GERMANY ~ The Green Bunker - Hamburg ~

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

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

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

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

 

Stamp:

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

(Issued 04-12-2025)

MADAGASCAR ~ Giant Baobabs - Morondava ~

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

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

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

© Yvan Acker

Stamps:

Flora - Issue of 2015 

(Issued  2023)

Flora and Fauna

(Issued 15-06-2015)

Architecture 

(Issued 30-01-2013)

GERMANY ~ Imperial Palace - Goslar - UNESCO ~

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

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

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

Stamps:

Castles and Palaces

(Issued 02-01-2013)

Cologne: 1947 and 2015

(Issued 06-10-2022)

CHINA ~ Giant Panda ~

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

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

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

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

Stamps:

Huangmei 

(Issued 06-07-2014)

Olympic Games - Beijing 

(Issued 08-08-2007)

Greeting Card Stamps Serie

(Issued 08-08-2013)

GERMANY ~ Telecommunications Tower - Braunschweig ~

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

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

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

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

© Friederike Fuchs

Stamps:

2X World of Letter

(Issued 02-11-2022) 

(Issued 02-11-2024)

The Boat 

(Issued 04-09-2025)

GHANA ~ Mole National Park ~

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

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

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

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

Stamp:

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

(Issued 04-05-2024)

GERMANY ~ Historical Museum - Regensburg - UNESCO ~

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

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

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

Stamp:

The 75th Anniversary of the Technical Relief Agency

(Issued 07-08-2025)

CAPE VERDE ~ Sé Cathedral Ruins - Cidade Velha - UNESCO

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

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

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

Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Cape Verde 

(Issued 05-07-2025)

MACAU ~ Lighthouse - Guia - UNESCO ~

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

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

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

 

Stamps:

Tourism - Scenic Spots of Macau

(Issued 22-11-2019)

Old Streets and Alleys 

(Issued 22-09-2015)

SOLOMON ISLANDS ~ Buala - Santa Isabel ~

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

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

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

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

Stamp:

Definitives - Six striped Wrasse

(Issued 09-10-2013)

NEW ZEALAND ~Marahau and Otuwhero Inlet - South Island~

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

Abel Tasman National Park is a national park at the north end of New Zealand's South Island. It covers 237.1 km2  of land between Golden Bay / Mohua and Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere, making it the smallest of New Zealand's national parks.  In 1942, the area was protected by the Government and named the Abel Tasman National Park.

It is named after Abel Tasman a dutch navigator who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight New Zealand and who anchored nearby in Golden Bay. 

The park is part of the Te Wāhipounamu (South West New Zealand) area of protected wilderness along the west side of the island that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990.
 

Stamps:

Live for yourself

Native Frogs 

(Issued 02-07-2025)

ANTARCTICA ~ Port Lockroy - Goudier Island ~

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

From backside postcard: 

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

Stamp:

Fauna - Emperor Penguins 

(Issued 11-2023)

GERMANY ~ Jewish-Medieval Heritage - Erfurt - UNESCO ~

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

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

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

serves as the museum's logo.

Stamp:

In Memoriam - Margot Friedlander, 1921-2025

(Issued 04-12-2025)

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

Stamp:

Stumbling Blocks

(Issued 04-12-2025)

                                                     Old Synagoge - Mikwe - Stone House

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

Stamp:

In Memoriam - Margot Friedlander, 1921-2025

(Issued 04-12-2025)

GERMANY ~ Ehrenfriedersdorf - UNESCO ~

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

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

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

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

Stamps:

Danke

(Issued????)

Fauna - Bees

(Issued 06-05-2010)

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: Juan Bendeck

Stamp:

Tourism - Beautiful Honduras 

(Issued 28-06-2016)

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

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

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

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

 

Stamps:

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

Personalities 

(Issued 28-02-2025)

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

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

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

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

Photo: Haus der Geschichte, Axel Thünker

 

Stamp:

Bugs Bunny 

(Issued 02-10-2025)

MOZAMBIQUE ~ Chimanimani National Park ~

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

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

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

 

Stamp:

Pope Franciscus

(Issued  2019 )

USA ~ Capitol Reef National Park - Utah ~

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

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

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

Stamp:

Compass Rose 

(Issued 24-01-2025)

GERMANY ~ Erfurt ~

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

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

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

 

Stamp: 

 2X World of Letter 

(Issued 02-11-2022) 

(Issued 02-11-2024)

The 25th Anniversary of Bernd the Bread 

 (Issued 04-09-2025)

AUSTRALIA ~ The Royal Exhibition Building - Melbourne - UNESCO ~

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

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

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

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

 

Stamp:

Beautiful Cities - Melbourne

(Issued 25-09-2018)

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: Eisuke Ueda

Stamps: ?????

SABA ~ National Marine Park ~

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

Photo: Chad Nutall

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

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

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

 

Stamps:

Marine Life - Underwater World of Saba 

(Issued 61-07-2017)

Highlights

(Issued 02-05-2022)