ITALY ~ The Palio Horse Race - Siena ~

... Nice view of one of Italy’s most spectacular horse events that has been taking place in this stunning town since 1656... one of Tuscany’s most awaited summer events... it is a 90-second spectacle preceded by days of parades, trial races, and passionate, often religious, community events... the race consists of three turns around the Piazza del Campo, the main city square... with unique rules and centuries-old history... and is famously rough, with jockeys often falling, but the horse can win even without a rider... more than just a horse race Il Palio is full of passion and excitement, reflecting deep-seated contrade (district) rivalries rather than a tourist show... Thanks a lot Gian Luca and Raffaella! (✿◠‿◠)

Horse racing in Siena dates from 1232. The Palio was first held in 1482 as a civic celebration. The current course was formally established in 1659 and has been held semiannually on July 2 and on August 16 since 1701, except during wartimes.

Ten horses and bareback riders represent ten of the 17 city districts or ‘Contradas’, each one of them carry their own colours, emblems and flags. 

Stamp:

Europa stamp - Underwater flora and fauna

(Issued 9-05-2024)

MONTSERRAT ~ Rainforest ~

... Wonderful nature view of this tiny Caribbean paradise... Montserrat is one of the many isles boasting tropical weather and abundant rainforest wilderness... home to lush slopes brimming with flora and fauna, an active volcano called Soufrière Hills and remote black-sand beaches... known as the "Emerald Isle of the Caribbean"  thanks to its unique colonial ties to Ireland... but long before those new arrivals from Europe projected their heritage on the island, it was already a lush green wonder... it is an ideal destination for travelers looking to commune with nature rather than tourist crowds... it remains a hiker’s paradise to this day... Thanks a lot Diego! (✿◠‿◠)

Montserrat is located in the Eastern Caribbean in the Lesser Antilles and lies between Antigua and  Guadeloupe. 

The island, a British colony is best known for the volcano eruption in 1995 in the southern side of the island which caused two thirds of its 11,000 population to evacuate to the U.K. and other destinations. Today, two-thirds of the island is a designated exclusion zone.

 

Stamps:

Definitives - Butterflies

(Issued 05-03-2013)

Insects - Beetles 

(Issued 30-11-2015)

Flora - Ferns of the Caribbean 

(Issued 20-08-2012)

SPAIN ~ Cathedral of Santa María de Mediavilla - Teruel - Aragon - UNESCO ~

... Lovely cathedral view that is a living expression of history and the interweaving of Christian and Muslim culture... Teruel cathedral and bell-tower dating back to 1171 remain some of the best-preserved and most representative relics of Mudéjar architecture still visible on the Iberian Peninsula...  as you step inside, you'll be captivated by its magnificent coffered ceiling... one of the finest examples of Mudejar architecture... Mudéjar art is frequently cited as the only artistic style truly unique to Spain... Teruel is a little-known small, historic city with many hidden gems... Thanks a lot Josep&Assumpta!ヽ(•‿•)ノ   

Teruel is a high-altitude town in the mountainous Aragon region of eastern Spain and is also the capital of Teruel Province.

Mudéjar’s history dates from the Reconquista – the period from the 8th to the 15th century when Christians ‘reconquered’ Spain from the Muslim states known as Al-Andalus that had taken over much of the Iberian peninsula. As the Christians took back Muslim cities, they kept on some talented Muslim architects and artists, and employed them to apply Islamic styles and techniques to Christian structures.

Together with other churches in the town and in the province of Zaragoza, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.

 

Stamps:

EUROPA Stamp - National Archaeological Discoveries

(Issued 09-05-2025)

ANGUILLA

... This picture says it all☀️... a little slice of heaven on earth... this island has 33 spectacular and diverse beaches and another handful of idyllic offshore islets... several classed as top ten in the world and the very best in the Caribbean... with as always a great selection of nice stamps... unfortunately someone else must be missing a part of their stamps... Josep&Assumpta, I think these were yours😁😉... Thanks Diego!ツ

Photo: Dominique Vincent
Anguilla is an island in the eastern Caribbean Sea, a British overseas territory. It is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles lying east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and directly north of Saint Martin.

