Postcards Around the World: 2012

2012-12-31

Christmas postcards 2012 (III)

Sent through Facebook app PunChristmas

Pineapple from S. Miguel Island, Açores (Azores), sent by Lurdes

"Merry Christmas" by M. Vitória Nogueira, sent by Flora

Burney Falls located in the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, sent by PilotOne.

2012-12-30

Postcrossing Meeting in Angra do Heroísmo, Açores - Portugal

Last October, "martinha" visited the Terceira Island in Açores (Azores). There she have met Lurdes. From both I received these beautiful postcards:

Marina of Angra do Heroísmo, UNESCO, sent by "martinha"

Puffin, sent by Lurdes

Rochopper penguin, sent by Lurdes

2012-12-29

Fishermen houses in Ílhavo - Portugal

Sent by me.

Last October, I visited Ílhavo just to see these typical houses, They used to owned by the fishermen.

"Within the municipality, there are two villages that are popular in the summertime: Praia ("beach") da Barra, where the tallest lighthouses in Portugal (Farol de Aveiro ou da Barra) is situated and Praia da Costa Nova (Costa Nova do Prado), with its typical houses called Palheiros (they are characterized for fronts in wood or concrete, listed with lively and cheerful colors alternated with the white color) and fish market.

[...]Ílhavo is deeply connected with the fishing of codfish; with effect most of the captains were original of there. These connections of Ílhavo with the sea can be seen in the Museum Maritímo de Ílhavo, which for besides the building, there has the only side surviving tug of fishing of the cod. The ship makes integrant part of the Museum and provides lodging for temporary exhibitions. The recently renovated Maritime Museum of Ilhavo is dedicated to the White Fleet fisheries and to the Ria de Aveiro fishermen. The main harbor (port) of the region (i.e. Aveiro harbor) is located in Ílhavo municipality." In: Wikipedia

2012-12-28

Postcrossing Meeting in Bielefeld - Germany

For the third year, Bielefeld was the place for another International Postcrossing Meeting! A lot of people went to this meeting and I recognize several signatures of the card.

"Refuge" by Luciano Candisani, sent by Anja

Several views of Bielefeld, sent by "azzurri"

2012-12-27

Map card of Portugal mainland (IV)

Oswaldo Santos (photo) / Papyrus

RR PT G55, sent by "ninocas"

2012-12-26

Postcrossing Meeting in Lugano - Switzerland

Last September toke place the 6th Swiss Meeting, this time in Lugano. From this meeting I received two cards signed by 8 postcrossers.

Several views of Lugano, sent by "azzurri".

View of Ascona, sent by "carolisha"

2012-12-25

Christmas postcards 2012 (II)

"Santa is coming", sent by my dentist

"Weihnacht am Südpol" (Christmas at the South Pole), sent by anjaaustel

"Christmas blessings", sent by 9teen87

"Season's Greetings", sent by Shinta

2012-12-24

Christmas postcards 2012 (I)

"Prettige Kerstdagen en Gelukkig Nieuwjaar" (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year), sent by Tjitske

"Was ich dir von ganzem Herzen wünsche" (What I wish with all my heart), sent by "azzurri"

"Merry Christmas from Gino", sent by "carolisha"

Häme Castle, sent by "dollart"

2012-12-23

The Pink Tower in Lyon - France (UNESCO)

Sent by "stefdu44"

"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." In: UNESCO

2012-12-22

Cuervo River waterfall in Cuenca - Spain

Sent by "joaninha"

"In the Serrania de Cuenca, backed by the spectacular Muela de San Felipe and sheltered by a curve of high cliffs, among huge rocks cushioned with moss, a double waterfall marks the source of the river Cuervo (the river Raven).

Northwest of the Muela - which, at 1840 metres, is the highest of the Cuenca mountains - the huge overhanging cliffs form the natural amphitheatre where the river Cuervo makes its entrance. The spring is located in a north-facing grove where, year round, the first waters of the river bubble up from a crack in the ground.

The Cuervo starts life in a jumble of small channels. Shortly after, it tumbles into a spectacular double waterfall where the water spreads into a wide fan. The multiple threads of water weave a spectacular curtain over and around the moss and aquatic plants." In: Hello Visit Spain

2012-12-21

Old Town of Toruń - Poland (UNESCO)

Unused, offered by "geminiscp"

"Torun owes its origins to the Teutonic Order, which built a castle there in the mid-13th century as a base for the conquest and evangelization of Prussia. It soon developed a commercial role as part of the Hanseatic League. In the Old and New Town, the many imposing public and private buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries (among them the house of Copernicus) are striking evidence of Torun's importance." In: UNESCO

2012-12-20

Basilica of St. Thérèse of Lisieux - France

Unused

"The Basilica of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (French: Basilique Sainte-Thérèse de Lisieux) is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Located in Lisieux, France, the large basilica can accommodate 4,000 people, and, with more than two million visitors a year, is the second largest pilgrimage site in France, after Lourdes. Pope John Paul II visited the Basilica on 2 June 1980." In: Wikipedia

2012-12-19

Pantanal of Matogrosso - Brazil (UNESCO)

Sent by "geminiscp", The Great Egret, one of the species that can be found in Pantanal.

