SURINAME ~ Jodensavanne - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of a historical site hidden on the densely forested banks of the Suriname River... the main attraction is the brick ruin of the Blessing and Peace synagogue that formed the central point of a village... alongside two cemeteries (Jodensavanne and Cassipora Creek) filled with Hebrew and Portuguese gravestones dating back to the 1600s... the oldest synagogue ruins of architectural significance in the Americas... a site that illustrates the early Jewish attempts at colonisation in the New World and reveals layers of colonial history, forced labor, and religious resilience... Thanks a lot Diego!(✿◠‿◠) 

Also for the wonderful quote you've written that truly captures why you travel:

“I travel because I need to… because my wild, adventurous spirit can’t live according to the “norm.” I travel to regroup, to reinvent myself, to be the best me I can be, to find joy in the ordinary and peace in the exploring. I travel to be.” ♥︎ – Unknown

Jodensavanna was founded in the mid-17thC by Jews who fled from Brazil because of the favorable location on the hill and the presence of two natural springs, one of which would have medicinal effects.The Jews successfully applied to the sugar culture. After a flowering period of almost a hundred years, the decline followed in the second half of the 18thC and residents began to move away to the emerging Paramaribo. The survivors lived mainly from trade with the soldiers stationed on the Cordonpad, the defense line along the Surinamese plantations.The big fire of 1832 almost put all the houses in the ashes and the last inhabitants moved to the city.  The Beracha Ve Salom synagogue (Blessing and Peace) remained in use until 1860.

During World War II, an internment camp for alleged NSB members from the former Dutch East Indies was established in Jodensavanna.The prisoners were instructed to clean the village and the cemetery. More than 436 gravestones were uncovered, but quickly disappeared under the weeds when the NSB-members left Joden Savanna in 1946. A subsequent cleaning attempt was made in 1967 by the troops in Suriname, followed by a restoration of the ruin of the synagogue in the seventies. Because of the internal war, the area has been abandoned for years. The Jodensavanna Foundation has given the entire site a facelift since 2000. For example, the nearby Cassipora cemetery has been uncovered and the medicinal source has been made accessible again.

The Jodensavanne Archeological Site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023 and consists of two historically linked sites, namely the Cassipora Creek Cemetery and the Jodensavanne Settlement.

 

Stamps:

4X Fauna - Birds 

(Issued 15-07-2008)

2X Airmail - Birds 

(Issued 27-04-1977)

ANDORRA ~ Seven Poets - Andorra la Vella ~

... Lovely view of a famous artwork “Seven Poets", created by the Catalan sculptor Jaume Plensa...  the sculptures are perched atop 10-meter translucent pillars in Plaça de la Lídia in front of the government building in Andorra la Vella, Andorra's capital... the work consists of 7 large-format fiberglass men represent both poets and the seven administrative divisions of the country... they symbolize a silent, global dialogue between poets and are meant to promote calm and reflection amid the busy city... they are especially impressive at night when they are lit with many colors... a very unusual composition, opened in 2014...Thanks a lot Josep&Assumpta! ♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ) 

Jaume Plensa born 1955 is the most prominent Catalan sculptor, designer and engraver. Best known for his depictions of the human face through sculpture and innovative technology. He has also created opera sets, video projections and acoustic installations.

His work is found in public spaces and major museum collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, Texas.

Stamp:

The 70th Anniversary of EUROPA Stamps 

(Issued 05-05-2026)

BERMUDA ~ Fort St. Catherine - St. George's Island - UNESCO ~

... Lovely views of Bermuda's largest coastal fort on the far northeastern tip of St. George's Island... located on a rocky cliff surrounded by pink-sand beaches and turquoise water... it is one of the best historical attractions on the island... this site features a drawbridge, dark tunnels, ramparts, towers and large cannons... the museums are home to exhibits and artefacts that showcase 17th-century island life and history... the panoramic views of the Achilles Bay from the top ramparts are stunning... Thanks a lot Nan! (✿◠‿◠)

St. George's Island is one of the main islands of the territory of Bermuda. Fort St. Catherine defended the eastern channel of Bermuda from the time of the island’s first settlement in the 1600’s, and was used for military purposes through WWII. 