The name Anguilla is derived from the Italian, Spanish, and French words for "eel" (anguilla, anguila, anguille), adopted by early European explorers due to the island's long, thin, snake-like shape.

Stamps:

The 170th Anniversary of the Ebenezer Methodist Church 

(Issued 04-12-2000)

Historical Architecture

(Issued????)

Cricket World Cup

(Issued ?????)

25th Anniversary of the Soroptimist Club 

(Issued 29-01-2007)

UK ~ Jurassic Coast - Dorset - UNESCO ~

... Fantastic views of one of the most stunning coastlines of Britain... the Jurassic Coast with its dramatic towering fossil-rich cliffs is a walk through time representing 185 million years of earth history...  you can see natural shapes like arches, coves, tall rock pillars, and sea stacks... it  truly lives up to its name and was once the home to prehistoric giants, animals and vegetation across land, sea and sky... gigantic dinosaurs once roamed the Jurassic Coast... other animals including crocodiles, sharks and turtles also lived in the area... you can walk the entire length of the site on the South West Coast Path... and enjoy fossil hunting in many of the beach locations... Thanks a lot Paul!(✿◠‿◠) 

Photo: Bob CroxfordThe Jurassic Coast is found on the coast of southern England, along the English Channel. It stretches for about 155 km from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. 

The name Jurassic Coast comes from the best known of the geological periods found within it, but in fact the Site includes rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The different rocks tell a fascinating story from ancient deserts to tropical seas throughout the Mesozoic era, between 250 million and 65 million years ago. 

The Jurassic Coast was added to the World Heritage List in 2001.

 

Stamps:

Christmas

(Issued 04-11-2025)

St Eustatius - Fort Oranje - Oranjestad ~

... Great Caribbean beauty nr 4 and my fist from this small but gorgeous island💙... fondly known as Statia, it is often called the "Historic Gem of the Caribbean"... Fort Oranje stands atop the cliffs of Oranjestad as a silent witness to the island's storied past... constructed in 1629 by the Dutch West India Company, the fort played a vital role in protecting St. Eustatius against piracy and foreign invasions... today, the fort offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore its well-preserved ramparts, cannon placements, and stunning panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea... a visit to Fort Oranje is a must for history enthusiasts... with its deep historical roots, amazing landscapes, and dedication to conservation, Sint Eustatius offers a truly authentic Caribbean experience... unlike many Caribbean islands it does not have long stretches of white sandy beaches... this has helped preserve its authentic charm and prevent mass tourism... Thank you so much dear Diego! (•‿•) 

© Photos: Bob Reardon
Sint Eustatius is a special municipality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea and is part of the Leeward Islands with St Kitts and Nevis, Saba, Anguilla and St. Maarten as its neighbours. Sint Eustatius was for a very long time one of the largest ports and trade centers in the Caribbean. All European seafaring nations fought for it and it changed hands 22 times 

Fort Oranje does not only provide insight into the island's colonial past, but it also played a pivotal role in the American Revolution War and was the first foreign entity to recognize the United States' independence. This act of recognition marked a crucial moment in American history and cemented St. Eustatius' place in the annals of time.  

 

Stamps:

Bird of the Island

(Issued 12-05-2025) 

Flora & Butterflies

(Issued??

???????

GERMANY ~ Birth House Beethoven - Bonn ~

... Lovely view of the birth house of one of the greatest composers 🎶🎶🎶 of all time, the legendary Ludwig Van Beethoven... it is one of the world's most visited music museums... the Beethoven family lived for some years in this yellow house which today houses the world's largest collection of Beethoven memorabilia, including original manuscripts, instruments (violins, his last grand piano), ear trumpets, and portraits... there is also a chamber music hall in the rear building that hosts concerts and plays recordings... since 2019, the museum has been hosting a new and enlarged permanent exhibition... it provides a new approach to experiencing Beethoven as an artist and fellow human being in a modern, inspiring and exciting way... this museum is well worth the visit and definitely a historical landmark of the city... Thanks a lot Dustin!ヽ(ヅ)ノ 

Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770 and died in 1827.  His father, who was a singer, was his first teacher. After a while, even though he was still only a boy, Ludwig became a traveling performer, and soon, he was supporting his family.

