UNESCO - The Great Wall Of China

Its somewhat amazing that I havent posted about the Great Wall so far, eh? :) As I am sure I have other views, but this one captures the most I think - the setting, the vastness and the ingenuity of this unique structure. 

As the official Unesco site sez: ''The Great Wall was continuously built from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD on the northern border of the country as the great military defence project of successive Chinese Empires, with a total length of more than 20,000 kilometers. The Great Wall begins in the east at Shanhaiguan in Hebei province and ends at Jiayuguan in Gansu province to the west. Its main body consists of walls, horse tracks, watch towers, and shelters on the wall, and includes fortresses and passes along the Wall.''

And these are only a few of the hundreds of interesting facts. One thing is for sure - it has to be seen and experienced :)

The Ancient Palaces Of Seoul, South Korea

 

Last autumn I have done a revision of my blog and checked whichever countries I didnt include yet - and for some reason I have skipped South Korea. I have a few postcards from there (which also goes by the name Republic Of Korea), and this one represents the ancient palaces of Seoul. Really happy with this great view and brilliant stamps, thank you Junko :)

Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy

I have many great views of Rome but this one is probably one of the most stunning ones - an aerial view of the Spanish Steps, the widest stairway in Europe built in the 18th century. Now I was ready to put this under Unesco, but I am not sure it qualifies. A surprise card from a friend who was visiting her family in Rome :)

UNESCO - Historic Centre Of Prague, Czech Republic

The classic view of the castle Pražský hrad, which carries the title of the biggest castle in the world (570m long and 130m wide). Its first walled building was Church Of The Virgin Mary (9th cent.) and the famous Basilica Of St. Vitus came to be in the 10th century. You can also see a part of the gorgeous Charles Bridge from the 14th cent. which must be the most beautiful bridge I have ever walked across :) This was a surprise card from my friend Misha; I love the Zatopek stamp!

The Old Town Square in Prague...I dream of going back there. As time flies its been more than six years already since my trip to the Czech Republic. I really enjoyed waking the streets of the old town, crossing the Charles Bridge (10 times a day heh), window-shopping for all that crystal...I went in february when it wasnt too touristy, but i wouldnt mind experiencing it in warmer days!

Private swap with sydus who also went there for a holiday, thank you. I especially like the Art Deco stamp :)

UNESCO - Historic City Of Vienna, Austria

I thought I could add some of the classic European cities to my blog today. As it happens, many are also on the UNESCO whs list. No wonder when you think of Vienna and all its historical splendour - this postcard shows the Hofburg Palace, which currently serves as the official residence of the President of Austria but was the Habsburgs' principal winter residence. This was a nice surprise from my friend Ana (one of many dear Anas in my life!), and I really like the stamps and cancellation too xD

UNESCO - Xochimilco, Mexico

The full name of the Unesco WHS site is Historic Centre Of Mexico And Xochimilco - and dear Ana insured that I receive postcards that represent both parts :) As the official Unesco web-site explains: Xochimilco lies 28 km south of Mexico City. With its network of canals and artificial islands, it testifies to the efforts of the Aztec people to build a habitat in the midst of an unfavourable environment. Its characteristic urban and rural structures, built since the 16th century and during the colonial period; have been preserved in an exceptional manner.

As I have been entertaining myself lately with the thoughts of going to Mexico and Central America, I thought to give myself a little reminder of how awesome the area is :) and maybe then I can finally learn spanish! Third time lucky they say...Gracias bossita!

Sunday Stamps #106 - Cartoons and cartoon-like drawings

Hello hello after a long break! As I am having an opportunity now to post on my blogs - albeit the 'old' scans on my usb - i have chosen my first post in 2013 to be for Viridian's Sunday Stamps. I am not even sure the following stamp qualifies for this week's theme...but lets give it a shot..!

I have received my 1st w&s postcard from tiny Monaco some years ago when my sis Marija went there on a holiday (in package with Côte d'Azur) - now this may seem like déjà vu as I have posted this exact postcard once before, but the truth is, i have two postcards from Monaco and they are a duplicate! But I was hoping to have a chance to post this one too as I simply love the stamp:

Issuing stamps promoting the Circus is a kind of a tradition for Monaco Post. This joyful piece was issued in december 2006 and is announcing the 2007 Circus Festival held in January. I think part of its attractiveness for me are the red hues :)) 

I wonder what the others have posted here! 

Happy New Year 2013!

Greetings from Ecuador! I want to wish everyone a happy and fullfilled new year, whoever and wherever you are :)) I happen to be across the ocean, pursuing happiness...cannot yet tell if its going well but perhaps i will be sure some day soon :) My apologies for not being able to send postcards, there are so many dear postcrossing friends that I would love to send something to but the budget doesn't allow me this time around...I am sure there will be new opportunities in the days and years to come :) stay well and safe!

New Cathedral, Cuenca, Ecuador