... Pretty nature view... the park is one of the oldest protected wilderness areas in the country... located in the foothills of the Andes... in a rainforest full of araucarias which is affectionately known as the monkey puzzle... this massive tree reaches a height of 80 m and can live more than 3,000 years... considered sacred by the Mapuche which are the indigenous inhabitants of this region... the seeds of the tree were often harvested as a source of food... the park is also known for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes, where hills and valleys contain numerous lakes and lagoons... its name in Mapuche means "place of messengers", which refers to the sounds of the forest one can hear throughout the park... with many wonderful stamps👍...  Thanks a lot Hernan!¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Huerquehue National Park is located near the central midway part of Chile near the border of Argentina. The park encompasses an area of 125 sq km creating one of the smaller national parks within the country.The mountainous landscape varies in elevation from 720 to 2,000 m.

The park is part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of the Araucarias Biosphere Reserve, created by UNESCO in 1983. that protects the tall araucaría trees with their mossy bark. You will also see the native evergreen coigüe trees in the higher regions, along with similar lenga trees. 

Stamps:

Christmas

(Issued 20-11-2018)

Whales at Sea Park Francisco Coloane

(Issued 2024)

Chilean Cartography

(Issued 04-11-2015)

Christmas December

(Issued 2022)

GERMANY ~ Schwerin Castle - UNESCO ~

... Aerial view of a charming and simply gorgeous castle🏰...  situated on an enchanting island in the middle of Lake Schwerin... legend has it that Schwerin Castle has 365 turrets - one for every day of the year... while the exact number might be slightly less, its fairy-tale silhouette dominates the skyline by its numerous towers and spires piercing the sky... it is regarded as one of the most important works of Romantic historicism in Europe... it houses the regional parliament and has a museum which shows a lot of splendour and art... the castle's beautiful gardens are an integral part of its charm... carefully designed to complement the architecture, they offer visitors a peaceful retreat and stunning views of the lake... Thanks Dustin a lot !!(✿◠‿◠)

Photo: Oliver Schmidt
Schwerin is located in northeast Germany, on the southwestern shore of Lake Schwerin, the second-largest lake of the Mecklenburg Lake Plateau and there are eleven other lakes within Schwerin's city limits.

The castles origins date back to the 10th century, when a Slavic castle stood on this site. In the 19th century, under Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II, the castle was given its current neo-Renaissance appearance. It served as a residence for the dukes and grand dukes of Mecklenburg

In 2024, Schwerin Castle added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.

 

Stamp:

World of Letters

(Issued 02-01-2025)

GERMANY ~ Bronze Wolf Statue - Aachen Cathedral ~

....  View of a bronze wolf statue... a relic of the Roman presence in Aachen... he stands guard just inside the entrance of Aachen Cathedral and gives his name to the adjoining main portal, known as "the Wolf's Door"... one of the legends say that the devil agreed to help with the fundraising for the cathedral if he could have the soul of whoever entered first... the towns people decided to trick the devil by placing a wolf in front of the bishop on the day the cathedral officially opened... their game worked, the devil, not looking closely enough, grabbed the wolf’s soul without realizing until after that he had been tricked (note the hole in the wolf's chest)... with lovely stamp of a popular German series of children's books and cute looking first day Wolf postmark... Thanks Dustin a lot!【ツ】

Aachen Cathedral  is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe; ground was first broken for this spectacular building in 796 AD and it was consecrated in the year 805 AD so it has seen its fair share of history.

The west portal features great bronze doors known as the "Wolf's Doors," which were cast around 800 AD for the original Palatine Chapel. They were based on ancient models and weigh four tons. The modern entrance is through a smaller, more humble doorway to their right.

