CAPE VERDE ~ Sé Cathedral Ruins - Cidade Velha - UNESCO

... Nice view of the well-displayed and restored cathedral remains located at the top of the village... being the ruins of the only Cathedral in Cape Verde, they indelibly mark the collective memory of Cape Verdeans, with all their symbolic meaning... the first catholic cathedral built on the West African coast... the ruins consist of an open air stage, huge columns, original tile and brick work and also original tombstones...  they show the turbulent times and various phases of history...  Cidade Velha, the Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande reflects early European colonial urban planning in the tropics, fortified architecture, and its role in Atlantic maritime trade and the slave economy.... Thanks Boris!¯\_(ツ)_/¯  

Its construction began around 1556, the date of the episcopate of D. Frei Francisco da Cruz, responsible for the construction of several other religious buildings, such as the Episcopal Palace, of which there are no traces left, although its old location. The works were suspended around 1592 and remained at a standstill for more or less 130 years. Thus, the construction of the Cathedral would only be completed around 1700. In 1712, it was sacked by French privateers, commanded by Jacques Cassard, who left it badly damaged and looted much of its contents. Not even the bells escaped.

Cidade Velha, the first capital of Cape Verde  was declared a World Heritage Site in 2009.  

Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Cape Verde 

(Issued 05-07-2025)

MACAU ~ Lighthouse - Guia - UNESCO ~

... A really lovely special 3D postcard... unfortunately it is difficult to scan... both views are of the Our Lady of Guia Chapel and lighthouse at the Guia fortress surrounded by a beautiful garden... historically, "Farol da Guia" was the first modern lighthouse built along the coast of China and is still in operation to this day... while sightseeing around the city centre you can see the lighthouse from many locations by looking towards up Guia Hill... this old white building is the highest point in Macau peninsula... Guia Fortress, along with the chapel and lighthouse are symbols of Macao's maritime, military and missionary past... Thanks a lot Sam!ヽ(ヅ)ノ 

Built between 1622 and 1638, this fortress was, together with Mount Fortress, crucial in the protection of the city from the tentative Dutch invasion of 1622. Inside the fortress stands Guia Chapel, built around 1622 and Guia Lighthouse built in 1865. The chapel's elaborate frescoes depict representations of both western and Chinese themes, displaying motifs of religious and mythological inspiration that are a perfect example of Macao's multicultural dimension.

The Guia Fortress in Macau was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 as part of the "Historic Centre of Macao".

 

Stamps:

Tourism - Scenic Spots of Macau

(Issued 22-11-2019)

Old Streets and Alleys 

(Issued 22-09-2015)

SOLOMON ISLANDS ~ Buala - Santa Isabel ~

... Beautiful local young people... the community in Buala is known for its strong connection to, and preservation of its traditional culture... traditional clothing is deeply rooted in the Melanesian heritage, often featuring materials sourced directly from the natural environment... local women are renowned for weaving, and traditional items often include hand-woven mats and fans made from pandanus or coconut fibers.... decorations are often shell necklaces... Thanks a lot Amelia!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

The capital of Isabel Province in the Solomon Islands is Buala. Located on the main island of Santa Isabel (specifically in the Maringe Lagoon area), Buala is a small coastal town that serves as the administrative, economic, and transportation hub for the province. 

Isabel Province is one of the nine provinces of this 992 island archipelago. Santa Isabel is the largest island and was given the name by the Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendana de Neira in 1568. 

Buala means “house”, "village", the community where people meet each other.
 

Stamp:

Definitives - Six striped Wrasse

(Issued 09-10-2013)

NEW ZEALAND ~Marahau and Otuwhero Inlet - South Island~

... Pretty aerial view often described as the "gateway" to Abel Tasman National Park... Marahau is known as a charming, un-commercialized, and laidback rural village with traditional Kiwi baches an iconic, typically small and rustic New Zealand holiday home... Otuwhero Inlet is located at the entrance to Marahau... a peaceful, scenic area with tidal flats and mangrove areas... they are often highlighted for their stunning natural beauty, starting point for Abel Tasman Coastal Track hikes, water taxi departures, and sea kayaking tours... many visitors recommending it as a base for exploring the area... Thanks a lot Sophie! (✿◠‿◠)

Abel Tasman National Park is a national park at the north end of New Zealand's South Island. It covers 237.1 km2  of land between Golden Bay / Mohua and Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere, making it the smallest of New Zealand's national parks.  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.
 

