INDIA ~Saat Kaman - Gujarat - UNESCO ~

... View of an important part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park... Saat Kaman is a prominent structure situated on the verge of a hill on the southern tip of Champaner (Pavagadh) that might have been part of a larger fort structure... Saat means Seven and Kaman refers to arches... the gorgeous yellow sandstone area was used as a strategic lookout point by the army... only 6 arches are currently in existence with the other one having demolished...  however, you can still walk through those arches and look down at the valley below... it is a rich heritage site concentration of archaeological, historical, and living cultural heritage sites encased in a stunning landscape... Thanks Nadia!【ツ】

                                                                Photo: Suman Wadhwa
The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is located in Panchmahal District, Gujarat. This Park preserves the remains of a 16th-century capital, showcasing prehistoric sites, a hill fortress, and unique water systems, featuring mosques, temples, palaces, and fortifications, making it India's only intact pre-Mughal Islamic city with rich cultural and religious heritage, including the important Kalikamata Temple on Pavagadh Hill. 

In 2004, UNESCO designated The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park as a World Heritage Site.

 

Stamps:

Definitive - Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj

(Issued 2008)

 Definitive - Bhagat Singh

(Issued 2015)

MALAWI ~ Chongoni Rock Art - UNESCO ~

... Nice view of a site that stands out as a remarkable testament to human history and creativity in Central Africa... the paintings are found in rock shelters within granite formations... it is of international importance because it has large and well-preserved rock paintings depicting the farmer community of the Late Stone Age and Iron Age... the Chewa farmers and the hunter gathering BaTwa Pygmies... what makes the this rock art especially significant is its ongoing spiritual relevance... the motifs, which depict ceremonial rites, hunting scenes, and symbolic imagery, continue to shape the spiritual and cultural practices of the Chewa people... Chongoni Rock Art offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect directly with Malawi’s deep spiritual history and explore the continuing traditions of its people... the sites are remote, with poor road conditions, making a local guide essential for finding them and understanding the art... Thanks Emmanuel!ヽ(ヅ)ノ 

Situated within a cluster of forested granite hills and covering an area of 126.4 km2, high up the plateau of central Malawi, the 127 rock faces and shelters are over 2,000 yrs old (most of which is in the Chongoni Forest Reserve) and feature the richest concentration of rock art in Central Africa. 

The area was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

 

Stamps

Fauna - The Big Five

(Issued 03-11-2011)

Butterflies

Malawi Wildlife

(Issued 06-07-2014)

2X Christmas

(Issued 24-12-2014)

RUSSIA ~ Veliky Novgorod - UNESCO ~

... Nice winter scene of the ancient city of Veliki (Great) Novgorod... the view from the banks of the Volkhov River is breathtaking with the red Kremlin wall and the church onion-domes... known as "The Birthplace of Russia" or "The Oldest City of Russia"... there are a number of medieval monuments, including monasteries, churches in different Russian architectural styles and some have very old frescoes still visible... the most important church of them all is the 11th century St. Sophia Cathedral and it is located inside the Kremlin of the city... the oldest church in Russia... this town offers a trip back in time and a taste of Russian culture... Thanks a lot Oleg!【ツ】

Novgorod was first mentioned in the year 859. In the 15th century, Novgorod and its lands join Moscow as part of Russia and it continued to keep its importance in trade routes between East and West. It developed into one of the major centres of Russian culture, which exerted national influence on stone architecture and painting. 

It was one of the most important cities of Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages and was the only principality that was saved from Mongolian dominion after the Mongolian invasion of Russia.

UNESCO recognized Novgorod as a World Heritage Site in 1992.

Stamps:

The 200th Anniversary of Cherkessk 

(Issued 19-09-2025)

Russian Navy 

(issued 29-07-2021)

GERMANY ~ Christmas Corus ~

... Sweet festive holiday illustration view of a group of cats🐈 gathering around a grand piano singing carols creating a whimsical and cozy scene with lovely christmas decorations... from an acrylic painting on canvas by the renowned artist Pat Scott...  her popular artwork showcases collections of animals, from horses to pigs to cats to zebras, in an inviting and classic style... the perfect way to add a touch of art and warmth to special occasions... with beautiful St. Nicholas special postmark... Thanks a lot Dustin! (✿◠‿◠) Wishing you also all the best for 2026!🥰

Pat Scott (1932-2017) was an English artist who initially worked at Larkin Screen Services in London and later joined the film department at J. Arthur Rank at Pinewood Studios.

