GERMANY ~ The Universum - Bremen ~

... Nice museum view where you go on an extraordinary journey of discovery into the world of science... set across two buildings and several floors, Universum is full of interactive activities and experiments... you can explore in the open air as well... it has a theme on each floor: Nature, Humans and Technology...  more than 250 exhibits let you experience and understand scientific phenomena up close and with all your senses... there is such a range of things to try, such as a simulated earthquake, insights into your own body such as watching the pupils of your eyes change size in different lights, and seeing how a tornado forms... it receives on average 450,000 visitors annually... with great stamp and special postmark about Rock legend Freddie Mercury from the  "Legends of Pop/Rock Music" series👍... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】   

The Universum opened in September 2000 near to the University of Bremen and covers  over 4,000 m2.

The main building, which houses the permanent exhibition, is covered with 40,000 stainless steel shingles and was designed by the Bremen architect Thomas Klumpp . The shape of the building is reminiscent of a mixture of a whale and a mussel.

Stamp:

Personalities - Freddie Mercury

(Issued 05-09-2024)

SCOTLAND ~ Season's Greetings ~

...With Christmas🎅🎄🦌🌟 and New Year🎇⛄❄️ almost here it's time to start posting my first lovely "Season's Greeting card"... from dear postcard friend Andrene... and thanks so much for also this year sharing 2024 in a lovely family news letter😍... it is such a nice thing to do, and I'm honored to be included... hope 2025 will bring happiness, joy, love and good health to you and your loved ones!!💖💝💖Thanks a lot dear Andrene & Ron, sending a virtual hug!!😍

A charity christmas card to support the NSPCC, the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. The charity helps children who have been abused to rebuild their lives, they protect those at risk and find ways to prevent abuse from ruining more lives.
 

Stamp: 

Christmas -Westminster Cathedral 

(Issued 05-11-2024)

MYANMAR (Burma)~ Kanbawza Thardi Palace - Bago ~

... A picturesque palace view coming from the "Golden Land"... though this palace is a replica... the original was burnt down in the 16thC... it is still beautiful with gold painted decoration, big teak timber and remaining original teak posts... all the detail work on the palace structure is remarkable... it gives an impression of the splendor and wealth of the second Burmese empire and an insight in the Burmese history and architecture... the visitors can also explore the Nandawya research museum, which exhibits items and artifacts found during the excavations, as well as information about the history of the second empire... Thanks a lot Jobbo!【ツ】

The original palace, built for King Bayinnaung in 1556, consisted of 76 apartments and

halls. Unfortunately, Myanmar is an unstable geologic area and earthquakes are very common. One of them along with the fire destroyed the original palace in 1599. The current building was reconstructed in 1990 and finished in 1992. It was rebuilt following the original design, based on knowledge gained from excavations and the original drawings of the building. 

Stamp: 

 Local musical instruments 

(Issued 27-07-2017)

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS ~ Road Town - Tortola ~

... Lovely view of Glenn's last port stop🛳️ ... and my first postcard coming from the Virgin Islands👍😍... this beautiful part of the Caribbean is filled with slopes and peaks draped in lush tropical greenery... dozens of soft sand beaches, clear water,  coral reefs, hidden coves and a wealth of touristic infrastructure with bars, cafes and restaurants.... some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the entire Caribbean line Tortola’s shores... Big Thanks once more dear Glenn for bringing a bit of tropical sunshine🌞 in my mailbox in these dark days!! (✿ ♥‿♥)

Photo: Dougai D Thornton
Road Town, located on Tortola, is the capital and largest town of the British Virgin Islands. It is situated on the horseshoe-shaped Road Harbour in the centre of the island's south coast. The name is derived from the nautical term "the roads", a place less sheltered than a harbour but which ships can easily get to. 

The British Virgin Islands (BVI), are a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles and part of the West Indies. 

The British Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with more than 50 other smaller islands and cays. About 16 of the islands are inhabited.