Stamps:

Live for yourself

Native Frogs 

(Issued 02-07-2025)

ANTARCTICA ~ Port Lockroy - Goudier Island ~

... Awesome postcard from the southernmost post office of the world the 🐧"Penguins post office"🐧... Antarctica's most-visited tourist spot.... each year, seasonal staff send around 70,000 postcards to over 100 countries, and the revenue helps fund the UKAHT... so, I ordered one for myself😊...Port Lockroy is a sheltered harbour at the meeting point of three seaways which offer some of the most dramatic mountain and glacier scenery on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula.... for cruise-ship passengers and adventurers, exploring Port Lockroy is an unforgettable experience.... with penguins, ice caps, snowy mountain ranges, and a cool museum, the town is full of surprises... each piece of mail is hand-cancelled and then sent by ship to the post office in Stanley, capital of the Falkland Islands where it is flown internationally by the Royal Air Force... Thanks a lot Laura! (✿◠‿◠) 

From backside postcard: 

The world's southernmost public "penguin post office" at Port Lockroy was opened in 1944 by pioneers who laid the foundations for the vitally important science that happens in Antarctica today. The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) is a charity that conserves these historic sites sharing their stories to connect people with Antarctica and promote our role in protecting it for the future generations.🠖 https://www.ukaht.org/🠔
It is situated on the tiny Goudier Island, in Port Lockroy harbour, on the western side of Weincke Island. It is called the "Penguin Post Office" because a colony of gentoo penguins lives nearby and nests around the station.

Stamp:

Fauna - Emperor Penguins 

(Issued 11-2023)

GERMANY ~ Jewish-Medieval Heritage - Erfurt - UNESCO ~

... Three nice postcards all related to the Jewish-Medieval Heritage of Erfurt... it comprises three medieval Jewish buildings from the heydays of Jewish life in Central Europe... the Old Synagogue, the Mikveh and the Stone House were embedded within the architecture of their Christian surroundings... the authentically preserved buildings are among the rare remaining examples from this period... there was a large Jewish community in Erfurt, but in 1349 there was a pogrom, many Jews were killed, the rest were expelled, and property was taken...  with "In Memoriam" stamp and special postmarks of Anni Margot Friedländer a German Holocaust survivor and public speaker... the stamp features her appeal for humanity:

..."Don't look at what divides you. Look at what unites you. Be human, be reasonable".... Especially now, Margot Friedländer’s words are disturbingly relevant and very moving.Thanks a lot Dustin! (✿◠‿◠)

The Jewish wedding ring is considered the most important of over 600 individual pieces in the so-called Jewish Treasure of Erfurt. It is exhibited in the Old Synagogue Museum and, in stylized form,

serves as the museum's logo.

Stamp:

In Memoriam - Margot Friedlander, 1921-2025

(Issued 04-12-2025)

The "Stone House" is an outstanding example of late medieval secular architecture, which can be attributed to Jewish owners since at least the end of the 13th century. The original Gothic furnishings are still preserved in the upper floor room, including a pointed-arch light niche with a smoke vent, largely unchanged exterior walls with incised joints, and a painted wooden beam ceiling.  Beneath the building is a medieval cellar with a Romanesque portal. The cellar's origins date back to the 12th century. The cellar also contains another portal from the 13th century and a vaulted chamber from the 14th century.

Stamp:

Stumbling Blocks

(Issued 04-12-2025)

                                                     Old Synagoge - Mikwe - Stone House

The Jewish-Medieval Heritage of Erfurt was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023,

Stamp:

In Memoriam - Margot Friedlander, 1921-2025

(Issued 04-12-2025)

GERMANY ~ Ehrenfriedersdorf - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of one of the oldest and most important tin ore mining regions in Germany... the town has been historically significant due to its tin mining activities, which date back to the Middle Ages... today, it is a quaint town that offers a glimpse into its mining past through various museums and historical sites... the Ehrenfriedersdorf tin mine has been a visitor mine with an attached mineralogical museum since 1995 and lets you descend into the region’s tin mining past... with guided tours through the underground tunnels, you’ll learn about mining life, techniques, and local geology... a unique world in the heart of the Sauberg mountain, crisscrossed by over 300 km of tunnels and galleries...  it is also surrounded by scenic landscapes, making it a charming destination for visitors interested in history and nature... Thanks Anni!ツ

These Saxon-Bohemian Ore Mountains were mined over centuries for the metals silver, tin, zinc, cobalt, nickel, copper and lead; but anthracite and uranium were also extracted into the 20th century. 