After raising a family, she returned to education, attending the Reading University where she gained a BA(Hons), majoring in Fine Art. She then taught in a local primary school in Berkshire for several years. Pat Scott passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of over 500 paintings that continue to be celebrated and collected.

 Stamps:

2X World of Letter

(Issued 02-11-2022)

(Issued 02-11-2024) 

Christmas - Church Window

 (Issued 03-11-2025)

GERMANY ~ Bernd the Bread - Erfurt ~

... This is the first time I ever heard of "Bernd das Brot" one of  Germany's most unusual children's puppet character😁... a small, grumpy, and perpetually pessimistic talking loaf of bread as the reluctant star of a children's television program that accidentally became equally popular with adults... he’s known for his dry humor and existential complaints... he is usually accompanied by adventurous Chilli the sheep and hypoactive Briegel the bush, who drag him, against his will, into all types of "adventures"... when all he wants is peace and quiet... his is unique blend of gloom and comedy has made him an iconic figure on German TV... I wonder would anyone of you watch a talking bread who constantly complains about life?😄😉... with matching stamp and special 25th anniversary cancellation...  Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

He is depressed for many reasons, including his failed attempt to be the mascot for a bakery's advertising campaign, which is how he ended up a reluctant TV presenter as a last resort. And he fell in love with a beautiful baguette who, unfortunately, only had eyes for a multigrain bread with 10 types of grain, and "my heart has been a dry clump of flour ever since".

Bernd was created in the year 2000 by Thomas Krappweis. He worked for a company called Bumm Film in Munich. The KI.KA channel had asked different companies to create a new sheep character. One night, Krappweis was eating pizza and drawing on a napkin while looking at a bread basket. He got a square loaf of bread and gave it the face of his colleague, Norman Cöster.

© Sascha Blank

Stamp:

The 25th Anniversary of Bernd the Bread 

(Issued 04-09-2025)

TIBET ~ Potala Palace - Lhasa - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful Tibet postcard nr2... a breathtaking palace in the clouds... the Potala Palace is an awe-inspiring, iconic symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and history... featuring stunning architecture, intricate art, and spiritual significance... the number of visitors allowed in the Palace is strictly limited each day... there are over 400 steps to the top... it is still a spiritual experience climbing this many steps amidst pilgrims, despite being a museum-like monument today rather than a living residence... ever since I saw (more than once☺️) one of my all-time favorite movies, "Seven Years in Tibet"❤️(1997) I've been fascinated by this place... their amazing culture, religion and overwhelming nature... with the same great " Paradise Post Office" cancellation... Big Thanks Vincent for two more little gems for my collection! (✿ ♥‿♥)

The first recorded use of the site was in the 7th century AD, when King Songtsen Gampo built a palace here. Construction of the present structure began during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama in 1645 and took divisions of labourers and artisans more than 50 years to complete. The Potala Palace is the administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region and was the residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India during the 1959 Tibetan Uprising and is now a museum. 

The layout of the Potala Palace includes the rooftop White Palace (the eastern part of the building), used for the living quarters of the Dalai Lama, and the central Red Palace, used for religious functions. The most stunning chapels of the Red Palace house the jewel-bedecked golden chörten (Tibetan stupa) tombs of several previous Dalai Lamas. The apartments of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas, in the White Palace, offer a more personal insight into palace life.

The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.