In his early twenties, Beethoven moved to Vienna, where he spent the rest of his life. Beethoven was one of the first composers to make a living without being employed by the church or a member of the nobility. At first, he was known as a brilliant pianist. But when he was around 30 years old, Beethoven started going deaf. Even though he could no longer hear well enough to play the piano, Beethoven composed some of his best music after he was deaf. Beethoven's most famous symphony is widely considered to be his Symphony No. 5 in C minor. 

 

Stamps:

Bugs Bunny

(Issued 02-10-2025)

2X World of Letter

(Issued 02-11-2022)

(Issued 02-11-2024)

St. KITTS and NEVIS ~ Anglican Church - Basseterre ~

... Great postcard nr 2 from this two-island nation in the Caribbean💙... this beautiful St George Anglican church is located in the center of Basseterre with rich and dramatic history... it was built in the late 1600s by the French but burned and rebuilt by the English in the early 1700s... this church suffered, over the years, many damage, such as wars, hurricanes and earthquakes and nothing succeeded in causing them to give up rebuilding it stone by stone... the tower is the tallest structure in town and the top can be reached by five flights of very, very steep stairs, almost ladders... the views of Basseterre are wonderful including Nevis in the distance and mountains behind... today St. George’s continues to stand proudly at the head of Church Street and is home to the many Anglican worshipers who live in that parish... Thanks a lot Diego! (✿ ♥‿♥)  

Saint Kitts and Nevis is located in the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. It is the smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere, in both area and population, as well as the world's smallest sovereign federation. The country is a Commonwealth realm, with Charles III as king and head of state.

Both islands were formed by volcanic activity and are mountainous. St Kitts is a fertile island with mainly black sandy beaches. Nevis is surrounded by coral reefs and has silver beaches.

Stamps:

2X Fruit 

(Issued 16-10-2007)

Christmas

(Issued 01-11-1984)

Flowers of the Caribbean 

(Issued 14-07-2011)

Caribbean Flora and Fauna

(Issued 12-03-2001)

St. KITTS and NEVIS ~ Jessup Bay - Nevis ~

... Another fantastic Caribbean beauty♥ and my first from Nevis... so, yippee😎 one more new place to add to my collection... fishing boats at Pinney's Beach... Nevis's beaches are its crowning glory... known for its soft, saffron-colored sand, miles of clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, snorkeling and scuba diving... the lush, verdant foliage that lines the beach adds to the sense of tropical paradise... towering palm trees sway gracefully in the warm Caribbean breeze... this hidden gem, nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, is a true oasis of peace and natural wonder... Big Thanks Diego! (✿◠‿◠)

© Photo: Errol C. Pemberton
Nevis is the smaller of the two islands that make up the Caribbean island nation, Saint Kitts and Nevis. A former British colony, these islands became independent from Britain in 1983. There are no cities in Nevis, the settlements are mostly villages only the capital Charlestown counts as a town. 

St. Kitts and Nevis are separated by a 2-mile wide channel known as "The Narrows". Several ferries run every day between Charlestown, the capital of Nevis, and Basseterre, which is the capital of St. Kitts.

 

Stamps:

"Mycteroperca fusca"

(Issued ?)

Culturama Carnival 10th Anniversary

(Issued ?)

Flowering Trees of Nevis

(Issued ?)

GERMANY ~ Arithmeum - Bonn ~

...  Great view of the steel-glass facade that's meant to represent the "transparency of science"...  this unique four-floor museum shows how counting and mathematics began, early devices to add and multiply numbers, mechanical calculators, through to modern computers and the mathematics of chip design... it houses the most comprehensive collection worldwide of historical calculating machines and presents the highlights of the history of mechanical computing in aesthetically attractive surroundings... there are lots of machines, puzzles and computer simulations that you can try yourself... you don't need to be a maths whizz to thoroughly enjoy the Arithmeum... with lovely cartoon stamp and special  postmark... Thanks Dustin!ヽ(ヅ)ノ 

Photo: Ralph Richter
The  Arithmeum Museum is under the same roof as the Research Institute for Discrete Mathematics and is an essential part of the University of Bonn. It was founded in 2008 by the director of the institute, Bernhard Korte, who contributed his private collection of calculating machines. The museum's collection included 4500 calculating machines, 2000 books, 800 works of art, and 500 historical computers. 

