Wednesday, March 27, 2024

SRI LANKA ~ Kadurugoda Temple - Kandarodai - Jaffna ~

... View of one of the very few ancient Buddhist sites remaining in Jaffna today... it is a very unique archeological site with  intact dome type stupas... according to one legend they are 2000 year old memorials to priests who supposedly were poisoned by a mushroom curry served to them and all of the Buddhist monks had died... this historical temple with a large number of "stupas" has become a popular tourist destination and is maintained by the Army... Thanks Ravindra!【ツ】

Kadurugoda Viharaya (also known as Kantarodai Archaeological Reserve) is located in Kandarodai village in Chunnakam, Jaffna District and it's history goes back to the Anuradhapura era.

The site was first identified in 1917 by P. E. Pieris, the then-district judge for Jaffna. They are uniquely constructed, each one made of coralline stone, now petrified. Each block has a hold drilled into it in the middle and standing atop the summit of the construction is a single spire. 

Stamps:

The 130th Anniversary of the Birth of Don Richard Wijewardena, 1886-1950 
(Issued 26-02-2016) 

Royal Botanical Gardens 
(Issued 12-09-2022)

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

GAMBIA ~ Green Vervet Monkey - Bijilo Forest Park ~

... Lovely monkey🐒 views at the Bijilo Forest Park ... a small rainforest nature reserve home to various mammalian species... the green monkey is the most tourist tolerant beast in West Africa... sadly the monkeys have often been fed by visitors in the park and this has caused issues, and the park is nominally trying to stop this practice, though park staff still regularly sell visitors peanuts to feed to the monkeys... this will reduce their fear of humans and disrupt their natural behaviour, which then increases the danger of small primates being stolen or hurt... there are plenty of fruit trees and other naturally growing foods for them to feed on... Thanks a lot Alena!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Photo: © Phil Gysen

The species rich Bijilo Forest Park is a fenced woodland which was created in 1952 and covers an area of 51.3 hectares situated on the coast. The park consists of mainly of closed canopy forest with a significant number of Borassus aethiopum palms. The park was opened to the public in 1991 and now receives over 23,000 visitors per year. The park lost part of its reserve status in 2018 during the construction of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.

This forest park is a home to over 150 bird species, other invertebrates and over 600 Monkeys.


Stamp: 

Butterflies 
(Issued 04-04-2005)

Monday, March 25, 2024

POLAND ~ St. Michael the Archangel Church - Binarowa -UNESCO ~

... Nice view of  one of the oldest and most valuable monuments of wooden religious architecture in Poland... from the outside you see a wooden fence, wooden little chapel and main wooden building.... when you enter, you are in a picturesque world of colors, figures and decorations which makes an enormous impression on visitors... they were designed to bring the Bible closer to people, and were an interpretation of the rules of conduct... angels in Binar's church are everywhere, thanks to them the church is simply magical... Thanks a lot Anastasiia!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

Photo: Andrzej

Michael Archangel's Church is a Roman Catholic Gothic-wooden church located in southeast Poland, dating built around 1500, enlarged in the 16th and 17th centuries (tower, chapel, porch). In the 1990s, the church was restored to its original structure, with the roof tin replaced with wood shingle. Between 2010 and 2012, the church was renovated, restoring the church after damage made in the 2010 flood.

This is one of the six Wooden Churches of Southern Little Poland, on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 2003.


 Stamp:

The 30th Anniversary of Caritas Poland 
(06-10-2021)

Friday, March 22, 2024

FRANCE ~ Malaucène - Vaucluse ~

... Pretty views of a historical village located in the Provence... nestled at the foot of the northern face of the Mont Ventoux... with medieval architecture, a courtyard under the shade of plane trees, plenty of shops, the source of the River Groseau and a number of listed monuments... it has one of the oldest markets in Provence with fresh local procucts such as the famous Malaucenne cherries... the village today lives on agriculture, vineyards, crafts and tourism... but most visitors here are "driven" cyclists, climbers and hikes come to confront the Mont Ventoux... cycling the Mont Ventoux from Malaucene is not as famous as the Bedoin route but absolutely stunning... Héééél Erg bedankt Ben!ʘ͜͡ʘ... He climbed also the three sides of the famous Mont Ventoux!🚴‍♂️💪🚴‍♂️

Photos: Piergeorg

Malaucène  is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It is the capital of the Ventoux and dates from the 10thC.