 
 

Stamp:

The School of Magical Animals 

(Issued 10-10-2024)

JAPAN ~ 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT -Tokyo ~

... Nice museum view designed by the most renowned contemporary Japanese architect Tadao Ando... the sight itself houses excellent design related exhibitions directed by Japan’s most renowned designers... it stands as a testament to Japan’s profound appreciation for design... the peaceful Midtown Garden around the museum is a tranquil place to stroll before or after your visit...  another "culinary" tip from Jobbo: the "Nihon Saisei Sakaba Shinjuku" bar... just saying maybe you should first read what they serve before you go😁... must have been a very interesting💩exhibition (don't really understand the connection with design though😉)... Thanks Jobbo!¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

Photo:Masaya Yoshimura
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT is a design focused museum founded by Issey Miyake. It opened in 2007, with 80% of its very limited floor space placed underground. The ground floor houses Gallery 3 and shop space, while the underground floor houses two galleries and a naturally lit sunken court.

The building uses a single, 54-meter sheet of folded steel plate as its roof. In addition to the roof, the building incorporates Japan's world-leading technology such as the longest sheet of double-glazed glass in Japan.

Stamps:

2X The 100th Anniversary of Population Census in Japan 

(Issued 01-09-2020)

MOLDOVA ~ City Hall - Chisinau ~

... Nice looking building located in the city center painted in a noticeable yellow colour... it stands as a prominent landmark in the capital... showcasing a blend of historical significance and architectural beauty... serving not just as an administrative center but also as a symbol of the city’s rich history and vibrant civic life... tourists visiting the City Hall can appreciate its neoclassical design, which features ornate details and a striking clock tower... the site is also surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens... Thanks Rafal! ツ

The  Chisinau City Hall construction was completed in 1902. During World War II, the building suffered significant damage. In 1941, as Soviet forces retreated, the building was destroyed, only to be restored by the Romanian administration in 1944. Unfortunately, it faced destruction again later that year due to Soviet aerial bombings. The post-war period saw a dedicated restoration effort led by architect Robert Kurtz between 1946 and 1948, who meticulously worked to restore the façade to its original glory using preserved photographs as a guide.

Moldova is a small, landlocked country in Eastern Europe bordered by Ukraine and Romania. The former Soviet Republic of Moldova gained its independence in 1991. Moldova used to be part of the Soviet Republic, but it has cultural links to neighboring Romania. 

Stamp:

Pure Energy for Everyone 

(Issued 09-08-2024)

SWITZERLAND ~ Bern - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful winter view of the snow-covered roofs of Bern's Old Town with clock tower... it stands out for its beautifully preserved medieval cityscape, a living testament to its rich history and cultural heritage... most of the earthy-green buildings lining the narrow streets and laneways are over 800 years old neatly nestled in the loop of the crystal-clear turquoise Aare River... the old section of Bern has many buildings that date from the 1100s to the 1700s... an important site is the remains of the old city gate... on the top of the gate’s tower is a clock that was installed there in 1530... moving figures come out of the clock as it chimes each hour... Bern is one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities...Thanks a lot Madeleine!(✿◠‿◠)

Photo: Marie-Therese Lauper
Bern began in 1191 as a military post. It grew into a city and then into an independent state. It became part of Switzerland in 1353 and was chosen as the capital city in 1848. During the 20th century, Bern developed into a modern service centre, accommodating the headquarters of international organisations and companies.

Bern’s name comes from the German word for “bear.” Bears are a symbol of the city. They have been kept on display in Bern for hundreds of years.

In 1983 UNESCO named Bern a World Heritage site.

 

Stamps:

Coins - Supplementary Stamps 

(01-01-2022)

Christmas 

(Issued 09-11-2023)

GERMANY ~ Elbe Sandstone Mountains - Saxon Switzerland National Park ~

... Wonderful view of a landscape that shines in the rising sun seen from the little mountain "Lilienstein" while the valley is covered of fog... the Lilienstein rock is the most striking and best-known rock in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains... distinct table mountains in a unique rocky scenery, narrow gorges, idyllic woods, towering conifers which cling to bizarrely shaped cliff faces and the Elbe River in its valley... this National Park of Saxon Switzerland is a park that really stands out... a great place to hike, well marked trails with absolutely stunning views of the river Elbe and the mountains... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

Photo: mauritius images/Kenny Scholz
Saxon Switzerland is not a part of Switzerland but lies in the German Free State of Saxony near the city of Dresden. It’s the name for the German part of Elbe Sandstones Mountains (the other part lies in the Czech Republic and is called Bohemian Switzerland) and was founded in 1991.