Stamp:

Tom & Jerry 

(Issued 02-10-2025)

ARGENTINA ~ Tango - La Boca - Buenos Aires ~

... Nice views of one of the most colourful areas and popular parts of the capital... this old harbor quarter is famously known as the "birthplace of tango"... the Caminito or Little Walkway is an iconic, colourful pedestrian street in La Boca... lined with brightly coloured corrugated-iron houses and filled with vibrant live performances by talented tango dancers and musicians... and artists exhibit their works here... today tango is the main tourist attraction and the reason why every traveler comes to La Boca... this area proudly keeps its identity as one of Buenos Aires’ most authentic barrios... colorful, chaotic, and full of stories... also no stamps but machine labelled... Big Thanks once more Gian Luca and Raffaella! (✿◠‿◠)

The neighbourhood was founded in the 19th century when European, mainly Italian immigrants settled in this part of the city. They found work opportunities in the harbour, including the processing of Argentinian beef in the warehouses there, which was booming business at the time .La Boca is one of 48 neighbourhoods, or barrios, that make up Buenos Aires.

La Boca owes its name to its geographical position at the mouth of the Riachuelo River, with ‘La Boca’ translating to ‘the mouth’.

 

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ARGENTINA ~ World's End - Ushuaia ~

... Once more a wonderful postcard coming from an amazing place💙... "Fin del mundo" famously used for Ushuaia or "World's End"... view of the Saint Christopher an iconic shipwreck landmark famous for its WWII history and striking visual against the Beagle Channel... a place with unique atmosphere as being the southernmost city in the world, located at the southern tip of Argentina... surrounded by the icy waters of the Beagle Channel and the peaks of the Andes Mountains... Ushuaia history is as fascinating as its geography... its strategic position made it a key point for explorers, sailors, and scientists throughout history... this legacy can still be seen in the city’s museums, architecture, and maritime culture... a popular travel destination for its stunning Patagonia landscapes and the primary departure point for Antarctic cruises... its unique geography, dominated by mountains, valleys, and lakes, offers visitors unforgettable spectacular views and a wide variety of activities year-round... don't know why but there are no stamps and no cancellation but machine labelled (maybe anyone can help why this is or what it means)???  Thanks so much dear Gian Luca and Raffaella! (✿ ♥‿♥) Must have been a really special place to visit!
I feel so privileged and spoiled that there are so many wonderful people🥰 who surprises me with postcards from really the most stunning places and I have so much more beauties to post here!!!💌

Photo: ANDRES BONETTI
Ushuaia is located on the southern coast of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. This island is surrounded by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and separated from the continent by the Strait of Magellan and bordered to the south by the Beagle Channel. Ushuaia was founded in 1884. From its beginnings as a military outpost and prison, Ushuaia has developed over the decades into a world-class tourist destination. Its name comes from the Yámana language and means "bay facing west." 

Due to its latitude (54° South), Ushuaia has the unique distinction of experiencing the longest night in winter and the longest daylight hours in summer. Of the five cities worldwide recognized as "gateways" to Antarctica, Ushuaia is the closest port, located just 1,000 kilometers from the Antarctic Peninsula.

The "Saint Christopher" was built in the US in 1943, served the British Navy as HMS Justice, later sold to Argentina. Suffered engine trouble in 1954 while working on salvage in the Beagle Channel, was beached and abandoned in 1957.

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NORTH MACEDONIA ~ Skopje ~

... Plenty of lovely views showing this visually eclectic destination... a place where culture, tradition and modern mix into a perfect, unforgettable blend... Skopje is situated along the Vardar River, which flows through the city and significantly influences its landscape....it is a place where ancient Ottoman bazaars meet controversial baroque renovations, where concrete towers stand beside hundreds of brand-new statues... the 15 century Stone Bridge nestled in the heart of Skopje is an iconic landmark that rises over the river... connecting the city's past with its present and is the primary element of the daily communication of its inhabitants and visitors... this is definitely the most unique capital in Europe, with so many contrasts every step... Thanks Phedrag!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia. It lies in the northern part of the country, in the Skopje Valley along the Vardar River, and is the political, economic, and cultural centre of the country. 