Stamps:

The 20th Anniversary of Cable and Wireless in the BVI

(Issued 28-10-1986)

MEXICO ~ Torreon - Coahuila ~

... Lovely views of a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty... the Jewel of Northern Mexico... known for its significant role in the Mexican Revolution... a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity... cowboy land with ranches, vast deserts and the most beautiful sunsets... with a great selection of lovely stamps👍... Thanks a lot Diego!(✿◠‿◠)  It's always a pleasure to see your postcard friends hometown😊...

"The Christopher Columbus Monument - Nazas Theatre - Nazas Bridge"
Torreón is located in southwestern Coahuila state, northeastern Mexico. It lies along the Nazas River at an elevation of 1,120 meters. It is is one of northern Mexico's main centers for manufacturing, services, and commercial agriculture.
 

Stamps:

The 65th Anniversary of Federal Justice Tribunal 

(Issued 23-09-2001)

2X Textile Art 

(Issued 13-10-2023)

ANTIGUA and BARBUDA ~ Dickenson Bay - St John's~

... Next postcard from Glenn's Caribbean winter escape🌞🏝️... one of Antigua’s 365 beautiful beaches is home to a boldly-coloured telephone box... the red phone booth at Siboney Beach Club has become an iconic landmark on Dickenson Bay... the bright red colour contrasts beautifully with the blue sea and the green of the surrounding palm trees... daily hundreds of "cruisers" walking through to take their photos by the phone box... but I still find it so weird seeing a red phone box against such a tropical backdrop😁... Big Thanks Glenn! \_(♥‿♥)_/ 

Dickenson Bay is located on the Northwestern coast of the island in  St. John Parish and is the most developed beach on the island, with hotels restaurants and water sports facilities.

While the official name is Antigua and Barbuda, the territory actually includes three islands. This comprises Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. Antigua is the largest island of the nation Antigua and Barbuda. It lies in the middle of the Leeward Islands and the capital is St. John's.

 

Stamp:

??????????????

INDONESIA ~ Ulun Danu Beratan Temple - Bali - UNESCO ~

...Wonderful picturesque temple view in the middle of a lake in perfect harmony with nature... known as the "floating temple" Ulun Danu Beratan is a visual masterpiece... thanks to the reflections of this striking temple on the smooth reflective surface of Lake Beratan... a living testament to Bali's deep-rooted spiritual traditions, dedicated to the goddess of water and central to the island's agricultural rituals... it’s one of the holiest places in the country for the locals... while not the biggest temple, it is undoubtedly one of the most photographed and visited spiritual sites on the island... Big Thanks Gian Luca and Raffaella!(✿ ♥‿♥) 

The Ulun Danu temple literally means " the beginning of the lake" was built in 1663.  The temple is used for offerings and ceremonies dedicated to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu, due to the importance of Lake Bratan as a main source of irrigation in central Bali. The 11-storey pelinggih meru in the complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvathi. The water temple is located 1239m above sea level, sheltered on the flank of Mount Batur, the largest volcano in Bali.

The temple, along with 3 other sites in Bali, form the Cultural Landscape of Bali Province which was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2012.

 

Stamp

G20 World Leader's Summit, Bali 

(Issued 24-09-2022)

INDONESIA ~ Big Komodo Lizard - Komodo Islands - UNESCO ~

... Great view of enormous pre-historic looking animals fighting... commonly known as "Komodo Dragons", due to its appearance and aggressive behavior... although not all the islands within the Komodo National Park are home to this creature, the mighty Komodo dragon reigns as king on Rinca Island... it is the best place to see them in their natural habitat because they prefer more savannah than jungle and trees... you will be guided by rangers who come from the Village of Rinca... they are very knowledgeable about the island and many different animals living in it... Thanks a lot Gian Luca and Raffaella!(✿◠‿◠)

The Komodo National Park is located within the Lesser Sunda Islands. The park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Padar and Rinca, and 26 smaller ones, with a total area of 1,733 km². The national park was founded in 1980, later it was dedicated to protecting other species, including marine species.

The most remarkable inhabitant of Komodo National Park is the Komodo Lizard. These giant lizards, existing no-where else in the world, are of great scientific interest, especially for their evolutionary implications. The Komodo Lizard, is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3m.

