SWITSERLAND ~ Lac Léman - Geneva ~

... Great aerial view of Lake Geneva (official name Lac Léman) West Europe's largest Alpine lake... the lake is majestic in size and is a unique destination as the Sea in the Mountain... surrounded by the Swiss and French Alps and the Jura... the shores of the lake are home to many picturesque villages, towns and cities with both Switzerland and France owning shoreline... clean to swim in, good to sail on, and picturesque at all times of the year... a boat trip is probably the most beautiful way to experience the Lake... Geneva is the capital of the Republic and is a cosmopolitan city that combines a rich history with a vibrant culture... located at the southern end of the Lac Léman... Thanks Madeleine!【ツ】

Lake Geneva is located in the southwest of Switzerland in the cantons of Vaud, Geneva and Valais. 

The lake is crescent-shaped covering an area of approximately 580 km2 and has a maximum length of 73 kilometers and a maximum width of 14 kilometers. It is divided between France and Switzerland. 

The shores of the lake extend over 200.2 kilometres, of which 58 are in France, 102 in the canton of Vaud, 7.6 in Valais and 32.6 in the canton of Geneva.

It is fed by the Rhone River, which flows down from the Rhone Glacier at an altitude of 2,209 metres.
 

Stamp:

Swiss Attractions

(Issued 05-09-2024)

NORWAY ~ Besseggen - Jotunheimen National Park ~

... Spectacular nature view with the turquoise waters of Lake Gjende and the dark blue waters of Bessvatnet only separated by a small rocky ledge... this dramatic contrast in colors, combined with the rugged mountainous landscape, creates a picture-perfect scene that hikers from around the world come to experience...the Besseggen Ridge is one of Norway's most iconic hiking trails... lake Gjende lies 984 metres above sea level and has peaks of more than 2,000 metres on all sides... Bessvatnet lake is considered to be Norway's clearest lake, where you can see as far as 30 meters below the surface of the water... Thanks a lot Svenja!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

© Photo:Jarle Kjetil Rolseth
The Jotunheimen National Park covers an area of 1151 km2 and was established in 1980 to protect a wild and pristine mountain landscape, with unique geological features, flora and fauna, and also historical monuments. More than 250 peaks rise above an elevation of 1,900 metres, this area has the highest mountains in northern Europe.

The name "Jotunheimen" - home of the Giants comes from the Norwegian poet, Aasmund Olavsson Vinje, who gave these mountains their name in 1862, inspired by the wild landscape and Norse mythology. The Giants or Trolls  have their home here. 

Stamps:

Transportation - International Stamp Exhibition NORWEX 

(Issued 13-06-1980)

2X Aircraft - International Stamp Exhibition NORWEX 

(Issued 10-10-1979)

FRANCE ~ Canal du Midi - UNESCO ~

... Lovely views of one of Europe's oldest waterways and the first long-distance canal that runs through the South of France... together with the Canal de Garonne it connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean... the Canal is one of the technologically most significant canals in the world and has 328 structures, it uses lock staircases, lifts, reservoirs, aqueducts, dams, bridges, and tunnels... the surrounding countryside is picturesque with varied regions, vineyards, sunflower fields and beautiful old trees...  it is today mostly used by house boats ad other pleasure boats... Thanks a lot Naida! (✿◠‿◠)

© P. PALAU
The Canal du Midi was built between 1667 and 1694,  is 240 km long (360 km with his four lateral canals) and in average 18 m large. It was dug with shovels and pickaxes and at the peak of the construction site, it took 12000 bivouac workers mobilized to dig the canal.

The original purpose of the Canal du Midi was to provide a shortcut between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, avoiding the long sea voyage around hostile Spain, Barbary pirates, and a trip that in the 17th century required a full month of sailing.