At 1,910m the Mont Ventoux is the highest mountain in the region and has been nicknamed the "Giant of Provence", or "The Bald Mountain" or Beast of Provence". It has gained fame through its inclusion in the Tour de France cycling race.

Stamp: 

Marianne - New Design
(Issued 20-07-2018)

Thursday, March 21, 2024

GERMANY ~ Erich Kästner -Villa Augustin - Dresden ~

... Lovely view of a bronze sculpture of young Erich Kästner... he is considered one of the most famous German writers and most beloved children's author... he wrote wonderfully funny and witty, heartwarming stories about kids... his works for adults, however, are thoroughly political and moral... Kästner was also a publicist, poet, satirist, dramatist and novelist... his books has been translated into over 70 languages... with matching stamp and great special postmark👍 celebrating the 125th anniversary of his birthday and the 50th anniversary of his death... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

Erich Kästner was born in Dresden in 1899 and spent his entire childhood there. He left Dresden in 1919, moving to Leipzig to study German, History, Philosophy and Theater Studies. He also started working on his first poems during this time. 

In memory of the great poet, a sculpture created by the Hungarian artist Mátyás Varga in 1999 is now sitting on the garden wall. The garden belonged to his uncle’s villa "Villa Augustin", an important place in Erich Kästner's childhood.Today, this villa houses the Erich Kästner Museum on Albertplatz in Dresden.


 Stamp:

The 125th Anniversary of the Birth of Erich Kastner, 1899-1974 
(Issued 01-02-2024)

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

TANZANIA ~ Old Dispensary - Zanzibar - UNESCO ~

... Nice view of the Old Dispensary located on the seafront... this historic building is one of the finest decoreated buildings in Stone Town with wooden carved balconies, stained glass decorations and stucco adornments... the inside of the building is just as sophisticated, with a covered courtyard and carved bridges connecting the floors... it is considered as a multi-cural style of Zanzibar architecture... it houses a small museum about the history of zanzibar... today the most photgraphed building... due to its heritage, Stone Town is also a major visitor attraction in Tanzania, and a large part of its economy depends on tourism-related activities... Thanks a lot Alena! (✿◠‿◠)

© Javed Jafferji

Stone Town located on the Pacific Ocean is the historical core of Zanzibar City, the capital of the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar which is part of Tanzania.

It is a well-preserved example of a Swahili coastal trading center. Stone Town's Swahili architecture incorporates elements of Arab, Persian, Indian, European and African styles. The town has flourished as a spice trading center in the 19thC and was a major port for the slave trade. 

Stone Town gets its name from the buildings and houses built with local stone. 

The Stone Town of Zanzibar was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in the year 2000. 


Stamp: 

Omani Architecture in Tanzania - House of Wonders 
(Issued 09-10-2022)

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

SRI LANKA ~ Vedda people ~

... Nice views of  the last indigenous tribe still in existence on the island... they inhabited the forests of Sri Lanka long before the Buddhists arrived... the "Vedda Forest People" are unfortunately slowly becoming extinct... after living in the jungles for more than 12,000 years most are now assimilated into normal life... a few remain in their jungle homes near national parks and reserves where Veddas show tourists their way of life... the Vedda people are hunter-gathers and forest-dwelling people... they are also known for their collection of bee honey; they climb trees to gather honey, warding off bees with burning leaves... Thanks a lot Ravindra!【ツ】

Photo: Anverdeen

They are said to exist since the 6th century BC. However, studies have shown that they have strong biological resemblances with prehistoric inhabitants from the Stone Age, making them be possibly one of the oldest tribes of our time. 

Today, the Vedda live scattered in tiny settlements in the Hunnasgiriya hills in central Sri Lanka up to the coastal lowlands in the island's east.

Vedda is a Dravidian word meaning “hunter,” and has traditionally implied “uncivilized”. 


Stamps:

Deepavali 
(Issued 10-11-2015)

4X World Wetlands Day 
(Issued 03-02-2020)

Monday, March 18, 2024

USA ~ Nāpali Coast - Kauai - Hawaii ~

... A spectacular aerial view of kauai's north shore, the most beautiful part of the island... the unique shapes and colors of the north shoreline are captured here... after great postcards of the Big Island, Waikiki and Maui this is Hawaii island nr4👍... as being the greenest of the Hawaiian islands its nicknamed the "Garden Island"... the Nāpali Coast is a sacred place defined by extraordinary natural beauty... with rugged mountains, lush landscapes, amazing beaches and spectacular sea cliffs.... only accessible by kayak or hiking trails...  perhaps the most interesting and unusual fact is that Kauai's Building Code dictates that "no building shall be taller than a Coconut Palm"... thus the 4 story limit on vertical construction... Thanks a lot once more dear Glenn, must have been another fantastic cruise vacation!!!  \_(♥‿♥)_/


Kauai is the northern most and the fourth largest island in the Hawaiian chain with the largest Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolawe (listed in order of size).

