BELGIUM ~ Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde - Bruges - UNESCO ~

... Always nice to show beautiful parts of my own country💚... this Princely beguinage is a charming, expansive courtyard surrounded by white painted houses, a church and garden... a tranquil oasis of peace and quiet in the heart of the city... in spring the large lawn is covered with hundreds of daffodils... a visit to the Begijnhof is a must-do for anyone interested in history, architecture, or spirituality... the Begijnhof Museum is housed in a 17th-century house and offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the beguines... you can see their living quarters, kitchens, and workshops, as well as religious artifacts and artwork... these days, it’s home to a small community of Benedictine nuns and single woman... it is still an authentic and living  place, where a serene lifestyle has been central for centuries... Thanks Isabelle!【ツ】

The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde in Bruges was founded in 1244 or 1245, probably by Margaret of Constantinople. In 1299, it was given the title “Princely Beguinage” by King Philip the Fair. 

These Beguines were either unmarried or widowed women who entered into a life dedicated to God, but without retiring from the world. A Beguinage was therefore an autonomous and secular community, although its members chose to dedicate their lives to religion. Beguines often worked but also lived thanks to the donations of wealthy benefactors

It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2002.

 

Stamp:

 Thematic Stamps "4 Seasons"

 

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)

BELGIUM ~ Christmas Greetings ~

... With Christmas🎅 and New Year🎇 just around the corner it's time to start posting my first received lovely "Season's Greeting card"... a cute "pug" doggy illustration by Andree Volkmann... with lovely special "Best Wishes" first day cancellation... although I'm not really a fan of this year's Christmas stamps... Santa made from typography (punctuation marks)... Fijne Kerstdagen🎄en een Gezond en Gelukkig Nieuw Jaar✨ Johan!!💖💖💖 

Stamp:

Christmas

(Issued 23-10-2023)

BELGIUM ~ University Library - Leuven - UNESCO tentative list~

... Lovely view of a wonderful landmark of Leuven... for me the most beautiful city of my country💙... this main library of the KU Leuven is located in the city center with a huge square in front... established in 1425 it has a large collection of rare books and manuscripts... on the fifth floor balcony you have great panoramic view of the city... while climbing the tower you can enjoy the permanent exhibiton of the stirring history about the library... the university library and tower are open every day for visitors... with nice stamp "Insulin - Medical Revolution"... this issue takes a closer look at the importance of this medical discovery... and with sweet special first day cancellation...  Thanks a lot Johan! (✿◠‿◠)

Leuven  is the capital and largest city of the province of Flemish Brabant in the Flemish Region of Belgium.

KU Leuven is the largest Dutch-speaking university in the world and the largest university in the Low Countries (and thus also Belgium's largest university). This makes it the oldest university city in the Low Countries. 

The city is also home of the headquarters of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest beer brewer.

 

Stamp:

Insulin a Medical Revolution

(Issued 23-10-2023)

 

BELGIUM ~ Zoological Illustration ~

...Vintage zoological illustration from an old English natural history book from the early 1900s by Hermann Wagner... with ugly looking pink crab spider (common found in Belgium) stamp😁(even though I'm not afraid of spiders🕷️) and nice spider web🕸️ first day postmark! Thanks Johan!【ツ】

Hermann Wagner, (1840 - 1929) was a German geographer and cartographer. Wagner rendered outstanding services to the methodology and expansion of geography.

He received his education at the Universities of Göttingen and Erlangen, and from 1864 to 1876, taught classes in mathematics and natural history at the Ernestine Gymnasium, Gotha. 

 

Stamps:

Spider Splendor

(Issued 28-08-2023)

BELGIUM ~ Town Hall - Kortrijk ~

... Beautiful view of an impressive looking town hall located on the main square in the city... on the exterior facade in typrical flemish architecture you can admire the statues of the major Counties of Flanders...  inside you also find the beautiful Aldermen’s hall and the Council chamber with late Gothic 16thC sculpted chimneys... stained glass windows, wall paintings, and rare topographic maps... with matching "Kortrijk" stamp and great speciale first day cancellation... Thanks a lot Johan!【ツ】 

Kortrijk is located in the Flemish province of West Flanders. The present city hall was erected about 1520 in a style composed of Gothic and Renaissance elements. In 1526, statues of the principal Counts of Flanders were put into niches, and in the year 1616 the Town Hall was once more enlarged, with a part of the front in the extant style.

