Monday, March 18, 2024

USA ~ Nāpali Coast - Kauai - Hawaii ~

... A spectacular aerial view of kauai's north shore, the most beautiful part of the island... the unique shapes and colors of the north shoreline are captured here... after great postcards of the Big Island, Waikiki and Maui this is Hawaii island nr4👍... as being the greenest of the Hawaiian islands its nicknamed the "Garden Island"... the Nāpali Coast is a sacred place defined by extraordinary natural beauty... with rugged mountains, lush landscapes, amazing beaches and spectacular sea cliffs.... only accessible by kayak or hiking trails...  perhaps the most interesting and unusual fact is that Kauai's Building Code dictates that "no building shall be taller than a Coconut Palm"... thus the 4 story limit on vertical construction... Thanks a lot once more dear Glenn, must have been another fantastic cruise vacation!!!  \_(♥‿♥)_/


Kauai is the northern most and the fourth largest island in the Hawaiian chain with the largest Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe (listed in order of size).

Kauai is geologically the oldest of the major Hawaiian islands at 5.8 million years old.

90% of the landmass is being used for agriculture or conservation.  Kauai grow more taro (taro is the staple of the Native Hawaiian diet and at the core of the Hawaiian culture.)  than any other island and are well-known for having the largest coffee plantation in the entire US.

Hawaii is the most isolated inhabited land mass in the world. 



Photo: Howie From Maui


 

Stamps: 

Pony Cars 
(Issued 25 -08-2022)

Chinese New Year - Year of the Dragon 
(Issued 25-01-2024)

Friday, March 15, 2024

USA ~ Humpback Whale - Maui - Hawaii~

...Another wonderful whale postcard from dear postcard friend Glenn🩵... it's always a great pleasure to get a new whale card for my collection👍... spectacular sight of the magnificent "gentle giant of the ocean" seen off Baby Beach on Maui's south shore... they are true "acrobats of the sea"  often seen "breaching" or jumping out of the water and crashing into the waves... although you can go whale watching in Maui from pretty much anywhere along Maui’s shorelines, the south and west sides of the island are the most popular... it is the area most visited by whales in all the Hawaiian islands... an unforgettable experience and one of the favourite things to do on the island......Thanks so much Glenn!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

Photographed by Michael S. Nolan

North Pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world and can weigh anywhere between 25-40 tons, and approximately 1 ton as newborns. They come here to feed on capelin, krill, and squid along the coast.

Their upper (dorsal) body is primarily a dark shade of grey, with distinct areas of white on their flippers (pectoral fins) and under (ventral) bellies. On average, the North Pacific humpback whale can live for about 50 years (although there have been accounts living up to 90 years), and reach sexual maturity between 5-7 years old. 

Stamps:

Tulip Blossoms 
(Issued 05-04-2023)

Insects - Colorado Hairstreak 
(Issued 09-03-2021)

Thursday, March 14, 2024

USA ~ Aloha - Hawaii ~

...🩴🏝️🌺ALOHA🌺🏝️🩴from Waikiki... wonderful tropical view of a vintage Travel Poster... young woman in traditional Hawaiian skirt dancing hula dance with ukulele guitar on  the beach... designed by Kerne Erickson, an unusual modern day visual artist creating Hawaiian Scenes Art in his own unique "vintage" style...Thanks a lot Glenn! (✿◠‿◠)  




With her flower crown and grass skirt, the hula girl has been synonymous with Hawaiian hospitality since cruise ships first docked in Honolulu in the 1920s.

Even today, exoticized images of these traditional dancers headline on travel websites, at tiki-themed bars, and on wiggly dashboard tchotchkes. 

Over the past two centuries, the cherished Hawaiian dance has moved from a sacred religious practice to a tourist attraction.





© Greg Young Publishing



Stamps:

Pony Cars 
(Issued 25-08-2022)

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

SCOTLAND ~ Maeshowe Chambered Cairn - Stenness - Orkney - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of one of Orkney’s Prehistoric Wonders... Maeshowe, a monumental chambered tomb, is the finest Neolithic building to survive in western Europe... a masterpiece of Neolithic design and construction, not least because of its use of massive stones... after duck-walking through a low ceiling passageway, visitors enter a large neolithic tomb site... perhaps one of Maeshowe's most famous attributes is its midwinter alignment... for a few days each year, as the midwinter sun slips below the horizon, its last rays shine directly through Maeshowe's entrance passage to illuminate the rear wall of the central chamber... a "must see" site when staying on Orkney... Big Thanks Andrene!(✿ ♥‿♥)... It also rained here non stop for weeks and the amount of rain we have had lately is pretty crazy!🌧️☔🌧️

© Charles Tait, Kelton, St OLa, Orkney

Maeshowe was built on a natural hillock, only slightly higher than the surrounding land located in the parish of Stenness, in Orkney’s West Mainland.

