City Of Münster, Germany

Münster is an independent city and a cultural centre of the Westphalia region, northwestern Germany. Its origins go back to the 8th century when a church and a cloister were built on the right bank of the Aa river; by the Middle Ages the city became an important member of the Hanseatic League. Today it is thriving with students from all over Germany and the world.

These are more recent cards I've received, and you know how? I won a lottery, and yes for both cards! On top of that, amazing mini-sheets were used as postage. Many thanks go to Frank :)

Fountains Of Bellagio, Las Vegas, USA

Las Vegas has become such a popular city, but I still fail to recognise its lure. If anything, it looks like a nightmare for an introvert lol. Still, it does raise the interest as an architectural feat. As I read the name 'Bellagio' it rang a bell...not sure why, it's like I've heard it in a song...can't figure it out. The Bellagio resort offers 3950 rooms, a line of superb restaurants, even a gallery and a conservatory. The fountains depicted here are also quite famous, their display is coreographed to various pieces of music, from Elvis Presley to Tiesto. Thank you Rachel :)

Oran, Algeria

Oran  is a major city on the northwestern Mediterranean coast of Algeria, and the second largest city of the country. It is my first city view card from Algeria, thanks to Riyad :)

 

A Dutch Route

Here are the 3/5 of towns I've visited in Holland last November - Rotterdam, Gauda and Amsterdam.

Didn't really know what to expect of Rotterdam, in the end it was quite surprising to discover quirky architecture along the way, and that the Dutch have the shortest opening hours of any country I have yet been to :)

I've enjoyed tasting a Gauda menu in, well, Gauda :) But the cheese market depicted on the postcard had to be missed, as it is only manageable in the nice summer weather.

Lots to say about Amsterdam (not the least that I could easily see myself living in such a city), here the accent is on the imaginative river boats, someone's living space. Amazing postcard assortment (I even bought some magnets as there were sooo many to choose from) but they are not often seen on postcrossing.

Missing towns are Delft (beautiful! I wish I was there longer, definately going back) and Hague (wait...I thought I've sent one from there...pih)
 

New York, New York

Normally I can stand only so much of busy city streets, but on this murky windy day stuck on the tiny island I feel nothing more than transporting myself into these New York scenes and getting a shot of its hectic vibe

 

Encamp, Andorra

Encamp is the main town in the parish of the same name in central Andorra, situated on the Valira d'Orient river in a beautiful mountainous setting. Many thanks to Fabienne for this view and using the Europa stamp :)

In 2011 Europa stamps presented forests, and most of those stamps were/are gorgeous - I am happy to show some of them here for Sunday Stamps #131 theme Trees. Please check my other posts below, and what others have contributed this week :)

UNESCO - Historic Town Of Guanajuato And Adjacent Mines, Mexico

 

Founded by the Spanish in the early 16th century, Guanajuato became the world's leading silver-extraction centre in the 18th century. This past can be seen in its 'subterranean streets' and the 'Boca del Inferno', a mineshaft that plunges a breathtaking 600 m. The town's fine Baroque and neoclassical buildings, resulting from the prosperity of the mines, have influenced buildings throughout central Mexico. The churches of La Compañía and La Valenciana are considered to be among the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Central and South America.

So great to have this wonderful view in my collection, gracias Monica! :))

Marienplatz, Munich, Germany

Here is a very familiar view of the Town Hall at Munich Marienplatz, with imposing Frauenkirche in the background. I have been there so many times but it was Andy who added its view to my postcard collection - a surprise card, thank you :))

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Next stop - Chefchaouen, a city in northwest Morocco in the Rif Mountains, known for its buildings in shades of blue. My last stop before returning to Marrakech, and the most relaxing and enjoyable one! Just walking around the blue streets is enough to make the visit unforgettable :))

Beirut, Lebanon

And here is something from my 'archives', a view of the city and country that i'd really love to visit one day <3>Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, first mentioned in ancient Egyptian letters from the 15th cent. BC; it has been inhabited continuously ever since.