In 1991 the national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 

Stamps:

G20 World Leader's Summit, Bali 

(Issued 24-09-2022)

USA Virgin Islands ~ Charlotte Amalie - St Thomas ~

... A fantastic view of a picturesque port city... a breathtaking Caribbean destination🌞...  this charming city, offers a unique blend of natural beauty,  historic architecture and vibrant shopping districts... the green hillsides with lush tropical foliage and colorful roofs... the blue-green seas, the white sand beaches and warm sunny days make St Thomas a tropical paradise and attracts thousands of cruise ship passengers each year... Thanks a lot Glen!!!【ツ】  

Charlotte Amalie, capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands and of St. Thomas Island is situated at the head of St. Thomas Harbor on the island’s southern shore. 

The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) are located in the Caribbean bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The USVI consist of 4 larger islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island, and some 50 smaller islets and cays. 

Stamps:

Purple Heart 

(Issued 04-10-2019)

Personalities - John Wooden, 1910-2010 

(Issued 24-02-2024)

Thank You - Healthcare Community

(Issued 01-10-2024)

SCOTLAND ~ Greyfriars Bobby - Edinburgh ~

... For many visitors to Edinburgh, a must-see is the statue of Greyfriar's Bobby, a little Skye Terrier... one of the most faithful dogs of all time... it is such a heart-warming story especially for me as big dog lover (have owned dogs my whole live🐾💕)... the true story of Greyfriar's Bobby is so enchanting that even Walt Disney decided to make a movie about him... if you visit the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile, you can see Bobby's collar and drinking bowl...to this day, tourists and locals alike gently rub the nose of the statue for good luck... Big Thanks dear Andrene!!! (✿◠‿◠) Enjoy your holiday!🛳️ 

John Gray was a night watchman who patrolled the Old Town every night with his dog for company. After he died his dog Bobby who had never been apart from John, refused to leave the cemetery and stayed by his owner's grave. Despite the efforts of the graveyard staff to evict Bobby, he always returned and eventually, they gave up and provided little Bobby with shelter beside John's Grave.

Bobby stayed by John's grave for 14 years until he passed away at age 16. He was buried in the same cemetery, just a few feet away from his beloved owner.

The Baroness Angelia Georgina Burdett-Coutts got permission from Edinburgh Council to erect a statue of Bobby at the junction of Candlemakers Row and George IV Bridge, just outside Greyfriars Kirkyard. The artist William Brodie was commissioned to create the statue in 1872.

© Roman Michnowicz

Stamp:

Christmas -Westminster Cathedral

(Issued 05-11-2024)

ITALY ~ Historic centre of Siena - UNESCO ~

...Beuatiful view of a small town in the heart of Tuscany... the historic centre of Siena, which has remained intact for centuries, appears today almost as it did in the fourteenth century... it feel as if you’ve been transported right back to the Middle Ages... a sea of terracotta-toned houses and gigantic sights... especially the Cathedral rising majestically in the city square....the Duomo di Siena is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that attracts many visitors from around the world.... this stunning cathedral is filled with artistic treasures and rich history... Thanks a lot Ben & Loes!(✿ ♥‿♥)

Photo: Studio Donati
Siena, like other Tuscan hill towns, was first settled in the time of the Etruscans (c. 900–400 BC) when it was inhabited by a tribe called the Saina. A Roman town called Saena Julia was founded at the site in the time of the Emperor Augustus.

The city is historically linked to commercial and banking activities, having been a major banking center until the 13th and 14th centuries.Siena is also home to the oldest bank in the world, the Monte dei Paschi bank, which has been operating continuously since 1472. 

The historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1995.