From the end of the 17th and throughout the 18th centuries, the front underwent a series of alterations and in 1938, the first plans were drawn for the restoration of the building to its 16th-century state. The actual works lasted from 1958 to 1961.

Stamp:

City of Squares - Kortrijk

(Issued 28-05-2023)

BELGIUM ~ Greetings from ~

... Great postcard showing my countries most famous and delicious products😋...  with one of Belgium's newly released stamps and special first day postmark👍...  this one is about the history of the Fritkot... a souvenir sheet with a special cut-out of the sheet, which can be folded into a real mobile fries stand (see below)... Bpost points out in a statement. "The delicious history of the fritkot" stamp sheet pays tribute to a staple of Belgian heritage which alternate between traditional and shops. Thanks a lot Johan! ♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ) 

©Photo: ISOPIX
- We have over 800 kinds of beer with most of them served in their own special pint. 

- Belgium produce over 220.000 tonnes of chocolate per year. Pralines were first made in the year 1912 by Belgian Jean Neuhaus

- Diamond industry in Antwerp. 

- Most famous fountain Manneken Pis in Brussels (only 61cm in height). 

- Lace from Bruges, Gent and Brusssels.

- Delicious mussels and frites. The first chip shops appeared from 1838 onwards. They were mainly present at fairs, such as the Foire de Liège. At the time, potatoes were peeled, cut and cooked on the spot, to order. After the Second World War, more stationary chip shops appeared on the streets of Belgium. The success of the fritkot was sealed by its inclusion in the National Heritage in 2017.

Stamp:

The Delicious History of the Chip Shop

(Issued 28-08-2023)

Designer Geert Wille came up with a unique cut-out for the leaflet’s presentation.