Interestingly, Skopje is known as the "city of statues". A massive earthquake destroyed most of the city’s historic monuments in 1963 (in fact, about 80% of the city was destroyed). Some 40 years later, the government embarked on a controversial project to "repopulate" the city with statues.
 

Stamps:

??????

Fauna - Squirrel

(Issued 2022)

INDIA ~Saat Kaman - Gujarat - UNESCO ~

... View of an important part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park... Saat Kaman is a prominent structure situated on the verge of a hill on the southern tip of Champaner (Pavagadh) that might have been part of a larger fort structure... Saat means Seven and Kaman refers to arches... the gorgeous yellow sandstone area was used as a strategic lookout point by the army... only 6 arches are currently in existence with the other one having demolished...  however, you can still walk through those arches and look down at the valley below... it is a rich heritage site concentration of archaeological, historical, and living cultural heritage sites encased in a stunning landscape... Thanks Nadia!【ツ】

                                                                Photo: Suman Wadhwa
The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is located in Panchmahal District, Gujarat. This Park preserves the remains of a 16th-century capital, showcasing prehistoric sites, a hill fortress, and unique water systems, featuring mosques, temples, palaces, and fortifications, making it India's only intact pre-Mughal Islamic city with rich cultural and religious heritage, including the important Kalikamata Temple on Pavagadh Hill. 

In 2004, UNESCO designated The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park as a World Heritage Site.

 

Stamps:

Definitive - Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj

(Issued 2008)

 Definitive - Bhagat Singh

(Issued 2015)

MALAWI ~ Chongoni Rock Art - UNESCO ~

... Nice view of a site that stands out as a remarkable testament to human history and creativity in Central Africa... the paintings are found in rock shelters within granite formations... it is of international importance because it has large and well-preserved rock paintings depicting the farmer community of the Late Stone Age and Iron Age... the Chewa farmers and the hunter gathering BaTwa Pygmies... what makes the this rock art especially significant is its ongoing spiritual relevance... the motifs, which depict ceremonial rites, hunting scenes, and symbolic imagery, continue to shape the spiritual and cultural practices of the Chewa people... Chongoni Rock Art offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect directly with Malawi’s deep spiritual history and explore the continuing traditions of its people... the sites are remote, with poor road conditions, making a local guide essential for finding them and understanding the art... Thanks Emmanuel!ヽ(ヅ)ノ 

Situated within a cluster of forested granite hills and covering an area of 126.4 km2, high up the plateau of central Malawi, the 127 rock faces and shelters are over 2,000 yrs old (most of which is in the Chongoni Forest Reserve) and feature the richest concentration of rock art in Central Africa. 

The area was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

 

Stamps

Fauna - The Big Five

(Issued 03-11-2011)

Butterflies

Malawi Wildlife

(Issued 06-07-2014)

2X Christmas

(Issued 24-12-2014)

RUSSIA ~ Veliky Novgorod - UNESCO ~

... Nice winter scene of the ancient city of Veliki (Great) Novgorod... the view from the banks of the Volkhov River is breathtaking with the red Kremlin wall and the church onion-domes... known as "The Birthplace of Russia" or "The Oldest City of Russia"... there are a number of medieval monuments, including monasteries, churches in different Russian architectural styles and some have very old frescoes still visible... the most important church of them all is the 11th century St. Sophia Cathedral and it is located inside the Kremlin of the city... the oldest church in Russia... this town offers a trip back in time and a taste of Russian culture... Thanks a lot Oleg!【ツ】

Novgorod was first mentioned in the year 859. In the 15th century, Novgorod and its lands join Moscow as part of Russia and it continued to keep its importance in trade routes between East and West. It developed into one of the major centres of Russian culture, which exerted national influence on stone architecture and painting. 

It was one of the most important cities of Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages and was the only principality that was saved from Mongolian dominion after the Mongolian invasion of Russia.

UNESCO recognized Novgorod as a World Heritage Site in 1992.