 

Stamp:

Toscana 

(stamp from a private mail company called "Globe Postal Service (GPS)". You can them only post them in GPN orange mailboxes)

RWANDA ~Memorial sites of the Genocide - Nyamata - UNESCO ~

 ... View of a silent and heartbreaking memorial to a devasting event... the interior of the Catholic Nyamata Church with piled clothes of victims covering the small pews up to knee height... you can also see bullet holes in the roof and other damage caused by various other instruments of death... these stand as a reminder of the death of thousands of ordinary, everyday people whose only crime was that they had been labelled a Tutsi on their identity card.... they also have a disturbing number of skulls and bones on display, both to allow you to pay your respects and also to ensure no one is able to deny this tradgedy... around fifty thousand victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi are buried here, including people murdered in the church and surrounding area... Thanks Karyna!(ˆ⌣ˆԅ)

The Rwandan genocide memorial centers are spread all over the country with some more prominent than others commemorating the Rwandan genocide of 1994. It is believed that over 800,000 people were killed in a space of 100 days starting in April 1994. 

In 2023, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee added four genocide memorial sites in Rwanda to the list of World Heritage Sites: Nyamata, Murambi, Bisesero and Gisozi, where the Kigali Genocide Memorial is located.
 

Stamp: 

 Folklore 

(Issued 15-11-2010)

FRANCE ~ Mont Perdu - Pyrenees - UNESCO ~

... Spectacular panoramic mountain view.. showing the Roland gap in the Hautes-Pyrénées, part of the Mont Perdu... a 40 meters wide and around 70 meters deep natural gap which opens in the cliffs and provides access to Spain... with also beautiful viewpoints, which are the Casque and the Tour de Gavarnie... certainly the most beautiful shot of the Pyrenees...  located in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park... Thanks a lot Nadia! (✿◠‿◠)

© Photo: L. Audoubert
The Pyrenees National Park was established in1967, covering six valleys from the Aspe Valley in the west to the Aure Valley in the east, with altitudes ranging from 1,000 meters to 3,298 meters at Vignemale and covers an area of 45,707 hectares. This protected area safeguards a variety of landscapes, including mountain peaks, glacial cirques, and valleys of great environmental significance bordering Spain.

The name Pyrenees-Mont Perdu refers to a vast cross-border mountain range between France and Spain included since 1997 on the list on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 

Stamps:

International Stamp Exhibition - Paris 

(Issued 07-06-1980)

The 400th Anniversary of the Foundation of Quebec

(Issued 19-05-2008)

The 100th Anniversary of the Death of Claude Bernard

(Issued 16-9-1978)

GERMANY ~ Rosgarten Museum - Constance ~

... Nice view of the almost originally preserved guild hall in the house "Zum Rosgarten" where artisans used to hold their celebrations in the 15thC... the former butchers' guild house contains unique, faithfully preserved halls, rooms and exhibits from the time it was built... alongside prehistoric and early historical items are valuable artworks from the Middle Ages (illuminated books, sculptures, jewellery) as well as testimonies of everyday life right up to the 20th century... annual special exhibitions on topics from the art and cultural history of the region complement the permanent exhibition... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】 

Photo Thomas Dix
The Rosgartenmuseum, located in Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, is a museum dedicated to the art, culture, and history of the city and the Lake Constance region. Founded in 1870 by Ludwig Leiner, a pharmacist and city councilor from Konstanz, the museum is one of the oldest of its kind in the region. 
 

Stamps:

Definitive - World of Letter

(Issued 0108-2024)

Superheroes - Hulk

(Issued 01-08-2024)

UK ~ Ely Cathedral - Cambridgeshire ~

... Dawn in Ely with stunning Cathedral view...  a magnificent structure and the only UK building to be listed as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Medieval World"... the interior of the cathedral is not just a simple church... there are several chapels, ornate crypts, and incredible ceilings to take your breath away... visible for miles around, the Cathedral is often referred to as "The Ship of the Fens"... surrounded by beautiful parkland & meadows which are ideal for walks & picnics... an iconic building, a Christian place of worship, a tourist destination and a major film & TV location... Big Thanks once more Josep&Assumpta! (✿◠‿◠)  

Photo: Andrew Sharpe
Ely Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, is an Anglican cathedral. This cathedral can trace its origins to the 7th century when St. Etheldreda built an abbey church. The present building dates back to 1083 and is built in Romanesque style. 