Kauai is geologically the oldest of the major Hawaiian islands at 5.8 million years old.

90% of the landmass is being used for agriculture or conservation.  Kauai grow more taro (taro is the staple of the Native Hawaiian diet and at the core of the Hawaiian culture.)  than any other island and are well-known for having the largest coffee plantation in the entire US.

Hawaii is the most isolated inhabited land mass in the world. 



Photo: Howie From Maui


 

Stamps: 

Pony Cars 
(Issued 25 -08-2022)

Chinese New Year - Year of the Dragon 
(Issued 25-01-2024)

Friday, March 15, 2024

USA ~ Humpback Whale - Maui - Hawaii~

...Another wonderful whale postcard from dear postcard friend Glenn🩵... it's always a great pleasure to get a new whale card for my collection👍... spectacular sight of the magnificent "gentle giant of the ocean" seen off Baby Beach on Maui's south shore... they are true "acrobats of the sea"  often seen "breaching" or jumping out of the water and crashing into the waves... although you can go whale watching in Maui from pretty much anywhere along Maui’s shorelines, the south and west sides of the island are the most popular... it is the area most visited by whales in all the Hawaiian islands... an unforgettable experience and one of the favourite things to do on the island......Thanks so much Glenn!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

Photographed by Michael S. Nolan

North Pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world and can weigh anywhere between 25-40 tons, and approximately 1 ton as newborns. They come here to feed on capelin, krill, and squid along the coast.

Their upper (dorsal) body is primarily a dark shade of grey, with distinct areas of white on their flippers (pectoral fins) and under (ventral) bellies. On average, the North Pacific humpback whale can live for about 50 years (although there have been accounts living up to 90 years), and reach sexual maturity between 5-7 years old. 

Stamps:

Tulip Blossoms 
(Issued 05-04-2023)

Insects - Colorado Hairstreak 
(Issued 09-03-2021)

Thursday, March 14, 2024

USA ~ Aloha - Hawaii ~

...🩴🏝️🌺ALOHA🌺🏝️🩴from Waikiki... wonderful tropical view of a vintage Travel Poster... young woman in traditional Hawaiian skirt dancing hula dance with ukulele guitar on  the beach... designed by Kerne Erickson, an unusual modern day visual artist creating Hawaiian Scenes Art in his own unique "vintage" style...Thanks a lot Glenn! (✿◠‿◠)  




With her flower crown and grass skirt, the hula girl has been synonymous with Hawaiian hospitality since cruise ships first docked in Honolulu in the 1920s.

Even today, exoticized images of these traditional dancers headline on travel websites, at tiki-themed bars, and on wiggly dashboard tchotchkes. 

Over the past two centuries, the cherished Hawaiian dance has moved from a sacred religious practice to a tourist attraction.





© Greg Young Publishing



Stamps:

Pony Cars 
(Issued 25-08-2022)

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

SCOTLAND ~ Maeshowe Chambered Cairn - Stenness - Orkney - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of one of Orkney’s Prehistoric Wonders... Maeshowe, a monumental chambered tomb, is the finest Neolithic building to survive in western Europe... a masterpiece of Neolithic design and construction, not least because of its use of massive stones... after duck-walking through a low ceiling passageway, visitors enter a large neolithic tomb site... perhaps one of Maeshowe's most famous attributes is its midwinter alignment... for a few days each year, as the midwinter sun slips below the horizon, its last rays shine directly through Maeshowe's entrance passage to illuminate the rear wall of the central chamber... a "must see" site when staying on Orkney... Big Thanks Andrene!(✿ ♥‿♥)... It also rained here non stop for weeks and the amount of rain we have had lately is pretty crazy!🌧️☔🌧️

© Charles Tait, Kelton, St OLa, Orkney

Maeshowe was built on a natural hillock, only slightly higher than the surrounding land located in the parish of Stenness, in Orkney’s West Mainland.