Stamps:

The 200th Anniversary of Cherkessk 

(Issued 19-09-2025)

Russian Navy 

(issued 29-07-2021)

GERMANY ~ Christmas Corus ~

... Sweet festive holiday illustration view of a group of cats🐈 gathering around a grand piano singing carols creating a whimsical and cozy scene with lovely christmas decorations... from an acrylic painting on canvas by the renowned artist Pat Scott...  her popular artwork showcases collections of animals, from horses to pigs to cats to zebras, in an inviting and classic style... the perfect way to add a touch of art and warmth to special occasions... with beautiful St. Nicholas special postmark... Thanks a lot Dustin! (✿◠‿◠) Wishing you also all the best for 2026!🥰

Pat Scott (1932-2017) was an English artist who initially worked at Larkin Screen Services in London and later joined the film department at J. Arthur Rank at Pinewood Studios.

After raising a family, she returned to education, attending the Reading University where she gained a BA(Hons), majoring in Fine Art. She then taught in a local primary school in Berkshire for several years. Pat Scott passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of over 500 paintings that continue to be celebrated and collected.

 Stamps:

2X World of Letter

(Issued 02-11-2022)

(Issued 02-11-2024) 

Christmas - Church Window

 (Issued 03-11-2025)

GERMANY ~ Bernd the Bread - Erfurt ~

... This is the first time I ever heard of "Bernd das Brot" one of  Germany's most unusual children's puppet character😁... a small, grumpy, and perpetually pessimistic talking loaf of bread as the reluctant star of a children's television program that accidentally became equally popular with adults... he’s known for his dry humor and existential complaints... he is usually accompanied by adventurous Chilli the sheep and hypoactive Briegel the bush, who drag him, against his will, into all types of "adventures"... when all he wants is peace and quiet... his is unique blend of gloom and comedy has made him an iconic figure on German TV... I wonder would anyone of you watch a talking bread who constantly complains about life?😄😉... with matching stamp and special 25th anniversary cancellation...  Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

He is depressed for many reasons, including his failed attempt to be the mascot for a bakery's advertising campaign, which is how he ended up a reluctant TV presenter as a last resort. And he fell in love with a beautiful baguette who, unfortunately, only had eyes for a multigrain bread with 10 types of grain, and "my heart has been a dry clump of flour ever since".

Bernd was created in the year 2000 by Thomas Krappweis. He worked for a company called Bumm Film in Munich. The KI.KA channel had asked different companies to create a new sheep character. One night, Krappweis was eating pizza and drawing on a napkin while looking at a bread basket. He got a square loaf of bread and gave it the face of his colleague, Norman Cöster.

© Sascha Blank

Stamp:

The 25th Anniversary of Bernd the Bread 

(Issued 04-09-2025)

TIBET ~ Potala Palace - Lhasa - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful Tibet postcard nr2... a breathtaking palace in the clouds... the Potala Palace is an awe-inspiring, iconic symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and history... featuring stunning architecture, intricate art, and spiritual significance... the number of visitors allowed in the Palace is strictly limited each day... there are over 400 steps to the top... it is still a spiritual experience climbing this many steps amidst pilgrims, despite being a museum-like monument today rather than a living residence... ever since I saw (more than once☺️) one of my all-time favorite movies, "Seven Years in Tibet"❤️(1997) I've been fascinated by this place... their amazing culture, religion and overwhelming nature... with the same great " Paradise Post Office" cancellation... Big Thanks Vincent for two more little gems for my collection! (✿ ♥‿♥)

The first recorded use of the site was in the 7th century AD, when King Songtsen Gampo built a palace here. Construction of the present structure began during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama in 1645 and took divisions of labourers and artisans more than 50 years to complete. The Potala Palace is the administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region and was the residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India during the 1959 Tibetan Uprising and is now a museum. 

The layout of the Potala Palace includes the rooftop White Palace (the eastern part of the building), used for the living quarters of the Dalai Lama, and the central Red Palace, used for religious functions. The most stunning chapels of the Red Palace house the jewel-bedecked golden chörten (Tibetan stupa) tombs of several previous Dalai Lamas. The apartments of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas, in the White Palace, offer a more personal insight into palace life.