"The Pantanal Conservation Complex consists of a cluster of four protected areas with a total area of 187,818 ha. Located in western central Brazil at the south-west corner of the State of Mato Grosso, the site represents 1.3% of Brazil's Pantanal region, one of the world's largest freshwater wetland ecosystems. The headwaters of the region's two major river systems, the Cuiabá and the Paraguay rivers, are located here, and the abundance and diversity of its vegetation and animal life are spectacular." In: UNESCO

2012-12-18

Pedra Bela belvedere in Gerês - Portugal

Unused,

"The Peneda-Gerês National Park (Portuguese: Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês), also known simply as Gerês, is the only national park in Portugal (although many natural parks, protected landscapes, and reserves exist across the nation). It is located in the Norte region, in the northwest of Portugal, specifically in the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Vila Real.

The park was created on 8 May 1971 due to its national and international scientific interest, with the aim to protect the soil, water, flora, fauna, and landscape, while preserving its value to the existent human and natural resources. Education and tourism are also goals of the park." In: Wikipedia

2012-12-17

Fortress of Suomenlinna in Helsinki - Finland (UNESCO)

Unused, offered by "geminiscp"

"Built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands located at the entrance of Helsinki's harbour, this fortress is an especially interesting example of European military architecture of the time." In: UNESCO

2012-12-16

Grenoble-Bastille Cable car - France

Unused,

"The Grenoble-Bastille Cable car (French: Téléphérique de Grenoble Bastille), also affectionately known as The bubbles (French: Les bulles), was inaugurated on 29 September 1934 in the city of Grenoble." In: Wikipedia

2012-12-15

Altai Mountains - Russia (UNESCO)

Unused, offered by "geminiscp"

"The Altai mountains in southern Siberia form the major mountain range in the western Siberia biogeographic region and provide the source of its greatest rivers – the Ob and the Irtysh. Three separate areas are inscribed: Altaisky Zapovednik and a buffer zone around Lake Teletskoye; Katunsky Zapovednik and a buffer zone around Mount Belukha; and the Ukok Quiet Zone on the Ukok plateau. The total area covers 1,611,457 ha. The region represents the most complete sequence of altitudinal vegetation zones in central Siberia, from steppe, forest-steppe, mixed forest, subalpine vegetation to alpine vegetation. The site is also an important habitat for endangered animal species such as the snow leopard." In: UNESCO

2012-12-14

Temple of Heaven in Beijing - China (UNESCO)

unused, offered by "geminiscp"

"The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven – the human world and God's world – which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship." In: UNESCO

2012-12-13

Louvre Palace - France

used,

"The Louvre Palace, on the Right Bank of the Seine in Paris, is a former royal palace situated between the Tuileries Gardens and the church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois. Its origins date back to the medieval period, and its present structure has evolved in stages since the 16th century. It was the actual seat of power in France until Louis XIV moved to Versailles in 1682, bringing the government with him. The Louvre remained the nominal, or formal, seat of government until the end of the Ancien Régime in 1789. Since then it has housed the celebrated Musée du Louvre as well as various government departments." In: Wikipedia

2012-12-12

RU-1108864 - The Catherine Palace (UNESCO)

RU-1108864 sent by "Lerok91"

"The Catherine Palace is a Rococo palace located in the town of Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), 25 km south-east of St. Petersburg, Russia. It was the summer residence of the Russian tsars." In: Wikipedia

It belongs to the UNESCO WHS named "Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments"

2012-12-11

Jerusalem - Israel

unused, bought in Braga (Portugal)

Some views of the city (clockwise): Citadel, Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, Damascus Gate, Kidron Valley, Kennedy Memorial, Israel Museum, The Knesseth.

"Jerusalem is the capital of Israel,[neutrality is disputed] though not internationally recognized as such, and one of the oldest cities in the world. It is located in the Judean Mountains, between the Mediterranean Sea and the northern edge of the Dead Sea. It is Israel's largest city in both population and area, if East Jerusalem is included, with a population of 801,000 residents over an area of 125.1 km2 (48.3 sq mi). Jerusalem is also a holy city to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam." In: Wikipedia

2012-12-10

The Great Wall - China (UNESCO)

unused, offered by "geminiscp"

"In c. 220 B.C., under Qin Shi Huang, sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united defence system against invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic importance is matched only by its architectural significance." In: UNESCO

2012-12-09

Mérida - Spain (UNESCO)

Mérida: Roman Monuments

unused, bought in Braga (Portugal)

Mérida: Roman Theater

unused, offered by "joaninha"

"The colony of Augusta Emerita, which became present-day Mérida in Estremadura, was founded in 25 B.C. at the end of the Spanish Campaign and was the capital of Lusitania. The well-preserved remains of the old city include, in particular, a large bridge over the Guadiana, an amphitheatre, a theatre, a vast circus and an exceptional water-supply system. It is an excellent example of a provincial Roman capital during the empire and in the years afterwards." In: UNESCO

2012-12-08

FR-231839 - Menton

FR-231839 sent by "fred006"

"Menton (written Menton in classical norm or Mentan in Mistralian norm; Italian: Mentone) is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.