The original, small fort was built in 1614 to defend Gates’ Bay, the beach next to the fort where the survivors of the Sea Venture shipwreck made landfall. Additions were made through the centuries, with the last upgrade between 1865 and 1878, when five large, rifle muzzle-loading guns were mounted.

Fort St. Catherine is a major component of the Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications, which was designated as a UNESCO site in 2000.

 

Stamp:

Bermuda Railway Trail

(Issued 21-08-2025)

UK~ Giant's Causeway - NORTHERN IRELAND - UNESCO ~

... Great view of the Giant’s Causeway with some of the most stunning views of all in Northern Ireland... you’ll find high cliffs, ruins, rugged beaches and this remarkable natural phenomenon... a curious landmark of strange shaped stones that stands overlooking the sea, facing Scotland... this rock formation consists of some 40,000 perfectly straight basalt columns rising out of the sea, as if they had been made by human hands...  Giant's Causeway is one of the most popular tourist destinations  in Northern Ireland... also celebrated for its rich ties to Irish mythology... Thanks Adam!【ツ】

© Liam Blake
Giant's Causeway is located on the North Coast of Northern Ireland. According to legend, the columns are the remains of a causeway built by a giant. The story goes that the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool), from Gaelic mythology, was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner. Fionn accepted the challenge and built the causeway across the North Channel so that the two giants could meet. 

The more scientific story started over 60 million years ago by volcanic activity which resulted in the formation of hexangonal shaped basalt columns. Much of this geological feature is now above ground. Although it extends out under the sea.The varying sizes of the columns is a result of uneven cooling speeds of the lava.

The site was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. 

 

Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen's Accession to the Throne 

(Issued 06-02-2002)

BHUTAN ~ The Black Hat Dance ~

... Wonderful view of a typically sacred Buddhist ritual... one of the most popular cham dances without mask seen in Bhutan and other parts of the Buddhist Himalayas... named after the black hats which the dancers wear, the dance has a deep spiritual significance and is performed as an act of religious ritual and practice, and not as a piece of entertainment... this mesmerizing tantric Dance is certainly breathtaking to watch with beautiful costumes and the dancers performing spectacular spins and leaps that become more daring as the day progresses and more Ara is consumed (Local rice liquor) by the dancers... with more than 163 festivals throughout the year, Bhutan is famous for its culturally thrilling festivals.. Thanks a lot Rod!!(✿◠‿◠) It also has an interesting backside: it was initially missent to Thailand and at the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, guests are gifted with a unique official Bhutanese personalized stamp with your own picture... my first time to see the sender on the stamp!😊

The Black Hat Dance, or Zhana Cham celebrates the assassination of a Tibetan King in 842AD by a black robed Monk. 

The large, wide-brimmed black hat signifies realized spiritual awareness and the subjugation of evil forces.

The dancers of the Zhanak dance are dressed in long silk robe called phoego, which is tied around the hip from within using a special prop so that the robe whirls smoothly and elegantly when the dancers perform whirling movements. The robes are made of different colours of silk brocade and have striped patterns on the main body as well as the sleeves, which have a very broad end.

For the Zhanak dance, when people can afford, the dancers normally wear the traditional boots made in Bhutan.
 

Stamp:

Personalized stamp

UGANDA ~ Waterfalls ~

... Plenty of nice views of a country home to some of East Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls... from powerful cascades along the mighty Nile to hidden gems tucked away in remote mountains, Uganda’s waterfalls offer travellers unforgettable scenery and adventures...  these waterfalls are not only picturesque attractions, but also play an important role in the country's ecosystems and cultural heritage... some waterfalls are situated in national parks, where visitors can combine wildlife spotting with scenic landscapes, whilst others are found near cultural communities and walking trails... Thanks Alena!【ツ】

1. Murchisons Falls, 2. Kisizi Falls, 3. Sipi Falls, 4. Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Falls, 5. Munyaga Falls, 6. Aruu Falls, 7. Karuma Falls, 8. Semuliki Hotsprings. 