It was built around 2,800 BC (around 300 years earlier than the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt). The burial mound itself measures approximately 37m in diameter by 7.4m high, with an entrance passage of 14,5m. It is is made up of a large central chamber, with three side chambers built into the walls. 

This site was looted by Vikings in the 12thC. The several runic inscriptions on the walls of the chamber represent the largest single collection of such carvings in the world.

Maeshowe is part of the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney", a group of sites including Skara Brae, which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. 


 Stamp: 

Definitives - King Charles III 
(Issued 04-04-2023)

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

USA ~ Waipio Valley - Hawaii ~

... Great postcard from Glenn's first port stop on his Hawaiian cruise🛳️💙...Waipio Valley is said to be one of the most gorgeous spots on "the Big Island" known for its natural beauty... the Valley is in fact embedded between high cliffs, which descend many streams with several beautiful waterfalls... the shoreline is a soft black sand beach that meets blue waters for absolutely breathtaking views... often called the "Valley of the Kings"... it is considered as a sacred place due to its historical importance to the Hawaiian people... generations of Hawaiians lived down in this valley for years, including famous chiefs and kings that led the Hawaiian people... this valley is one of the most beautiful and secluded places to go to for a hike or horseback ride... Thanks a lot Glenn!【ツ】 

Photo: © Fyne/eStock Photo

The valley is located on the northeastern shores of the Hamaku Coast, tucked in the Kohala Mountains on the Big Island. Out of the seven valleys on the windward side, Waipio valley is the largest and most popular site to visit. Waipio valley is one mile wide at the coastline and six miles deep with 2000-foot high cliffs. This "Valley of the Kings " was the childhood home of King Kamehameha I.

It is named after the river that runs through the valley. Waipi'o means “curved water” in the Hawaiian language. 

 Stamps:

Insects - Colorado Hairstreak (Issued 09-03-2021)

Tulip Blossoms 
(Issued 05-04-2023)

Monday, March 11, 2024

SPAIN ~ Girona - Catalonia ~

... Great view of a gorgeous small city in the north of Spain also called  the "City of the Four Rivers"... it is a well-preserved medieval city with lots of historical charm, beautiful architecture, and many attractions to see... it has one of the most important mediaeval quarters in Spain and one of the best-preserved old Jewish quarters in Europe... one of the main tourist attraction is the magnificent cathedral of Santa Maria located at the highest point of the old city featuring the widest Gothic nave in the world with a breadth of 22 metres... recognisable for the Game of Thrones fans as the "Great Sept of Baelor"... the historic centre is surrounded by walls from where you have a full panoramic view of the whole medieval part of Girona, you can even see the Pyrenees in the distance... Thanks a lot Josep&Assumpta!ヽ(•‿•)ノ  

© Jordi Puig
 
Girona is a city of Catalonia and capital of the province of the same name. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Ter, Galigants, Honiar, and Guel, near the border with France. The origins of the city of Girona date back to Roman times.                                                                     


 

Stamp:

The 1100 Anniversary of the Kingdom of Nájera 
(Issued 27-08-2023)

Friday, March 8, 2024

HUNGARY ~ Liberty Bridge - Budapest ~

... Amazing view of the iconic Liberty Bridge... one of the most beautiful places of the city with its ornate decorations and pedestrian-friendly location... this bridge is breathtaking at night where it lights up and dominates the sky line... the bridge has a distinct coating of green: its color being totally different to all of the other bridges of Budapest... this makes it impossible to confuse it with any other structure in the city.... for many people living in Budapest, their favorite bridge... people sit on this bridge in between the walkway and the road and play music, are on dates or just hang out which gives it a lovely atmosphere...Thanks a lot Gian Luca and Raffaella! (✿◠‿◠)

The Liberty Bridge is the shortest bridge in the centre of Budapest’s with its 333.6m over the Danube river. Initially it was built as part of the Millennium World Exhibition at the end of the 19thC, in 1896. 