The Canal du Midi was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

 

Stamps:

Painting by Dewasne 

(Issued 19-03-1983)

Famous Persons 

(Issued 20-02-1988)

The 50th Anniversary of UNICEF

(Issued 19-10-1996)

EUROPA Stamps - Water, Treasure of Nature 

(Issued 08-05-2001)

GERMANY ~ Marienburg Castle - Lower Saxony ~

... Wonderful view of a fairytale castle built on a hill tucked away in a wooded area visible from all around... the fairytale appearance goes back to the Queen's wish for a romantic summer residence... the castle’s design combines medieval charm with Gothic influences, creating a stunning architectural marvel... towering spires, circular towers, and intricate stonework, makes it a great example of romantic... it also impresses with its almost completely preserved interior... one of Germany's most picturesque castles, drawing many visitors who are fascinated by its beauty and rich royal history... since 2024 it is closed for renovations expected to take until 2030... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】 

Photo: Lars Gerhardts
Built in the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style, the castle was originally a birthday gift from King George V of Hanover to his wife, Queen Marie. Known as the Blind King due to his vision impairment, the king famously presented Marienburg Castle to his wife on her thirtieth birthday. In 1866, before the castle could be completed, the Prussians forced King George V into exile in Austria; he was followed a year later by his queen, Mary.  

Since 2004, Marienburg Castle has been owned by the great-great-great grandson of Queen Mary and King George V, HRH Ernst August Prince of Hanover. In 2018, Ernst August announced the intended sale of the castle for a symbolic sales price of €1 to the Hanover Monastic Chamber, as he could not sustain its repair and maintenance costs.

Stamps:

World of Letter

(Issued 02-11-2024)

World of Letters

(02-11-2022)

The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Hans Rosenthal, 1925-1987 

(Issued 03-04-2025)

LESOTHO ~ Malealea - Makhomalong valley ~

.... Lovely views of a small paradise surrounded by the stunning Maloti Mountains in the green Makhomalong valley... on the horizon, you can see small villages scattered throughout the valley with no more than 15 or 20 mokhoros or traditional Basotho houses... and one of these villages in the valley is called Malealea... this village sits atop a hill where the natural beauty is breathtaking... with farms where Basotho herders in traditional headgear and blankets mind Mohair goats, sheep, and cattle.... this area offers tourists the chance to experience the traditional Basotho lifestyle... Thanks a lot Alena!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

© Photographs Di Jones, Malealea
Known as the Kingdom in the Sky, this mountainous country is the only independent state on earth which exists entirely above 1,000m. Two-thirds of this rugged country is mountains.

There is evidence of its existence of Malealea since 1905, an Englishman named Mervyn Smith settled here by building a "Trading Center", a commercial point that made the town grew around him. This commercial outlet was bought by a couple from Lesotho who wanted to turn it into a hostel. Since then, it has grown into a solar-powered 90-bed complex famous for pony trekking & mountain biking. This site has become a point of reference due to the little tourism that comes to the country and the Malealea Lodge offers "Lesotho in a Nutshell" where you get to experience the “Real Africa".

 

Stamps: 

Definitive set of Flowers

(Issued 23-11-1998)

AUSTRALIA ~ Cape Tribulation - UNESCO - Queensland ~

... Wonderful and truly special place... the remote headland of Cape Tribulation is where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet... the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest tumbles right down to the coast with just a thin strip golden beach to meet the Great Barrier Reef... it is within the Daintree National Park and the Wet Tropics World Heritage area... if you’ve ever wanted to see what Australia looked like when dinosaurs roamed, Cape Tribulation is where you’ll find out... the Kuku Yalanji people have lived in this region for 50,000 years and have a deep connection with the land... they are proudly caring for Jalun (reef) and the Madja (rainforest)... Thanks a lot Rachel!  (✿◠‿◠)

© The Right Image/Widlight
Cape Tribulation is a giant amphitheater, with a semicircle of hills dominated by Mt. Sorrow (850m) and Mt. Hemmant (1000m). In 1981 Cape Tribulation National Park was declared, protecting 17,000ha of the Daintree area's remaining rainforest that existed continuously for more than 110 million years.  It became part of the Daintree National Park in 1995.

The name Cape Tribulation originates from when Lieutenant James Cook’s ship ran into Endeavour Reef just north east of Cape Tribulation as he was trying to find a way through, what he described as "the insane labyrinth". He wrote: "I name this point Cape Tribulation, because here began all my troubles".