They have produced technological and scientific innovations, such as the introduction of early modern monetary systems and the founding of the first mining high school. Its miners spread their knowledge across the world by means of emigration.

The Ehrenfriedersdorf mining landscape (component 03) is a central part of the Ore Mountains/Krušnohoří mining region, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. 

Stamps:

Danke

(Issued????)

Fauna - Bees

(Issued 06-05-2010)

HONDURAS ~ Scarlet Macaw - Macaw Mountain Bird Park - Copan ~

... Beautiful view of the national bird of Honduras... a large and majestic creature easily recognizable by its lively red, blue and yellow coat... these  birds are known for their intelligence, ability to form lifelong pair bonds, and long lifespans of up to 50 years in the wild.... the Scarlet Macaw is celebrated on June 28th in Honduras, symbolizing national pride, biodiversity, and the need for conservation... although a national symbol, they have faced threats from poaching and habitat loss, but local conservation efforts have helped increase their numbers... Thanks a lot Amalia! (✿ ♥‿♥)

The Mayan ruins at Copan are consistently cited as the best place to see these birds as the area functions as a dedicated, managed "Sacred Valley of the Scarlet Macaws". There you can see almost 100 macaws flying freely within the park.

Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Nature Reserve, located in Copán Ruinas was founded by American expatriate Lloyd Davidson in the early 2000s. 

The project originated from a rescue initiative for abandoned parrots and macaws, which began in the 1980s and 1990s on Roatán Island with Mandy Wagner, with Davidson later taking over care of the birds and establishing the park. 

Photo: Juan Bendeck

Stamp:

Tourism - Beautiful Honduras 

(Issued 28-06-2016)

SLOVAKIA ~ The basilica of St James - Levoča - UNESCO ~

... Nice church view located in the historic centre of Levoča, a town in the Spiš region... one of the most important and the second largest Gothic church in Slovakia... especially known for its spectacular wooden high altar, created by the famous Master Paul of Levoča in 1517... which at almost 18 metres is the tallest Gothic wooden winged altar in the world... a very pretty town with a picturesque main square with Gothic and Renaissance townhouses and stunning palaces with ornate facades... the beautiful historical centre is encircled by the medieval city walls that have been preserved almost in their entirety... this ancient town is a cultural and historical treasure among Slovak cities... Thanks Michal!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Photo ©Vladimir Malac © Mesto Levoca
The Spiš town of Levoča  situated in the east of Slovakia below the mountain range Levočské vrchy. The city was first mentioned in a deed from 1249 as Leucha.  The citizens of Levoča traded with Krakow, the Hanseatic towns and even with Venice. The craftsmen of Levoča produced not only for local consumption but also for the markets and fairs throughout Old Hungary and Poland. Later Levoča became one of the main centres of the Renaissance and humanism in Old Hungary.

The church was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Levoča, Spiš Castle and the associated cultural monuments in 2009.

 

Stamps:

Definitives - Slovak Applied Arts - Glassware (Issued 04-01-2021)

Personalities 

(Issued 28-02-2025)

GERMANY ~ House of History of the Federal Republic of Germany - Bonn ~

... Nice view of a German history museum covering  post-war history to the present... the exhibition starts with the post-War years, new beginnings and the division of Germany... political events and developments form the red thread running through the exhibition... but you also will see a broad variety of objects relating to everyday life, culture, business life and world events... what makes this museum special is its honest look at tough topics, from the Nazi past to economic crises and immigration, offering visitors a balanced, thoughtful experience.... each item in the exhibition has its own story to tell...it is one of Germany's most popular and visited museums, attracting approximately 850,000 to 1 million visitors annually... with lovely cartoon stamp and special postmark... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

The Haus der Geschichte Foundation started establishing a collection in 1986.The museum  was inaugurated in 1994. More than 7,000 exhibits representing contemporary history are spread over a surface of 4,000 m2. 

