PUERTO RICO ~ Casa Alcaldía - Yauco ~

... Beautiful view of the Town Hall of Yauco or "the city of coffee" as it is more informally known... it boasts a myriad of historic buildings and homes, murals, and mountain scenery... this building is an important landmark and an excellent example of local governmental architecture and cultural heritage of the region... it serves as the administrative headquarters for the municipality, housing the offices of the mayor and other local government officials... but it is much more than just a city hall... it's a central pillar in the civic and cultural life of Yauco... the front square is a gathering point for residents for generations and visitors... Thanks a lot dear Glenn! (✿◠‿◠)

Yauco is a city and municipality in southwestern Puerto Rico, centered on the city of the same name.  While the urban center is inland, the municipality extends to the southern Caribbean coast. 

Founded by Fernando Pacheco in 1756, Yauco was a center for Corsican immigration to Puerto Rico in the 19th century due to its geographical similarity to their homeland. Corsicans have contributed to many areas of life in Yauco, particularly its coffee-producing agriculture. This has contributed to its nicknames of El Pueblo del Café (City of Coffee), and Los Corsos (The Corsicans). It is also known as La Capital Taína (Taíno Capital) after the native peoples of Puerto Rico."

 

Stamp:

Compass Rose 

(Issued 24-01-2025)

ITALY ~ Stupinigi Palace - Turin - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of one of Turin’s architectural Baroque jewels... built for the Royal Family of Savoy as a departure point for royal hunting trips and a venue for lavish court celebrations... a long driveway, flanked by farms and stables, leads to the main building, surrounded by a 150 000 m² park... a vast geometric garden that features a continuous succession of flowerbeds, parterres and avenues... notable historical moments include the stay of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1805 before his coronation as King of Italy... and the 19th-century royal weddings of the House of Savoy... the palace is now a museum of art and furniture, showcasing original Savoyard furnishings and period masterpieces... Thanks Frederico! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

It was designed by the famous Baroque architect Filippo Juvarra starting in 1729 and finished in 1733, commissioned by Victor Amadeus II. The palace features an oval central hall with four wings radiating outward diagonally, resembling a Saint Andrew’s Cross. The complex covers over 31,000 square meters and contains 137 rooms and 17 galleries. 

The site, part of the Savoy residences circuit in Piedmont, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
 

Stamp:

EUROPA Stamps - National Archaeological Discoveries 

(Issued 09-05-2025)

GERMANY ~ Suspension Railway Sonnborner Bridge - Wuppertal ~

... Nice 1960 vintage view of a famous suspended monorail... a "must-see" hidden gem and a unique, futuristic, "flying" train experience... this 13km monorail at a height of about 12 metres acts as both daily transit and a top tourist attraction, gliding over the Wupper River and passes streets... although it's the world's oldest electric elevated railway with hanging cars and also one of the longest, it was modernized in 2016-2018... the Schwebebahn is a unique piece of industrial history... with great matching stamp and special postmark celebrating 125 Years of the Wuppertal Suspension Railway... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

Its construction went back to the late 1800s, when three neighbouring towns became interested in connecting through public transport. Due to the hilly landscape, traditional and railway seemed impractical, but a suspension railway could easily follow the river Wupper, along which they were all located.This unique public transport system was designed by engineer Eugen Langen and began operating in 1901.
 

Stamps: 

2X World of Letter

(Issued 02-11-2022)

(Issued 02-11-2024)

Wuppertal Suspension Railway

(Issued 08-01-2026)

MOZAMBIQUE ~ Gorongosa National Park ~

... Great view of a park of pure, beautiful wildness... an encounter with rural africa... highlighted as Africa's most remarkable "comeback story," evolving from a war-torn landscape to a premier destination for conservation-focused safaris... widely praised as an authentic, untamed, and "untouched" destination, offering stunning biodiversity without the crowds of typical tourist parks... no paved roads, nothing but sheer wilderness that you may practically have all to yourself... the park integrates conservation with community support, providing health, education, and agricultural programs for local communities, including sustainable, shade-grown coffee projects... Thanks a lot Alena!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

Gorongosa National Park often called the "Serengeti of the South," is a 4,000-square-km biodiversity hotspot in the Great African Rift Valley in central Mozambique. 

Established in 1960, Gorongosa was nearly destroyed during Mozambique’s civil war. After losing over 90% of its large animal population between 1977 and 1992, over 110,000 large animals now thrive in the park thanks to the Gorongosa Restoration Project.