Situated on the French Riviera, along the Franco-Italian border, it is nicknamed la perle de la France ("The Pearl of France")." In: Wikipedia

2012-12-07

Jelling Stones - Denmark (UNESCO)

sent by Pham

Information on the card: "The two runic stones in Jelling. Left, King Harald Bluetooth's stone and right, the stone elevated by his father King Gorm in memory of the latter's wife, Thyra"

"The Jelling burial mounds and one of the runic stones are striking examples of pagan Nordic culture, while the other runic stone and the church illustrate the Christianization of the Danish people towards the middle of the 10th century." In: UNESCO

2012-12-06

Carcassonne - France (UNESCO)

unused, bought in Braga (Portugal)

"Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defences encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and its fine Gothic cathedral. Carcassonne is also of exceptional importance because of the lengthy restoration campaign undertaken by Viollet-le-Duc, one of the founders of the modern science of conservation." In: UNESCO

2012-12-05

Lac Léman - Switzerland

unused

"Lake Geneva or Lake Léman (French: Lac Léman, Léman) is a lake in Switzerland and France. It is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe. 59.53% 345.31 km2 (133.32 sq mi) of it comes under the jurisdiction of Switzerland (cantons of Vaud, Geneva, and Valais), and 40.47% 234.71 km2 (90.62 sq mi) under France (Haute-Savoie). The average surface elevation of 372 m (1,220 ft) above sea level is controlled by the Seujet Dam in Geneva.

Lake Geneva, formed by a retreating glacier, has a crescent shape that narrows around Yvoire on the southern shore. It can thus be divided figuratively into the "Grand Lac" (Large Lake) to the east and the "Petit Lac" (Small Lake) to the west. The Chablais Alps border its southern shore, the western Bernese Alps lie over its eastern side. The high summits of Grand Combin and Mont Blanc are visible from some places. Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman (CGN) operates boats on the lake." In: Wikipedia

2012-12-04

Tarragona - Spain (UNESCO)

unused,

Archbishops Tower

unused,

Romain Forum

"Tárraco (modern-day Tarragona) was a major administrative and mercantile city in Roman Spain and the centre of the Imperial cult for all the Iberian provinces. It was endowed with many fine buildings, and parts of these have been revealed in a series of exceptional excavations. Although most of the remains are fragmentary, many preserved beneath more recent buildings, they present a vivid picture of the grandeur of this Roman provincial capital." In: UNESCO

2012-12-03

Mérelle Waterfall in Gérardmer - France

unused

"Gérardmer is a commune in the Vosges department in Lorraine in northeastern France." In: Wikipedia

2012-12-02

Old postcard shop in Porto - Portugal

Ediciones Fisa

unused

Lino & Ferreira, Lda shop in Porto (Rua do Almada, 57-59). Not sure if the store still exists.

2012-12-01

World map from 1626 - Russia

RR PTxWorld G27, sent by Julia

A fantastic map, or as it says "A new and accyrat map of the World - Drawne according to y truest defcriptions u left obferuations y have beene made by Englifh or Strangers 1626"

2012-11-30

Ruins of São Miguel - Brazil (UNESCO)

RR PT G74, sent by "gracinha"

"The São Miguel das Missões mission was built between 1735 to around 1745. São Miguel das Missões was one of the many Spanish Colonial Jesuit Reductions in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. Spanish Jesuit missionaries founded the mission for Crown mandated Indian Reductions (Christian converting) of the Guaraní Indians; and to protect the natives from the Portuguese slave traders known as the Bandeirantes.

The Treaty of Madrid in 1750 handed sovereignty over the area from Spain to Portugal and the Jesuit missions were ordered to move to the retained Spanish territory, west of the Uruguay River. The Guaraní tribes refused to comply with the order to relocate from their homelands, now deemed in Portuguese territory. This led to the Guarani War, and this mission's termination after a battle against a joint Portuguese-Spanish army, sent to enforce the newly realigned border between the two colonial powers.
The cathedral (Catedral Angelopolitana), built in the 1920s in nearby Santo Ângelo city, is modeled after the São Miguel das Missões reduction." In: Wikipedia

2012-11-29

Castle from Loire Valley - France (UNESCO)

unused, bought in Braga (Portugal)

Some of the castles from the Loire Valley: Azay-le-Rideau, Amboise, Chambord, Blois and Chenonceau.

"The Loire Valley is an outstanding cultural landscape of great beauty, containing historic towns and villages, great architectural monuments (the châteaux), and cultivated lands formed by many centuries of interaction between their population and the physical environment, primarily the river Loire itself." In: UNESCO

2012-11-28

DE-1563996 - Penguins

DE-1563996 sent by "arasim"

German: "Ich tröster! Bin euer" Jesaja 51,12

English (via Google Translate): "I confort! I'm yours" Isaiah 51,12