The Saxon Switzerland National Park is Saxony's only national park. It is the only rock national park in Germany. It got its name in the 18C, when two Swiss artists living in Dresden started calling it Saxon Switzerland as it reminded them of the landscape back home in Switzerland.

 

Stamps:

2X World of Letters 

(Issued 2022 - 2024)

Rakotz Bridge (Devil's Bridge) 

(Issued 02-01-2025)

NORWAY ~ Bergen - UNESCO ~

.. Pretty views of the colourful iconic old wooden buildings lining the wharf... they are some of Bergen's most known landmarks... wandering through this neighborhood provides a wonderful experience into the daily life of Bergen's residents in bygone eras... this ancient city with deep Viking roots is beautiful located in the heart of western Norway... nestled between seven gigantic mountain peaks... and also the gateway to the country's stunning fjords... picturesque Bergen is a “must-see” city in Norway... with great special and "unique" postmark stamped on the cruise ship to to commemorate an Arctic Circle crossing💙... Thanks a lot Gian Luca & Raffaella! !(✿◠‿◠) Must have been a wonderful cruise🚢 and fantastic experience crossing the Arctic Circle!☺️

Photo: Aune Forlag /Ole P. Rørvik - Willy Haraldsen
Bergen is Norway's second largest city and derives it name from the word Bjørgvin, which translates as "the meadow below the mountains". 

The city has been ravaged by many fires, the great fire of 1702 in particular. It reduced the whole of the city to ashes. The area was rebuilt on the foundations that had been there since the 12th century, which means that Bryggen is basically unchanged despite the passing centuries which is a relic of an ancient wooden urban structure once common in Northern Europe.Today, some 60 buildings remain of this former townscape.

German merchants of the Hanseatic League lived in Bryggen from the mid-14thC for the best part of 400 years, trading in dried fish and grain.  

Bryggen has been on the UNESCO WHS list since 1979.

 

Stamp: 

Domesticated Animals

(Issued 11-06-2021)

GERMANY ~ Regensburg - Bavaria - UNESCO ~

... Great city view of the only authentically preserved large medieval city in Germany located right on the Danube River... a 310 meter-long Stone Bridge spans the river and leads to the beautiful medieval old town that features well-preserved buildings from the 11th to 15th century... the centre has over 1,500 listed buildings; of these, 984 form the "Old Town with Stadtamhof"... as an ensemble, the Old Town is simply unique... few other cities in central Europe can offer legacies of more than 2,000 years of history whichever way you look... with nice stamp and postmark honoring the Danube river... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】 

Originally a Celtic settlement, Regensburg was officially founded in 179 by the Romans and it has always been an important location throughout history. Regensburg is located in eastern Bavaria, at the confluence of the Danube, Naab and Regen rivers, Danube's northernmost point. It is Bavaria’s fourth-largest city and the capital of the Oberpfalz region of Bavaria. 

Bavaria  is the largest federal state of Germany, situated in the south-east of the country, and extends from the North German Plain up to the Alps in the south. 

Regensburg medieval centre was listed as  a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

 

Stamp:

Danube River - Joint Issue with Croatia 

(Issued 10-10-2024)

ANTARCTICA ~ India’s Antarctic Research Station - Bharati

...This magnificent view of the "Southern Lights" comes from the Bharati Indian base situated on the east coast of Antarctica... these majestic lights, commonly seen in shades of green are caused by an interplay of the Earth's magnetosphere and solar winds... the Bharati station consists of one main building, fuel farm, fuel station, sea water pump house, a summer camp and a number of smaller containerized modules... postcards meant for this postoffice in Antarctica are sent to the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research in Goa... when a scientific expedition to Antarctica departs from NCPOR, a researcher carries the consignment of letters... at the research base, the letters are "cancelled",(which comes under Goa section so the postmark has North Goa written on it)... brought back and returned via post once a year... Thanks a lot Vingoul for this  "unique" postmark💚!(✿◠‿◠)

Bharati (research station) is a permanent Antarctic research station commissioned by India since 2012. It is India's third Antarctic research facility and one of two active Indian research stations, alongside Maitri. India's first committed research facility, Dakshin Gangotri, is being used as a supply base.

