Olive Trees, Provence

Autumn is kind of a happening time at home - I called my dad today and he was telling me how busy they were these days with harvesting olives and getting firewood for the winter, plus he made some more wine and now we're eagerly waiting for St. Martin's day (for that is the day that the must really turns into wine :)) My postcard collection of olive trees is quite modest, but I do use every chance I get to expand it, like the time I was in Monaco with the cruise ship. Olive trees must be the most nostalgic image for me, and the smell of harvested olives lingering in my nostrils...it even makes me miss home. A little bit.

Le Charme à la Française

I am curious about myself right now, and the reasons why I've chosen to send this postcard from Monaco...my guess is (as my memory does the usual fail) that the view cards were similar to what I already have. I do remember the little cute shop though, and other sweet things they were selling - I ended up with a lavender soap souvenir in a kitty box :) 

I was in Monaco once before but suuuch a long time ago, it was the high-school excursion and we stopped there on our way to Barcelona. Needless to say it was all new to me...It is possible we didn't venture to the old town back then as we were in the Casino Monte Carlo area; this time I only walked around the old town. Let me see if I have any interesting photos to show...Oh yes this place was positively surprising, the sea side of the Oceanographic Museum:

Circuit De Monaco

Formula One motor race Monaco Grand Prix is held each year on the Circuit de Monaco since 1929; it is widely considered to be one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world. The race is held on a narrow course laid out in the streets of Monaco, with many elevation changes and tight corners as well as a tunnel, making it one of the most demanding tracks in Formula One.

Famous Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna won three Formula One world championships, but was killed in an accident while leading the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix -  he is to this day considered to be one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.

Many thanks to Ann for this great combo :)

 

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 :)

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! 

Le Rocher, Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is the second smallest and the most densely populated country in the world -  it has an area of 1.98 km² and a population of 36 371, and is situated about 16 km from Italy. Monaco is a principality governed under a form of constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of state. The House of Grimaldi have ruled Monaco, with brief interruptions, since 1297.

The postcard says 'Monte Carlo', which is the most popular of the ten wards Monaco is divided into; but it actually shows Monaco-Ville or simply Le Rocher (The Rock), as it is situated on a rocky promontory into the Mediterranean Sea. It's where you'd find the Prince's Palace.

A funny thing to be said! I have one other written & stamped card of Monaco, sent to me by my sis who was there 5 years ago. And its exactly the same card..! I should have posted it here heh, now i don't have to. The Europa stamp and the cancellations are GREAT, thanks so much Marta :)