Stamps:

Hemudu Archaeological Site, Yuyao, Zhejiang (12-05-1996)

The 21st World University Games, Beijing 

(Issued 22-08-2001)

TIBET ~ Lhasa ~

... First of two amazing Tibetan postcards💙... the name of this historic city literally means, "Land of the Gods"... Lhasa is a city of gold that is carved into the mountains and the spiritual heart of Tibet...  it sits at an altitude of approximately 3,650 meters on the Tibetan plateau, ringed by peaks that are part of the vast Himalayan range... the mountains provide a dramatic, scenic background to the city's ancient temples and modern architecture... what makes these postcards even more special are the wonderful postmarks😍... stamped at the "The Tibetan Paradise Post Office " that sits at North Everest Base Camp around 4,900 meters above sea level, making it the world’s highest temporary post office... operational only during the climbing season, from April to October, it allows adventurous visitors to send mail across the world from extreme altitude... visitors must bring oxygen and battle the cold, but the payoff is a postcard stamped from earth’s highest elevation... Big Thanks Vincent! (✿◠‿◠) 

Tibet is an autonomous region of China often called “the roof of the world.”  (4,600 meters) above sea level. It occupies a vast area of plateaus and mountains in Central Asia, including Mount Everest. It is bordered by the Chinese provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan, by Myanmar, India, Bhutan, Nepal, by the disputed Kashmir region and by the Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang. Lhasa is the capital city with a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture. 

More about "The Tibetan Paradise Post Office": Established in 2001 in a military tent to serve climbers and trekkers, it was upgraded in 2008 to mark the Olympic Flame passage (Beijing hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics) and again in 2017 with modern facilities and visitor amenities. Reaching it requires trekking through Tingri and managing altitude challenges.

 

Stamps:

Mount Dinghu 

(Issued 18-02-1995)

Datong River Diversion Project 

(Issued 26-08-2001) 

GERMANY ~ Museum of Modern Art - Bonn ~

... Night view a modern architectural gem which focuses on contemporary German art... the collection comprises approximately 9,000 works of art, with a focus on the work of August Macke and Rhineland expressionists and showcases an impressive collection of art in Germany after 1945 including paintings, photography and video art... it is one of several prominent museums located along Bonn's famous "Museum Mile"...  this is a stretch of cultural institutions that showcase everything from contemporary art to natural history... it is one of Europe’s largest museum networks with five museums located in close proximity to one another... with great World Postcard Day postmark👍... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】 

Photo: Michael Sondermann
The Kunstmuseum Bonn or Bonn Museum of Modern Art was founded in 1947. Its new building, designed by the Berlin architect Axel Schultes and opened in 1992, is considered throughout Germany to be one of the most important examples of museum architecture in recent decades.

The present building has three entrances, symbolising openness. The design of the staircase has been described as a precise geometry, cut like jewellery. The conception of light brings the collection to life. The total exhibition area is around 4,000 square metres.
 

Stamp:

World of Letters 

(Issued 02-01-2025)

FIJI ~ Map ~

... Starting 2026 with a fantastic tropical paradise🌞🌴🌊... a scenic gem of the South Pacific... white-sand beaches, swaying coconut trees, clear turquoise waters and spectacular underwater scenery... beautiful islands with and all-year-round tropical weather... this nice illustrated map shows the main islands, including Viti Levu and Vanua Levu...Fiji is a major tourist location... Big Thanks Amelia! (✿◠‿◠)

Fiji is an island nation belonging to the Polynesian islands located in Melanesia, a subregion of Oceania. It shares marine boundaries with Vanuatu, New Caledonia (France), Kermadec (New Zealand), Tonga, American Samoa, Tuvalu, Samoa and Wallis and Futuna (France). The capital and largest city is Suva, on the island of Viti Levu. Fiji gained independence from the British Empire in 1970 after 96 years as a British colony.

There are over 330 islands in Fiji and over 500 small islets. Around 110 of these islands are inhabited, although 87% of the population lives on the two biggest islands Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The islands are spread over 194,000 km²  of which just 10% is land.

 

Stamp:

Christmas

(Issued 05-12-2006)

GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR ~ HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"I wish a year full of happiness, health and joy for all my postcard friends and blog followers!"                                                                                                                                       - Gerda💙

 

SLOVAKIA ~ Dobšiná Ice Cave - UNESCO ~

... Great views of the largest ice cave in Slovakia and one of the largest in Central Europe... Dobšiná's Ice Cave stands as a rare natural monument carved by time and ice deep within the Slovak Paradise National Park... the cave itself feels like a cold cathedral, 1,483 meters long and 112 meters wide, with ice walls up to 26 meters thick... its ice filling includes stalactites, stalagmites, ice falls, waterfalls and floor ice... it is one of the best caves to visit in Slovakia if you want to experience nature’s frozen architecture... unfortunately the Cave is warming up and experiencing significant ice loss due to rapid climate change😔, specifically the rise in year-round surface temperatures and increased precipitation... Thanks a lot Natasa! (•‿•)

"Our greatest threat in thousands of years. Climate change. If we don't take action, the collapse of our civilisations and the extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon."