Ely Cathedral is 161 metres  - the fourth longest of the English Cathedrals.  The Nave is 75 metres long, the width of the Nave and aisles is 24 metres and the height of the Nave ceiling is 32 metres.  Its most notable feature being the central Octagon lantern tower which is 52m  high and 23m  wide. 

 Stamps:

Tutankhamun 

(Issued 24-11-2022)

UK ~ The Cambridge Colleges ~

... Wonderful pen and watercoulour illustrations of the 31 Cambridge Colleges, each with its own facilities and traditions... artwork by artist K J Lewis, who lives near Cambridge since graduating from the university... Cambridge is a beautiful historic city... its elegant centre is framed by architectural triumphs, surrounded by green spaces and home to the University of Cambridge’s world-famous colleges... one of the oldest and highest-ranking universities in the world...Thanks a lot Josep&Assumpta! (ˆ⌣ˆԅ)  

© K J Lewis 2021
All of the University of Cambridge colleges were founded between the 13th and 20th centuries, but none were established between 1596 and 1800. This allows the colleges to be classified into two groups following their foundation date. There are 16 old colleges established between 1284 and 1596, and 15 new colleges established between 1800 and 1977. All students and the vast majority of academics are attached to a specific college within the university.

Stamps:

Flowers

(Issued 23-03-2023)

  
 

PARAGUAY ~ Asunción ~

... Nice Paraguay postcard nr 2... a tram view from the 70's in the capital Asuncion... one of the oldest cities in South America and the longest continually inhabited area in the Río de la Plata Basin... for this reason it is nicknamed  "the Mother of Cities"... the city is filled with historic buildings and cultural landmarks... Dear Diego, I hope you reach your goal of visiting 100 countries by 40🤞... Thanks a lot!【ツ】

Asunción was founded in 1537 (the Feast of the Assumption) by Juan de Salazar y Espinoza on the east bank of the Paraguay River, 956 miles upstream from the port of Buenos Aires, Asunción became the capital of Paraguay on 14 May 1811.

Asunción is a Spanish word that means ascension or assumption. In most cases the name refers to the Assumption of Mary.
 

Stamps:

Law n°5777 - For a life without violence 

(Issued 11-05-2018)

250 Years of The Foundation City Of Col Oviedo

(2008)

Christmas 

(Issued 22-11-2018)

Solar del Artigas School

(Issued 14-06-2024)

PARAGUAY ~ Cultural Center of the Republic - Asunción ~

 ... Yippee😄...my first postcard ever from South America's least-visited country👍... lovely view of the pink cabildo (colonial town council), which was once the center of government... the Council was transformed into a cultural center to preserve and promote Paraguayan heritage... featuring impressive collections that highlight the nation's rich history in music, literature, theater, and dance... among its notable exhibits are rooms dedicated to sacred art, traditional clay artifacts, and the works of renowned Paraguayans artists... this influential cultural center is a also meeting place for bohemian thinkers, hosting regular cultural events and exhibitions by local artists, historians and academics... Thanks a lost Diego for another wonderful surprise! (✿◠‿◠) (with a nice selection of great stamps)

Paraguay is a small country located in the center of the continent of South America. It is landlocked by Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil. Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, is the largest city in the country.

It is known for its tropical dry forests, grasslands, wetlands and cloud forests. Its diverse landscape is home to lots of different animals such as jaguars, capybaras, tapirs, monkeys, toucans, macaws, hummingbirds, snakes, turtles and lizards.

Stamps:

Tourism

(Issued 03-12-2015)

The 100th Anniversary of the Death of José Segundo Decoud

(03-12-2009)

Tereré - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

(15-09-2021)

BOLIVIA ~ Lake Titicaca ~

... Wonderful surprise💙 in my mailbox coming from the highest and most isolated country in the Americas... nicknamed the "Tibet of the Americas"... great view of a small fishing boat on Lake Titicaca with the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Real mountain range in the background... the highest freshwater lake of the world's large lakes... well-known for its natural beauty combined with local communities and cultures... the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca is believed to be the birthplace of the Incas... since ancient times, the Lake has been considered a sacred living spirit and it is the object of profound spiritual significance still today... tourists can explore the traditional villages and historic sites that dot the shoreline... anyone visiting Bolivia must pay a visit to Lake Titicaca... Thanks a lot Diego! (must be a wonderful place to visit) ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ and also for your kind words😊...it's always a pleasure to read that people enjoy visiting my blog!!!