The Daintree Rainforest was added to the world heritage list in 1988.

 

Stamp:

Australian Fauna II 

(Issued 16-12-2019)

INDIA ~ Pirotan Island - Jamnagar's Marine National Park - Gunjarat ~

... Great aerial view of a small island home to a thriving marine ecosystem with stunning coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, crystal clear waters and soft sandy beaches... it provides a habitat for an incredible variety of marine life, from colorful fish and crabs to starfish, sea horse, octopuses and sea turtles ... of the 42 islands in the park, Pirotan Island is the most popular and one of the two islands where visitors are normally permitted... but only in certain months of the year through special permission... the islands are uninhabited except for the workers at Pirotan Island lighthouse... it's a paradise for nature enthusiasts and marine biologists and all of this with no crowds or chaos... Thanks a lot Prakashchandra!ツ

Jamnagar's Marine National Park is lcated in the Gulf of Kutch in the Arabian Sea established in 1982 and is India's first protected marine area. The Marine National Park (16, 289 ha) and Sanctuary (29,503 ha) is an archipelago of 42 islands.

The history of Pirotan Island dates back to ancient times when it was believed to be a sacred place among the fishermen community of Gujarat. Legend has it that the island was once inhabited by mermaids who would lure fishermen into their underwater kingdom.

Stamps:

Veer Meghmaya 

(Issued 31-12-2024)

The 50th Anniversary of the Central Vigilance Commission 

(Issued 11-02-2014)

Permanent Commising of Women Officers in the Indian Army

(Issued 15-01-2022)

ITALY ~ The Palace of the Elephants ~Catania - Sicily - UNESCO ~

... Pretty view of Catania’s City Hall, housed in the historic Palace of the Elephants (Palazzo degli Elefanti)... a testament to the resilience and grandeur of this Baroque city that stands proudly against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Etna... mostly known as “the Black City” due to the dark grey or black lava stone used in its buildings... at the center you’ll spot the elegant Elephant Fountain with an obelisk type structure on top of it... an iconic city symbol that graces the square... the black elephant is made of lava from Mount Etna and dates back to Roman times... Thanks Mario!【ツ】

Photo: Mario Tornatore
Constructed in 1696 following the devastating earthquake of 1693 which almost destroyed the entire city. The building showcases a quadrangular design centered around a grand courtyard, flanked by porticoes on two sides. It has an entrance atrium on each of the four façades to underline its open nature and the concept of service to the community. The building was damaged in the 1944 uprising,  rebuilt and became the Town Hall in 1953. It takes its name from the many elephants incorporated in the walls as a design feature.

According to an old legend, during the Upper Paleolithic Times, a dwarfed elephant lived in Sicily. This elephant protected the first population of Catania from all fierce and dangerous animals. People from Catania erected a statue in honour of this elephant. They called it u Liotru. 

The Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto are listed as a UNESCO WHS site in 2002. 

 

Stamps:

The 20th Anniversary of European Coal and Steel Community 

(Issued 28-04-1971)

The 200th Anniversary of the F.I.G.C. - Italy National Football Team

(Issued 19-07-2018)

SOUTH KOREA ~ Buyongjong Pavilion - Changdeokgung Palace - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of a cultural landmark in Seoul... the 600-year-old the Changdeok Palace is an intact, impressive former seat of the Korean monarchy and the city's jewel... there are several buildings and pavilions and all in harmony with nature around... famous for its outstanding architectural details as for its verdant and expansive gardens... Buyongjong Pavilion is situated on a square pond called Buyongji and is surrounded by gentle hills on three sides... the architectural style, layout, and decorative elements of the building display outstanding proportions and balance, making it one of the most beautiful and precious garden pavilions remaining in Korea today... as well as a great source of information on palace architecture... Thanks a lot Rafal! (✿◠‿◠)

Changdeokgung Palace is one of the Five Grand Palaces built by the kings of the Joseon dynasty. The building of this palace started in 1405 and was completed in 1412. It was used by many kings of the Joseon dynasty that added some elements to the original complex. The palace was completely destroyed by the Japanese and was rebuilt in 1609. Hit once again by Chinese, French and American, the complex has kept its original shape and plans. Today, 13 royal buildings are still in place in the complex as well as many others for servants the gardens. Changdeokgung was used as the royal palace of Joseon for about 270 years.

