2012-05-31

Most viewed in May of 2012


The top 3 of the most viewed posts in May of 2012 are:

1 - Braga's Municipal Stadium - Portugal, posted in 29-12-2011



2 - RU-737192 - Animal Kisses, posted in 22-02-2012



3 - International Youth Dance Festival - Macau, posted in 24-04-2012



Map of the French Polynesia


© Joel Fournier

Sent by "9teen87"

Brenda and her husband made a cruise and stopped at the French Polynese.The card has the postmark from Papetoai , archipelago of Iles du Vent (former La Societé).

2012-05-30

Postcrossing Meeting in São Paulo - Brazil


© Sérgio O. Rehder (photo) / Postais do Brasil

Sent by "andreaeiko" from the 11th Postcrossing Meeting in São Paulo on 15/01/2012.

"Liberdade  (Portuguese for "Liberty", "Freedom") is the name of a district in the subprefecture of Sé, in São Paulo, Brazil. It is home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan in the world and has been growing since the 1950s.

Liberdade is São Paulo's own equivalent of Japantown in the USA. Significant populations of Chinese and Koreans also live in the district of Liberdade. It is served by the São Paulo Metro.

The entrance to Liberdade is marked by a nine-meter tall red torii (a Japanese arch that marks the entrance to Shinto temples) since 1974. This towering structure, situated on Rua Galvão Bueno, is a distinctive representation of the neighborhood. Liberdade was successfully connected to the São Paulo subway network in the 1970s, opening up this area to commerce like never before. Today, thousands of paulistanos (citizens of São Paulo) flock to the public square in Liberdade every Sunday to purchase craft goods at the weekly fair. In January 2008, in order to celebrate 100 years of Japanese immigration to Brazil, a project to revitalize the quarter was approved by the mayor Gilberto Kassab. 40% of the restoration were for the visit of the prince Naruhito to São Paulo in June 2008." In: Wikipedia

2012-05-29

CN-384695 - "On the Back of a Lion" by Zhang Fenglan


© ?

CN-384695 sent by "titili"

The line drawing is a popular art in China. The above one is called "On the Back of a Lion" by Zhang Fenglan.

2012-05-28

Postcrossing Meeting in Berlin - Germany


© Deutsche Luftbuild (photo) / Schöning GmbH

Sent by Anja from the Postcrossing Meeting in Berlin on 10/03/2012.

The card shows an aerial view of the Potsdamer Platz (Potsdam Square) in Berlin.

"Potsdamer Platz  is an important public square and traffic intersection in the centre of Berlin, Germany, lying about one kilometre south of the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag (German Parliament Building), and close to the southeast corner of the Tiergarten park. It is named after the city of Potsdam, some 25 km to the south west, and marks the point where the old road from Potsdam passed through the city wall of Berlin at the Potsdam Gate. After developing within the space of little over a century from an intersection of rural thoroughfares into the most bustling traffic intersection in Europe, it was totally laid waste during World War II and then left desolate during the Cold War era when the Berlin Wall bisected its former location. Since German reunification, Potsdamer Platz has been the site of major redevelopment projects." In: Wikipedia 

2012-05-27

Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah - USA


© George H. H. Huey (photo) / Impact Photo Graphics


Lottery prize, sent by David

Info on the card:
"#14871 Horsecollar Ruin, Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
Horsecollar Ruin is one of the most accessible of the Ancestral Puebloan sites at the Monument. The site contains two dwelling ruins as well as two large, almost identical granaries and two-preserved kivas. The site is thought to have been used approximately 800 years ago."

2012-05-26

FI-1336701 - "Extremely Soundly" by Kaj Stenvall


© Kaj Stenvall / Inkognito

FI-1336701 sent by "LauraKT"

A new addition to my collection of Kaj Stenvall works.

2012-05-25

Maia World in Yucatan - Mexico


© A & P Giberstein (photo) / Capaco S.A.

unused, offered by Ana Gaspar

Last year, Ana was in vacations in Mexico! She bought a few cards for me, and they are finnaly here!

Info on the card: 
"Uxmal (Pyramid of the Diviner) , Chichen Itza (Kukulcan Piramid): a New 7 Wonder of The World and Dzibilchaltun"

The first two sites are both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO: Uxmal (Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal) and Chichen Itza (Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza).

