USA ~ San Francisco - California ~

...Nice views of some of the most iconic landmarks of the city... although the city is small there’s is a lot see... it has all sorts of excellent museums, Victorian architecture, and the oldest and biggest Chinatown in the country... the city’s history is rich and filled with California Gold Rush lore and colorful immigrant stories... famous for the fog that suddenly rolls in on a sunny day...  all this makes San Francisco one of the unique American destinations for many travelers... Hééééél erg Bedankt Dorien en Roel!【ツ】

"Golden Gate Bridge - Alcatraz Island - Colt Tower with Bay Bridge - Cable Car" Photos: Lenny Gill

San Francisco is a city and port located in northern California on the West Coast bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. It's the 4th largest city in California.

The name San Francisco was inspired by colonists from Spain who in 1776 established the Mission San Francisco de Asis named after Saint Francis of Assisi.

Stamp: Flowers - African Daisy

(Issued 14-03-2021)

 

USA ~ Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming ~

... Wonderful scenery postcard showing the Snake river meandering in front of the majestic Teton Range which is part of the Rocky Mountains... this iconic, rugged mountain range gives the park its name... home to abundant wildlife, pristine alpine lakes, world-class hiking terrain, and picturesque landscapes everywhere you turn... it offers some of best alpine scenery in the world... Grand Teton National Park is also home to Jackson Hole Airport... the only airport in the U.S. to operate inside of a national park... about 2.8 million people visited the park in 2022... also this time with unique special National Parks stamp cancellation👍💙... Big Thanks Andrene! (✿ ♥‿♥)

Photo: Tom Danielson
Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming and was established in 1929 with an approximately size of 1,300 km2. The park includes the major peaks of the 64 km longTeton Range. The highest point is Grand Teton, which rises 4,198 meters above sea level. The park also includes Jackson Hole, a valley east of the Tetons.

Forests of lodgepole pines grow in the lower areas of the park. At higher elevations, fir and spruce trees are common. Bison, elk, moose, and antelope graze in the park. Black bears and grizzly bears live in the quieter areas. Bald eagles and red-tailed hawks soar in the sky.

Stamp: 

Flowers - Chrysanthemum

(Issued 24-04-2020)

GERMANY ~ Concentration Camp Memorial Site Dachau ~

... Views of a dark side of European history... it was the first concentration type camp in Germany and essentially the model for all later camps... it was used as their first experimentation in what would later be the network of thousands of camps, ghettos, and prisons designed for labor, torture, cruel medical experiments, and murder... now a site attracting many tourists but still an emotionally confronting place... it should be treated with respect for all the lives lost both at Dachau itself but also the millions of other lives murdered during the WWII Holocaust... with nice stamp and first day postmark commemorating 70 Years of "International Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem"...Thanks Dustin! (ヅ)  

© Photos: Jesef Pröll
When it was first opened in 1933, the primary targets were political opponents to the Nazi Regime but quickly expanded to religious clergy then onto Jewish people, Romas, people with mental disabilities, or anyone considered a “threat” to the Third Reich. Most of the prisoners at Dachau were actual German natives.

The camp was setup to contain 5,000 prisoners but in it’s peak in 1944, held as many as 12,000 prisoners amongst the 30 huts. In it’s 12 year existence as a camp, 206,000 people were imprisoned with almost 32,000 being killed or dying there. However, it is speculated that both of those numbers are actually significantly higher. 

Dachau was the longest open concentration camp and was still full and “functional” when the Allied forces came to liberate it in 1945. In the postwar years, Dachau served to hold SS soldiers awaiting trial and after 1948 it held ethnic Germans who had been expelled from eastern Europe and were awaiting resettlement. It was also used for a time as a US military base until it finally closed in 1960. This Memorial Site was opened to the public in 1965.