Murchison Falls National Park is best known for the most powerful waterfall in the world (1), which roars with such intensity that the ground trembles around it. But with over 70 mammal and 450 bird species, it is also a critical area for African biodiversity. 

 

Stamps:

3X RAMSAR Convention - Wetlands & Water 

(Issued 02-02-2007)

MEXICO ~ Cathedral - Puebla - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful night view of one of the most important buildings in the historic center of Puebla... the second-largest cathedral in the country and a true gem of colonial architecture... it is in the Herrera style, with Renaissance facades and baroque interiors... it took over a century to construct, the Cathedral itself is renowned for its five naves, highly ornate altars, and a central dome inspired by Michelangelo's designs for St. Peter’s Basilica... its twin bell towers are the tallest in Mexico at 69m... you can climb the Bell Towers, view the magnificent painting of the Capilla de los Reyes (Chapel of Kings), and admire the great pipe organ... Thanks a lot Alonso! (✿◠‿◠)

Located in central Mexico at the foot of the Popocatépetl volcano, Puebla was founded in 1531. 

The cathedral was commissioned by Philip II of Spain, construction began in 1575 and was largely completed by 1690. Consecrated in 1649, it was the first grand temple built in the Americas.

The Historic Centre of Puebla was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

 

Stamp:

100 years of the modern era of the University of Guadalajara

 (Issued 11-12-2025)

INDONESIA ~ Tugu Yogyakarta - Java - UNESCO ~

... View of one of the most iconic historic landmarks... an elaborate obelisk in the heart of the city that has special meaning for the people of Yogyakarta... initially represented unity between the Sultan and his people... also a symbol that represents the identity, philosophy, and resilience of the city... built three centuries ago, this white 25m pilar with gold accents has a unique design on top which looks like a unicorn’s horn... it's a must-see spot to experience both the heritage and soul of Yogyakarta... Thanks!ツ

Tugu Jogja was originally built in 1755 during the reign of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, the founder of the Yogyakarta Sultanate.

The original structure symbolized the spiritual and philosophical axis connecting Mount Merapi, the Sultan, and the Southern Sea, reflecting harmony between humans, leadership, and nature. 

 After being severely damaged by the 1867 earthquake, the monument was rebuilt and redesigned, resulting in the white pillar (Tugu Pal Putih) we see today. Despite the changes, its meaning as a symbol of unity and endurance remains strong.

Yogyakarta is the capital city of the Special Region of Yogyakarta in Indonesia, in the south-central part of the island of Java.
 

Stamps:

3X Chinese New Year - Year of the Rabbit 

(Issued 25-01-2011)

AUSTRALIA ~ Ningaloo Coast - Cape Range National Park - UNESCO ~

... Great view of the beautiful Ningaloo Coast... the jewel of the west, a pristine stretch of 260-kilometer coral reef where the outback meets the ocean... it it’s one of the only places in the world where a fringing coral reef lies so close to land that you can swim and snorkel to it straight from the beach... this reef is renowned for its spectacular marine mega-fauna... but it’s most famous for one thing, whale sharks... from March to July, the reef becomes a stage for one of nature’s most awe-inspiring performances - the annual migration of the world’s largest fish... one of my all-time favourite marine animals💙... the landscape inland is desert, with red dirt and low-lying shrubs... Thanks Helen!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

Photo: Ingo Oeland
Cape Range National Park was established in 1964 to protect the rugged limestone landscape, deep gorges, and arid coastal plains of the North West Cape covering an area over 50,000 hectares, the off-shore area, Ningaloo Marine Park, was declared in 1987.

In 2011, it gained World Heritage recognition alongside the adjoining Ningaloo Marine Park, which protects the famous coral reef directly offshore.