 

Stamp:

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage - Cheoyongmu 

(Issued 18-11-2022)

DENMARK ~ Skagen - Jutland ~

... Lovely winter scene of a charming little coastal town famous for its vibrant yellow houses... located at the northernmost tip of Denmark with stunning landscapes, artistic heritage, and unique cultural atmosphere... Skagen is where nature, art and charm unite... a fascinating natural phenomenon here is "Grenen" 🌊 the point where the waters of Skagerrak, part of the North Sea, and Kattegat, part of the Baltic Sea, two seas of different density, meet but do not mix... this unique sight draws thousands of visitors each year... the area is also famous for Skagen’s magical light, which has inspired many generations of Danish painters... Thanks a lot Jost!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Photo:© Sisse Nielsen
Skagen is a town located in Jutland, a region of Denmark. Its name originally spelled, "Skaffuen", meaning, "high point of land".

The town originated as a fishing settlement in the early Middle Ages, where fishing was the foundation of its existence, although agriculture was also practiced in the surrounding area of Højen, now Old Skagen. Skagen has one of Denmark’s largest fishing harbours and this is still the most important industry.

Stamp:

Definitives - Wave and Heart 

(Issued 02-01-2024)

GERMANY ~ Moritzburg Art Museum - Halle (Saale) ~

... Nice view of an impressive modern art museum within a 15thC late-Gothic castle in the centre of the city... it preserves a rich collection of works... from a small collection collected during the 19th century, the addition of a glass and aluminium roof over the north and west wings nearly doubled the exhibition area... the new space is entirely dedicated to modern art... there are numerous paintings by German artists, from the late Middle Ages to the modern age, with particular attention to works from the 19th and 20th centuries... paintings and sculptures are well displayed and lit and look magnificent against the backdrop of the surviving castle stonework... Thanks a lot Dustin!(✿◠‿◠) 

Photo: Matthias Kunkel
Moritzburg Castle was once the residence of the archbishops of Magdeburg.The partial destruction of the north and west wings in the 17th century during the Thirty Years War  left the castle with the image of a romantic ruin which it has kept over the centuries. It was not until 1904 that the historical ensemble was brought back to life, housing the municipal art museum of Halle an der Saale. The last structural alteration, a hallmark of Moritzburg Castle’s current appearance, is the modern extension in the west and north wings, built between 2005 and 2008. Its original military use is still reflected in features such as the ramparts, moat and various battlements.

 

Stamps: 

 Definitive - World of Letter (Issued 01-08-2024)

The 75th International Filmfest, Berlin 

(Issued 06-02-2025)

CROATIA ~ ​​Mala Crljivica - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of a fascinating archaeological site... this old medieval cemetery is rich in well-preserved stećak tombstones from the 14th and 15th centuries... out of a total of about 90 monuments, 16 stećak tombstones were found ( sarcophagi)  56 chests and 15 in the form of slabs...  all of them are decorated with the usual ornamentation which are mainly crosses of all kinds, anthropomorphic lilies, scenes of hunting, chariots, duels, various plant motifs, crescents, stars, etc...  the entire site is of interest for having remains (tumuli and cisterns) of human habitation going back to prehistoric times... Thanks Nikola!【ツ】

The 'Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards' are 28 medieval Christian cemeteries across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia with richly decorated tombstones that have strong cultural and historical meaning. 

Crljivica archaeological site is nestled between Cista Velika and Cista Provo. A road divides this large complex with a diameter of 200 x 30 meters into two parts, Mala Crljivica - south and Velika Crljivica - north of the road.

The 'Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016.