 Stamp:

The 70th Anniversary of Yad Vashed

(Issued 03-08-2023)

JAPAN ~ The National Art Center - Tokyo ~

... Great view of the impressive National Art Center... this museum is one of the largest exhibition and most important art spaces of the country... with its vast exhibition space of 14,000 m², the museum is home to some of the most significant art collections in the world... the center showcases both Japanese and international artists, and the exhibits range from contemporary to traditional art... one of the highlights of the center is the special exhibitions that are held throughout the year... with this time also two restaurants recommendations to visit when in Tokyo... Tonki and Butagumi for their legendary Tonkatsu (again a dish I never heard of)... guess you are a food lover😋😉! Thanks Jobbo!【ツ】

Designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, the building is a masterpiece of contemporary design that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. The building itself is an artwork, with its unique wave-like design and massive glass facade that allows natural light to flood the interior spaces. It’s equipped with twelve exhibition galleries, an auditorium, and three lecture rooms.

The interior of the National Art Center, Tokyo is just as impressive as its exterior. The exhibition galleries are spacious and airy, with high ceilings that provide a perfect backdrop for the artwork on display.

Stamp:

Nostalgia of Pictures for Children

(Issued 27-05-2016)

ROMANIA ~ Slatioara Primeval Forest - UNESCO ~

... Nice nature views of old-growth beech forests nicknamed the "Wooden Cathedral of Rarăului" or the "Forest Forgotten by Time"... large quantities of dead wood and an abundance of old trees characterise the forests as particularly natural... most of the spruces are between 300 and 400 years old and reach a height of 60 meters... this reserve is very important as it is believed that it contains the oldest, tallest and thickest spruce and fir trees in Romania that also hosts the largest remains of primeval and ancient forests of Europe... Thanks a lot Catalina!❀◕ ‿ ◕❀ 

© Elena Leberciuc
The Slătioara Forest was declared a nature reserve in 1941. It covers an area of over 1,000 hectares and is located in a rather isolated area on the south-eastern slope of Rărau massif between 790 m and 1.353 m for elevation. 

The trees in this area belong to the following species: spruce, Scots pine, fir, beech, yew, alder, hornbeam, mountain hornbeam, mountain dogwood, juniper, gooseberry, raspberry, blueberry, willow, cranberry, etc. 

The Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe became UNESCO WHS site 2017. In Romania, the eight forest territories included to the World Heritage list are Izvoarele Nerei, Cheile Nerei-Beusnita, Domogled - Valea Cernei, Cozia, Codrul Secular Sinca, Grosii Tiblesului, Codrii Seculari Strimbu-Baiut, Codrul Secular Slatioara. 

Stamps:

Banknote Portraits 

(Issued 10-02-2012)

Nadia Comaneci - The First Olympic 10 of Gymnastics

(Issued 18-07-2016)

GERMANY ~ Berlin ~

...  Lovely postcard showing famous places of a city that lights up at night... Berlin is the largest city and the heart of the country... a city which defines Germany and its culture... because the western and eastern parts of Berlin were separated from 1949 until 1989, Berlin is one of the most diverse cities in the European Union... well known for its universities, as well as its museums and research facilities... it is the most popular city break destination in Germany and a top European destination... with great stamp and special first day cancellation👍... Thanks Dustin! (✿◠‿◠)

The city is located on the rivers Havel and Spree, and is surrounded by the state of Brandenburg and became the capital of Germany 1871. 

Berlin was founded in the 13thC after Germanic peoples settled on the land that was once a Slavic area.

It was located strategically between two significant historic trade routes and is one of the oldest towns in the world. 

Stamp:

Special Olympics World Games - Berlin 

(Issued 0105-2023)

NEW ZEALAND ~ Akaroa Harbour - South Island ~

.. A wonderful scenic turquoise harbour view next to rolling green hills during sunrise... once a fishing and farm service town, it now serves mainly holidaymakers and tourists... located inside the caldera of a sunken volcano, making it ideal habitat for marine mammals and birdlife... within its waters, dolphins, seals and little blue penguins can be seen for those who go on sailing tours, kayaking excursions and catamaran cruises...the Akaroa Marine Reserve lies at the mouth of the harbour...  Thanks a lot Ravindra!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Akaroa is located on the Banks Peninsula in the Canterbury region which is one of the South Island’s most interesting volcanic features. It was originally an island that was formed by two individual volcanic cones. The craters of these volcanoes are how what we know as the Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours.

Although it is located in a former British colony, Akaroa Harbour is decidedly French as this Christchurch enclave was originally founded by pioneering French settlers in 1840, making it the only French town in all of Aotearoa.