© James Brunker
Bolivia is a  landlocked country in South America bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru. In the west the Andes Mountains stretch from north to south in two parallel ranges and it shares Lake Titicaca with Peru. The constitutional capital is the historic city of Sucre, where the Supreme Court is established, but the administrative capital is La Paz, where the executive and legislative branches of government function.

 Lake Titicaca has a surface of 8.400 km2, of which 3,690 km2 are on Bolivian territory. Its altitude is 3,810 meters above sea level and is the highest, commercially navigable lake in the world. The Cordillera Real, Spanish for Royal Range  is a sub-range of the Andes mountains. It was named by the 16th century conquistadors for its majestic snow-capped peaks. 

Stamp:

Christmas 

(Issued 20-12-2022)

USA ~ Alcatraz - San Francisco - California ~

...  Great aerial view of Alcatraz Island... the massive prison building on the island's crest dominates the view... after visiting a few Hawaiian island, the last stop on my nephew's holiday was San Francisco... and no trip to San Francisco is complete without seeing Alcatraz island... better known by its famous moniker, "The Rock",  one of America’s most feared prisons that no criminals wanted to be sent to... despite the steep cliffs, several would-be escapees chose this side to make their bid for freedom... a visit to the island includes a tour of the cell house where visitors can see how the prisoners lived... although the last inmates were transferred off the island in 1963, the main prison block, with its steel bars, claustrophobic cells, mess hall, library and "dark holes," is still structurally intact... while at Alcatraz, you have stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge... Thanks a lot  Ben and Loes voor ♥*6*♥ wonderful postcards! (✿◠‿◠)

Alcatraz Island is a small island 2.01 km offshore from San Francisco.The island was developed in the mid-19th century with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, and a military prison. In 1934, the island was converted into a federal prison, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. The strong currents around the island and cold water temperatures made escape nearly impossible, and the prison became one of the most notorious in American history.

Among the 1,545 men sent there, a few were famous: Al “Scarface” Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Arthur “Doc” Barker, Alvin “Creepy Karpis” Karpavicz, Robert “The Birdman” Stroud, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, and Meyer “Mickey” Cohen.

Stamp: 

Flowers - African Daisy 

(Issued 14-03-2022)

USA ~ Pele Goddes - Hawaii ~

... Beautiful artwork of Pele-honua-mea, Pele of the sacred land... she is Pele-ʻai-ho-nua, Pele the eater of the land, when she devours the land with her flame... Pele is a significant goddess in Hawaiian mythology and is often referred to as the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes... she rules the volcanoes of Hawai'i, and mankind has no power to resist her... hers is both the power to destroy and the power to create new land... her personality is volcanic-unpredictable, impulsive, to given sudden rages and violence...  native Hawaiians believe Pele lives in the Kilauea Volcano... Bedankt Ben en Loes!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

"Herb Kawainui KāneHerb Kāne’s artworks illustrating the history and culture of the Hawaiian and Polynesian islands are awe-inspiring glimpses into another world. His images of tall ships and oceangoing canoes, goddesses and native dancers delight people all over the world." 

There are as many versions of how Madame Pele came to Hawaii as there are lava rocks on Hawaii Island. One of them is: Pele traveled from Tahiti to Hawaii by canoe, being chased by her sister Namaka, who wished to put an end to Pele’s fires as well as Pele herself. As she moved from one island to another, it is said that Pele tried to draw lava from the ground and light fires throughout the journey. She traveled through Kauai, where there is an old hill called Puu ka Pele, meaning Pele’s Hill, and Oahu, Molokai, and Maui before coming to Hawaii. Finally, Namaka caught up with Pele in Hawaii and the sisters battled to death. Namaka emerged triumphant, putting out the fires of Pele’s wrath. After this, Pele became a spirit and went to live in the Kilauea Volcano.