Stamps:

50th Anniversary of Europa Stamps (08- 09-2005)

World Music Days in Zagreb 

(Issued 15-02005)

The 300th Anniversary of Ursulines in Croatia

(Issued 20-10-2003)

INDIA ~ Keoladeo National Park - Bharatpur - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful bird view of the Indian Darter from a man-made and man-managed wetland known as the birdwatcher's paradise of India... a must-visit destination for bird lovers especially during the winter months when thousands of birds make their way from across the Himalayas on their annual migration to the south... one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds... a real nature haven... about 375 species of birds have been recorded in Bharatpur in addition to a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish... Thanks Nagi!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Keoladeo National Park is located within the Indus-Ganges Monsoon Biogeographical Province. It extends over an area of 2,738 hectares in the middle of the Central Asian migratory flyway. The area of the wetland of the park shrinks to 1,000 hectares during most part of the year. 

In 1982 the sanctuary was declared as National Park and in 1985 it was listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.

The national park derives its name from the Keoladeo temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the center of the ‘ghana’ which means a dense forest.

The Oriental Darter has a long and slender neck with a straight, pointed bill and, like the cormorant, it hunts for fish while its body submerged is in water. It spears a fish underwater, bringing it above the surface, tossing and juggling it before swallowing the fish head first.

 

Stamps:

The 250th Session of the Rajya Sabha

(Issued 26-11-2019)

Combat Corona Campaign - Salute to COVID-19 Warriors 

(Issued 24-12-2020)

GUATEMALA ~Semuc Champey - Alta Verapaz ~

... Stunning nature view of one of the countries best natural wonders... birds eye view of a breathtaking nature reserve hidden among the mountains of Guatemala from the platform called "El Mirador"...  Semuc Champey is a 300m bridge of limestone rock and the Cabahón river actually runs underneath it... but, over the millenia, the water that does spill over the rock has carved a series of cascading pools into the limestone, filled with crystal clear turquoise water and countless waterfalls... it is almost impossible to imagine that this fairytale place was created naturally... between the pools, the unique rock formations and rich nature around you is it the perfect spot to go swimming, tubing, or caving... and once more with a selection of great stamps... Big Thanks Diego for these amazing postcards!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

© Photo: José M. González
Semuc Champey is located in central Guatemala  near the Q'eqchi' Maya town of Lanquín. The site at an elevation of around 380 meters above sea level. The name Semuc Champey is from the Qʼeqchiʼ language, meaning where the river hides under the earth.

Guatemala is a small mountainous country in Central America that shares borders with Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. It has coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Guatemala was the center of the great civilization of the Maya.  

Stamps:

The Healthy Feelings and Values

(Issued 16-12-2020)

150 Years of the UPU

(Issued 09-10-2024)

America UPAEP 

(Issued 16-12-2020)

The 25th Anniversary of the

National Civil Police

(Issued 03-02-2023)

GUATEMALA ~ Yaxha Nakum Naranjo National Park -Petén ~

... First of two more fantastic postcards🩵... deep within the lush rainforests of Guatemala's Petén lies an archaeological treasure trove unlike any other... the Cultural Triangle: Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park... this remarkable site encompasses gigantic Mayan cities along with many sub-centers from over 1,000 years old... it offers the opportunity to observe the biological diversity and the Pre-Hispanic cultural heritage... it is an area of exceptional natural beauty with the exuberant tropical jungle, home to a great diversity of flora and fauna... as well as breathtaking landscapes where its lagoons, seasonal rivers, waterways and pools stand out... there are over 3,500 ancient Mayan sites to be found in the Petén region alone... but only a very small fraction have been officially uncovered; many are still buried under dense jungle foliage... Thanks a lot Diego! (✿◠‿◠) 

© Photo: José M. González
This 1,200 square kilometers national park includes four Classic Maya sites. Yaxha forms a triangle with Nakum and Naranjo, while Topoxte is on an island, reached by boat from the Yaxha lagoon. The largest site is Yaxhá, which sits between two lovely lakes. 

Since 800 BC, these cities have played an important role in the Central Lowlands of Guatemala.The archaeological area belongs to the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo Cultural Triangle, which gained National Park status in November 2003.

The Park is located in the largest protected area of Guatemala, the Mayan Biosphere Reserve. Due to the presence of impressive lagoons and wetlands that are part of the main migratory bird routes, the park has been recognized as a wetland of global importance (RAMSAR).