                                                                                                                David Attenborough

The cave was discovered in 1870 by the mining engineer E. Ruffini and a year later local enthusiasts opened it to the public. In 1882, it became the first electrically lit cave in Hungary.

Located in the Northeast part of the Slovak Ore Mountains, Slovak Paradise National Park covers a 194.14 km2 area with a 54.75 km2 protected buffer zone, making the total area 248.89 km2. It became a national park in 1988.

Since 2000 it has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage list as a part of the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst site.

Stamps:

Slovak Applied Arts - Glassware

(Issued 04-01-2021)

Klára Jarunková, 1922-2005 

(Issued 28-04-2022)

The 20th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with South Korea 

(Issued 31-05-2013)

:

GERMANY ~ Erfurt -

...Lovely views of the most beautiful cityscapes... a medieval hidden gem in central Germany... famous for its incredibly well-preserved old town, stunning timber-framed houses, cobblestone streets, and historic sites like the Erfurt Cathedral, St. Severus Church and the unique Merchants' Bridge lined with artisan shops and cafes... it's one of Europe's few remaining bridges of its kind... the Augustinian Monastery and the  Fish market square... all this making it a popular spot for history and culture seekers looking for an authentic, less-crowded German experience, highlighted for its rich heritage and charming atmosphere... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

Erfurt is the capital city and largest city of the German state of Thuringia and lies in the wide valley of the River Gera. First mentioned in 742, it was a vital medieval trading city on the Via Regia, known as "Thuringian Rome" due to its many churches. The young Martin Luther studied at the university and lived as a monk in the Augustinian Monastery (now a museum).
 

Stamp:

Returning Wildlife 

(Issued 07-08-2025)

Saint Martin ~ Orient Beach - Two nations as one Island ~

... Pretty views of a unique island because it has two names depending on which side you’re on... an island paradise split between the French and Dutch in 1648... it's a little European with a lot Caribbean flavour... this one is my first from the French side of the island 👍(they use French stamps)... Orient Beach is known as the ‘"Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean"... located on the clear turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean side of the island... the white sand, swept by the trade winds, stretches for almost 2 kilometers... the beach is known as a mecca for water sports, including kitesurfing, windsurfing and parasailing.... a section of the beach on the southern side is frequented by naturists which contributes to its worldwide fame... with great selection of stamps used...Thanks a lot Diego! (✿◠‿◠)  And congratulations on achieving a huge milestone of visiting 100 countries!👏👏👏

Photos: © Bob Reardon
Saint Martin is an overseas collectivity of France in the West Indies in the Caribbean, Saint Martin is on the northern part of the island and  covers about 60% of the island as well as some smaller adjacent islands. Saint Martin is separated from the island of Anguilla by the Anguilla Channel. Its capital is Marigot. Before 2007, Saint Martin was part of Guadeloupe, another French area.
 

Stamps:

Tropical Flowers 

(Issued 12-02-2024)

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

Boule & Bill 

(Issued 18-03-2002)

Regions of France 

(Issued 21-03-2005)

Arawak Civilization Saint Martin 

(Issued 12-02-1996)

CZECH REPUBLIC ~Stary Martin - Krupka - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of the Štola Starý Martin (Old Martin Mine Tunnel)... a historic mine in the Krupka mining district, which was of great importance for ore extraction... its history stretches from the 14th century to the 1930s, when mining was carried out on one of the richest and longest tin veins in Bohemia... 2 km long, 15-20 cm thick... today, an open-air museum to illustrate the various methods of ore extraction and mining in the past and present... a collection of historical objects, an overview of the coats of arms of all Bohemian mining towns and an exhibition of minerals and rocks complete the exposition... it also offers displays of various mining vehicles and carts... Thanks Anni!【ツ】

Photo: Jan Watzek-Petr Vacek-Alois Rittig
Krupka, located at the foot of the Krušné hory mountains is a town with a rich mining history, particularly in tin extraction. It was formed by the merging of several villages. The town boasts a beautiful basilica in Bohosudov, a significant pilgrimage site.