This card was sent to me by my former roommate in London - I was stoked that he remembered my passion for postcards! It was and still remains to be my only w&s postcard from this beautiful country.

Views Of Melbourne, Australia

It is a trial enough to try and update all the current swaps...and then there are so many cards that I've received over the years, before blogging and during the winter breaks - I hope to manage to post at least a portion of it...! Recently I've re-discovered a huge pile of cards that Ash sent me from his travels and time spent living & working in Australia. He really was generous! So here are some glimpses of it :)

                                    
                                

                                 

Melbourne is the second most populous city in Australia, and capital of Victoria State. It is situated in the large bay known as Port Phillip, at the estuary of the Yarra River. The city was founded in 1835 and officially declared a city by Queen Victoria in 1847.

I was lucky to be able to live in this great city for three months in the winter of 2005/06 :) It is vibrant yet very relaxed...always something to do but the image of a hectic urban hub escapes it. Moreover, it is surrounded by beautiful nature, there are opportunities for short day trips aplenty! AAhhh lately I have been getting signs that I should go back...Thats just not fair, how do I find time and resources..?!

Views Of Israel

I don't think we reached the decision to go to Israel before staying in Jordan. It was just so close, so tempting...And because of the visa regulations it was possible to go from Jordan, but not from Syria or Lebanon, so a loop wasn't doable. It was an enjoyable week..!

What to say about Jerusalem...so much is said and written about it, but seeing it is in a league on its own. It is another place that I would LOVE to see again :)

Sent on 25th of November, 2008

From Jeruzalem we travelled to Tel Aviv, and up to Haifa to spend a night and visit Nazareth & The Sea of Galilee on a day-trip. Regardless of my current religion status it is mesmerising to look upon the lake and imagine the Bible stories taking place there :) Sea of Galilee & its Ancient Sites is on the Unesco WHS's tentative list, but also are The Galilee Journeys of Jesus & the Apostles.

Old Jaffa is gorgeous! Such a contrast fom the busy and urban Tel Aviv, and very picturesque. I made a wish on the Wishing Bridge touching my zodiac sign and facing the sea, but for the life of me I can't remember what it was..! Many many cool cats sunbathing on the coastal strip from Jaffa to Tel Aviv :D

And yay, in Tel Aviv I found a shop with stamps, old postcards and such. I have bought a few items but had to give up on the rest while biting my elbow...uff.

Nairobi, Kenya

Next stop - Nairobi. With population of over 3 mil it bears an unexpected title of 'Green City in the Sun'! Sent on the 22nd of October, 2008.

Views Of Uganda

Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Big & hectic! Noisy & polluted! And with possibly the best post office in the whole of Africa, yay!

The nature continues to be stunningly beautiful: Rwenzori mountains (permanently snow-capped, with the highest peak at 5109 m - also one of the 3 Unesco sites in Uganda); Virunga Mountains (home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas); fossil rock in Karamoja; Crate lake in Queen Elizabeth National Park; Lake Bunyonyi (safe for swimming!) and Murchison Falls (Uganda's largest national park, spread around the Victoria Nile). Who wouldn't want to see all this?!

The postcard was sent on the 8th of November?

Niamey, Niger

 

Through Togo and Benin (and its splendid beaches) to Niger...

To my friend's regret he didn't have time to explore many natural wonders of Niger, among them Air and Tenere nature reserve, 2nd largest in Africa. But he found the capital Niamey as friendly and pleasant as most cities and places he visited during his stay in western Africa. The city was founded on the east ("left bank") of the Niger River, here you can see the Kennedy bridge whose construction enabled Niamey to expand onto the right bank of the river to the west.
On the stamp is (former) president of Niger Mamadou Tandja, who was overthrown in a military coup d'etat in February 2010.
(How did I manage to scan this so crookedly..?!)

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen is a city in northwest Morocco, situated in Rif Mountains just inland from Tangier. It was founded in 1471 and has a population of 35,709 inhabitans (2004, wiki source).

My friend describes it as a touristy place that still manages to ooze a relaxed atmosphere :)

This postcard was sent on 9th of November 2008.