On the day of its opening, the final silver rivet was inserted personally by the Emperor Franz Joseph. Not surprisingly, the Emperor gave his name to the bridge: Franz Joseph Bridge. However, World War 2 changed everything. First, the war led to the partial destruction of the bridge, and secondly, following its reconstruction, the new regime governing the country, with no hint of irony, gave the bridge its new name.
 

Stamp:

Postal History
(Issued 05-05-2021)

Thursday, March 7, 2024

BELGIUM ~ Leo Baekeland ~

... Lovely maxicard nr2 honors one of Belgian's great inventors... Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland is credited with having invented the first thermosetting plastic... in other words, plastic that does not become softer with heat... he created it in 1907 while living in America and named it Bakelite after himself... one of world's first plasticlike materials produced commercially.... colorful objects made of Bakelite are jewelry, telephones, radios, and billiard balls, to name just a few... they brightened everyday life in the first half of the 20thC... a Belgian invention that changed the course of history... with nice matching stamp and first day cancellation👍... Nogmaals hééél erg bedankt *voor alles*😊Johan!(✿ ♥‿♥)
Leo Hendrik Baekeland (1863-1944) is a Belgian chemist and inventor. Trained as a chemist at the University of Ghent, he immigrated to the United States in 1889 and in the following years invented Velox photographic paper in 1893 and Bakelite in 1907, a polymeric plastic made from phenol and formaldehyde.

Baekeland was elected president of the American Chemical Society in 1924. He sold the General Bakelite Company, which he had founded in 1910, to Union Carbide in 1939.


Stamp:

Leo Baekeland, 1863-1944 
 (Issued 22-01-2024)

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

BELGIUM ~ Gillet Sport - Iconic Belgium Motorbikes ~

... First of two nice Belgian postcards issued by Bpost and made into maxicards by Johan💙... .Gillet, established in Herstal, marketed its first motorcycle in 1920... "Gillet Sport" was launched in 1923... the 350cc Gillet Sport "Tour du Monde" pictured belonged to the famous adventurer Robert Fabry and made a 20,000km journey across the Sahara... aviator and motorcyclist Robert Fabry was looking for a landing spots for planes en route from Belgium to the then colony and used this Gillet Sport to do so.... carrying 470kg of luggage... the bike would be dismantled 38 times in the course of the journey and carried in pieces across Congo's Rutshuru mountains... this true gem in the field of motorcycling history can be seen in the The Museum of Walloon Life...  with matching stamp and wonderful "motorcycle" first day cancellation👍... Héééééél Erg Bedankt Johan!ヽ(•‿•)ノ 

The Belgian motorcycle industry was once a leader in the motorcycle world. This industry started in the early 19th century, but died a silent death between 1960-1970. The most important brands were located in the Liège region. In particular FN, Sarol�a and Gillet.Gillet-Herstal was one of the three major Belgian motorcycle brands (alongside Sarolea and FN). The addition "Herstal" was to distinguish it from the Paris-built brand "Rene Gillet". 
 

Stamp:


Classic Belgian Motorcycles
(Issued 22-01-2024)

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

GERMANY~ Ernst May Haus & Museum - Frankfurt ~

... View of the terraced "Ernst-May-Haus" in Frankfurt's Romerstadt... the "New Frankfurt" was an affordable housing program from the “New Building” period in the 1920's and an important expample of classical modernism... it is the only residential building in this style that has been completely restored and renovated... a model house to solve the housing shortage... since 2010, the Ernst May House has been open to the public... with lovely stamp and great first day postmark😊... Thanks Dustin!ヽ(ヅ)ノ


The settlement was built between 1927 and 1928 according to plans by the city architect Ernst May (1886 – 1970). 

With his innovative urban planning program “Neues Frankfurt”, he developed a concept to enable every small family to live in a new, comfortable way (full basement, five rooms, bathroom, garden). 

Another special feature of the Ernst May House is the “Frankfurt Kitchen” designed especially for the kitchen by Margarethe Schütte-Lihotzky, which is now considered the archetype of the modern fitted kitchen.

 Rooms are decorated in the original colours from 1928 to give authenticity to Ernst May's vision. The house is also equipped with reclaimed original furniture that was designed for the settlement.