Stamps:

The 150th Anniversary of the Liberal Revolution - June 30, Army Day 

(Issued 14-08-2023)

 Orchids of Guatemala

(Issued 09-10-2020)

Christmas 

(Issued 11-12-202o)

PORTUGAL ~ Levadas - MADEIRA - UNESCO tentative list ~

... Nice nature view... Madeira Levada walks are unique hiking trails that follow a network of irrigation channels excavated in the rocks... these levadas were originally constructed to transport water from the wet regions in the north to the drier agricultural areas in the south... today, they offer an extensive system of picturesque paths that wind through lush forests, alongside steep mountainsides and across breathtaking landscapes... including the UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva forests, exotic flora and fauna, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean... sometimes relatively easy paths, others through tunnels or walking several minutes on the edge... they are one of Madeira’s best-known features...Thanks a lot Elsa!❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

The origin of the levadas dates back to the first quarter of the 15th century. They were engineered by Portuguese settlers to provide water for drinking and agriculture. Most levadas you come across in Madeira are actually still in use.  The word ‘Levada’, which is derived from the Portuguese verb ‘levar’ which means ‘to bring’.

There are about 200 Levadas in total, the majority state owned, others are private. Typical Madeira Island Levadas are no more than a meter wide, swinging the average depth between 50 and 60 cm. The canal side runs a path that rarely exceeds half a meter wide and is known as fret or terrace.  

 

Stamp:

Portuguese Numismatics 

(Issued 22-04-2020)

SPAIN ~ Puigcerdà - La Cerdanya - Catalonia ~

.... Lovely view of a small mountain town and the capital of the beautiful region of Cerdanya... located

in the long and flat Cerdanya valley surrounded by forests, meadows with rivers, glacial lakes and high rugged mountains... the Pyrenees, limestone faces of the Serra del Cadí and the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park which is contained within the range... it is the perfect place for sports lovers as there you can do hiking, cycling, mountain biking and many other activities in this wonderful surroundings... Thanks a lot Josep&Assumpta! ヽ(•‿•)ノ 

© Photography A. Campana
Puigcerdà  is located in the province of Girona, Catalonia, northern Spain, near the Segre River and on the border with France. The county of Cerdanya has its origin in the Spanish Marches established by Charlemagne. In the 9th century, Cerdanya was one of the lordships united in the person of the counts of Barcelona, who were also counts of Girona, Narbonne, and Urgell. Puigcerdà was founded in 1178 by King Alfonso I of Aragon, Count of Barcelona.

Stamps:

The Almagro International Classical Theater Festival 

(Issued 04-07-2024)

Luisa Carnes, 1905-1964 

(Issued 31-05-2024)

SLOVAKIA ~The Church of the Holy Spirit - Žehra - UNESCO~

... Nice view of a small church built on a hill in a peaceful, serene environment overlooking the village... surrounded by natural beauty, this white church looks very simple from the outside, but its inside walls are very colorful... the church is unique for its rare well-preserved medieval murals from the five periods from the end of 13th until the 15th centuries... the most famous scene is the tree of life.. there are also many gothic sculptures and a stone baptismal font next to the altar... this parish church, which in the cross section of history served both Catholics and Lutherans, is fortified with 93 steps of travertine leading up to it... Thanks a lot Michal!ヽ(ヅ)ノ 

© Alexander Jiroušek
This church was built in late-Romanesque and early Gothic styles between 1245 and 1275. Over the centuries it has been modified several times to produce its present-day appearance.

In 1993 the church of the Holy Spirit as part of Spiš castle and Levoča region inscribed on the UNESCO world Cultural Heritage list.