Stamp: 

Pope Franciscus

(Issued 2019 )

PORTUGAL ~ Monastery of Alcobaça - UNESCO ~

... Back after a short break because of my first eye operation... (the other eye next week)... beautiful monastery view... renowned as the first and largest example of Cistercian Gothic architecture in the country... with its magnificent architecture, rich history and cultural significance, it is an important landmark of Portugal... the Monastery of Alcobaça is forever linked to Portugal’s most enduring love story... within its grand nave lie the intricately carved tombs of King Pedro and Inês de Castro, placed foot to foot so that, on Judgment Day, they will see each other first... their tragic tale, a forbidden romance between a prince and his beloved who was murdered on royal orders, has been told and retold across centuries... the Alcobaça Monastery attracts thousands of visitors annually... Thanks a lot Marta! (✿◠‿◠)

Alcobaça is a town in central Portugal's Silver Coast region. The monastery was established in 1153 by the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques, and would develop a close association with the Portuguese monarchy throughout its seven-century-long history. This association led to the monastery becoming the richest and most influential in Portugal by 1300, with a population of almost 1,000 monks and business interests including farming, fishing and trade. It closed in 1834, amid the dissolution of the monasteries in Portugal. 

The Monastery of Alcobaça was included in UNESCO's World Heritage Site list in 1989. 

Stamp:

Portuguese pavement

(Issued ????)

MEXICO ~Oaxaca Churches - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of a picturesque city full with many colonial-era buildings and significant archeological sites... the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude, the Santo Domingo church and former convent are all excellent examples of Oaxacan religious architecture from the colonial period, but Santo Domingo de Guzmán is the most outstanding and one of the landmarks of the city... considered by many to be one of the finest examples of Dominican architecture in Mexico and built on a grand scale... the formerly monastery grounds of the Church is now home to the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca and displays a wide variety of cultural artefacts and offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture... Thanks Alonso!【ツ】

Oaxaca de Juárez, or as it’s commonly referred to as Oaxaca, is the capital and the biggest city of the state of Oaxaca, which is in the Southwestern Mexico, nestled in a fertile valley at 1,550 meters above sea level.

The city, together with the nearby archeological site of Monte Albán, was designated in 1987 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stamps: 

2X Definitives - Handicraft

(Issued 01-01-2020)

The 50th Anniversary of the City of Cancún 

(Issued 03-03-2020)

SERBIA ~ Felix Romuliana - Gamzigrad - UNESCO ~

...Views of a beautiful archeological site... this fortified palace represents the best preserved work of Roman architecture in Serbia... located in a valley, protected by the surrounding hills... the remains of this luxurious Imperial Roman Place offers you a glimpse of the once magnificent and truly authentic Roman palace... with impressive ruins and unique collection of archeological artefacts... in total, within the palace walls, there are the remains of 20 circular towers and two gates, thermal baths, memorial complex, a number of temples with mosaic floors (only a couple visible on the site), the best ones are in the local museum... with nice matching UNESCO stamp👍... Thanks a lot Vladimir!¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Zaječar is a town in eastern Serbia know for the Gamzigrad Palace. Felix Romuliana was built in the 3 and 4th century by Roman Emperor Galerius who named it after his mother. 

Today, it is known that Galerius and his mother Romula were buried near Felix Romuliana palace, at “Magura” site, where archaeologists discovered two richly decorated masonry tombs and two mounds with bonfires where burning and apotheosis of the emperor and his mother took place.

This imperial complex has been discovered in 1953.

In 2007, this site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Stamps:

3X Definitives 

(Issued 2023-2025-2026)

August Gamzigrad - Felix Romuliana

 (Issued 21-09-2007)

GUATEMALA ~ San Antonio Aguas Calientes Weavers ~

... Beautiful view of a local women weaving... the town is renowned for its rich textile traditions and weaving culture... particularly its intricately woven huipiles (traditional blouses) and other colorful garments... these textiles are often adorned with symbolic patterns that hold deep cultural significance for the K'aqchikel people... most Mayan women in the area use the traditional backstrap loom weaving... it is one of the oldest and most intricate weaving techniques still practiced today... visitors can explore local markets to admire and purchase these handcrafted items, witnessing firsthand the skill and artistry passed down through generations... Thanks a lot Diego! (✿◠‿◠) 

© Photo: Marino Cattelan
Backstrap loom weaving is a traditional textile art practiced in the Maya and Andean regions of Central and South America. This form of weaving predates the floor (or treadle) loom introduced by the Spanish during colonization. Weaving was, and continues to be, a social tradition practiced by women of all ages.

San Antonio Aguas Calientes means "Saint Anthony Hot Waters" in Spanish. The name "San Antonio" is a tribute to Saint Anthony of Padua, a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar who is a patron saint of lost things. "Aguas Calientes" directly translates to "hot waters," referencing the natural hot springs found in the vicinity of the town. It is  a vibrant indigenous K'aqchikel Maya community located in the Sacatepequez department of Guatemala.