The Krupka mining landscape, including the Starý Martin adit, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019, as part of the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region.
 

Stamp:

Biathlon World Championships 

(Issued 20-01-2024)

VATICAN CITY ~ Saint Peter's Square and Basilica - UNESCO

... Beautiful sunset view sent from once more a very special place🛐... and an important one during the Holy Season... Christmas is a central and sacred religious celebration for Catholics... rising above St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-see when you visit Rome... as one of the most famous works of Renaissance architecture and the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s is legendary... most visitors are immediately impressed with its scale, beauty, art, sacredness, and history.... me too,☺️ as I visited it a looooong time ago on a "educational" school trip... Vatican Postal service process millions of postcards every year... a letter or postcard from the world’s smallest nation with a Vatican postmark as a souvenir is a symbol of a separate state's identity and a coveted piece of postal history and art...  Heeeeel Erg Bedankt Ben, Loes, Leon en Anna! (✿◠‿◠)

Vatican City is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome. Vatican City is the smallest internationally recognized independent state in the world by both area and population. The Pope is also the Head of State and Government of the Vatican City State.

Saint Peter’s Basilica is the largest enclosed church in the world, as it can hold up to 60,000 people and it is 22,000 square meters. The dome of the Basilica was recorded as the world’s largest Catholic dome.The Basilica is the work of great artists from the Roman Renaissance: L.B. Alberti, Bramante, Raffaello and Michelangelo.
 

Stamps:

Holy Christmas - Light of Peace from Bethlehem 

(Issued 10-11-2020)

EUROPA Stamps - National Archaeological Discoveries

(Issued 27-05-2025)

FRANCE ~ Santa Claus Letter - Libourne ~

.. 🎅H0H 0H0🎅... a lovely Santa Letter... each year, Santa Claus receives 1.2 million letters and more than 100,000 emails... a total of 120 countries write to Santa Claus in Libourne... the origins date back to the 1950s, when Odette Ménager and Magdeleine Homo, two postal workers, disobeyed their hierarchy who asked them to destroy the letters... they then opened these envelopes and answered the children... since 1962, each letter has received a response...Thanks Santa Claus!💖💖💖

"On 23 December at 19.00 Santa Claus starts his long journey to deliver gifts to children (and I hope to adults too☺️) around the world on the day before Christmas Eve. We all wish him a safe journey and send our Christmas greetings all over the world. "🦌🛷✨

MALAWI ~ Liwonde National Park ~

... Great view of the Liwonde section with the stunning Shire River... one of the most ecologically rich in Malawi... the vast Shire River and its various tributaries form the beating heart of this thriving park... Borassus palm-studded floodplains, thick reedbeds and towering riverine trees create a unique and picturesque environment setting a scene for spectacular wildlife viewing on the banks of the river... since 2015, the park has been managed by the non-profit organisation African Parks, which has built an electric fence to reduce conflicts between humans and animals... visitors can embark on guided safaris by vehicle or boat to fully experience the rich ecosystem and stunning vistas... Thanks a lot Emmanuel!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Liwonde National Park was founded in 1973 and has an area of 548 km2. The park is situated on the  banks of the Shire River, south of Lake Malawi and near the Mozambique border. The park was named after Chief Liwonde who had championed its protection.

Borassus palm-studded floodplains is a descriptive phrase used to refer to specific scenic landscapes in areas with permanent soil moisture such as river valleys and coastal regions. This environment, featuring a mix of palms, mopane woodlands, and riverine settings, supports a vast array of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and various bird species.
 

Stamps: 

2X Butterflies

Christmas

(Issued 24-12-2014)

Malawi Wildlife

(Issued 06-07-2014)

CANADA ~ Season's Greetings ~

...More nice⛄🦌❄️🎄🌟Christmas🌟❄️🎄🦌⛄ mail... from dear postcard friend Andrene... and thanks so much for also sharing 2025 in a lovely family newsletter😍... it is such a nice thing to do, and I'm honored to be included... hope 2026 will bring happiness, joy, love and good health to you and your loved ones!!💖💝💖Thanks a lot dear Andrene & Ron, sending a virtual hug!!! ♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ) 

"Hope Christmas finds yousurrounded by family and friends,uplifted by faith,and blessed by God's love."
 

