31. 08. 2013.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland


This postcard has been in my favourites for ages, I even once swapped for it but it never arrived (and the person disappeared from the forum :/) - but here it is now, a fantastic view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland..! It is a 21-arch railway viaduct on the West Highlind Line, built in 1897/98 entirely of concrete; its maximum hight of 30m offers spectacular views down Lochaber's Loch Shiel. Now, I bet I am not the only one who would just looove to take a ride on this train! Thanks so much Anu :))

30. 08. 2013.

UNESCO - Mudejar Architecture Of Aragon, Spain


The development of Mudejar art in Aragon in the 12th century resulted from the particular political, social and cultural conditions that prevailed in Spain after the Reconquista. This art is influenced by Islamic tradition but also reflects various contemporary European styles, and is characterised by the refined and inventive use of brick and glazed tiles in architecture, especially in the belfries - as these from Zaragoza shown on the postcard.
They do look gorgeous, gracias Pilar :)

UNESCO - Archaeological Site Of Olympia, Greece

 

The sight of Olympia in a valley in the Peloponnesus has been inhabited since the prehistoric times; in addition to numerous temples and masterpieces from the ancient Greek world, there are remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games, which were held there every four years beginning in 776 B.C. - hence the image of lighting of the Olympic flame in the foreground.
Love this card, thank you Despina :)

UNESCO - Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), Japan


The Hiroshima Peace Memorial was the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. It has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing. It is both a stark and powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created by mankind, and expression of the hope for world peace and the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons - it is exactly this hope that is (I thought) finely represented by the spring blooms in the foreground of this image. Thank you very much Tamayo, and for truly great stamps :)

Native Birds Of New Zealand



These beauties are as follows...Tui, one of the finest songsters in New Zealand; Bellbird, so named because of its bell-like call; Wood Pigeon, which once formed a staple item of early Maori food; Kea, well known by trampers for its comical antics and inquisitive nature; Kiwi, New Zealand's national bird seldom seen in daylight; and Red Crown Parakeet, normally found on offshore islands living in the native bush.
Thank you Kassie :)

Official - Something Cute


So as juxtaposition, an uebercute official card - a curious donkey for my collection. Danke Sabiene!

29. 08. 2013.

Official - Something Odd


I have sent official cards after a long time...and when I got this card in return, I wondered if its just me or if anyone else would think finding something like this in their mailbox odd! This is blood vessel configuration of the head acquired on sender's holiday. Its just not something I'd consider sending unless someone has 'weird cards' on their wishlist...
In any case I've received also a few ho-hum cards and one cutie, so overall I am not too encouraged to send officials again, but will do so from time to time to 'keep the ball rolling' and there is still a tiny bit of curiosity left..!

UNESCO - Þingvellir National Park, Iceland


 

Thingvellir National Park is where the Althing, an open-air assembly representing the whole of Iceland, was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798. Over two weeks a year this assembly of free men set laws and settled disputes. Also, many geological features here display the consenquencef of Iceland being situated at the meeting point of two tectonic plates - volcanoes, fissures, faults and the sunken valley.
Thank you vinur minn ,)

UNESCO - Historic Inner City Of Paramaribo, Suriname


Paramaribo is a former Dutch colonial town planted on the northern coast of tropical South America, which is now a capital of Suriname. The original characteristic street plan of the historic centre remains intact, and illustrates the gradual fusion of Dutch architectural influence with traditional local techniques and materials.
Paramaribo began when Fort Zeelandia was built in 1667 at the place of British Fort Willoughby.
Great addition to my collection, thanks Cheryll :))

UNESCO - Medina Of Tétouan, Morocco

 

From the 8th century onwards Tetouan was the main port of contact between Morocco and Andalusia; after the Reconquest the town was rebuilt by Andalusian refugees who had been expelled by the Spanish, which is well illustrated by its art and architecture. The medina is one of the smallest in Morocco but the most complete one, largely untouched by subsequent outside influences. The postcard shows a nightview of Bab Al-Oqla, or in Spanish Puerta de la Reina.
Many thanks to Eva for this great swap :)

28. 08. 2013.