 

Stamp: 

 Pre stamped postcard

SPAIN ~ Madrid ~

... Beautiful views of four iconic landmarks in the city known for its rich Royal History and Grand Architecture... the city's history is closely tied to the Spanish monarchy... shown here are: the famous Madrid Cathedral... the Puerta de Alcalá a well-known neoclassical triumphal arch... the statue of El Oso y el Madroño (the bear and the strawberry tree) in Puerta del Sol square, the official city's symbol and the historic central Plaza Mayor... Madrid is one of the world’s most famous holiday destinations... with matching stamp from "Post By Me" a Spanish private postal operator, specializing in providing postal services for tourists... Heel Erg Bedankt Ben! ♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ)

Photos: Domingo Leiva, José Barea, Noel Benitez
Madrid is the largest city of Spain, located right in the heart of the country. Because it sits 655 meters above sea level, it is the highest capital city in the entire European Union.

Philip II understood the importance of the city of Madrid and made it the capital of Spain. He moved his court there, solidifying the city as the de facto center of royal power. Before Madrid, Toledo was the capital until 1560.

The Arabic, specifically magerit, called this city “Madrid,” meaning a “place of many streams’. Originally known as Mayrit, Emir Muhammad founded the city in the 9th century A.D. It thrived during the Arab occupation but later fell under Christian rule during the Spanish reconquest.
 

Stamp:

Puerta de Alcalá (Madrid)

USA ~ Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona - UNESCO ~

... Spectacular nature view of Moran Point one of the more famous viewpoints on the South Rim situated near the main park visitor center... at an elevation of around 2,000m it offers a striking look at the canyon’s geology... stunning panoramic views of the Colorado River and layers of exposed colorful ancient rocks... while the U.S. National Park Service attributes the name to Thomas Moran, a legendary 19th-century landscape painter, some historians note it may have been named for his brother, Peter Moran... Peter traveled there in 1881 with explorer Captain John Bourke, who likely named it in his honor... Thanks Denise!【ツ】

The Grand Canyon was carved  by the steady erosion of the Colorado River over some 6 million years and spans 446 km in length, reaches up to 29 km in width, and plunges over 1.8 km deep. This entire  National Park covers a massive 4,931 square kilometers. 

It became a National Park in 1919 and UNESCO site in 1979.

 

Stamps:

3X Flowers 

(Issued 18-07-2024)

Powwows 

(Issued 25-04-2025)

SpongeBob Squarepants

(Issued 01-09-2025)

ALBANIA ~ Gjirokaster - UNESCO ~

... Colorful street view of the most beautiful city not only in Albania but the Balkans... renowned as the "City of Stone," Gjoricaster’s old town is perched on a hill with an impressive castle towering over the town and surrounded by incredible nature... it was the most flourishing city in the Albanian part of the Ottoman Empire and its historic center is very well preserved... famous for its steep cobbled streets, hundreds of monumental fortified tower houses (kule) vertically built... the Old Bazaar is a bustling 17th-century five-way junction and serves as the heartbeat of the Old Town... with traditional workshops where local artisans craft wood, textiles, and stone... you will feel like you have truly traveled back in time... Thanks a lot dear Gian Luca and Raffaella! ♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ)  

The city is located in a valley between the Gjerë and Drino mountains and dates back 1336 while it was a part of the Byzantine Empire, but taken by the Ottomans in 1418. This change in ownership converted the city from being largely Christian in the 16th century, to predominately Muslim by the 19th century. The Balkan Wars from 1912-1913 gave the city to the newly formed Albanian state. 

It first became a WHS on its own in 2005, while Berat was added as an extension 3 years later.
 

Stamp:

2024 Euromed stamp

(Issued 23-01-2026)

NEW ZEALAND ~ Castle Rocks Hut - Franz Josef Glacier - South Island - UNESCO ~

... Pretty view of a remote four-bunk alpine retreat located at an elevation of 1,176 meters.... offering some of the most dramatic, unobstructed panoramas of the iconic Franz Josef Glacier or the Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (the traditional Māori name) and the Main Divide in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park... built in 1974 by the former New Zealand Forest Service and remains a popular stopover for experienced alpine walkers and mountaineers in the region to this day... the structure received extensive renovations in 2025, including a new roof, flashings, interior linings, and windows... it's also well-known hangout for local alpine parrots... Thanks Susan!(✿◠‿◠)

© 2016 Rina Sjardin-Tompson
Westland Tai Poutini National Park is located on the western coast of New Zealand's South Island. It was established in 1960 and covers 1,175 km² and extends from the highest glacier clad peaks of the Southern Alps, through native rainforest to pristine wetlands and the wild beaches of the West Coast. It is one of the last remaining places in the world that includes complete mountains-to-the-sea landscapes. 