Stamp:

Definitives - From Far and Wide 

(Issued 12-3-01-2025)

GERMANY ~ St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Severus Church - Erfurt ~

... Great evening view of the cathedal and church highlighted as the "twin landmarks" of Erfurt... positioned side-by-side on the picturesque Domberg hill, they are frequently cited as a unique architectural ensemble in Europe.... the cathedral is the grander, more imposing of the two churches... the St. Severus Church is described as a "peaceful alternative" to the busier cathedral... reaching the churches requires climbing a grand staircase of some 70 steps from the Domplatz... they both forming a picture-perfect, historically rich backdrop to this well-preserved medieval city, often called a hidden gem... with nice special stamp cancellation... this year Jim Knopf (Jim Button), the beloved German children's book character created by Michael Ende, celebrates his 65th birthday... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】  

Erfurt is the capital city and largest city of the German state of Thuringia and lies in the wide valley of the River Gera. First mentioned in 742, it was a vital medieval trading city on the Via Regia, known as "Thuringian Rome" due to its many churches. The young Martin Luther studied at the university and lived as a monk in the Augustinian Monastery (now a museum).
 

Stamps:

Famous Figures from Television Series for Children 

(Issued 13-06-2001)

Definitive - Flowers 

(Issued 2005 - present)

World of Letter 

(Issued 02-11-2022)

CANADA ~ Season's Greetings ~

...With Christmas🎅🎄🦌🌟 and New Year🎇⛄ almost here it's time to start posting my first lovely "Season's Greeting card"... a sweet children's vintage snowy winter scene❄️... dear Glenn I'm wishing you and your family a warm, glowing Christmas🎅🎇 and a very happy and healthy 2026🎆 ... 💖💝💖 

Stamp:

Holiday

(Issued 06-11-2025)

IRAQ ~ FOTW ~

... Great new flag from the FOTW postcard series... the national flag of Iraq features three equal horizontal bands of red, (courage) white, (peace/purity) and black (Islam/battles)... the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great") in green Arabic script is centered in the white band... the colors used in the flag are the Pan-Arab colors that feature in many flags of the Arab world... in 2008, the current flag was officially adopted and represents the modern state of Iraq and its people... Thanks Essam!【ツ】

Iraq is a country in Western Asia, bordered by Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria. It has 58 km of coastline along the northern end of the Persian Gulf, giving it a tiny bit of territorial sea. The capital, and largest city, is Baghdad.

The region of Mesopotamia came under Arab influence in 636 AD and it was the Arabs who were first to call the country “Iraq” meaning “the fertile”.

Stamp:

The Inauguration of an Intersection Bridge in Baghdad 

(Issued 03-06-2024)

CROATIA ~ Stari Grad - Hvar - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of the town of Stari Grad, located on probably the most famous island in Croatia...  situated on a sheltered bay and known for its historic architecture and cultural heritage... the Stari Grad Plain, near the town of Stari Grad is an agricultural landscape that was set up by the ancient Greek colonists in the 4th century BC, and remains in use... this landscape is almost entirely preserved from its original form... the ancient layout has been preserved by careful maintenance of the stone walls over 24 centuries, along with the stone shelters and the water collection system... the same crops, mainly grapes and olives, are still grown in the fields... the plot division system of the Stari Grad Plain represents one of the masterpieces of Greek culture in the Mediterranean...Thanks Nikola!

Stari Grad is located on the northwestern coast of Hvar in Dalmatia and literally meaning “Old Town,” It is the oldest town in Croatia with a rich history spanning over 2,400 years.founded by Greeks in 384 BC as Pharos.