Over 3,800 objects bring this history to life: a homemade escape aircraft, a doll’s cradle from the post-war years, a Ford Transit from the life of an immigrant family – and a treehouse as a symbol of climate protest.

Photo: Haus der Geschichte, Axel Thünker

 

Stamp:

Bugs Bunny 

(Issued 02-10-2025)

MOZAMBIQUE ~ Chimanimani National Park ~

... Nice sunset view of one of the country's newest National Parks... in the foreground the Manica sugarbush endemic to this area of Mozambique... one of 74 amazing endemic plant species in this region... a landscape of dramatic peaks, lush river valleys, and quiet, ancient forests... it stands out as one of the few areas with mountain elephants and other species of medium and small mammals, as well as 164 species of freshwater fish... it also has unique species of birds, reptiles and butterflies... beyond its natural splendor, the park is steeped in history... scattered throughout the mountains are ancient rock paintings left by the San people and other culturally significant sites, offering a glimpse into the human history of this spectacular region...  Thanks Alena!ヽ(•‿•)ノ  

The Chimanimani National Park is located in the province of Manica and has a total area of 2368 km² distributed as follows: Total Protection Area 685 km² and Buffer Zone 1683 km². The park is a critical part of the Chimanimani Transfrontier Conservation Area, a shared space with neighboring Zimbabwe. The Chimanimani mountain range, with the highest mountain in Mozambique (Mount Binga) is located at 2436 meters of altitude. 

In 2003, this area was marked as a national reserve, but it was only in 2020 that it became a national park.

 

Stamp:

Pope Franciscus

(Issued  2019 )

USA ~ Capitol Reef National Park - Utah ~

... Amazing view of the Milky Way over Capitol Reef National Park’s iconic Chimney Rock... it appears as a stunning, bright, and hazy band of light that forms a massive, panoramic arch across the night sky.... located in a high, dry and remote part south-central Utah, the park has minimal light pollution, allowing for exceptionally clear, near-pristine views of the Milky Way, constellations, and the zodiacal light. ... even on the new moon—the darkest night of the month—you can walk around the Park and clearly make out rocks or branches or leaves, because millions of stars light up every corner of the park... postmarked with the postal cancellation from the post office in or nearest to the park sites, what makes it even more special👍... Thanks a lot Nan! (✿ ♥‿♥)

Photo: Jacob Frank
Capitol Reef National Park was established in 1971 to preserve  978.95 km2 of desert landscape. The park protects a huge geologic feature, the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 160 km long warp in the Earth's crust. A diverse landscape with 19 different rock layers and elevations ranging from 1183 m to 2731 m, supports a diverse array of plant and animal life, big and small.  

The International Dark-Sky Association recognized Capitol Reef National Park as a Gold-tier International Dark Sky Park in 2015.
 

Stamp:

Compass Rose 

(Issued 24-01-2025)

GERMANY ~ Erfurt ~

... Many pretty views of the famous characters of the TV Channel KiKA based in Erfurt... all the KIKA television stars who are scattered throughout Erfurt are listed on this postcard... the idea for the installation of the figures dates back to the tenth anniversary of the children's channel in 2007... at first there were 13 figures ensembles with 17 figures... with the addition of Jan & Henry, the lively group grows to 19 figures at 14 locations... these lovingly crafted figures delight young and old alike...  with matching stamp and special 25th anniversary cancellation of Bernd the Bread😊... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

© Foto: Sascha Blank © covermade
KiKA (Der Kinderkanal von ARD und ZDF) is a popular German free-to-air public television channel designed for children and youth aged 3 to 13. Launched in 1997, it offers ad-free educational, informational, and entertaining content, including series and movies. It is available via TV and the KiKA-Player app. 

Pittiplatsch with captain's hat and steering wheel -The Mouse and the Elephant -Tiger Duck - Moppi and Schnatterinchen - Kikaninchen - Our Sandman -The Raven of Siebenstein -Bernd the Bread - Captain Bluebear and Hein Blöd -Tabaluga - Mrs. Magpie and Mr. Fox - Fidi the Bat -The Golden Sparrow. 