 Stamps:

Latin American Capital of Culture 2015  

(Issued 26-02-2015)

World Post Day

(Issued 28-02-2023)

Recreation Park of the Workers of the Private Company IRTRA 

(Issued 17-08-2022)

The 200th Anniversary of the Independence of Guatemala 

(Issued 13-09-2021)

GERMANY ~ The Green Bunker - Hamburg ~

... Great view of the Green Bunker... a major, newly revitalized landmark in the city... a transformation from a WWII-era bunker into a lush, sustainable urban forest... to reach the very top you must first conquer 389 steps and 560 meters along the so-called mountain path... it winds its way upwards around the bunker via ramps and stairs... the path leads not only past the concrete walls of the old bunker, but also past the five new, terraced floors built on the bunker roof...  around 4,800 trees and 16,000 perennials line the path, green the facade and grow in the public garden on the roof... the roof offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Hamburg, including the Elbphilharmonie, harbor, and Millerntor Stadium... with nice "related" stamp and special postmark of Father Bernhard Lichtenberg, a German priest who spoke out actively against Nazism and its persecution of Jews... Thanks Dusin!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Officially the Bunker St. Pauli on Feldstraße was built between 1940 and 1942 during World War II by forced laborers. The distinctive turrets at the building's corners indicate that it was a so-called flak bunker, on which anti-aircraft guns were mounted. Inside were shelters for the civilian population. During the bombing raids on Hamburg, up to 25,000 people sought refuge there. 

After the war, the bunker initially housed emergency accommodations; for a time, the Northwest German Broadcasting Corporation (NDR), the predecessor of the NDR, used the space. 

Later, businesses, agencies, and music clubs moved into the massive concrete structure. The floors on the bunker's roof contain a hotel, a restaurant, and a multi-purpose hall with a capacity of up to 2,200 people. The conversion into the Green Bunker began in 2019 and was completed in the summer of 2024.

 

Stamp:

The 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Bernhard Lichtenberg, 1875-1943 

(Issued 04-12-2025)

MADAGASCAR ~ Giant Baobabs - Morondava ~

... Nice view of a local on the famous Avenue of the Baobabs... this unique row of ancient trees consists of Adansonia grandidieri baobabs also known as giant baobabs, which are some of the oldest and largest trees in the world... they can grow up to 30 meters tall and live for over 1,000 years, have thick, water-storing trunks that allow them to survive in the dry, tropical climate of western Madagascar... visitors can experience the majesty and beauty of these incredible trees, learn about their history and significance, and contribute to the conservation efforts that protect this unique and fascinating natural wonder... widely considered the number one tourist destination in Madagascar...  Thanks Alena!(✿◠‿◠)

The Avenue of Baobabs is a stand of baobab trees which line a dirt road between western Madagascar's largest town of Morondava; and the smaller town of Belon'i Tsiribihina.The highlight is a 260 metres stretch of road where a stand of just over 20 of Madagascar's largest species of baobab are found. 

It has been a sacred site for the local population for centuries. The trees are believed to have spiritual powers and are often visited by locals seeking blessings or guidance.

© Yvan Acker

Stamps:

Flora - Issue of 2015 

(Issued  2023)

Flora and Fauna

(Issued 15-06-2015)

Architecture 

(Issued 30-01-2013)

GERMANY ~ Imperial Palace - Goslar - UNESCO ~

...  Lovely view of one of the greatest sights in the Harz mountains, the Kaiserpfalz Goslar that rises at the foot of the Rammelsberg mountain... this 1000-year-old Romanesque masterpiece was already built in 1050 and renovated in the 19th century... famous for its massive 54-by-18-meter hall, which is one of the largest roofed halls built in the Middle Ages... serving as a favored residence for Salian emperors... for more than 200 years German and European history was made here... coming with a beautiful park, which is right connected to the Historic Town of Goslar... the palace is considered to be the best preserved secular building of the 11th century on German soil... Thanks Sabine!¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The Imperial Palace of Goslar, known as the Kaiserpfalz, was substantially founded and constructed under Holy Roman Emperor Henry III  with major building activity occurring between 1040 and 1050. This development built upon an initial imperial mansion established around 1005 by Henry II. In the St. Ulrich Chapel at the south end a stone sarcophagus with the figure of Heinrich III on the cover houses the gold capsule containing the heart of the emperor, who died in 1056. The Imperial Palace of Goslar covers an area of about 340 long and 180 metres wide.