Photo: Simon Keckeisen

Stamp: 

Squirrel in the Snow 
(Issued 02-11-2023)

Monday, March 4, 2024

AZORES ~ Church of Misericórdia - Angra - Terceira Island ~

...Nice view of the older part of Angra do Heroísmo... this beautiful bright blue and white church is one of the most prominent landmarks of the city... the colourful facades are its highlights... this church is an important 18thC construction, built on the site of a former 15thC church dedicated to the Holy Spirit, which was attached to the first hospital in the city... located on the stunning Angra waterfront and has a four-floors facade with two towers and Baroque altars... access into the church is by stairs... mailed from the island itself👍!! Thanks a lot João!【ツ】


Terceira is one of the 9 islands within the Portuguese Autonomous Region of the Azores, an archipelago of Portugal in the North Atlantic Ocean. 

It is one of the larger islands in the archipelago and home to Azores' oldest city Angra do Heroismo. This was an important island on the maritime trade route between Europe and North America, which contributed to its development. The island is in fact an active volcanic island, that is composed of several older extinct volcanoes.

It was classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1983.

Stamp:


Fruits of Portugal
(Issued 22-02-2017)

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

CHILI ~ Churches of Chiloé - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of two historic Catholic churches belonging to a group of 16 iconic wooden churches... the Churches of Chiloé are outstanding examples of the successful fusion of European and indigenous cultural traditions to produce a unique form of wooden architecture... the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows of Dalcahue (left one) is located on the main plaza of the small town of Dalcahue... it was founded in 1849 and built on a former missionary chapel... the Church of Santa María de Loreto de Achao is the oldest traditional Chiloé church built around 1740 and survives almost intact from de Jesuit mission era... they were all built near the coast using locally cut cypress and larch wood... all joined wood, without nails... Thanks a lot Alex!ヽ(ヅ)ノ


Chiloé Island, also known as Greater Island of Chiloé, is the largest island of the Chiloé Archipelago. The island is located in southern Chile, in the Los Lagos Region and is referred to as the main island in the archipelago.

Out of 70 churches, 16 churches survived fires and natural disasters over the centuries, including the 1960 earthquake and tidal wave.The standing churches: Achao, Quinchao, Castro, Rilán, Nercón, Aldachildo, Ichuac, Detif, Vilupulli, Chonchi, Tenaún, Colo, San Juan, Dalcahue, Chellín, and Caguach were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2000.

Stamps:
 
Architecture - View of the Old and New Congress 
(Issued 03-07-2011)

Mail Boxes 
(Issued 21-10-2011)

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

GERMANY ~ The Little Garden of Paradise - Städel Museum - Frankfurt ~

... Wonderful view of a small scale masterpiece created around 1410 by an unknown painter referred to as Upper Rhenish Master... painted in the international Gothic style on oakwood, measuring 26 x 33 cm... in this famous and charming painting, the artist depicts a secluded scene, with Mary the Mother and Jesus the Child in a secluded corner of a castle garden, a peaceful place protected by a wall from the violent outer world representing the paradise... the realism of the painting is unusual for the time... there are 24 plants and 12 birds in the garden, all accurately depicted... this painting is the Städel's most famous example of the old German school... with once more a sweet stamp from the series: "Heroes of Childhood“💙... and nice special first day postmark👍...Thanks a lot Dustin! (✿◠‿◠)

The Städel Museum – Old Masters collection is part of the Städel’s art museum and gallery located in Frankfurt. It is one of the most important and renowned art museums in the country, housing a vast collection of artworks from the Middle Ages through to contemporary art. The museum showcases paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings, with works by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, Degas, Picasso, and many others.

 Stamp:

Heroes of Childhood - Käpt'n Blaubär
(Issued 07-12-2023)

Monday, February 26, 2024

JAPAN ~Nijo-jo Castle - Kyoto - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of an impressively former castle... one of the most significant historical sites of Japan... a place that has witnessed the changes of Japan including the prosperity and declane of the Tokugawa family... it remains an eloquent testimony to their power... the sprawling castle grounds are surrounded by a wide moat and towering stone walls... spanning over 275,000 m2 Nijo Castle is one of the biggest historic sites in all of Kyoto... there are historical murals and various other scriptures about life during the Edo Era... the Castle offers also authentic Japanese-style wedding ceremonies... Hééél Erg Bedankt Benny!【ツ】

Known as the Kyoto residence, Nijo-jo was ordered and built in 1601 by the famous leader Tokugawa Leyasu (the first shogun of the Edo Period), as an ornate, ostentatious Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa clan. The castle was completed in 1629 by his son and successor, Iemitsu. The Tokugawa shoguns in Kyoto had been ruling Japan for over 260 years from 1603 to 1868.