BELGIUM ~ Dove of Peace ~

... A white Dove of Peace spreads its wings above the blue horizon of Planet Earth with a neon blue moon in the background...  the sunrise shines at the rim of the world and light rays bathe the Earth... this is a beautiful design (Zazzle) to promote world peace and unity... with the 2023 EUROPA stamp (each country is using the same design this year)...and special First Day postmark... Thanks a lot Johan! (✿◠‿◠)

~~~~~~❤️ "PEACE - the Highest Value of Humanity" ❤️~~~~~~

Stamp:

EUROPA Stamp - Peace - The Highest Value of Humanity 

(Issued 12-06-2023)

BELGIUM ~ King Philippe 10th Anniversary on the Throne

... Nice view of King Philippe in his Gala Uniform of an Army General (4 stars) with the insignia of the Order of Leopold... this year Belgium's King Philippe will have been on the throne for exactly 10 years (July 21).... to celebrate this special event Bpost issued a new stamp bearing the image of His Majesty King Philippe... the King’s stamp portrait was taken at the Palace... it is embellished with a gold crown... and with wonderful First Day ♚"crown"♚ postmark... Thanks a lot Johan!(✿ ♥‿♥)

Philippe Léopold Louis Marie was born on 15 April 1960 at Belvédère Castle in Laeken, during his uncle King Boudoir’s reign. He was named after his great-great-grandfather Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders.

King Philippe is the eldest son of King Albert II and Queen Paola, with a younger sister Princess Astrid and brother Prince Laurent.

Philippe married Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz, the daughter of a Belgian count, they have four children.

He took the constitutional oath before the combined chambers of parliament during his enthronement on 21 July 2013, as the 7th King of the Belgians.

Photo: Michel Gronemberger © Royal Palace

Stamp:

The 10th Anniversary of Kingship of HM King Philippe

(Issued 12-06-2023)

BELGIUM ~ DC-6 Sabena - Melsbroek ~

... Lovely vintage postcard from a bygone era... in these times of low cost air travel, we would almost forget there was a time when traveling by airplane was a privilege enjoyed only by the happy few as part of a glamorous lifestyle...✈︎ once our Belgian pride ✈︎... but Belgium's national airline Sabena was the first European flag carrier to go bankrupt... to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the forming of the company, which was unfortunately wound up in 2001, Bpost presents a stamp issue depicting iconic posters from Sabena’s heyday and with great special first day postmark and signed by the designer👍... Big Thanks once more Johan!【ツ】 

For decades the Belgian national airline SABENA belonged among the top of the airlines realising many dreams. 

It was a hundred years ago, 23 May 1923, that the Société anonyme belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation aérienne, better known by its acronym SABENA, was first formed making her the third oldest airline in the world.

Their slogan "You’re in good hands" promised to rhyme transport with comfort.

Curatele Sabena

 

Stamp

100 years of Sabena 

(Issued 20-03-2023)

BELGIUM ~ Tomb of Archbishop André Cruesen - Mechelen ~

... Beautiful view of the funeral monument of Archbishop Andrew Cruesen at the Cathedral of st. Rumbold... created by Lucas Faydherbe, he produced his most important work with this funerary monument in marble... as a sculptor, ivory-maker, and architect, he was the only leading sculptor of his generation who never went to Italy and worked closely with Rubens, hence his pictorial and theatrical style... with another newest released stamp by Bpost🙂...  "Diversity is a fact"... inclusion is a choice that bpost fiercely defends... with this in mind, bpost wanted to pay tribute to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was signed by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948... the focus is on article 1: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."... with great first day postmark and signed by the designer👍...  Héééél Erg Bedankt Johan! (✿◠‿◠)

Mechelen is a historically important city located on the river Dijle in the center of Flanders.

This tombstone consists of several sculptures. On the right side is the sculpture of Christ, a beautiful statue, which style directly refers to the style of Rubens. On the left a statue depicting Chronos, in Greek mythology God of time. It is a kind of reference to death, something that has passed away. In the center, the sculpture of Archbishop Andrew Creusen. The author presented him in a kneeling position between an allegorical statue of the resurrection, in the form of Christ, which is to herald a new life after death, and Chronos, the God of time. Time of earthly life, which has already passed for the archbishop. 

Creusen was born in Maastricht and studied at the Latin school and the Jesuit college of his native town, before further studies in Rome. In 1640 he was appointed archdeacon of Brabant and in 1651 bishop of Roermond. In 1657 he was appointed to the see of Mechelen. Archbishop Andrew Cruesen was the fifth Archbishop of Mechelen, who died in Brussels in 1666. 

Stamp:

75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

(Issued 20-03-2023)

BELGIUM ~ Galeries St. Hubert - Brussels - UNESCO tentative list ~