Westland National Park forms part of Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand, a UNESCO World Heritage Area.The habitats of the National Park are home to some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife.

Stamp:

Anzac Traditions 

(Issued 01-04-2026)

GERMANY ~ Evening by the Sea - Carl Gustav Carus ~

... Evening by the Sea (Abend am Meer) is a serene oil painting by German Romantic artist Carl Gustav Carus, created between 1820 and 1825... the artwork captures a tranquil coastal sunset, embodying the Romanticism movement's deep reverence for nature and emotional introspection that reflects the Romantic era's... the work is believed to be inspired by the rugged, volcanic coastlines around the Bay of Naples or the island of Capri, which Carus visited on his extensive travels... the original is housed at the Kunsthalle Bremen... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

Carl Gustav Carus (1789 – 1869) born in Leipzig, was a German physician, natural philosopher, and Romantic landscape painter who integrated scientific observation with artistic expression during the early 19th century. His landscape paintings emphasize atmospheric effects, particularly moonlight illuminating ruins, rivers, and forests.

 

Stamps:

Eva Mamlok, 1918-1944 

(Issued 07-05-2026)

70th Anniversary of EUROPA Stamps 

(Issued 07-05-2026)

TUNESIA ~ El Ghriba Synagogue - Djerba - UNESCO ~

... Nice interior view of North Africa's oldest active Jewish synagogue... the synagogue’s exterior is modest but inside it is built with the intricate details and colorful designs of the Tunisian and Moorish styles... the walls are lined with tiles and adorned with hand painted blue ornaments... the eastern end of the prayer hall serves as the spiritual epicenter of the sanctuary... it houses the Hechal (or the Holy Ark), which holds some of the most ancient and venerated Torah scrolls in the Jewish diaspora... every year thousands Jews from all over the world make a pilgrimage to the synagogue during a multi-day festival centered on the holiday of Lag BaOmer... the Jews and Muslims of Djerba have lived here together peacefully for centuries... they stand as a shining example of peace and brotherhood that the rest of the world should strive for... it is a place of history, celebration, faith and joy... Heel Erg Bedankt Veerle!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

El Ghriba is located in what was once the Jewish village of Hara Seghira and is now known as er-Riadh. The Jewish community has deep roots in Djerba. It is said Jews have lived there for over 2,500 years.

There are several stories of how the synagogue was founded in the 500s BCE. The exact details have been lost to history and a variety of legends surround the temple.

There are several other synagogues and prayer houses on Djerba, but only El Ghriba holds the Torah. This was purposely done to preserve the synagogue’s place as the center of Jewish life on the island.

 El Ghriba means “the marvelous” or “the strange” in Arabic, a moniker that refers to the synagogue’s storied origins. 

In 2023, Djerba was officially designated a World Heritage Site. 

 

Stamps:

2X Tunisian Handicrafts 

(Issued 10-06-2025)

INDONESIA ~ Lorentz National Park - Papua - UNESCO ~

... Lovely views of a hidden paradise in the Papua region on the island of New Guinea. ... this is the largest protected natural area in South-East Asia and the only protected area in the world to include a full range of habitats and ecological gradients from snow-capped mountain peaks to a tropical marine environment... but despite its stunning beauty, Lorentz National Park has not escaped the challenge of preservation... climate change, exploitation of natural resources, and deforestation pose serious threats to the fragile ecosystems within it... hopefully through ongoing conservation efforts and awareness of the importance of preserving nature, this National Park will not only be a natural tourist spot, but also a guardian of natural wonders that must be carefully guarded... Thanks Serisa!【ツ】

This national park land covers an area of about  27.056 km² and stretches across three provinces, namely Highland Papua, Central Papua, and South Papua. Summarized from various sources, the name of the National Park comes from the Dutch scientist and explorer H.A. Lorentz, who explored the interior of Papua to the Mandala mountains in 1909. 