The temple is part of the Unesco WHS, inscribed in 1994 as “The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)”. This site consist of seventeen parts that are situated in Kyoto and surroundings.

 

Stamp:

??????

Friday, February 23, 2024

MALAWI ~ Nyala Antelope - Lengwe National Park ~

... Great new African National Park postcard💚... home of the very beautiful and shy Nyala antelope... the original reserve here was set aside to protect the most northerly surviving population of these species... estimated at more than 2000 individuals... the park is now a stronghold of this rare mammal... this little-visited national park although is lacking most of the big safari animals but the park has wonderful scenery... the waterholes are great places to spend some time bird watching with more than 330 species recorded and are a focal point for wildlife in the Dry season... Thanks a lot Emmanuel!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Lengwe National Park located on the border with Mozambique. It was first set aside as a game reserve in 1928. It was subsequently designated a national park in 1970 and expanded to its current size of 887 km² in 1975.

Male and female Nyala are significantly different in their appearance to the point that some people identify them as different species. Males are significantly larger and are covered with charcoal grey fur with the lower legs, ears and foreheads being tan, they also have spiraling horns  A female Nyala looks very much like a deer. She does not have horns and has a reddish-brown coat, at least 10 white, vertical stripes along her sides, and a crest of dark hair that runs all the way down her back.

Stamp:

Fauna - The Big Five
(Issued 03-11-2011)

Monday, February 19, 2024

JAPAN ~ Tokyo Station ~

... View of the the magnificent red-brick Tokyo (Marunouchi side) station surrounded by skyscrapers... a landmark of the city and has served as a major hub of the nationwide railway network in Japan since it opened in 1914... this classical architecture building has witnessed many defining historical moments that have shaped Tokyo and Japan over the course of a hundred years.. directly connected via underground walkways you will find dozens of underground passages, shopping streets, dining areas, galleries, a hotel and more... Thanks Jobblo!【ツ】

It is the busiest station in Japan in terms of number of trains per day (over 3,000),Today, more than 350.000 people pass through the station every day.  It is also served by many regional commuter lines of Japan Railways.

Inspired by Amsterdam's Central station Tokyo Station is an impressive 304 meters long and is one of the biggest in the world. It has a symmetrical design, with identically shaped wings flanking its entrance, which was constructed for the Imperial family. In 2012, Tokyo Station building was successfully preserved and restored to its original state. 

Stamps:

Bird Art of the Edo Period 
(Issued 24-01-2022)

World of Arts - Blue
(Issued 19-03-2020)

Friday, February 16, 2024

ZIMBABWE ~ Great Zimbabwe - UNESCO ~

... Nice ruins view of a magnificent historical site of a royal empire of Africa from the Middle Ages...  an archaeological wonder where history of a lost civilization comes alive... it is a unique place home to the largest ancient ruins in all of Africa... the Geat Zimbabwe ruins are not only an ancient city but the place hosts a lot of ancient spirits that local people still consult... it is one of the places where they pay homage to their ancestors... this medieval architectural masterpiece was created on a hill with rudimentary granite bricks... Great Zimbabwe National Monument is the country's main cultural attraction and one of the most visited archaeological sites in Zimbabwe... Thanks a lot Alena!(✿◠‿◠)

Great Zimbabwe is known for its large circular wall and tower. It was part of a wealthy African trading empire that controlled much of the East African coast from the 11th to the 15th centuries C.E.

Great Zimbabwe gave the country its name, Zimbabwe, in 1980 after gaining independence from England. Zimbabwe means "stone house" in the Shona language, and the houses of that time were all built of granite stone.