It was built around 2,800 BC (around 300 years earlier than the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt). The burial mound itself measures approximately 37m in diameter by 7.4m high, with an entrance passage of 14,5m. It is is made up of a large central chamber, with three side chambers built into the walls. 

This site was looted by Vikings in the 12thC. The several runic inscriptions on the walls of the chamber represent the largest single collection of such carvings in the world.

Maeshowe is part of the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney", a group of sites including Skara Brae, which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. 


 Stamp: 

Definitives - King Charles III 
(Issued 04-04-2023)

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

USA ~ Waipio Valley - Hawaii ~

... Great postcard from Glenn's first port stop on his Hawaiian cruise🛳️💙...Waipio Valley is said to be one of the most gorgeous spots on "the Big Island" known for its natural beauty... the Valley is in fact embedded between high cliffs, which descend many streams with several beautiful waterfalls... the shoreline is a soft black sand beach that meets blue waters for absolutely breathtaking views... often called the "Valley of the Kings"... it is considered as a sacred place due to its historical importance to the Hawaiian people... generations of Hawaiians lived down in this valley for years, including famous chiefs and kings that led the Hawaiian people... this valley is one of the most beautiful and secluded places to go to for a hike or horseback ride... Thanks a lot Glenn!【ツ】 

Photo: © Fyne/eStock Photo

The valley is located on the northeastern shores of the Hamaku Coast, tucked in the Kohala Mountains on the Big Island. Out of the seven valleys on the windward side, Waipio valley is the largest and most popular site to visit. Waipio valley is one mile wide at the coastline and six miles deep with 2000-foot high cliffs. This "Valley of the Kings " was the childhood home of King Kamehameha I.

It is named after the river that runs through the valley. Waipi'o means “curved water” in the Hawaiian language. 

 Stamps:

Insects - Colorado Hairstreak (Issued 09-03-2021)

Tulip Blossoms 
(Issued 05-04-2023)

Monday, March 11, 2024

SPAIN ~ Girona - Catalonia ~

... Great view of a gorgeous small city in the north of Spain also called  the "City of the Four Rivers"... it is a well-preserved medieval city with lots of historical charm, beautiful architecture, and many attractions to see... it has one of the most important mediaeval quarters in Spain and one of the best-preserved old Jewish quarters in Europe... one of the main tourist attraction is the magnificent cathedral of Santa Maria located at the highest point of the old city featuring the widest Gothic nave in the world with a breadth of 22 metres... recognisable for the Game of Thrones fans as the "Great Sept of Baelor"... the historic centre is surrounded by walls from where you have a full panoramic view of the whole medieval part of Girona, you can even see the Pyrenees in the distance... Thanks a lot Josep&Assumpta!ヽ(•‿•)ノ  

© Jordi Puig
 
Girona is a city of Catalonia and capital of the province of the same name. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Ter, Galigants, Honiar, and Guel, near the border with France. The origins of the city of Girona date back to Roman times.                                                                     


 

Stamp:

The 1100 Anniversary of the Kingdom of Nájera 
(Issued 27-08-2023)

Friday, March 8, 2024

HUNGARY ~ Liberty Bridge - Budapest ~

... Amazing view of the iconic Liberty Bridge... one of the most beautiful places of the city with its ornate decorations and pedestrian-friendly location... this bridge is breathtaking at night where it lights up and dominates the sky line... the bridge has a distinct coating of green: its color being totally different to all of the other bridges of Budapest... this makes it impossible to confuse it with any other structure in the city.... for many people living in Budapest, their favorite bridge... people sit on this bridge in between the walkway and the road and play music, are on dates or just hang out which gives it a lovely atmosphere...Thanks a lot Gian Luca and Raffaella! (✿◠‿◠)

The Liberty Bridge is the shortest bridge in the centre of Budapest’s with its 333.6m over the Danube river. Initially it was built as part of the Millennium World Exhibition at the end of the 19thC, in 1896. 

On the day of its opening, the final silver rivet was inserted personally by the Emperor Franz Joseph. Not surprisingly, the Emperor gave his name to the bridge: Franz Joseph Bridge. However, World War 2 changed everything. First, the war led to the partial destruction of the bridge, and secondly, following its reconstruction, the new regime governing the country, with no hint of irony, gave the bridge its new name.
 