Stamp:

Scenic Definitives 

(Issued 09-05-2007)

ANDORRA ~ Sant Serni de Nagol Church -

... A beautiful view of one of the many small Romanesqie jewels of the country... a small church made from rough stones... very picturesquely located on a hilltop, with unique and amazing views to the mountains and valleys of the Principality... built in medieval times and follows the typical architectural layout of the Romanesque churches of Andorra... it has a simple nave and a tall bell tower in front of the church... the inside is full of Romanesque style paintings and murals which the church is renowned for... tours of the church are available with prior consultation in the months of July and August but the church remains closed except for ceremonial times through the rest of the year... this postcard is with stamps from the Spanish postal service... Thanks a lot Josep&Assumpta! 〤◕‿◕〤 

 The Iglesia de Sant Cerni de Nagol Church is located  in the town of Nagol, in Sant Julià de Lòria, 

The consecration document dates from 1055, a time when Lombard influence had not yet spread throughout Andorra, which explains the lack of any exterior decoration.

On its interior you’ll find the first pictorial sketches from the Romanesque in Andorra, which are impressive due to its religious, primary, and expressive character. The paintings represent several angelic silhouettes adorning the Agnus Dei. They are surrounded by important iconographies symbolising Good and Evil.

Stamps:

EUROPA Stamps - Poster Art 

(Issued 24-04-2003)

Personalities - Elida Amigo, 1935-2020

(Issued 23-09-2022)

SCOTLAND ~ Skara Brae - Orkney - UNESCO ~

..... Wonderful view of a stone age village in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney near the dramatic white beach of the Bay of Skaill... step back 5,000 years in time to explore the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe... long before Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids were built, Skara Brae was a thriving village... visitors can experience this prehistoric place and see ancient homes fitted with stone beds, dressers and seats...a replica construction allows visitors to fully understand the interior of a prehistoric house... see artefacts including gaming dice, tools and jewellery on display in the visitor centre... Big Thanks once more Andrene💌... another fabulous place to visit! (✿ ♥‿♥)

© Colin Baxter
Skara Brae is a stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago of Scotland. 

Exposed by a great storm in 1850, four buildings were excavated during the 1860s by William Watt. After another storm in 1926, further excavations were undertaken by the Ancient Monuments branch of the British Ministry of Works.  This coastal site may now be at risk from climate change.

Skara Brae gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as one of four sites making up "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney" in 1999.

Stamp:

Definitive -The new portrait of His Majesty King Charles III

(Issued 2023)

AUSTRIA ~ Maria Plain Pilgrimage Church - Salzburg ~

... Beautiful church view... a Baroque exterior, three-story, two-tower facade tower and statues of the four evangelists and the Virgin and Child above the entrance... it is remarkable for its architectural value... and also offers visitors a magnificent panorama extending from Salzburg city to the Alps... it has been a beloved pilgrimage destination since the 17thC... pilgrims and trekkers exploring the Austrian stages of the Way of Saint James pass by Maria Plain... this famous pilgrimage church also inspired Mozart to compose his famous "Coronation Mass" in honor of the sacred painting of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary found in this church... Thanks a lot Dustin! ❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

The story of Maria Plain goes back to the times of the Thirty Years War. In 1652, the purportedly miraculous painting "Mary with Baby Jesus" by Rudolf von Grimming came to the Plainberg outside Salzburg, where it was kept in a wooden chapel.

 After barely a year, the original painting had to be returned. However, because of the constant influx of pilgrims, a copy of the picture was made and housed in a new chapel.

In 1671, Archbishop Max Gandolf decided to construct a large pilgrimage church. Built according to the plans drawn up by Giovanni Antonio Dario, the church was consecrated on 12 August 1674. Two years later, they were also successful in bringing the original painting back to Salzburg.