UNESCO - Abbey Of St Gall, Switzerland


The Convent of St Gall is a perfect example of a great Carolingian monastery which flourished from the times of its foundation in the 8th century to its secularization in 1805. It was one of the most important centres of art and knowledge, with its rich library and the scriptorium. The location is where the Irish monk Gallus withdrew to lead a hermit life in 612; and in 747 abbot Othmar established a community of Benedictine monks and founded a school.
Love the aerial view! Big thanks to Ruedi :))

UNESCO - Teide National Park, Tenerife, Spain

 

I have been rather slack with blogging lately...and so many great Unesco postcards that I have received lately, I should start today if only with one..! This magnificent view of the Pico Viejo was sent to me by Adolfo with wonderful stamps, muchas gracias :))
The volcano is with 3718 meters the highest peak on the Spanish soil. Teide is of global importance in providing evidence of the geological processes that underpin the evolution of oceanic islands.

18. 08. 2013.

Inuit Girl, Greenland


And the last card for today, a special treat! Showing an Inuit girl in her traditional clothes, in a typical Greenland landscape (or not? one would expect ice i guess..!) and the name in flag colours. Whats more, it was sent with the current Europa stamp showing mail delivery by sleigh. So brilliant, thanks a zillion Arnold! :))

Monte Carlo, Then And Now






Two postcards from Monaco, multiviews of Monte Carlo from 1900 and 21st century. Great stamps and very interesting stamp/cancellation with sharks, very happy! Thank you Ash :)

Jersey Multiview


During the last week I have received many wonderful cards, most of them Unesco (yay) but also a few precious items 'on the side' :) As I am heading home for a break and dont have much time to update, here are some of the un-unesco cards!
My 2nd postcard from Jersey is a multiview of this small territory that is part of the Channel Islands, complete with the current Europa stamp. Wonderful, thanks so much Andrea!

15. 08. 2013.

Messi 10

 

As the Spanish League is kicking off this weekend I hope it brings us great games esp. from Barca and the brilliant Lionel Messi :) When he plays its like some kind of art..!

11. 08. 2013.

Mucha - Posters





More Mucha art in my collection to show :) The first is a theatre poster going under name of 1918-1928 Prague, and the second the advertisment for Bleu Deschamps, apparently a whitening agent. Ellen used a variety of lovely stamps - the ones to the right being esp colourful. Alas I cannot work out their year of issue...This and other two posts below are for this week's Sunday Stamps, check what the other entries on Colourful Stamps are :)

Tehran Metro Map



This is a hand-made postcard sent from Iran, with a colourful stamp (from a set of two) celebrating World Child And Post Day. The special cancellation is of the same image, I love details like that! Won the postcard in a lottery organised by i-puentchen, thanks so much :)

Jack Daniel's Old No.7




As I havent blogged for a little while and missed last week's Sunday Stamps I've decided I should post something today no matter what..! This week's theme is Colourful Stamps, and I am starting with this delicious raspberry wonder from Finland ( there was a pink-theme a while ago too that i had to miss ). I am a big fan of JD, I wonder how these two would go together..?!

07. 08. 2013.

Gars Am Inn, Germany


I have been to Gars many times since my sister got married there, but I never would have imagined the broader view exactly sooo green..! Truth to be told I loved every single place I've seen/been to in Bavaria :)


Mauritius Multiview

 

One of my favourite multiview cards, images of the gorgeous Mauritius framed with bright red. Thank you Samuel :))

Marigot Bay, St. Lucia


Beautiful Marigot Bay is situated on the western coast of the Caribbean island Saint Lucia. The inland portion of the bay forms a hurricane hole for sheltering the boats. It is also a historic landmark, having been the site of a number of battles  between the French and British navies...