Stamp:

Baby Animals
(Issued 17-12-2019)

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

AZERBAIJAN ~ Sheki - UNESCO ~

... Lovely view of the courtyard of the Upper Caravanserai... the Sheki’s Caravanserais used to be centres for exchanges and negotiations for merchants and other people travelling along the legendary Silk Road and also provided a place to stay overnight in the city.... the traders would’ve been able to tether their camels inside the complex, and store their wares for the night... the Caravanserai still offers accommodation today and are one of the most unique places to stay overnight in Azerbaijan.... the historical capital of Sheki is one of the best Azerbaijan tourist cities... Thanks a lot Elrum!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Shaki is a city in northwestern Azerbaijan, surrounded by the district of the same name. It is located on the southern part of the Greater Caucasus mountain range.

There are ancient settlements in Sheki, which are considered to be more than 2,700 years old. It's presumed that the name of Sheki comes from Saks, who lived in Azerbaijan in the 7th century BC. The Upper Caravanserai dates back from the 17th and 18th centuries.

 In 2019, “The historic center of Sheki together with the Khan’s Palace” was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 Stamps

TheAnniversary of the Birth of Heydar Aliyev
(Issued 10-05-2023)

Butterflies of Azerbaijan 
(Issued 28-06-2022)

Monday, February 12, 2024

NEW ZEALAND ~ Sandlfy Bay - Abel Tasman National Park - UNESCO ~

...Panoramic view of one of New Zealand's many stunning beaches... towering sand dunes descend onto a wide beach with surging waves... headlands and coastal rock formations shelter the area from the elements... the Falls river flows past... sandfly bay is a wonderful spot to explore... the bay is often thought by locals to have been named for a small biting insect known as the sandfly, but this is incorrect... it was  actually named for the sand which, given the windy nature of this coast, flies from the tall dunes surrounding the bay... Thanks a lot Aaron! (✿◠‿◠)

Photo: Markus Baumann

Sandfly Bay is a beach at the Pacific coast of Otago Peninsula on the South Island located in the Abel Tasman National Park.

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest National Park at only 237 km2 in size, but has among the most visitors. In 2008 an extra 7.9 km2, including the formerly private land known as Hadfields Clearing, were added to the park. In 1942, the area was protected by the Government and named the Abel Tasman National Park. 

It is named after Abel Tasman a dutch navigator who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight New Zealand and who anchored nearby in Golden Bay. 

The park is part of the Te Wāhipounamu (South West New Zealand) area of protected wilderness along the west side of the island that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990.  


Stamp: 

Christmas 
(Issued 06-11-2019)

Friday, February 9, 2024

JAPAN ~ Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima - UNESCO ~

... A postcard of a stark and powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created by humankind... but also a symbol of hope and world peace🕊️☮️🕊️... it expresses also the hope to the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons... the Hiroshima Peace Memorial was the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on 6 August 1945 and it remains in the same condition as right after the explosion.... an important and sad piece of Japans history... Thanks Danny!ヽ(ヅ)ノ 



Japanese people call it the "Genbaku Dome". ("Genbaku" means "atomic bomb".) It is located in the central part of Hiroshima city. More than 200,000 people died in Japan after the U.S. dropped the world’s first atomic bomb on Hiroshima and then another one three days later in Nagasaki.

The park that now surrounds this monument has various other smaller monuments, to honor special groups of victims. There is also a museum where you can see the effects of the bomb on humans and artefact's.

The park was completed in April of 1954 and covers about 122,100 square meters.


In 1996, it was inscribed by UNESCO on its list of World Heritage Sites.

 Stamp:

 Flowers -  Definitive
(Issued 02-02-2015)

Thursday, February 8, 2024

CAMEROON ~ Elephants - Waza National Park ~

... Wonderful new National Park postcard💚... the main attraction at the park are the elephants🐘, in herds of sometimes as many as sixty specimens come to the watering holes...Waza National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Cameroon... it is famous for its diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, floodplains, and wooded areas, which provide a perfect habitat for a wide range of animal and plant species... it is one of the most visited places in this far north side of Africa and tourism is playing an increasingly important role in the park... Thanks a lot Akam!【ツ】 

© Photo: Maurice ASCANI

The Waza Biosphere Reserve is located in the Chad depression in the extreme north of Cameroon. 

This National Park was founded in the year 1934 and was originally meant for hunting reserves. However, in the year 1968, it was converted into a National Park with a land area of about 1,700 square kilometres.

It  became a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1979.