Photo: R. Weidl, Berchtesgaden

 Stamp:

The 90th Anniversary of LEGO 

(Issued 16-09-2022)

NORWAY ~ The Rock Art of Alta - UNESCO ~

.... Lovely view of Rock Art and carvings that shows that Alta was an important meeting place in the far north... people have lived in the area for several thousands of years... Hjemmeluftbukta (Northern Sámi: Jiepmaluokta) is the main site for the rock carvings with about 3,000 individual carvings... scenes depict hunting, gathering and fishing as well as dancing and rituals... many of the older carvings were painted red in the 1970s to make them more visible which was normal practice at the time... however, this process is now being reversed to preserve the authenticity of the art, even though some of the carvings will be harder to see on cloudy  days... the outdoor carvings are accessible during the snow-free season (typically May to October) but the indoor exhibitions are open year-round... a unique and well preserved site with also fantastic views over the Alta Fjord... Thanks a lot Andrene! (✿◠‿◠) 

The property is situated in the northernmost part of Norway, far north of the Arctic Circle.

Located at 45 sites in five different areas at the head of the Alta Fjord (Kåfjord, Hjemmeluft, Storsteinen, Amtmannsnes and Transfarelvdalen). Today in total, there are more than 6000 registered carvings and paintings spread out over some 100 panels made between ca 7,000 to 2,000 years ago.

Despite the age of the engravings, we've actually only known about them for little more than 50 years. Rock art was first discovered in the area in 1950, but most of it wasn't found for another 20 years.

The rock art in Alta was inscribed on the World Heritage List in December 1985.

Photo: © Arvid Sveen

Stamp:

Domesticated Animals 

(Issued 11-06-2021)

GERMANY ~ Heligoland Lighthouse ~

... Nice lighthouse view with radar antenna, postcard by Papersisters... one of the most famous Heligoland sights... this lighthouse has a long history and is a landmark of this small island in the North Sea... today's lighthouse has the strongest beacon of all German lighthouses... its light can be seen 50 km away on clear nights... with great matching stamp and special first day postmark👍... Thanks a lot Dustin!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

Heligoland is a rocky island in the North Sea, Germany's only offshore island consisting of a main island and a secondary island Düne, covers less than 2 square kilometers of land area.

Heligo lighthouse tells about the serious past of the island and was built during the Second World War as an anti-aircraft tower. In 1952 it began to operate as a lighthouse, replacing the lighthouse from 1811, which was destroyed in the bombing days. 

The lighthouse is 35 meters high and stands 85 meters above sea level. In the lighthouse there is a nuclear bunker, which was built during the Cold War.

 

Stamp: 

Helgoland Lighthouse

(Issued 0607-2023)

ITALY ~ Fountain of Diana - Syracuse - Sicily - UNESCO ~

... Wonderful fountain view by night... the highlight of Piazza Archimede square is this famous art nouveau fountain... in the center of the fountain is a magnificent statue of Diana - hunter, surrounded by sirens and tritons... it is also known as the Fountain of Artemis, as the original Greek name for the Roman goddess Diana was Artemis... located on Ortigia Island, the Heart and oldest part of the beautiful city of Siracusa... well known for its remarkable historical heritage... Thanks a lot Mario!【ツ】

The Artemis Fountain was created by sculptor Giulio Mosketti in 1906 using reinforced concrete.  It is dedicated to the myth of the nymph Aretuza, which turned into the goddess Artemis, called Diana in the Roman pantheon.

The fountain includes a triton and a mermaid with a child on her lap riding sea monsters, and also includes Arethusa and Alpheus (Diana is helping Arethusa to escape unwanted attention from Alpheus, who fell in love with her after seeing her bathing nude in a stream).

Syracuse was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2005.  

Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of AISM - Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society  

(Issued 09-11-2018)

BURUNDI ~ Bururi ~

... A wonderful hilly landscape... the Bururi province is the home of Bururi Forest Nature Reserve, Rumonge Nature Reserve and Kigwena Nature Reserve... they offer fantastic opportunities for hiking and trekking... with well-maintained trails and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes... along the way, visitors can admire the unique flora and fauna and enjoy the tranquility of nature... Thanks a lot Alena! (✿◠‿◠)

The Republic of Burundi is a small landlocked country in east central Africa, bordering Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bujumbura is the capital of Burundi.

Bururi Province is one of the eighteen provinces of Burundi. It was formerly Burundi's largest province until the communes of Burambi, Buyengero and Rumonge were transferred to the province of Rumonge when it was created in 2015.