 

Stamp: 

 2X World of Letter 

(Issued 02-11-2022) 

(Issued 02-11-2024)

The 25th Anniversary of Bernd the Bread 

 (Issued 04-09-2025)

AUSTRALIA ~ The Royal Exhibition Building - Melbourne - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of an icon of Melbourne’s history... the building is a glorious, eccentric mix of Byzantine, Romanesque,Lombardic and Italian Renaissance styles... constructed in 1880 for Melbourne’s first international exhibition, the building continues to be used for this purpose with numerous trade fairs and public expos held annually... the building also has special significance in Australia’s history as the place where the first Parliament of Australia was opened in 1901... tours of the grand building are held regularly, allowing visitors to admire the authentic interior, expansive galleries, soaring dome and decorative paintwork... it's like a living museum that’s been preserved in a time capsule of Victorian grandeur and one of the last big exhibition buildings from the 1800s left in the world... Thanks Helen!【ツ】

© Magpie Postcards
The Royal Exhibition Building and its surrounding Carlton Gardens were designed by Joseph Reed for the great international exhibitions of 1880 and 1888 in Melbourne. It was part of a big movement where cities around the world held huge exhibitions to show off new inventions and cultures. Over 50 such events happened between 1851 and 1915.

It is about 150–152 meters in length and covering around 7,000 to 25,000 square meters depending on whether only the main hall or the total site (with the Carlton Garden) is measured. It features a dome that stands 67–68 meters high.

In  2004, it became the first building in Australia to achieve a World Heritage listing.

 

Stamp:

Beautiful Cities - Melbourne

(Issued 25-09-2018)

JAPAN ~The Great Budha -Todai ji Temple - Nara - UNESCO

... Impressive view of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statue designated as a national treasure... the Great Buddha also known as Vairocana Buddha symbolizes cosmic, universal enlightenment... located inside its massive Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) the main hall of Tōdai-ji.... completed in 752 and celebrated as one of the world's largest wooden structures... measured 50 meters by 86 meters and was supported by 84 massive cypress pillars... it's astonishing how wood can support so much weight... the place is amazing by its greatness and the beauty of the detailed decoration... the buildings of Ancient Nara come from a period of history where Nara was the capital of Japan... Nara was the first capital of Japan hundreds of years before Kyoto... with a selection of great stamps and lovely pictorial postmarks... Thanks a lot Sam! (•‿•)

The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) statue is 16m tall. The image and its pedastal were cast in the Nara Period (8th C) but they have been repaired many times over the ages for various reasons, including earthquake damage, very little remains of the original work. The hands for example, were made in the 16thC, and the head and wooden screen behind it are from the 17thC.

The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara comprise the former Imperial Palace and Buddhist and Shinto religious buildings that show the evolution of Japanese architecture.

The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", together with seven other sites (including temples, shrines and places) in the city of Nara. 

Photo: Eisuke Ueda

Stamps: ?????

SABA ~ National Marine Park ~

... Great underwater views and my first postcard of the smallest Caribbean island👍... Saba is unique, beautiful and pristine due to its lack of sand-filled beaches and volcanic nature... however, this provides the island with rocky shores and stunning, sheer cliffs, which also extend below the surface... affectionately known as "The Unspoiled Queen" a tiny speck of a former volcano... it is a premier destination for world-class eco-tourism, hiking  Mount Scenery and diving...  the islands relative anonymity means it remains unscathed by hordes of tourists... but landing at Saba’s Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is considered one of the world's most challenging, featuring the shortest commercial runway at just 400 meters... surrounded by steep hills and ocean cliffs, it requires specialized STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft and expert pilots to land on the tiny strip ( watched it on You Tube🫨)... Big Thanks Diego for being a small part of your Caribbean adventure! (✿ ♥‿♥)

Photo: Chad Nutall

Saba is a 13 km2 Caribbean island  located in the Lesser Antilles. and a special municipality of the Netherlands. It is dominated by Mount Scenery, an 870-meter volcano.The capital of Saba is called The Bottom, named for literally being on the bottom of the island.

The Saba volcano is potentially dangerous. It is currently classified as "dormant", which means it is an active volcano that is not erupting now, but could erupt in the future

The Saba National Marine Park encompasses the waters and sea bed encircling the island of Saba from the high watermark to 60 m deep and established in 1987 to protect vibrant coral reefs, dramatic underwater pinnacles, and thriving marine life. 