Stamps:

2X 150th anniversary of the birth of  Mahatma Gandhi
(Issued 2020)

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

GERMANY ~ The Geographer - Johannes Vermeer ~

... Famous painting "The Geographer" a 17th-century masterpiece that is now in the collection of the Städel museum in Frankfurt... this work is a perfect example of the Dutch Baroque artistic style, characterized by its realism and attention to detail... an impressive work of art that continues to fascinate art lovers around the world... his artistic style, composition, color, and the story behind the painting are just some of the aspects that make it so special... with once more a sweet stamp from the series: "Heroes of Childhood“💙...and cutest🥰 special first day postmark...Thanks a lot Dustin! (✿◠‿◠)




It was painted around 1669 and is believed to have been commissioned by a geographer named Adriaan Adriaanszoon.

This is one of only three paintings Vermeer signed and dated (the other two are The Astronomer and The Procuress). 

For many years the painting was in private hands and was rediscovered in the 19th century. Since then, it has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and has been considered one of Vermeer's most important works.




Photo: Städel Museum
Stamp:
 

Heroes of Childhood - Pinocchio  
(Issued 07-12-2023)

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

ALBANIA ~ Gashi River - Valbone Valley National Park - UNESCO ~

... Spectacular nature view... Gashi River natural reserve is located in the basin of Valbona National Park with no inhabited areas... this unbelievably beautiful national beech forest preserves some of the last entirely virgin woods in Albania referred to as "the Albanian Miracle of the Alps"... Valbone Valley NP is one of the most visited outdoor destinations in the Balkans especially for the incredible biodiversity that characterizes it.... surrounded by mountains, it looks like a wonderland, and it is a hiking paradise for outdoor enthusiasts offering breathtaking views... the park is not only a haven for nature lovers but also holds historical and cultural significance... Thanks a lot Lubo!¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Valbonë Valley National Park covers an area of 80  km2, encompassing the Valbona River and its surrounding areas. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, lynx, and numerous bird species.  The park is known for its impressive rock formations, glacial springs, and picturesque waterfalls, such as the stunning Xhema Waterfall.

In 2017, the Gashi River and Rrajcë regions were listed by UNESCO as part of the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe that is shared with 17 other countries.

Stamps:
 
The 120th Anniversary of the League of Prizren
(Issued 1006-1998)

The1st Anniversary of the Death of Mikel Koliqi
(Issued 28-11-1998)

Monday, February 5, 2024

SINGAPORE ~ Bugis Street ~

... Nice view of the famous Bugis Street... a remnant of the old Singapore... now the largest street-shopping location in Singapore, with close to 800 shops... popular with both locals and tourists... it is a shopping haven well-known for being one of the most affordable places in Singapore for souvenirs, accessories, clothes, and cosmetics... with fine dining, trendy cafés and bars which stay open long into the night... from the 1950s to the 1980s, Bugis Street was famous as a nightly gathering place for transvestites and transexuals... Thanks Jobbo!【ツ】

Old land records show that the site of the former Bugis Street was first leased to a J. de Almeida by the British East India Company in 1829.

Before the arrival of the British, there used to be a large canal which ran through the area where the Bugis, a seafaring people from South Sulawesi province in Indonesia, could sail up, moor their boats and trade with Singaporean merchants. It was these people after whom the thoroughfare was named.

 Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of the College of Family Physicians 
(Issued 3006-2021)

Saturday, February 3, 2024

BULGARIA ~ Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of a group of monolithic religious buildings... wonderful examples of Bulgarian medieval art... once home to monks who hewed cells, churches and chapels out of solid rock... this complex had up to 300 rooms at its peak.... the only one open to visit is the small St. Archangel Michael Chapel ("The Buried Church")... the beautiful and well-preserved colours of the frescoes on the walls and ceiling are still vivid and impressive... with great matching Ivanovo Rock Monastery stamps👍... Thanks a lot Mariyana! (ツ)

 © Photo: Boyko Kalev Design: Vlado Prangov

Ivanovo is located in Central-North Bulgaria along the right bank of Danube river in the Danubian Plain. This rock-hewn complex dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. It is thought to have been founded around 1220. Beyond these dates, not much is known. The frescoes in the churches are from the same lengthy time period, some were painted in the 13th century and some the late 14th century.

Located in Roussensky Lom nature park, which is on Bulgaria's Tentative List since 1979.

 Stamps:

2X Flora - Mushrooms 
(Issued 10-02-2014)

2X Cultural and Historical Heritage - The 800th Anniversary of the Ivanovo Rock Monastery 
(Issued 07-07-2021)