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)

GERMANY ~ Mikveh - Erfurt - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of the "Mikwe" a rare monumental, and well-preserved medieval ritual bath situated in the former Jewish quarter located directly on the banks of the Gera River, which provided the necessary flowing water... the water supply in the basin still works today... you can view the ancient Mikwe bath at any time through a window in the top of the shelter, or for a closer look, you must join one of the guided tours... in addition to the synagogue and cemetery, a mikveh was (and is) an important part of Jewish ritual cleansing after contact with the dead, blood, or other religiously impure things... today, a modern building serves to protect the archaeological find... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

2007, archaeologists discovered the medieval Erfurt Mikveh, dating back to the 13th century. It was used by the first and second Jewish communities until the city council forced the Jews of Erfurt to emigrate in 1453. The font was filled in and the room above was used as a cellar until the 20th century. 

The Jewish-Medieval Heritage of Erfurt 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 before the pogroms of the 14th century started. 

In the Mikveh, along with the Old Synagogue and the Stone House, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
 

Stamp:

Stumbling Blocks 

(Issued 04-12-2025)

ITALY ~ Il Palio - Siena ~

... A nice interesting postcard related to my last post... Siena is divided into 17 neighborhoods, or contrade...  during the running of the Palio, 10 of the participating contrade send a horse and rider to the race chosen randomly by lottery... the neighborhood then adopts it, showering it with love, washing and grooming it, and keeping it in a five-star stable... each contrada is represented by a mascot (porcupine, unicorn, she-wolf, and so on) and a distinctive flag... its colors are worn and flown all year long, but omnipresent as the race nears... the contrade support their rider with medieval marches, complete with flag-throwers and musicians, all wearing the symbol and colors of the neighborhood....Thanks Gian Luca and Raffaella!ヽ(•‿•)ノ   

Since antiquity, the city of Siena has been divided into three parts, called Terzi: the Terzo di Città, the Terzo di Camollia and the Terzo di San Martino. The 'contrade' (districts) of Siena are derived from this subdivision, in a tradition that is centuries old and full of curiosities.

In a report of the August Festival in 1546 written by Cecchino Cartaio, we find 16 Contrade mentioned, and a few years later, all 17 contrade appear with their current names: Aquila, Bruco, Chiocciola, Civetta, Drago, Giraffa, Istrice, Liocorno, Lupa, Montone, Oca, Onda, Pantera, Nicchio, Selvalta, Torre, Tartuca.

Each Contrade is like a guild or neighborhood with a community center for the members to gather, they all have a museum, fountain, baptismal font, and chapel.

Stamp: 

Italian Squares 

(Issued 02-07-2016)

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:

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Fauna - Squirrel

(Issued 2022)