The Potala Palace was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.

Stamps:

Hemudu Archaeological Site, Yuyao, Zhejiang (12-05-1996)

The 21st World University Games, Beijing 

(Issued 22-08-2001)

TIBET ~ Lhasa ~

... First of two amazing Tibetan postcards💙... the name of this historic city literally means, "Land of the Gods"... Lhasa is a city of gold that is carved into the mountains and the spiritual heart of Tibet...  it sits at an altitude of approximately 3,650 meters on the Tibetan plateau, ringed by peaks that are part of the vast Himalayan range... the mountains provide a dramatic, scenic background to the city's ancient temples and modern architecture... what makes these postcards even more special are the wonderful postmarks😍... stamped at the "The Tibetan Paradise Post Office " that sits at North Everest Base Camp around 4,900 meters above sea level, making it the world’s highest temporary post office... operational only during the climbing season, from April to October, it allows adventurous visitors to send mail across the world from extreme altitude... visitors must bring oxygen and battle the cold, but the payoff is a postcard stamped from earth’s highest elevation... Big Thanks Vincent! (✿◠‿◠) 

Tibet is an autonomous region of China often called “the roof of the world.”  (4,600 meters) above sea level. It occupies a vast area of plateaus and mountains in Central Asia, including Mount Everest. It is bordered by the Chinese provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan, by Myanmar, India, Bhutan, Nepal, by the disputed Kashmir region and by the Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang. Lhasa is the capital city with a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture. 

More about "The Tibetan Paradise Post Office": Established in 2001 in a military tent to serve climbers and trekkers, it was upgraded in 2008 to mark the Olympic Flame passage (Beijing hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics) and again in 2017 with modern facilities and visitor amenities. Reaching it requires trekking through Tingri and managing altitude challenges.

 

Stamps:

Mount Dinghu 

(Issued 18-02-1995)

Datong River Diversion Project 

(Issued 26-08-2001) 

GERMANY ~ Museum of Modern Art - Bonn ~

... Night view a modern architectural gem which focuses on contemporary German art... the collection comprises approximately 9,000 works of art, with a focus on the work of August Macke and Rhineland expressionists and showcases an impressive collection of art in Germany after 1945 including paintings, photography and video art... it is one of several prominent museums located along Bonn's famous "Museum Mile"...  this is a stretch of cultural institutions that showcase everything from contemporary art to natural history... it is one of Europe’s largest museum networks with five museums located in close proximity to one another... with great World Postcard Day postmark👍... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】 

Photo: Michael Sondermann
The Kunstmuseum Bonn or Bonn Museum of Modern Art was founded in 1947. Its new building, designed by the Berlin architect Axel Schultes and opened in 1992, is considered throughout Germany to be one of the most important examples of museum architecture in recent decades.

The present building has three entrances, symbolising openness. The design of the staircase has been described as a precise geometry, cut like jewellery. The conception of light brings the collection to life. The total exhibition area is around 4,000 square metres.
 

Stamp:

World of Letters 

(Issued 02-01-2025)

FIJI ~ Map ~

... Starting 2026 with a fantastic tropical paradise🌞🌴🌊... a scenic gem of the South Pacific... white-sand beaches, swaying coconut trees, clear turquoise waters and spectacular underwater scenery... beautiful islands with and all-year-round tropical weather... this nice illustrated map shows the main islands, including Viti Levu and Vanua Levu...Fiji is a major tourist location... Big Thanks Amelia! (✿◠‿◠)

Fiji is an island nation belonging to the Polynesian islands located in Melanesia, a subregion of Oceania. It shares marine boundaries with Vanuatu, New Caledonia (France), Kermadec (New Zealand), Tonga, American Samoa, Tuvalu, Samoa and Wallis and Futuna (France). The capital and largest city is Suva, on the island of Viti Levu. Fiji gained independence from the British Empire in 1970 after 96 years as a British colony.

There are over 330 islands in Fiji and over 500 small islets. Around 110 of these islands are inhabited, although 87% of the population lives on the two biggest islands Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The islands are spread over 194,000 km²  of which just 10% is land.