 

Stamps:

Definitives - Slovak Applied Arts 

(Issued 04-01-2021)

2X The Christmas Mail

(Issued 31-10-2024)

SINGAPORE ~ Skyline ~

... Great view of Singapore's impressive skyline at night... Singapore is the most developed, urbanized country in Asia... and also on top of the list of the most expensive cities on earth... an achievement in urban planning... and serves as a model for many developing nations... while it doesn't have natural resources or much land... it does have a competitive advantage, and that's its port, which is strategically located on the world map... Thanks Ravindra!【ツ】 

                                                                      James Song Photography

Singapore is an island country located in South East Asia and is a city state which is connected via a bridge and a freeway to the mainland of Malaysia. Singapore is not only one island. 63 islands belong to the city state and are dotted around the Singapore coastline, most of these islands are inhabited.

It was founded as a British colony by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. During World War II, Singapore was occupied by the Japanese. It became independent in 1965. Much of the country is built on sand on reclaimed land. 

Stamps: 

2X Flowers - The 20th World Orchid Conference

(Issued 12-11-2011)

IRELAND ~ Skellig Rocks - Kerry - UNESCO ~

... Stunning nature view of two jagged islands that rise out of the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way... these are the Skelligs – Skellig Michael and Little Skellig... ruggedly beautiful significant for their centuries of history, birdlife and their cultural resonance as a filming location for Star Wars... the smaller island, Little Skellig is too rocky to be inhabited by human beings (landing is not permitted)... the larger island, Skellig Michael boasts the ruins of a Christian monastic settlement that is at least 1400 years old... every year thousands of visitors make the ferry crossing to explore this site,  (it’s a steep climb up 618 steps) chosen by this monks as the location for their monastery, to see their stone-built, beehive homes and experience the peace of this iconic place...Thanks a lot Jenny! (✿◠‿◠)

Skellig Michael, also called Great Skellig is a twin-pinnacled crag with two peaks rising to over 230 m above sea level.The island is named after the archangel Michael, with "Skellig" derived from the Irish language word sceilig, meaning a splinter of stone. It is best known for its Gaelic monastery, founded between the 6th and 8th centuries. Little Skellig (Sceilig Bheag), is smaller and inaccessible, it is 134 m tall and is approximately 1.5 km east-northeast of Skellig Michael.

Both of the Skellig islands are known for their seabird colonies, and together comprise one of the most important seabird sites in Ireland, both for the population size and for the species diversity.

Sceilg Mhichíl, also known as Skellig Michael, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1996.
 

Stamp:

St. Patrick's Festival 

(Issued 20-02-2025)

GERMANY ~ The Little Dragon Coconut ~

... Super sweet😊 postcard with Coconut, a little fire dragon that can't fly and friends Oscar a carnivore by nature but vegetarian by choice and Matilda, the fearless porcupine... they live together on Dragon Island... today, Little Dragon Coconut, is one of the most popular children's book characters in the world... with cute matching  "The Little Dragon Coconut" stamp riding on a post bike... designed by the spiritual father of Coconut and special postmark💙... Thanks a lot Dustin!【ツ】 

The author and illustrator Ingo Siegner invented the stories of the little dragon Coconut around 1999.

Siegner made a copy of the story along with the illustrations and they ended up on the desk of a literary agent.

Since then, over 15 million copies of the series have been sold in Germany, there have been 2 cinema films, and a TV series, starring our favourite little dragon, not to mention the countless products.

From October 27, 2024, to June 22, 2025, you can visit an exhibition in Speyer about the Little Dragon Coconut and other characters from his books.

Stamps:

The Little Dragon Coconut

(Issued 01-03-2025)

Definitive - Flowers

(Issued 2005 - present)

World of Letters 

(02-11-2022)

ITALY ~ The church of San Francesco - Sicily - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of a church situated at the top of an impressive staircase...  the church with the adjoining building used to be a natural connection between the church and the monastery... after climbing the numerous steps, you enter this small, single-nave church... it is full of rich baroque decoration and certainly one of the most picturesque religious buildings in Noto... this spectacular Baroque town defined as the "Capital of the Baroque" is dotted with plenty of churches... the most striking feature are the honey-colored limestone buildings... Thanks Mario!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

The church of San Francesco d'Assisi all'Immacolata is located on the site where the Franciscan order settled in the 13th century. In 1329 the Queen Consort of Sicily Eleanor of Anjou promoted the construction of the primitive convent and church of St. Francis of Assisi all'Immacolata. Destroyed in 1693 by the Val di Noto earthquake, the church had to be rebuilt in the 18th century. 