.... Great view of an architectural masterpiece right in the heart of Brussels... one of the first shopping arcades built in Europe... this elegant and prestigious complex is covered across its entire length by a glass roof with a metal frame, sheltering visitors whatever the weather is... in this solid two hundred meter long complex, amazing shop window displays lure visitors into high-end specialized boutiques or chocolate shops, and also a variety of cultural organizations... upstairs, coworking areas, hotel rooms and flats overlook the galleries... some six million people visit the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert every year...  Bpost issued 5 stamps to put the spotlight on Belgium’s covered galleries and arcades... with lovely special first day postmark👍... Thanks a lot Johan!❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries  is an ensemble of three glazed shopping arcades in Brussels. It consists of the "King's Gallery", "Queen's Gallery" and the  "Princes' Gallery".

The galleries were designed and built by the architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar. Construction started in May 1846, lasting for thirteen months, and the 213-metre-long passage was inaugurated on 20 June 1847 by King Leopold I and his two sons. The common name for all three sections — Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert — was created in 1965.

In 2008, the Royal Galleries they were submitted for World Heritage inscription and are included in UNESCO's "Tentative List". 

 

Stamp:

Covered galleries

(Issued 20-03-2023) 

BELGIUM ~ Circuit de Spa Francorchamps ~

... Great aerial view of the Spa Francorchamps racetrack 🏎️ located in the stunning Belgian Ardennes surrounded by fir forests... it is one of the oldest tracks in the world and regularly voted as the best by drivers from all over the world... thanks to the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack the little place of Francorchamps became world famous... it is heaven for every motor sports enthusiast... each year the Belgian F1 Grand Prix🏁 and the 24 hours of Spa races take place attracting tens of thousands of spectators... with nice stamp and special postmark👍 "The Great Spas of Europe" highlighting the town "Spa" one of Belgium’s most popular tourist destinations, being renowned for its natural mineral springs and production of “Spa” mineral water, which is exported worldwide and on the UNESCO WHS list since 2021... Thanks so much Johan for once more three special and unique philatelic items!!【ツ】

© La Photo Postale éditions
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is a 7.004 km motor-racing circuit located in Stavelot. Hosting its first Grand Prix in 1925, and has held a Grand Prix every year since 1985 (except 2003 and 2006).

The circuit has undergone several redesigns through its history, most extensively in 1979 when the track was modified and shortened from a 14.100 km circuit using public roads to a 7.004 km permanent circuit due to safety concerns with the old circuit.

Stamp:
 

Great Spas of Europe - Belgium

(Issued 23-01-2023)

BELGIUM ~ Capital of Art Nouveau - Brussels ~

.... 2023 will be the year of Art Nouveau in Brussels... 130 years after the construction of Victor Horta's iconic Hôtel Tassel, known as the very first Art Nouveau building in Brussels our capital takes advantage of this anniversary to celebrate Art Nouveau in all its diversity... this year's program includes a variety of initiatives, architectural masterpieces open to the public, workshops, lectures, publications, interior visits, city guided tours... in spite of Brussels’ city planning free-for-all between the end of the Second World War and the late 1960s, Brussels still has more than 500 Art Nouveau buildings... almost every street corner reveals splendid façades which often hide idyllic interiors... with great stamp (The Nymphs lamp) dedicated to this artistic movement and wonderful first day postmark👍... Hééééél Erg Bedankt Johan!¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

The Former Old England department store dates from 1899. Since 2008, the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) has been located there.

Art Nouveau is an international art movement and style based on organic forms. It was seen in modern art, graphic design, architecture and applied arts such as decoration, jewellery, ceramics and glass. It peaked in popularity at the fin de siècle of the late 19thC (1890–1905), and continued until the First World War. 

Stamp:

The Year of Art Nouveau in Brussels

(Issued 23-01-2023)

BELGIUM ~ Queen Mathilde ~

... First of three great postcards with Belgium's newest released stamps and lovely first day postmarks👍... in January Queen Mathilde turned 50... in celebration of this happy milestone, the Belgian royal family released two elegant new portraits of Mathilde... this postcard shows our Queen wearing a gorgeous fuchsia-coloured dress by Armani, which she has already worn twice during foreign state visits and the spectacular Nine Provinces Tiara... the other one was aso used for a new commemorative stamp by Bpost in honour of this birthday...Thanks a lot Johan! (✿◠‿◠)

Queen Mathilde was born on 20 January 1973 in Uccle, Belgium, working as a speech therapist before marrying Prince Philippe in 1999. Mathilde became Queen Consort after her father-in-law, King Albert II, abdicated in 2013.

They have four children together - Princess Elisabeth, 21, Prince Gabriel, 19, Prince Emmanuel, 17, and Princess Eleonore, 14.

Queen Mathilde’s 50th birthday passed without any grand celebrations, however, the Queen has been undertaking a series of mental health walks throughout the provinces of Belgium to encourage people to get outside and get active, and to talk about their mental health.

Photo Michel Gronemberger © Palais Royal

Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of the Birth of Queen Mathilde

(Issued 23-01-2023)

BELGIUM ~ James Tissot - KMSKA - Antwerp ~

... Lovely painting in oil by James Tissot..."the Embarkation at Calais" (also called The Traveller, c. 1883-85)... with matching stamp and special first day postmark issued by Bpost to celebrate  the reopening (September 2022) of  "The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp" (KMSKA)... for the past 10 years, the existing 19thC building is being returned to its former glory and is undergoing a generous expansion... this painting is one of the many important international masterpieces of the museum... Bedankt Johan!【ツ】  

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) is the biggest art museum in Flanders. 

With masterpieces from the Flemish primitives and Antwerp Baroque to the extensive collection of modern art by, for example, Rik Wouters, Henri De Braekeleer and René Magritte. 

The crown jewel is the biggest collection of James Ensor in the world.

 

Stamp:

Reopening of the KMSKA - Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp  

(Issued 24-10-2022)

BELGIUM ~ Tour & Taxis - Brussels ~

... First of two nice postcards with Belgium's last issued stamps and special postmarks of 2022... this former train station is a masterpiece of civil engineering, with its glass sawtooth roof and metal framework... it is now home to large events, congresses, meetings, workouts, receptions and dinners, exhibitions and fairs, festivals and product launches situated in the heart of our capital... with stamp "Young people are the future" which is why Bpost invited two alumni of LUCA School of Arts to present their future vision on a stamp... "What comes next is what we are"... Thanks a lot Johan! (✿◠‿◠)

The site is composed of large warehouses and offices surrounding a former freight station called the Maritime Station, and its spacious central hall known as the Royal Depot. The main buildings on the site are made of brick, glass and wrought iron, and are prime examples of 19thC industrial architecture.

There are 25 events rooms, the largest room has a capacity (theatre) of 3000 people. Maximum capacity (for a single event) is15000 people. Largest room is 5348 m².

Stamp:

Young People are Building the Future

(Issued 24-10-2022)

BELGIUM ~ Christmas Greetings ~

... Yep, you've guessed it... it's that time of the year again!🎁... with Christmas🎅 and New Year🎇 just around the corner comes here my first great "Season's Greeting" postcard... an illustration by Andree Volkman... with lovely special  shaped stamp... Bpost took inspiration from cheerful snow globes and with matching postmark...Fijne Kerstdagen 🎄 en een Gezond en Gelukkig Nieuw Jaar✨ Johan!!💖💖💖

... Although we have nothing to be "cheerful" about thanks to Bpost... once more stamp price increase of 15% on average from January😡... 1 stamp for Europe: 2,53€ (2023) 2,09€ (2022) 1,85€ (2021) 1,55€ (2020) 1 stamp for worldwide: 2,75€ (2023) 2,31€ (2022) 2,07€ (2021) 1,77€ (2020)... it's becoming an expensive hobby!😢 

Stamp:

Christmas 

(Issued 24-10-2022)

BELGIUM ~ Moor Frog ~

...Postcard nr2 with new Bpost stamps issued... even though there are several species of frogs in Belgium... they have been rarely featured on a Belgian stamp... so Bpost selected five species of frogs to put that right in 2022🐸...  and one of them is this nice view of the "Heikikker" or "Moor Frog"... have seen them in my garden too (but more the reddish-brown color😊)... with wonderful first day postmark👍...  Thanks a lot Johan!ヽ(ヅ)ノ 

The moor frog (Rana arvalis) is a slim, reddish-brown, semiaquatic amphibian native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the family Ranidae, or true frogs.

The moor frog’s scientific name, Rana arvalis means “frog of the fields”.

This is a small bog frog, characterized by an unspotted belly, a large, dark ear spot, and often, not always a pale stripe down the center of the back. They are generally described as a reddish-brown, but can also be yellow, gray, or light olive. 

In Europe, the frog generally inhabits drier and more open sites including forest edges and glades, swamps, meadows, fields, bushlands gardens, etc.

© Bpost

 

Stamp:

Fauna - Frog Species of Belgium

(Issued 29-08-2022)

BELGIUM ~ Chickens - Koen Vanmechelen ~

... First of two great postcards with matching stamps and lovely first day postmarks👍... both the latest new issues by Bpost... Koen Vanmechelen is one of the most versatile of Belgium’s current generation of artists... he takes his famous Cosmopolitan Chicken 🐔Project into a stamp(CCP)... a global interbreeding project involving chicken species from different nationalities as a symbol of global diversity... the primary focus of his art is crossbreeding and biodiversity... Vanmechelen has presented his work on almost all continents... Thanks a lot Johan!❁◕ ‿ ◕❁ 

Koen Vanmechelen (1965)  is an internationally renowned  conceptual artist, working across a multitude of disciplines, he is one of the most versatile thinkers of these times. He is situated at the confluence of art, science, philosophy and community.

The Cosmopolitan Chicken Project started in 1999 by crossing a Mechelen Cuckoo (B) and a Poulet de Bresse (FR). 

Over the years, it has evolved into a universal breeding project and into a metaphorical, global narrative with offshoots into philosophy, science, medicine and sociology. The intended end point is a cosmopolitan chicken that carries the genes of all chicken breeds from all over the world.

© Bpost

Stamp:

Birds - Rooster

(Issued 29-08-2022)