In 2008, the Stari Grad Plain was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

 

Stamps:

The 50th Anniversary of EUROPA Stamps 

(Issued 08-09-2005)

Famous Croats

(Ussued 16-04-2013)

Sea Life in Croatia 

(Issued 14-02-2020)

SVALBARD ~ Reindeer ~

... Awesome postcard of a long years postcard wish of mine💙... coming from the northernmost settlement in the world... famous for its pristinely astonishing nature... one of the few remote northern places that are inhabited year-round... Europe’s largest wildlife sanctuary: protected areas constitute 2/3 of the archipelago... the Svalbard Reindeer is an endemic subspecies of reindeer, which lives only in Svalbard and never was domesticated... evolved without predators like wolves, making them curious and unafraid of people, often approaching observers closely.... they eat grasses, mosses, and even seaweed, thriving near glaciers and on lush tundra... Svalbard is considered to be an Arctic desert, due to the low humidity and precipitation... however, it is becoming wetter due to the climate change and has recently recorded 100 months with above average temperatures.. with great Polar bear stamp from Longyearbayen Post Office and very clear unique postmark👍... Svalbard issues its own stamps, often participating in the annual Europa CEPT theme... Thanks a million Loes, Ben and friends for arranging this surprise for me!😚🥰

Photo: Linda Bakken
Svalbard is the name of  a group of islands located in the Arctic ocean halfway between the North pole and Norway. It is a collection of scattered islands administered by Norway since the 1920s. With a total area of 61,022 km2 it is also Europe’s second largest archipelago in the Arctic Circle. Longyearbyen is the archipelago’s capital town.

The largest island is called Spitsbergen, i.e. pointy mountains. It was so named by the Dutch explorer William Barents, the Barents sea guy, who discovered the island in 1596 and did not realise that he had in fact discovered a whole archipelago.

Svalbard has 29 protected natural areas: seven national parks, six sanctuaries, 15 bird sanctuaries, and one geotope protected area. Protections also apply to any newly found traces of human civilization dating before 1946.

 

Stamp:

Polar Bear

(Issued???)

GERMANY ~ Minster Church - Bonn ~

... Nice view of  one of Germany's oldest Catholic churches... built between the 11th and 13th centuries in a mix of both Romanesque and Gothic styles and was restored in 2014... a significant and beautiful landmark... located in  the old town and dominating the square named after it... Bonner Münster remains an active place of worship with daily services and special liturgical events throughout year... tourists can also visit it to explore its rich history or simply admire its architectural beauty... a small museum located within premises provides insights into church’s past through various artifacts... climb up the steeple where you can enjoy panoramic views over the city... with lovely Christmas stamp and special postmark... Thanks a lot Dustin! (•‿•)

Bonner Münster holds an important place in German religious history. It was built on the graves of two Roman legionaries – Cassius and Florentius – who were executed for their Christian faith during the reign of Julian Apostate around AD 362. Their remains have been preserved under the altar area making it a significant pilgrimage site since medieval times

Bonn is located on the banks of the Rhine in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The city served as the capital of West Germany from 1949 until 1990 and was the seat of government for reunified Germany until 1999, when the government relocated to Berlin.

The city holds historical significance as the birthplace of Germany's current constitution, the Basic Law.
 

Stamp:

Christmas - Church Window 

(Issued 03-11-2025)

NEW ZEALAND ~ Mirror Lakes - Fiordland National Park - UNESCO ~

...  A great sunrise view... the lakes are famous for their still, reflective water known for creating spectacular mirror-like reflections of the Earl Mountains... one of new zealand's most iconic natural attractions... a visit to the Mirror Lakes involves walking along a wooden boardwalk dotted with viewing platforms... the view from the wooden platforms is pretty awesome and you have the opportunity to spot native birds... the Mirror Lakes are safeguarded by international regulations and are part of the global network of Protected Sites...Thanks a lot Susan! (✿◠‿◠)

Fiordland National Park is over 1.2 million hectares in size (one of the largest National parks in New Zealand and one of the largest in the world) located on the South Island and was established in 1952. Mirror Lakes is the first lake you’ll reach when heading north from Te Anau along the Milford Road.

Te Wahipounamu (Māori for "the place of greenstone") was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1990 and covering 26,000 km², the site incorporates four national parks: Aoraki/Mt Cook, Fiordland,Mt Aspiring and Westland National Park.
 

Stamp:

Christmas 

(Issued 01-10-2025)