Stamp:

Postal History
(Issued 05-05-2021)

Thursday, March 7, 2024

BELGIUM ~ Leo Baekeland ~

... Lovely maxicard nr2 honors one of Belgian's great inventors... Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland is credited with having invented the first thermosetting plastic... in other words, plastic that does not become softer with heat... he created it in 1907 while living in America and named it Bakelite after himself... one of world's first plasticlike materials produced commercially.... colorful objects made of Bakelite are jewelry, telephones, radios, and billiard balls, to name just a few... they brightened everyday life in the first half of the 20thC... a Belgian invention that changed the course of history... with nice matching stamp and first day cancellation👍... Nogmaals hééél erg bedankt *voor alles*😊Johan!(✿ ♥‿♥)
Leo Hendrik Baekeland (1863-1944) is a Belgian chemist and inventor. Trained as a chemist at the University of Ghent, he immigrated to the United States in 1889 and in the following years invented Velox photographic paper in 1893 and Bakelite in 1907, a polymeric plastic made from phenol and formaldehyde.

Baekeland was elected president of the American Chemical Society in 1924. He sold the General Bakelite Company, which he had founded in 1910, to Union Carbide in 1939.


Stamp:

Leo Baekeland, 1863-1944 
 (Issued 22-01-2024)

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

BELGIUM ~ Gillet Sport - Iconic Belgium Motorbikes ~

... First of two nice Belgian postcards issued by Bpost and made into maxicards by Johan💙... .Gillet, established in Herstal, marketed its first motorcycle in 1920... "Gillet Sport" was launched in 1923... the 350cc Gillet Sport "Tour du Monde" pictured belonged to the famous adventurer Robert Fabry and made a 20,000km journey across the Sahara... aviator and motorcyclist Robert Fabry was looking for a landing spots for planes en route from Belgium to the then colony and used this Gillet Sport to do so.... carrying 470kg of luggage... the bike would be dismantled 38 times in the course of the journey and carried in pieces across Congo's Rutshuru mountains... this true gem in the field of motorcycling history can be seen in the The Museum of Walloon Life...  with matching stamp and wonderful "motorcycle" first day cancellation👍... Héééééél Erg Bedankt Johan!ヽ(•‿•)ノ 

The Belgian motorcycle industry was once a leader in the motorcycle world. This industry started in the early 19th century, but died a silent death between 1960-1970. The most important brands were located in the Liège region. In particular FN, Sarol�a and Gillet.Gillet-Herstal was one of the three major Belgian motorcycle brands (alongside Sarolea and FN). The addition "Herstal" was to distinguish it from the Paris-built brand "Rene Gillet". 
 

Stamp:


Classic Belgian Motorcycles
(Issued 22-01-2024)

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

GERMANY~ Ernst May Haus & Museum - Frankfurt ~

... View of the terraced "Ernst-May-Haus" in Frankfurt's Romerstadt... the "New Frankfurt" was an affordable housing program from the “New Building” period in the 1920's and an important expample of classical modernism... it is the only residential building in this style that has been completely restored and renovated... a model house to solve the housing shortage... since 2010, the Ernst May House has been open to the public... with lovely stamp and great first day postmark😊... Thanks Dustin!ヽ(ヅ)ノ


The settlement was built between 1927 and 1928 according to plans by the city architect Ernst May (1886 – 1970). 

With his innovative urban planning program “Neues Frankfurt”, he developed a concept to enable every small family to live in a new, comfortable way (full basement, five rooms, bathroom, garden). 

Another special feature of the Ernst May House is the “Frankfurt Kitchen” designed especially for the kitchen by Margarethe Schütte-Lihotzky, which is now considered the archetype of the modern fitted kitchen.

 Rooms are decorated in the original colours from 1928 to give authenticity to Ernst May's vision. The house is also equipped with reclaimed original furniture that was designed for the settlement.


Photo: Simon Keckeisen

Stamp: 

Squirrel in the Snow 
(Issued 02-11-2023)

Monday, March 4, 2024

AZORES ~ Church of Misericórdia - Angra - Terceira Island ~

...Nice view of the older part of Angra do Heroísmo... this beautiful bright blue and white church is one of the most prominent landmarks of the city... the colourful facades are its highlights... this church is an important 18thC construction, built on the site of a former 15thC church dedicated to the Holy Spirit, which was attached to the first hospital in the city... located on the stunning Angra waterfront and has a four-floors facade with two towers and Baroque altars... access into the church is by stairs... mailed from the island itself👍!! Thanks a lot João!【ツ】


Terceira is one of the 9 islands within the Portuguese Autonomous Region of the Azores, an archipelago of Portugal in the North Atlantic Ocean. 

