31. 08. 2014.

Sweet Long-Ears



Ah sweet indeed! Thanks so much Gerda, and of course needless to say the stamps are great :)) I just need a bit of help with translation? I wish I knew French...was always discouraged to try to learn it because of seemingly impossible pronunciation..!

UNESCO - Kakadu National Park, Australia



This unique archaeological and ethnological reserve, located in the Northern Territory, has been inhabited continuously for more than 40,000 years. It is a unique example of a complex of ecosystems, including tidal flats, floodplains, lowlands and plateaux, and provides a habitat for a wide range of rare or endemic species of plants and animals.
Got this for cuba swap, love the design of the stamp (and the yoth stamp!) - thank you Irene :)
 

30. 08. 2014.

UNESCO - St Kilda, UK



This volcanic archipelago, with its spectacular landscapes, is situated off the coast of the Hebrides and comprises the islands of Hirta, Dun, Soay and Boreray. It has some of the highest cliffs in Europe, which have large colonies of rare and endangered species of birds, especially puffins and gannets. The archipelago, uninhabited since 1930, bears the evidence of more than 2,000 years of human occupation in the extreme conditions prevalent in the Hebrides. Human vestiges include built structures and field systems, the cleits and the traditional Highland stone houses. They feature the vulnerable remains of a subsistence economy based on the products of birds, agriculture and sheep farming.
 
I once saw this postcard on a friend's blog and thought oh how lucky she is...it shows The Village (Am Baile)m the largest settlement found on the south side of the island, overlooking the Village Bay or Loch Hirta.
The medieval village on Hirta was rebuilt in the 19th century, but the influences of religious zeal, illnesses brought by increased external contacts through tourism, and the First World War all contributed to the island's evacuation in 1930. How lucky to get this as an official card, thanks so much Iain!
 

28. 08. 2014.

Maasai With Donkeys, Tanzania




Wow...I have arranged a swap for a postcard from Tanzania, but for some reason I didn't expect a view THIS great - Yue made an extra effort to find donkeys for me! Whats more, in the background is Ngorongoro crater which is situated in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, an Unesco site! But because I am yet uncertain of the area's borders I am not sure whether to include it in my Unesco collection...any thoughts?
In any case I love this and am sending Yue a thousand thanks :)))
Not to mention the stamps...awesome

26. 08. 2014.

Performers From Kebbi State, Nigeria



My first thought upon receiving this card was - well not 3rd time but 5th time lucky! I have swapped for a postcard from Nigeria three times before, once it was send by a travelling friend, nothing happened until Ahmed so kindly re-sent his cards, and I am grateful! I think the scene he picked is great and the stamp...the look on Cross River Gorilla's face...priceless
 

Officials - NL, CZ, BY




25. 08. 2014.

Official - Chameleon In Pose



Very nice addition to my lizard collection came as an official card from Ukraine, with quite a selection of stamps. Not so common in the world of officials!

24. 08. 2014.

Capbreton Lighthouse, France



Capbreton  is a commune of around 7500 inhabitants in the Landes department in Aquitaine in south-western France, about 40 km to the north of Biarritz. Here are two lighthouses in fact...wish I could stand now where this woman is standing...Nevermind it looks a bit chilly, in fact we had quite a storm here just yesterday.
 

The Courant d’Huchet, France



This amazing stretch of land exists in Europe and yet not so easy to find info. My friend went on a surfing spree to the southwest coast of France called Côte des Landes, which is again part of Côte d’Argent (Silver Coast). The picture shows the Courant d’Huchet, an overflow of the Léon Lake which snakes its way down to the ocean through a luxurious forest tunnel to earn its name of “The Amazon of the Landes”. It is protected as a Natural Reserve.
 

22. 08. 2014.

Oranjestad, Aruba



Another newbie in my collection, thanks to Denise :) Colourful street scene of Oranjestad or Orange Town, the capital and largest city of Aruba. located on the southern coast near the western end of the island country. In the local language, Papiamento, Oranjestad is often referred to simply as "Playa". In 2010 the population of the capital was estimated at just under 30 000.
There is some Dutch Colonial architecture - due to increased government interest in maintaining the island's cultural heritage, a number of old buildings and houses in the center of town have been transformed into colorfully restored landmarks. The picture shows the Royal Plaza Mall.
 

20. 08. 2014.

Goat Alive In Anguilla



The word 'alive' is not there by accident - apparently a goat stew is a popular dish in Anguilla. I like goats. I like colourful houses. And I love receiving such a great piece of mail (first ever from Anguilla) thank you Pat!

14. 08. 2014.

Chevy On The Beach




I have been lazy updating...life on the island has become such a routine, with every day being the same and just flying by...its the peak of the tourist season, ports are busy, and the sky is (mostly) blue like on the pic - though truth be told it has been a weird summer so far, weather-wise. Probably the rainiest in a while. Well I am on my way to use a couple of days off! *waving*
P.S. This classic car looks like a Chevrolet to me, but I am not really sure..!

04. 08. 2014.

UNESCO - Anuradhapura / Dambulla, Sri Lanka



Two Unesco sites on one postcard! Showing on the left the Sacred City of Anuradhapura and on the right the Golden Temple of Dambulla. As I have posted a postcard of the 1st I will include some info on the latter:
The ensemble of Dambulla is an outstanding example of the religious art and expression of Sri Lanka and South and South-East Asia. A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues.
Thanks so much Hena!

UNESCO - Historic Site Of Lyons, France




The long history of Lyons, which was founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. as the capital of the Three Gauls and has continued to play a major role in Europe's political, cultural and economic development ever since, is vividly illustrated by its urban fabric and the many fine historic buildings from all periods.
This night view encompasses the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière built on the spot of the  forum vetus (old forum), medieval Cathédrale St-Jean (Lyon cathedral) and Pont Bonaparte on the Saône river.
I have just learned thanks to this postcard that Lyon is also known for its famous light festival 'Fête des Lumières', which occurs on my birthday 8th of  December - plans are already in the making!!
Merci Clotilde :)
 

Putrajaya, Malaysia



Beautiful vibrant colours on this postcard showing Putra Mosque and in the background Perdana Putra,  the Prime Minister's Office. Its hard to guess that these buildings were built less than two decades ago - as Putrajaya, located 25 km south of Kuala Lumpur, is a planned city built when the seat of government was shifted in 1999 from Kuala Lumpur, due to overcrowding and congestion in the Kuala Lumpur area.
Many thanks to ZiXun :)
 

Stockholm Old Town, Sweden



One of my favourite posties from Sweden is this view of Stockholm's Gamla stan (Old Town), it looks so quaint and pleasant..! It consists primarily of the island Stadsholmen which is relatively small; it dates back to the 13th century, and consists of medieval alleyways, cobbled streets, and archaic architecture. Stortorget is the name of the scenic large square in the centre of Gamla Stan, which is surrounded by old merchants' houses. Looks lovely!