Stamp:

Fungi

(Issued ???)

SRI LANKA ~ Galmaduwa temple - Kandy ~

... Nice view of the only Hindu temple-style Buddhist temple... an impressive building of strange architecture... a pavilion built of stone and brick... but a high gopuram gives it a Hindu identity... it is said that while this building was being completed the king heard of the discovery of a cave at Degaldoruwa and stopped the work on Galmaduwa shifting his attention to Degaldoruwa... sadly, in its unfinished state, this building was never used as a temple... but still  a very peaceful place without much crowd and frequently visited by local devotees and buddhists... Thanks a lot Ravindra! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

This temple is build by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe 1742 to 1782 (last king in kandy). A restoration took place in 1967 where an image house was added to the temple and an ambulatory was added later. 

It is situated in the middle of the kalapura village which popular for brasswares. 

Stamps:
 

3X Vesak Festival 

(Issued 25-11-2022)

JAPAN ~ Osaka Castle - Osaka ~

... Great Castle view of a famous landmark... the symbol of Osaka... this five-story castle is one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country with a history that dates back almost 500 years... standing 58-meters tall with 5 tiers and 8 floors... various portions of the castle are decorated and glittering in gold, such as the Shachi (sea monster) on the top tier roof and the tiger under the railings.... visitors to Osaka Castle can enter inside, which currently operates as a historical museum... if you love history and castles, you can spend all day at 105 hectare Osaka Castle Park... it is even possible to take a short boat ride around the impressive surrounding moat... the moat walls stand at up to 20 metres tall and 90 metres wide...with an estimated 500,000 to 1 million large stones (up to 12kg) having been used in its construction... I must believe you when you say that Kirin Imuse Yogurt drink is much tastier than Asahi Calpis because I never heard of it😁... Thanks Jobbo!【ツ】

The original constructicon was  built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Osaka Castle is a replica of the original from 1583 that was destroyed in 1645, then rebuilt and destroyed a few more times including during WW2. In the 1990s, the government sponsored a complete restoration of the castle returning it to its original glory and adding elevators. This castle is an example of Edo-style architecture.

Osaka Castle Park was opened in 1931, and has become an incredibly popular destination for its changing foliage in the spring’s ‘sakura’ (cherry blossom) season, as well as the autumn’s ‘koyo’ (falling leaves) season.

Stamp:

The 150th Anniversary of Japan's Modern Postal Service 

(Issued 20-04-2021)

NETHERLANDS ~ Sint Servatius Bridge - Maastricht ~

... Beautiful bridge view with seven arches spanning 160 metres over the River Meuse... coming from my closest neighbouring country... while this ancient bridge was severely damaged and rebuilt during World War II, it is known as the oldest bridge in the Netherlands... a bridge only for pedestrians and bicycles.... Maastricht is the capital and largest city of Limburg located on both sides of the river Meuse... Heel Erg Bedankt Ben en Loes! (✿ ♥‿♥)  

The Romans first built a wooden bridge around AD 50 and the Latin phrase for "crossing of the Meuse (Maas)" became the name of the city. For many years the bridge provided the only crossing of the lower Meuse River. Unfortunately, this bridge collapsed during a procession in 1275. The collapse killed 400 people. 

Today, a pillar marks the location of the old Roman bridge. The current bridge was built between 1280 and 1298. It is located north of the original Roman bridge. The bridge was named in honor of Saint Servatius around this time Maastricht's first bishop,

 In 1850, a channel was cut on the bridge's west side. The bridge was renovated in the 1930s. The arches were reconstructed in concrete and then covered by the original stones. Two arches on the eastern side were removed, and a vertical-lift bridge was added. 

During World War II, German troops heavily damaged the bridge. As a result, St. Servatius Bridge was rebuilt in 1948. 

In 1962, the shipping channel to the east of the bridge was spanned by a steel drawbridge attached to the main bridge. 