It is one of the larger islands in the archipelago and home to Azores' oldest city Angra do Heroismo. This was an important island on the maritime trade route between Europe and North America, which contributed to its development. The island is in fact an active volcanic island, that is composed of several older extinct volcanoes.

It was classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1983.

Stamp:


Fruits of Portugal
(Issued 22-02-2017)

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

CHILI ~ Churches of Chiloé - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of two historic Catholic churches belonging to a group of 16 iconic wooden churches... the Churches of Chiloé are outstanding examples of the successful fusion of European and indigenous cultural traditions to produce a unique form of wooden architecture... the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows of Dalcahue (left one) is located on the main plaza of the small town of Dalcahue... it was founded in 1849 and built on a former missionary chapel... the Church of Santa María de Loreto de Achao is the oldest traditional Chiloé church built around 1740 and survives almost intact from de Jesuit mission era... they were all built near the coast using locally cut cypress and larch wood... all joined wood, without nails... Thanks a lot Alex!ヽ(ヅ)ノ


Chiloé Island, also known as Greater Island of Chiloé, is the largest island of the Chiloé Archipelago. The island is located in southern Chile, in the Los Lagos Region and is referred to as the main island in the archipelago.

Out of 70 churches, 16 churches survived fires and natural disasters over the centuries, including the 1960 earthquake and tidal wave.The standing churches: Achao, Quinchao, Castro, Rilán, Nercón, Aldachildo, Ichuac, Detif, Vilupulli, Chonchi, Tenaún, Colo, San Juan, Dalcahue, Chellín, and Caguach were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2000.

Stamps:
 
Architecture - View of the Old and New Congress 
(Issued 03-07-2011)

Mail Boxes 
(Issued 21-10-2011)

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

GERMANY ~ The Little Garden of Paradise - Städel Museum - Frankfurt ~

... Wonderful view of a small scale masterpiece created around 1410 by an unknown painter referred to as Upper Rhenish Master... painted in the international Gothic style on oakwood, measuring 26 x 33 cm... in this famous and charming painting, the artist depicts a secluded scene, with Mary the Mother and Jesus the Child in a secluded corner of a castle garden, a peaceful place protected by a wall from the violent outer world representing the paradise... the realism of the painting is unusual for the time... there are 24 plants and 12 birds in the garden, all accurately depicted... this painting is the Städel's most famous example of the old German school... with once more a sweet stamp from the series: "Heroes of Childhood“💙... and nice special first day postmark👍...Thanks a lot Dustin! (✿◠‿◠)

The Städel Museum – Old Masters collection is part of the Städel’s art museum and gallery located in Frankfurt. It is one of the most important and renowned art museums in the country, housing a vast collection of artworks from the Middle Ages through to contemporary art. The museum showcases paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings, with works by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, Degas, Picasso, and many others.

 Stamp:

Heroes of Childhood - Käpt'n Blaubär
(Issued 07-12-2023)

Monday, February 26, 2024

JAPAN ~Nijo-jo Castle - Kyoto - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of an impressively former castle... one of the most significant historical sites of Japan... a place that has witnessed the changes of Japan including the prosperity and declane of the Tokugawa family... it remains an eloquent testimony to their power... the sprawling castle grounds are surrounded by a wide moat and towering stone walls... spanning over 275,000 m2 Nijo Castle is one of the biggest historic sites in all of Kyoto... there are historical murals and various other scriptures about life during the Edo Era... the Castle offers also authentic Japanese-style wedding ceremonies... Hééél Erg Bedankt Benny!【ツ】

Known as the Kyoto residence, Nijo-jo was ordered and built in 1601 by the famous leader Tokugawa Leyasu (the first shogun of the Edo Period), as an ornate, ostentatious Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa clan. The castle was completed in 1629 by his son and successor, Iemitsu. The Tokugawa shoguns in Kyoto had been ruling Japan for over 260 years from 1603 to 1868.

The temple is part of the Unesco WHS, inscribed in 1994 as “The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)”. This site consist of seventeen parts that are situated in Kyoto and surroundings.

 

Stamp:

??????