 

Stamp: 

Flowers - African Daisy

(Issued 14-03-2022)

USA ~ Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - UNESCO ~

... Great view of the immense Halema’uma’u crater that crowns the park grounds... the center of activity at Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano... as the youngest and most active of the volcanoes on the Big island you can often see the lava glowing in its crater... reflecting the volcano's roles as both destroyer and creator, "Halema’uma’u" can be defined as either " House of Everlasting Fire" or House Surrounded by 'Ama'u Ferns"... it is one of the most culturally important places in the park and the legendary home of "Pele"... the  goddess of fire and volcanoes, according to the traditions of Hawaiian religion (next postcard😊)... seen by millions of tourists each year makes it the most visited attraction in Hawaiʻi... Thanks Ben & Loes!(✿ ♥‿♥)

 

Photo: G. Brad Lewis

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916 encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's most massive subaerial volcano. The park gives scientists insight into the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and ongoing studies into the processes of vulcanism. 

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1987.
 

Stamp: 

Flowers - African Daisy 

(Issued 14-03-2022)

USA ~ Maui ~

... By using digital elavation models, a very acurate rendering of the island was created... here is a view of the entire island seen during the green winter months from an elevation high above the West Maui Mountains along the coastline... in the foregrond are Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua... famously known as the "Valley Isle"... a name earned because of its location between two vulcanoes... in fact, each Hawaiian island has a nickname... Thanks a lot Ben and Loes!【ツ】

Maui  is the second largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and has the world’s largest dormant volcano. Mount Haleakala forms over 75% of the island, while the other 25% is formed by another volcano, Mauna Kahalawai.There are 81 accessible beaches on Maui, including white, gold, black, and red sand, more than any other Hawaiian island. 

In August 2023, a series of wildfires destroyed approximately 80% of Lahaina and claiming at least 102 lives in the coastal town. The disaster became known as the deadliest modern-day fire in the U.S. and the worst catastrophe ever to impact the islands.

 

Stamp: 

Flowers - African Daisy 

(Issued 14-03-2022)

USA ~ Nakale Blowhole - Maui ~

... Hawaiian beaty nr 2💙... the Nakale Blowhole is an impressive, natural wonder in the lava fields of Maui... the approximately 30 m tall fountain beats from a shallow pool close to the sea... it shoots water high into the air regularly due to its windward (and windy) location and near-constant ocean swell activity... it is one of the most amazing sights on the island... but it is important to remember that people have died at the Maui blowhole... the area surrounding the spout is far more dangerous than it may appear, even on calm days... Heel Erg Bedankt Loes en Ben!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

Photo: © Ron DAniquist
The Nakalele Blowhole is located on the backside of West Maui near the northern most tip of Maui.

A blowhole is hole in the ground that connects to an underground, partially submerged ocean cave. The cave and opening are shaped in such a way that when the ocean rises or waves crash into it, a jet of water and air is violently forced out through the hole. The higher the tide and swells, the more spectacular the eruptions.

 

Stamp: 

Flowers - African Daisy 

(Issued 14-03-2022)

USA ~ Waikiki - Oʻahu Island - Hawaii ~

.. First of many great postcard from my nephew's honeymoon💕to Hawaii... and guess where this came from???😁... one of the most famous beaches in the world... once the playground of Hawaiian royals who enjoyed surfing there on early forms of longboards...Waikiki Beach, with easygoing breaks and sandy stretches is the birthplace of modern surfing culture... today the beachfront is lined with resorts and some of Hawaii’s most historic hotels... Thanks a lot Ben & Loes!(✿◠‿◠)

Waikiki is a Honolulu neighborhood and beach on the south shore of the island of Oʻahu in the U.S. state of Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is one of six beaches in the district.Waikiki was the first capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1795 to 1796.

The name Waikīkī means spouting fresh water in the Hawaiian language, for springs and streams that fed wetlands that once separated Waikīkī from the interior.

 Stamp: 

 Flowers - African Daisy 

 (Issued 14-03-2022)