Stamp:

Dutch Icons 

(Issued 02-01-2014)

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)

GERMANY ~ St. Mary's Church - Stralsund - UNESCO ~

 ...Great aerial view of a religious landmark... a masterpiece of late Brick Gothic architecture and the largest parish church in Stralsund... close to a lake surrounded by greenery... .you can climb several hundred steps leading up to the top of the tower... the 90 metres high lookout offers its visitors a beautiful view over the city, the Isle of Ruegen and the Baltic Sea... the Church has several wonderful areas to explore... from the impressive high altar with its beautifully intricate work... the recently restored altarpiece in the choir... and the Coronation of the Virgin and stunning stained glass windows, make this a must-visit...  with nice stamp souvenir sheet and special first day postmark... the image on the sheet includes a partial view of one of the most important Philatelic items of Germany, the Stralsund letter... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】 

St. Mary’s Church, known locally as St. Marienkirche is a large Lutheran church built sometime before 1298. 

Over the years, various parts have been rebuilt after sustaining damage. For instance, the bell tower collapsed in the 1380s and the original steeple tower fell over in 1495. The Baroque dome was replaced by a steeple tower and dates back to 1708.

Recognized as part of the historic center of Stralsund, the church was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002.

Stamp:

Treasures of Philately - Stralsund Letter 

(Issued 01-03-2023)

GEORGIA ~ Tbilisi ~

... Pretty aerial view of the Narikala ancient fortress overlooking Tbilisi’s charming Old Town... known for its picturesque pastel colored wooden and brick houses with open, carved balconies... traditional Georgian architecture nestled on the mountain side... the houses are mainly 19thC as much of the city was destroyed by the devastating Persian invasion of 1795... most of the Old Town has been restored and is simply beautiful... anyone visitng Tbilisi?? According to Jobbo you should go to the restaurant "The King and the bird" serving Georgian food by a local🍽️... Thanks a lot Jobbo!¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Photo Zurab Gengluri

Tbilisi is the capital and the largest city of the country situated in Eastern Georgia at the edge of the Caucasus Mountains. According to Georgian legends, it was founded in the 5thC by King Vakhtang Gorgasali who, while hunting, shot a pheasant which fell into a warm spring and was either boiled or healed. Either way, the king was inspired to found a city on the site, and the name of the city derives from the Georgian word tbili meaning "warm".

Also called the Mother Fortress of Tbilisi, Narikala is an ancient symbol of Tbilisi’s defence. The fortress was established around the period when the city itself was founded. It was then known as Shuris-tsikhe (Invidious Fort). The name Narikala is said to derive from a Persian word for citadel, but another theory says was the name that Mongols used, meaning “little fortress”.

Stamps: 

Georgian Maritime Lighthouses  

Though these stamps are dated “2021” they were apparently issued in January 2022

GERMANY ~ Helmstedt ~

... Lovely views of a town steeped in history... this historic university and Hanseatic city has an important monumental heritage of Romanesque and Renaissance buildings... as well as almost 400 half-timbered houses and professors' houses from the 16th and 17th centuries... with great special first day postmark👍 "First National Natural Monument"...the oak tress in the Ivenacker Oaks are among the oldest in North Germany... some of them date back 1000 years... Thanks a lot Dustin!【ツ】  

Photo: Eva-Maria Wedekind
Helmstedt  is a town on the eastern edge of the German state of Lower Saxony. It is the capital of the District of Helmstedt. First attested to in writing in the year of 952, Helmstedt gained a town charter in 1247. 

 Stamp:

Ivenacker Eichen National Monument 

(Issued 06-07-2023)

NEW ZEALAND ~ Rakaia Gorge - Canterbury ~

... Amazing aerial nature view of the Canterbury Plains in the South Island with Mount Hutt in the background... New Zealand's South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you'll ever experience... the Rakaia river cuts through the foothils of the Southern Alps creating the picturesque Rakaia Gorge... Rakaia Gorge has many tourist attractions and travel activities... take a jet boat ride, go fishing, head out on a scenic walk with stunning views or just enjoy the incredible turquoise shades of this river gorge... Thanks a lot Ravindra!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

South Island, Māori Te Waipounamu, island is the larger and southernmost of the two major islands of New Zealand, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, the other being North Island.

The South Island is shaped by the Southern Alps which run along it from north to south, the east side of the island is home to the Canterbury Plains a lowland area.The plains cover an area of 240 by 70 km bordering on the Pacific Ocean. The Rangitata, Rakaia, and Waimakariri are the main rivers.