Lorentz National Park is home to a number of rare and unique species of flora and fauna. No less than 630 species of birds and more than 120 mammals have been identified in this area, including birds of paradise, cassowaries, tree kangaroos, and various types of wild orchids. 

The National Parks area is also host to significant cultural wealth, with dozens of indigenous ethnic groups living in and around the park area who have adapted harmoniously to their environment for thousands of years.

 

Stamps:

The 25th World Scout Jamboree 

(Issued 25-07-2023)

World Scout Jamboree

(Issued 22-07-2019
 

Definitives - Letter Box 

(Issued 003-2023)

CANADA ~ Treehouses - The Canada Post Community Foundation ~

... Sweet children's art postcard featuring colorful illustrated Treehouses issued in 2022... they symbolizes our belief that creating spaces – literal, virtual and figurative – where children can play, dream and thrive is of vital importance... and that is the reason the Canada Post Community Foundation exists... these cards were often only available to people who made a donation in person at a post office in Canada... each received postcard is always little gem but knowing it supports a good cause makes it even better☺️... Thanks a lot Glenn! ♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ)

The Canada Post Community Foundation is a registered charity distributing grants to Canadian schools, charities and community organizations that provide programming to children and youth (up to age 21). Every dollar raised goes directly to recipients – Canada Post covers all administrative costs. 

Since 2012, the Foundation has provided $16.4 million to over 1,400 projects nationwide. Supporting initiatives that benefit children and youth helps strengthen communities – Canada Post’s commitment to building a stronger Canada in action.
 

Stamp: 

Prepaid postcard from Post Canada

Treehouses

 (Issued 19-09-2022)

UK ~ St Martin's Church - Canterbury - UNESCO ~

... Pretty church view from the air... postcard nr 3 of Canterbury's most important monuments... this modest St Martin's Church is the cathedral's mother church and the oldest continuously used panish church in the English Speaking World... the church itself has many old Roman bricks and pieces of walls that were reused... at the very center of the church, the remains of a Roman tomb were built right into the structure... there is a large cemetery surrounding the church... a very important early historical site and a place of spiritual significance... a peaceful, tranquil and atmospheric unique building... with once more wonderful Lord of the Rings stamps used👍... Thanks so much Paul!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

Drone project: © Michael Butler
St Martin's was Queen Bertha of Kent's private chapel. She was a Christian princess from a place called Francia. She came to England with her chaplain, Bishop Liudhard. Queen Bertha's husband, Æthelberht of Kent, was not Christian. But he let her practice her faith. He helped her fix up an old Roman-British building around 580 AD to use as a church. 

When Augustine arrived in 597 AD, he used St Martin's as his main base for his mission. He even made it bigger. Later, when Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey were built, St Martin's became less famous. 

St Martins is part of the trio which make up the World Heritage site in Canterbury they all  are directly and tangibly associated with the history of the introduction of Christianity to the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

Stamps: 

The Lord of the Rings

(Issued 20-03-2026)

KOSOVO ~ Prizren ~

... Great view of Kosovo’s most picturesque city known as the cultural capital... with the 17th-century majestic Sinan Pasha Mosque dominating the skyline... and the houses almost stacked on top of each other... nestled beneath the Shar Mountains along the Bistrica River, it offers some of the best preserved Ottoman-era architecture in Europe... this quaint town with its cobbled streets is a perfect mix of culture, scenery, and warm Balkan hospitality... Thanks a lot Michael for this lovely surprise!(✿◠‿◠) (it took me over 10 years to get another one from this small Balkan country). Must have been a wonderful vacation!☺️

Kosovo a is land-locked mostly mountainous and smallest country in the Balkans. It borders Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia with capital Prishtina. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008 which makes it the youngest country in the world. 