 

Stamps:

Marine Life - Underwater World of Saba 

(Issued 61-07-2017)

Highlights

(Issued 02-05-2022)

GERMANY ~ Mikveh - Erfurt - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of the "Mikwe" a rare monumental, and well-preserved medieval ritual bath situated in the former Jewish quarter located directly on the banks of the Gera River, which provided the necessary flowing water... the water supply in the basin still works today... you can view the ancient Mikwe bath at any time through a window in the top of the shelter, or for a closer look, you must join one of the guided tours... in addition to the synagogue and cemetery, a mikveh was (and is) an important part of Jewish ritual cleansing after contact with the dead, blood, or other religiously impure things... today, a modern building serves to protect the archaeological find... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

2007, archaeologists discovered the medieval Erfurt Mikveh, dating back to the 13th century. It was used by the first and second Jewish communities until the city council forced the Jews of Erfurt to emigrate in 1453. The font was filled in and the room above was used as a cellar until the 20th century. 

The Jewish-Medieval Heritage of Erfurt comprises three medieval Jewish buildings from the heydays of Jewish life in Central Europe. The Old Synagogue, the Mikveh and the Stone House were embedded within the architecture of their Christian surroundings. The authentically preserved buildings are among the rare remaining examples from this period before the pogroms of the 14th century started. 

In the Mikveh, along with the Old Synagogue and the Stone House, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
 

Stamp:

Stumbling Blocks 

(Issued 04-12-2025)

ITALY ~ Il Palio - Siena ~

... A nice interesting postcard related to my last post... Siena is divided into 17 neighborhoods, or contrade...  during the running of the Palio, 10 of the participating contrade send a horse and rider to the race chosen randomly by lottery... the neighborhood then adopts it, showering it with love, washing and grooming it, and keeping it in a five-star stable... each contrada is represented by a mascot (porcupine, unicorn, she-wolf, and so on) and a distinctive flag... its colors are worn and flown all year long, but omnipresent as the race nears... the contrade support their rider with medieval marches, complete with flag-throwers and musicians, all wearing the symbol and colors of the neighborhood....Thanks Gian Luca and Raffaella!ヽ(•‿•)ノ   

Since antiquity, the city of Siena has been divided into three parts, called Terzi: the Terzo di Città, the Terzo di Camollia and the Terzo di San Martino. The 'contrade' (districts) of Siena are derived from this subdivision, in a tradition that is centuries old and full of curiosities.

In a report of the August Festival in 1546 written by Cecchino Cartaio, we find 16 Contrade mentioned, and a few years later, all 17 contrade appear with their current names: Aquila, Bruco, Chiocciola, Civetta, Drago, Giraffa, Istrice, Liocorno, Lupa, Montone, Oca, Onda, Pantera, Nicchio, Selvalta, Torre, Tartuca.

Each Contrade is like a guild or neighborhood with a community center for the members to gather, they all have a museum, fountain, baptismal font, and chapel.

Stamp: 

Italian Squares 

(Issued 02-07-2016)

ITALY ~ The Palio Horse Race - Siena ~

... Nice view of one of Italy’s most spectacular horse events that has been taking place in this stunning town since 1656... one of Tuscany’s most awaited summer events... it is a 90-second spectacle preceded by days of parades, trial races, and passionate, often religious, community events... the race consists of three turns around the Piazza del Campo, the main city square... with unique rules and centuries-old history... and is famously rough, with jockeys often falling, but the horse can win even without a rider... more than just a horse race Il Palio is full of passion and excitement, reflecting deep-seated contrade (district) rivalries rather than a tourist show... Thanks a lot Gian Luca and Raffaella! (✿◠‿◠)

Horse racing in Siena dates from 1232. The Palio was first held in 1482 as a civic celebration. The current course was formally established in 1659 and has been held semiannually on July 2 and on August 16 since 1701, except during wartimes.

Ten horses and bareback riders represent ten of the 17 city districts or ‘Contradas’, each one of them carry their own colours, emblems and flags. 

Stamp:

Europa stamp - Underwater flora and fauna

(Issued 9-05-2024)

MONTSERRAT ~ Rainforest ~

... Wonderful nature view of this tiny Caribbean paradise... Montserrat is one of the many isles boasting tropical weather and abundant rainforest wilderness... home to lush slopes brimming with flora and fauna, an active volcano called Soufrière Hills and remote black-sand beaches... known as the "Emerald Isle of the Caribbean"  thanks to its unique colonial ties to Ireland... but long before those new arrivals from Europe projected their heritage on the island, it was already a lush green wonder... it is an ideal destination for travelers looking to commune with nature rather than tourist crowds... it remains a hiker’s paradise to this day... Thanks a lot Diego! (✿◠‿◠)

Montserrat is located in the Eastern Caribbean in the Lesser Antilles and lies between Antigua and  Guadeloupe. 