Since 2002 Noto has been part of the World Heritage Site within the serial site Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto.

 

Stamp:

Italian Squares

(Issued 02-07-2016)

ESWANTI ~ Black Mbuluzi River - Hlane Royal National Park~

... Nice view of one of the main rivers of Eswanti that flows through lush, green landscapes... many visitors come to the Mbuluzi River for its scenic beauty, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the sun casts a golden hue across the water and the surrounding hills... it provides also an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Eswatini... the river is a significant landmark for the local communities, and visitors can learn about the traditions and customs that have been preserved over generations... Thanks a lot Alena! (✿◠‿◠)

Photo and Design: Dirk Schwager
The river has two main sources: one in the northern highlands of Mbabane, called Black Mbuluzi, and the other in the central highlands near Manzini, known as White Mbuluzi. 

During its course, the river passes through renowned nature parks such as Hlane Royal National Park and Shewula Nature Reserve. The Hlane Royal National Park has an area of 22,000 hectares and consists mainly of forest fields with a number of very old trees. Lions, elephants, white rhinos, giraffes, jackals, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, monkeys and various types of antelope also live in the park, as well as a variety of bird species.

Stamps:

Insects

(Issued 02-04-2012)

Trees of Swaziland

(Issued 23-01-2007)

GUATEMALA ~ Quiriguá - UNESCO ~

... Wonderful views of a small archaeological site that contains the most outstanding monuments of Mayan history... with impressive collection of handmade carved monuments... mainly characterized by its majestic stelae, the largest and best preserved of the Mayan World... they represent hieroglyphics describing significant calendar dates, eclipses, passages of Mayan mythology and historic events of the development of this ancient city...  all statues have a roof to protect them against erosion... the site consists of 15 monuments, including remains of the acropolis (pyramid), a ball court and a number of (religious) buildings that used to belong to the upper class... Thanks a million dear Diego☺️ for all the effort you made to get me this amazing UNESCO postcard¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ... knowing that your country normally has no international mail service... also with a selection of many great stamps!👍

Originally, Quiriguá was under the rule of the dynasty of the city of Copán (now Honduras), but in 738 A.D., the Quiriguá dynasty managed to become independent and even subjugate the Copán dynasty, and that is when the city reached its peak. The park is located on the west bank of the Motagua River or Rio Grande, which was an important route of communication route for the Maya. The archaeological site of Quiriguá is named after the nearby village of the same name. 

This 34-hectare Archaeological Park covers an important remnant of tropical rainforest, which makes it a last refuge for wild species native to the area.

Quirigua Archaeological Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981.
 

Stamps:

Textile Definitives

(Issued 01-01-2021)

Orchids of Guatemala  

(Issued 09-10-2020)

The 150th Anniversary of the Polytechnical School

(Issued 2023)

Summer Olympic Games 

(Issued 23-07-2024)

ITALY ~ Royal Palace of Caserta - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of one of the largest and most imposing palace complexes in Europe... this neoclassical masterpiece spans five floors, with an imposing 250-meter facade, more than 1,200 rooms, 1,790 windows, and 34 magnificent staircases... it is truly the essence of opulence, grandeur and elegance...  a symbol of the wealth and power of the Bourbon kings of Naples... the massive gardens extend for over 120 hectares with fountains, waterfalls, ponds and sculptures... today the palace serves not only as a tourist attraction but also as a venue for cultural and artistic events... Thanks a lot Rosette! (✿◠‿◠)

This palace was commissioned by King Charles of Bourbon in the second half of the 18th century and was modeled after the palace of Versailles. It was surrounded by a planned complex of gardens and associated buildings. The estate also included the industrial complex in the hunting lodge Belvedere, dedicated to the production of silk, which included housing for workers. This large complex was only completed in 1845, when the Kingdom of Naples and the Kingdom of Sicily was unified as the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Reggia of Caserta was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Stamp:

The "Passion of Sordevolo" 

(06-08-2022)