Serbia has not recognized Kosovo as an independent state and continues to claim it as the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija.

Stamp:

Endemic Flora 

(Issued 05-03-2024)

UZBEKISTAN ~Kukeldash Madrasah -Tashkent - Unesco Tentative ~

... Beautiful view of Tashkent’s oldest surviving monument and a symbol of 16th-century Islamic education institutions... widely celebrated as a crucial part of Uzbekistan's rich Islamic heritage and a major cultural landmark... its yellow brick facade frames a grand entrance portal over 20 meters high, surrounded by two-storey arcaded galleries and an inner courtyard lined with student cells... the Kukeldash Madrasah has resumed its function as a religious school, with classes and Friday prayers still held... but also remaining a cultural heritage site open for tourists to explore its courtyard, garden and facades... learn its history and legends and admire the traditional-style architecture, which despite having been recently restored still manages to evoke memories of Uzbekistan’s medieval past... a living historical and spiritual place...Thanks a lot Juliia!【ツ】

Tashkent’s Kukeldash Madrasah was built under the Shaybanid Dynasty by the vizier Dervish Khan in 1570. Due to his close relationship with the ruler, the khan was better known by his nickname "Kukeldash", meaning “the khan's milk brother”, and thus the madrasah built by him came to be known as Kukeldash. The finished structure, rich in décor and replete with sky-blue majolica, rivaled the finest architecture of Samarkand and Bukhara. Throughout the course of its history, Kukeldash Madrasah was repurposed, abandoned and rebuilt numerous times.

The specific structure is formally recognized as a prominent component of the region's Silk Roads and on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.
 

Stamp:

Fauna of Uzbekistan - Cats

(Issued 26-10-2021)

Nazruz 

(Issued 20-03-2020)

ANGOLA ~ The Cathedral of Saint Savior of Congo - Mbanza Congo - UNESCO ~

... View of the ruins of one of the oldest places of Christian worship in sub-Saharan Africa outside Ethiopia known as Kulumbimbi... the first centuries-old Portuguese Christian church built by the Jesuits in 1491 and elevated to a cathedral in 1596... located in the center of the city of Mbanza Congo (capital of the Zaire province) next to the cemetery of the kings of Congo... this adobe and stone walls, which fuses indigenous African and European architectural styles, have survived centuries of modification, conflict and ultimately abandonment...  nowadays only ruins remain; however, they have aroused the interest of national and international experts due to the rarity of their architectural aspect... Thanks a lot Alena! (✿◠‿◠) 

This ruined capital of the former kingdom, Mbanza Kongo, lies near the country’s northern border. The vast realm was established in the late 14th century and lasted into the 1900s. At its height, the kingdom stretched from what is now Gabon, down through the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo and into northern Angola. While other parts of the former kingdom took on the name ‘Congo’, modern-day Mbanza Kongo, capital of northern Zaire Province, retains its pre-colonial spelling. 

The city boasts a respected museum dedicated to the kingdom’s monarchs that houses cultural artefacts and royal portraits. Today’s Mbanza Kongo is an important market for regional produce, including corn, almonds and cassava.

Mbanza Kongo was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017.
 

Stamp:

Traditional Ceramics 

(Issued 01-01-1995)

GERMANY ~ Kunsthalle - Bremen ~

... Nice view of the Kunsthalle with the new eastern extension on the park side... over the course of its 180 year history, it has developed into a museum with an international reputation and one of Germany's finest art museums... the Kunsthalle Bremen houses a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and graphic works... it offers a varied program of exhibitions, in particular spectacular and highly acclaimed special exhibitions dedicated to important artists from Impressionism to the latest art production... visitors enter the museum through the centrally located main entrance of the old building... here, the rooms and circulation cores are designed in such a way that the difference between the new and old sections is barely visible... Thanks Dustin!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

Photo: © Stefan Müller
The museum was built between 1847 and 1849 according to plans by the Bremen architect Lüder Rutenberg. Since then, the neoclassical building with its historic sandstone facade has undergone numerous alterations, renovations, and even demolitions. To expand the exhibition space, two simple, four-story wings with a gross floor area of ​​5,560 m² were added to the east and west of the 7,410 m² main building, maintaining and continuing the eaves height of the original building.
 