 

Stamp:

Christmas

(Issued 05-12-2006)

GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR ~ HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"I wish a year full of happiness, health and joy for all my postcard friends and blog followers!"                                                                                                                                       - Gerda💙

 

SLOVAKIA ~ Dobšiná Ice Cave - UNESCO ~

... Great views of the largest ice cave in Slovakia and one of the largest in Central Europe... Dobšiná's Ice Cave stands as a rare natural monument carved by time and ice deep within the Slovak Paradise National Park... the cave itself feels like a cold cathedral, 1,483 meters long and 112 meters wide, with ice walls up to 26 meters thick... its ice filling includes stalactites, stalagmites, ice falls, waterfalls and floor ice... it is one of the best caves to visit in Slovakia if you want to experience nature’s frozen architecture... unfortunately the Cave is warming up and experiencing significant ice loss due to rapid climate change😔, specifically the rise in year-round surface temperatures and increased precipitation... Thanks a lot Natasa! (•‿•)

"Our greatest threat in thousands of years. Climate change. If we don't take action, the collapse of our civilisations and the extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon."

                                                                                                                David Attenborough

The cave was discovered in 1870 by the mining engineer E. Ruffini and a year later local enthusiasts opened it to the public. In 1882, it became the first electrically lit cave in Hungary.

Located in the Northeast part of the Slovak Ore Mountains, Slovak Paradise National Park covers a 194.14 km2 area with a 54.75 km2 protected buffer zone, making the total area 248.89 km2. It became a national park in 1988.

Since 2000 it has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage list as a part of the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst site.

Stamps:

Slovak Applied Arts - Glassware

(Issued 04-01-2021)

Klára Jarunková, 1922-2005 

(Issued 28-04-2022)

The 20th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with South Korea 

(Issued 31-05-2013)

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GERMANY ~ Erfurt -

...Lovely views of the most beautiful cityscapes... a medieval hidden gem in central Germany... famous for its incredibly well-preserved old town, stunning timber-framed houses, cobblestone streets, and historic sites like the Erfurt Cathedral, St. Severus Church and the unique Merchants' Bridge lined with artisan shops and cafes... it's one of Europe's few remaining bridges of its kind... the Augustinian Monastery and the  Fish market square... all this making it a popular spot for history and culture seekers looking for an authentic, less-crowded German experience, highlighted for its rich heritage and charming atmosphere... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

Erfurt is the capital city and largest city of the German state of Thuringia and lies in the wide valley of the River Gera. First mentioned in 742, it was a vital medieval trading city on the Via Regia, known as "Thuringian Rome" due to its many churches. The young Martin Luther studied at the university and lived as a monk in the Augustinian Monastery (now a museum).
 

Stamp:

Returning Wildlife 

(Issued 07-08-2025)

Saint Martin ~ Orient Beach - Two nations as one Island ~

... Pretty views of a unique island because it has two names depending on which side you’re on... an island paradise split between the French and Dutch in 1648... it's a little European with a lot Caribbean flavour... this one is my first from the French side of the island 👍(they use French stamps)... Orient Beach is known as the ‘"Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean"... located on the clear turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean side of the island... the white sand, swept by the trade winds, stretches for almost 2 kilometers... the beach is known as a mecca for water sports, including kitesurfing, windsurfing and parasailing.... a section of the beach on the southern side is frequented by naturists which contributes to its worldwide fame... with great selection of stamps used...Thanks a lot Diego! (✿◠‿◠)  And congratulations on achieving a huge milestone of visiting 100 countries!👏👏👏

Photos: © Bob Reardon
Saint Martin is an overseas collectivity of France in the West Indies in the Caribbean, Saint Martin is on the northern part of the island and  covers about 60% of the island as well as some smaller adjacent islands. Saint Martin is separated from the island of Anguilla by the Anguilla Channel. Its capital is Marigot. Before 2007, Saint Martin was part of Guadeloupe, another French area.
 

Stamps:

Tropical Flowers 

(Issued 12-02-2024)

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Boule & Bill 

(Issued 18-03-2002)

Regions of France 

(Issued 21-03-2005)

Arawak Civilization Saint Martin 

(Issued 12-02-1996)