Friday, February 23, 2024

MALAWI ~ Nyala Antelope - Lengwe National Park ~

... Great new African National Park postcard💚... home of the very beautiful and shy Nyala antelope... the original reserve here was set aside to protect the most northerly surviving population of these species... estimated at more than 2000 individuals... the park is now a stronghold of this rare mammal... this little-visited national park although is lacking most of the big safari animals but the park has wonderful scenery... the waterholes are great places to spend some time bird watching with more than 330 species recorded and are a focal point for wildlife in the Dry season... Thanks a lot Emmanuel!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Lengwe National Park located on the border with Mozambique. It was first set aside as a game reserve in 1928. It was subsequently designated a national park in 1970 and expanded to its current size of 887 km² in 1975.

Male and female Nyala are significantly different in their appearance to the point that some people identify them as different species. Males are significantly larger and are covered with charcoal grey fur with the lower legs, ears and foreheads being tan, they also have spiraling horns  A female Nyala looks very much like a deer. She does not have horns and has a reddish-brown coat, at least 10 white, vertical stripes along her sides, and a crest of dark hair that runs all the way down her back.

Stamp:

Fauna - The Big Five
(Issued 03-11-2011)

Monday, February 19, 2024

JAPAN ~ Tokyo Station ~

... View of the the magnificent red-brick Tokyo (Marunouchi side) station surrounded by skyscrapers... a landmark of the city and has served as a major hub of the nationwide railway network in Japan since it opened in 1914... this classical architecture building has witnessed many defining historical moments that have shaped Tokyo and Japan over the course of a hundred years.. directly connected via underground walkways you will find dozens of underground passages, shopping streets, dining areas, galleries, a hotel and more... Thanks Jobblo!【ツ】

It is the busiest station in Japan in terms of number of trains per day (over 3,000),Today, more than 350.000 people pass through the station every day.  It is also served by many regional commuter lines of Japan Railways.

Inspired by Amsterdam's Central station Tokyo Station is an impressive 304 meters long and is one of the biggest in the world. It has a symmetrical design, with identically shaped wings flanking its entrance, which was constructed for the Imperial family. In 2012, Tokyo Station building was successfully preserved and restored to its original state. 

Stamps:

Bird Art of the Edo Period 
(Issued 24-01-2022)

World of Arts - Blue
(Issued 19-03-2020)

Friday, February 16, 2024

ZIMBABWE ~ Great Zimbabwe - UNESCO ~

... Nice ruins view of a magnificent historical site of a royal empire of Africa from the Middle Ages...  an archaeological wonder where history of a lost civilization comes alive... it is a unique place home to the largest ancient ruins in all of Africa... the Geat Zimbabwe ruins are not only an ancient city but the place hosts a lot of ancient spirits that local people still consult... it is one of the places where they pay homage to their ancestors... this medieval architectural masterpiece was created on a hill with rudimentary granite bricks... Great Zimbabwe National Monument is the country's main cultural attraction and one of the most visited archaeological sites in Zimbabwe... Thanks a lot Alena!(✿◠‿◠)

Great Zimbabwe is known for its large circular wall and tower. It was part of a wealthy African trading empire that controlled much of the East African coast from the 11th to the 15th centuries C.E.

Great Zimbabwe gave the country its name, Zimbabwe, in 1980 after gaining independence from England. Zimbabwe means "stone house" in the Shona language, and the houses of that time were all built of granite stone.

Stamp:

Baby Animals
(Issued 17-12-2019)

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

AZERBAIJAN ~ Sheki - UNESCO ~

... Lovely view of the courtyard of the Upper Caravanserai... the Sheki’s Caravanserais used to be centres for exchanges and negotiations for merchants and other people travelling along the legendary Silk Road and also provided a place to stay overnight in the city.... the traders would’ve been able to tether their camels inside the complex, and store their wares for the night... the Caravanserai still offers accommodation today and are one of the most unique places to stay overnight in Azerbaijan.... the historical capital of Sheki is one of the best Azerbaijan tourist cities... Thanks a lot Elrum!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Shaki is a city in northwestern Azerbaijan, surrounded by the district of the same name. It is located on the southern part of the Greater Caucasus mountain range.

There are ancient settlements in Sheki, which are considered to be more than 2,700 years old. It's presumed that the name of Sheki comes from Saks, who lived in Azerbaijan in the 7th century BC. The Upper Caravanserai dates back from the 17th and 18th centuries.

 In 2019, “The historic center of Sheki together with the Khan’s Palace” was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 Stamps

TheAnniversary of the Birth of Heydar Aliyev
(Issued 10-05-2023)

Butterflies of Azerbaijan 
(Issued 28-06-2022)