Stamp:

100th Anniversary of the Birth of Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022 

(Issued 02-04-2026)

INDONESIA ~Tropical Rainforest - Lampung - Sumatra - UNESCO~

... Lovely views of Lampung part of the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park which makes up the southern third of the UNESCO-listed Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra... home to some of the world's most biologically diverse tropical rainforests... the province is known for its lush jungles, rich biodiversity, and iconic national parks, offering adventurous travelers a mix of deep-jungle trekking, wildlife conservation encounters, and active volcano exploration... home to the critically endangered species like the Sumatran tiger, elephant and rhino... Thanks Mia!【ツ】

The 2.5 million hectare Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra site comprises three national parks: Gunung Leuser National Park, Kerinci Seblat National Park and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. 

The protected area is home to an estimated 10,000 plant species, including 17 endemic genera; more than 200 mammal species; and some 580 bird species of which 465 are resident and 21 are endemic. Of the mammal species, 22 are Asian, not found elsewhere in the archipelago and 15 are confined to the Indonesian region, including the endemic Sumatran orang-utan. 

The Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

 

Stamps:

Marine Life - Joint Issue with Singapore

(Issued 07-09-2017)

(?????)

UK ~ St Augustine's Abbey - Canterbury - UNESCO ~

... Lovely aerial view of the impressive ancient remains of a great historic abbey with the Canterbury Cathedral towering in the background.... one of the most important and oldest monasteries in medieval England... the Abbey played an important role in the introduction of Christianity throughout England... originally established to convert the Anglo-Saxons, it served as a grand Benedictine monastery and royal burial site for nearly a thousand years before being destroyed by Henry VIII's Suppression of the Monasteries in the 16thC... the museum at St Augustine’s Abbey contains artefacts and stone carvings found at the Abbey during excavations... with wonderful Lord of the Rings stamps to celebrate the25th Anniversary Of “The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”👍... Thanks a lot Paul! (✿◠‿◠)

St Augustine's Abbey was a Benedictine monastery in Canterbury, Kent, England. 

Founded in AD 598 by St Augustine's a missionary from Rome, baptised the pagan King Ethelbert of Kent, the most powerful Anglo-Saxon monarch and the first to convert to Christianity.

To mark his conversion, Ethelbert gave Augustine land to build this very first monastery in Anglo-Saxon England.

The Cathedral, St. Augustine's Abbey and St. Martin's Church were declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1988.

 

Stamps:

The Lord of the Rings 

(Issued 20-03-2026)

CAYMAN ISLANDS ~ Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park - Grand Cayman ~

... Nice postcard showing the visitor centre of the park... a two-story Caymanian style building with a wide, welcoming veranda... inside is a gift shop where you can pick up a free map of the park... from there you are welcome to stroll into a verdant courtyard graced with orchids and tropical plants surrounding a water feature and stepping stones... this Botanic Park was opened in 1994 to preserve and promote local flora, fauna and wildlife in its natural habitat... it is home to the Blue Iguana Conservation facility and is the only place in the world where you can see these magnificent creatures... the endangered Blue Iguana is only found on the island of Grand Cayman... card was mailed in February and arrived yesterday... took a long time to get here😊... Thanks a lot Glenn! ( ˘ ³˘)❤

Photo:© Mrs Maggie Jackson
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is located in the North Side District of Grand Cayman Island in the British West Indies.The North Side of Grand Cayman is scenic, unspoilt, quieter and less developed than the more touristy western part of the island.

The Cayman Islands is made of three islands, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Grand Cayman is the largest and westernmost of the three Cayman Islands and the location of the territory's capital, George Town.

Stamp:

120th Anniversary of the Cayman Islands Ship Registry

(Issued 2024)