Since 1992, the palace site, together with the Goslar's Old Town and the Rammelsberg has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stamps:

Castles and Palaces

(Issued 02-01-2013)

Cologne: 1947 and 2015

(Issued 06-10-2022)

CHINA ~ Giant Panda ~

...🐼"Cuteness overload"🐼... a fluffy panda having the best time rolling in the snow... the giant pandas prefer colder temperatures and are usually more active during the winter months... they have thick waterproof fur that insulates them from the cold and wet snow... with great special postmark from the Panda Post (or Panda Kingdom Post Office)... a unique postal service and cultural landmark located within the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan established in 2013... the facility includes over a thousand panda-themed items, including postcards, stamps, stationery, and "Giant Panda Postman" collectibles... a cultural market, a postal exhibition hall, and even a panda-themed restaurant... Thanks a lot Hang Tong!(✿◠‿◠) 

"My break dance in the snow!"                         Photo: © Zhang Zhine
Giant pandas are bear species native to central China, famous for their black-and-white fur. These mammals are omnivores. But whilst pandas will occasionally eat small animals and fish, bamboo counts for 99 percent of their diet.They are bamboo experts that eat up to 50 pounds of bamboo daily, spending 12–16 hours eating, and have a special wrist bone acting as a thumb for grabbing food.

Giant pandas grow to between 1.2m and 1.5m, and weigh between 75kg and 135kg. Scientists aren’t sure how long pandas live in the wild, but in captivity they live to be around 30 years old.

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (or simply Chengdu Panda Base) is a government-funded non-profit breeding and research institute for giant pandas, red pandas, and other rare animals located in Chengdu Sichuan and was founded in 1987.

Stamps:

Huangmei 

(Issued 06-07-2014)

Olympic Games - Beijing 

(Issued 08-08-2007)

Greeting Card Stamps Serie

(Issued 08-08-2013)

GERMANY ~ Telecommunications Tower - Braunschweig ~

...  Night view of the second largest building in the city... it is recognized as a significant landmark providing panoramic views of the region... a high viewpoint (approx. 90 meters high) from which, on a clear day, visitors can see the Elm, Asse, Harz, and Lichtenberg regions... Thanks Dustin!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

The telecommunications tower on Steinberg hill was built in 1971. Initially, the tower served as a relay station for radio communications to Berlin and for mobile phone service. 

In 1987, it was extended to a height of 154.65 meters with the addition of a fiberglass-reinforced plastic tube (containing antennas for analog radio and television transmission). 

At the end of April 2004, this 30-meter-long tube was replaced with a new one containing antennas for digital radio and television transmission. 

© Friederike Fuchs

Stamps:

2X World of Letter

(Issued 02-11-2022) 

(Issued 02-11-2024)

The Boat 

(Issued 04-09-2025)

GHANA ~ Mole National Park ~

... Lovely views of the country's largest protected area and most important habitat for elephants... home to a population of approximately 600 to 700 African Savannah elephants... it supports the largest elephant population in Ghana and serves as a crucial habitat for elephants migrating between Ghana and Burkina Faso... this National Park is unique in that while they offer jeep tours, you can also do a walking tour... the walking safari affords the opportunity to go see elephants at their watering hole, as well as view many other animals along the way... this Ghana National park rates as the most popular game park and the most visited of all parks and reserves... Thanks a lot Amelia! (✿◠‿◠)

Mole National Park covers an estimated 4,577 square kilometers and is located in the country's northern Savannah region. The Love and Mole rivers are ephemeral rivers flowing through the park.

It is home to over 93 mammal species, and the large mammals of the park include an elephant population, hippos, buffalo, baboons and warthogs and there are 33 known species of reptiles.

Among the 344 listed bird species are the martial eagle, the white-headed and palm-nut vultures, saddle-billed storks, herons, egrets, the Abyssinian roller, the violet turaco, various shrikes and the red-throated bee-eater.
 

Stamp:

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commemorative stamps to celebrate 25 years of reign as Asante King

(Issued 04-05-2024)

GERMANY ~ Historical Museum - Regensburg - UNESCO ~

... Nice view of one of the remains at the Danube Limes... such heads with helmets (Mars or depictions of soldiers often interpreted as Mars) fit into the repertoire of provincial Roman funerary art, which emphasises the status and military connection of the deceased... linked to the early phase of Roman military presence in Regensburg-Kumpfmühl which was particularly well documented in the 2nd and 3rd centuries... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

This museum features a "Roman Regensburg" department that displays various Roman artifacts, including statues of deities (like Mercury). Special exhibitions, such as one on the Marcomannic Wars, have featured replica Roman armor and helmets.

In 2021, the Bavarian section of the Danube Limes between Regensburg and Passau, together with the Danube Limes in Austria and Slovakia, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Stamp:

The 75th Anniversary of the Technical Relief Agency

(Issued 07-08-2025)

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)