The island, a British colony is best known for the volcano eruption in 1995 in the southern side of the island which caused two thirds of its 11,000 population to evacuate to the U.K. and other destinations. Today, two-thirds of the island is a designated exclusion zone.

 

Stamps:

Definitives - Butterflies

(Issued 05-03-2013)

Insects - Beetles 

(Issued 30-11-2015)

Flora - Ferns of the Caribbean 

(Issued 20-08-2012)

SPAIN ~ Cathedral of Santa María de Mediavilla - Teruel - Aragon - UNESCO ~

... Lovely cathedral view that is a living expression of history and the interweaving of Christian and Muslim culture... Teruel cathedral and bell-tower dating back to 1171 remain some of the best-preserved and most representative relics of Mudéjar architecture still visible on the Iberian Peninsula...  as you step inside, you'll be captivated by its magnificent coffered ceiling... one of the finest examples of Mudejar architecture... Mudéjar art is frequently cited as the only artistic style truly unique to Spain... Teruel is a little-known small, historic city with many hidden gems... Thanks a lot Josep&Assumpta!ヽ(•‿•)ノ   

Teruel is a high-altitude town in the mountainous Aragon region of eastern Spain and is also the capital of Teruel Province.

Mudéjar’s history dates from the Reconquista – the period from the 8th to the 15th century when Christians ‘reconquered’ Spain from the Muslim states known as Al-Andalus that had taken over much of the Iberian peninsula. As the Christians took back Muslim cities, they kept on some talented Muslim architects and artists, and employed them to apply Islamic styles and techniques to Christian structures.

Together with other churches in the town and in the province of Zaragoza, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.

 

Stamps:

EUROPA Stamp - National Archaeological Discoveries

(Issued 09-05-2025)

ANGUILLA

... This picture says it all☀️... a little slice of heaven on earth... this island has 33 spectacular and diverse beaches and another handful of idyllic offshore islets... several classed as top ten in the world and the very best in the Caribbean... with as always a great selection of nice stamps... unfortunately someone else must be missing a part of their stamps... Josep&Assumpta, I think these were yours😁😉... Thanks Diego!ツ

Photo: Dominique Vincent
Anguilla is an island in the eastern Caribbean Sea, a British overseas territory. It is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles lying east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and directly north of Saint Martin.

The name Anguilla is derived from the Italian, Spanish, and French words for "eel" (anguilla, anguila, anguille), adopted by early European explorers due to the island's long, thin, snake-like shape.

Stamps:

The 170th Anniversary of the Ebenezer Methodist Church 

(Issued 04-12-2000)

Historical Architecture

(Issued????)

Cricket World Cup

(Issued ?????)

25th Anniversary of the Soroptimist Club 

(Issued 29-01-2007)

UK ~ Jurassic Coast - Dorset - UNESCO ~

... Fantastic views of one of the most stunning coastlines of Britain... the Jurassic Coast with its dramatic towering fossil-rich cliffs is a walk through time representing 185 million years of earth history...  you can see natural shapes like arches, coves, tall rock pillars, and sea stacks... it  truly lives up to its name and was once the home to prehistoric giants, animals and vegetation across land, sea and sky... gigantic dinosaurs once roamed the Jurassic Coast... other animals including crocodiles, sharks and turtles also lived in the area... you can walk the entire length of the site on the South West Coast Path... and enjoy fossil hunting in many of the beach locations... Thanks a lot Paul!(✿◠‿◠) 

Photo: Bob CroxfordThe Jurassic Coast is found on the coast of southern England, along the English Channel. It stretches for about 155 km from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. 

The name Jurassic Coast comes from the best known of the geological periods found within it, but in fact the Site includes rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The different rocks tell a fascinating story from ancient deserts to tropical seas throughout the Mesozoic era, between 250 million and 65 million years ago. 

The Jurassic Coast was added to the World Heritage List in 2001.

 

Stamps:

Christmas

(Issued 04-11-2025)