This futuristic design - a dark, sleek building, low and long is destined to be a temporary waterfront home for up to 65 people at a time situated on the Larsemann Hills on the continent of Antarctica.

India is among a handful of countries that have multiple scientific stations on the southern continent.

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is India’s premier R&D institution responsible for the country’s research activities in the polar and Southern Ocean realms.

Stamp:

Ahimsa Paramo Dharma

(17-06-2019)

NORTHERN CYPRUS ~ Bellapais Abbey ~

... Lovely view of a remarkably well-preserved abbey with rich history... perched high in the hills of the picturesque village of Bellapais... its grandeur is visible from afar, while the views from its grounds across the beautiful North Cyprus landscape, Kyrenia and the Mediterranean beyond are breathtaking... you can explore the beautiful gardens that surround the abbey, and take a stroll through the peaceful cloisters... it has attracted many visitors since the middle ages... the abbey also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including music concerts and art exhibitions... Thanks  Toprac!¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Bellapais Abbey is the ruin of a monastery built by Canons Regular in the 13th century on the northern side of the small village of Bellapais, now in Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus a breakaway state which is recognised only by Turkey in an area legally belonging to the Republic of Cyprus.

The Abbey has been embellished in subsequent centuries with the addition of further towers, gates and murals.

The name Bellapais Abbey is derived from the French: Abbaye de la Belle Paix which means "The Abbey of Peace".

Stamps:

Campaign Against the Pine Processionary Moth

(Issued 30-09-2024)

2008 Definitive Issue - Flowers 20. March

(Issued 20-03-2008)

TURKEY ~ Great Theatre of Ephesus - Anatolia - UNESCO ~

... Nice view of the most impressive structure in the ancient Greco-Roman city of Ephesus... in its heyday, it could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators... it is believed to be the largest outdoor theatre in the ancient world... the theatre hosted plays, concerts, religious, political and philosophical discussions, as well as gladiator and animal fights... one of the most remarkable aspects of the Great Theatre was its exceptional acoustics... even today, whispers from the stage can be heard clearly in the farthest row of the audience... because the sender could not find stamps in Turkey it was mailed from Greece... Thanks Marico!【ツ】

The Ephesus Theater was constructed in the Hellenistic period, most probably in the time of the reign of Lysimacos (250 BC) into the west slope of Mount Pion. Similar to many other theaters of the time, Grand Ephesus Theater also followed a similar Hellenistic architectural style. After Ephesus was controlled by Romans (133 BC) and after the devastating earthquake in 17 AD Roman architectural renovations of Ephesus Theater changed the building to modern looking.

According to legend, Ephesus was founded by the female warriors known as the Amazons and it was a major city for both the Ancient Greeks and the Romans and became one of the wealthiest cities in the Mediterranean. 

Stamps:

Summer Olympic Games

(Issued 12-06-2024)

GERMANY ~ Schwäbisch Gmünd - Baden-Württemberg~

... Nice views of a town situated in the foothills of the Swabian Alb and the Dreikaiserberge mountains...surrounded by nature and picturesque scenery with rolling hills and green meadows... famous for its crafts, architecture, design, jewellery and culture... buildings from eight centuries characterize the historic city center; such as the Heilig-Kreuz-Münster or the market square with half-timbered houses... with lovely stamp and special postmark celebrating "90 Years of schleich" a toy brand headquartered in Schwäbisch Gmünd👍...  Thanks Dustin! (❁◕ ‿ ◕❁)

Schwäbisch Gmünd  is a is a large town in the eastern part of the German state of Baden-Württemberg in the upper Rems Valley and was founded more than 800 years ago.

 

Stamps:

2X World of Letters

(Issued 2022 - 2024)

The 90th Anniversary of Imaginative Play 

(Issued 02-01-2025)