Mount Hutt (Māori: Opuke) rises to the west of the Canterbury Plains above the braided upper reaches of the Rakaia River. Its summit is 2190 metres above sea level.

Stamps: 

Health Stamps - Designs showing photographs by Lord Snowdon

(Issued 31-07-1985)

Holiday Hideaways

(Issued 06-11-2002)

New Zealand's Victory in 1995 America's Cup

(Issued 16-05-1995)

Southern Lights

(Issued 08-02-2017)

SRI LANKA ~ Hindagala Cave Temple - Kandy ~

.... Lovely view of an ancient Budhist temple located in the shadow of a mighty rock boulder... the temple seems to be located in a cave underneath it and a tiled roof was built over it... Hindagala temple is very important place in Sri Lankan history since the temple is related to many of ancient legends... the temple was inhabited by Buddhist monks for centuries... later with the addition of Buddha statues an Hindad paintings, it had become a leading Image house in the area... the viharaya is famous for its legendary wall paintings... Thanks a lot Ravindra! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Hindagala Raja Maha Viharaya has a history dating back to pre-Christian era, probably to 3rd century B.C. when Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka. The verandah with timber pillars, the roof and some paintings were done during the Kandyan era (14th century A.D.).

The two rock inscriptions at the site are datable to the 7th century A.D. The older inscription is datable to the 6th century A.D. 

Stamps:

National Environment Pioneer Program

(Issued 20-10-2022)

National Festival of the Prophet 

(Issued 14-12-2022)

The 125th Anniversary of the Christ Church Girl’s Collage - Baddegama 

(Issued 05-07-2013)

THAILAND ~ The Dragon Descendants Museum - Suphanburi ~

.... Great view of the epic dragon museum located in the Suphanburi City Pillar Shrine.... a giant dragon🐲 dominates the landscape with the size of 135 meters long, 35 meters high and 18 meters wide... shaped like a massive brightly coloured Fiberglass Chinese dragon... it took ten years of planning and 600 days to build this magnificent structure... once you arrive, you will be greeted by this gigantic luminous dragon releasing water from its mouth...  inside, 20 rooms exhibit the stories about China full with special effects, multimedia, light and sound... I wonder why they put that label on those wonderful stamps??😏... Thanks a lot Jobbo! (✿◠‿◠) 

The Dragon Descendants Museum was built in 1996 to celebrate the 20 years of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations. It was designed to present the history of 5000-year Chinese civilization that is accepted to be one of the world's oldest and most important civilization in the form of a dragon, the well-known sacred animal.

Suphan Buri is a town located in central Thailand with a lot of history. Dating back to over 1,000 years ago, the city thankfully retains its idyllic charms and historic sites.

Stamps:

Definitives Royalty

(Issued 2018)

National Day

(Issued 05-12-2019)

Coronation of King Vajiralongkorn to Rama 

(Issued 04-04-2019)

Navamindrapobitr Building, Siriraj Hospital 

(Issued 23-12-2021)

GERMANY ~ St Lambert's Church - Münster ~

... Nice view of the Gothic church in the heart of the city.... a great landmark, beautiful outside and also inside with a big organ.... the spire is unusual as it's see through...  the Church has also a very gruesome history... there are three steal cages attached to the tower of the church... in these cages, the dead bodies of the leaders of the Anabaptist movement were put on display by the Archbishop after their execution as an example to all... the Ana Baptiste story makes this church the most important in Munster... in 1987 the church installed three yellow bulbs in each of the cages to be lit from dusk until dawn each night in memory of their departed souls... with special postmark celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the  musician Max Reger’s Birth (1873 – 1916)... Thanks a lot Dustin!【ツ】

Münster is city, North Rhine–Westphalia state, western Germany. It lies on the small Münster-Aa River and the Dortmund-Ems Canal.

The construction of the present church of Saint-Lambert took 150 years, from 1375 to 1525. It is a Roman Catholic church building dedicated to Lambert of Maastricht.

Photo: Andreas Lechtape

Stamp:

The 150th Anniversary of Max Reger’s Birth (1873 – 1916)

(Issued 01-03-2023)