2012-05-24

Church of the Holy Family in Barcelona - Spain


© Pere Vivas (photo) / Triangle Postals

unused, offered by Andreia

This is one of the places I want to see! It looks amazing!

"The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (English: Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family; Spanish: Basílica y Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia), commonly known as the Sagrada Família is a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926). Although incomplete, the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in November 2010 was consecrated and proclaimed a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI.


Though construction of Sagrada Família had commenced in 1882, Gaudí became involved in 1883, taking over the project and transforming it with his architectural and engineering style—combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms." In: Wikipedia

2012-05-23

CN-397376 - The Imperial Palace in Shenyang



© ?

CN-397376 sent by "ggdw", a view of The Imperial Palace in Shenyang

"Built in 1625 AD, otherwise known as "the Shengjing Palace", the Shenyang Imperial Palace was the initial royal palace of the Qing Dynasty established by the Manchu nobles. In 1644, the Qing Dynasty relocated its capital city to Beijing and the Shenyang Imperial Palace underwent renovations and became the emperor's traveling palace on his inspection tours to the northeast. After a number of large-scale renovations, the Shenyang Imperial Palace has been developed into the Shenyang Palace Museum. The two imperial palaces in Beijing and Shenyang jointly form the only two existing intact palace building complexes of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in China." In: Cultural-China

2012-05-22

Elephants in Minneriya National Park - Sri Lanka


© Dr. Ushank Ranasinghe


RR Portugal x World G5, sent by "mateyka" 

This is my first card from Sri Lanka, but it was sent from Russia! A lovely elephant family in the Minneriya National Park.


"Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts. The park earned revenue of Rs. 10.7 millions in the six months ending in August 2009. Along with Kaudulla and Girithale, Minneriya forms one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Sri Lanka. The park is situated 182 kilometres (113 mi) from Colombo." In: Wikipedia

2012-05-21

NL-1165823 - Coast views


© Uitgeverij van der Meulen bv Sneek


NL-1165823 sent by "Simoontje123"

This is a nice coast multiview from Netherlands.

2012-05-20

Piódão - Portugal


© Ricardo Pacheco (photo) / Cristina Duarte Editores

unused, offered by Andreia Cruz

A winter view of the lovely village of Piódão.

"The village of Piódão, which was listed as a National Heritage Site in 1978 and included in the Historic Villages of Portugal Recovery Programme in 1994, is the only thing that seems not to change with time. The layout of its houses on a sheltered hillside is typical of an irregular medieval mountain settlement, which certainly grew with the increase of its population and spread out like an amphitheatre, with its cobblestone streets. In the middle of the village runs an irrigation channel, with its water drawn by the pull of gravity.


An exploration of this place is nothing less than a lesson in the ways of life of yore, since the majority of the houses retain their old structure. These consist of two stories, with the ground floor used as a storage room for agricultural implements and tools, cereal bins and salting-tubs where pork was kept and conserved. On the first floor is the residence itself, with little light and sparse furniture (you can see the models at the museum). The interior is built in dark chestnut wood, and the roof is supported by beams covered in schist (the region’s prevailing material)." In: Portugal Daily View

2012-05-19

Paris - France



© Editions A. Leconte, photos by Guy, P. Viard, O. Nicolas, D. Lamontagne, X. Jordi

unused, offered by Mónica Castro

A cool mutiview from Paris!

2012-05-18

Seahorse - Germany


© Photo: Fineas / Fotolia

Sent by Anja.

"Seahorse is the title given to forty-seven species of marine fish in the genus Hippocampus. "Hippocampus" comes from the Ancient Greek hippos meaning "horse" and kampos meaning "sea monster".


[…]Seahorses are named for their equine appearance. Although they are bony fish, they do not have scales but rather thin skin stretched over a series of bony plates, which are arranged in rings throughout their body. Each species has a distinct number of rings. Seahorses swim upright, another characteristic that is not shared by their close pipefish relatives, who swim horizontally. Unusual among fish, seahorses have a flexible, well-defined neck. They also sport a coronet on the head, which is distinct for each individual." In: Wikipedia

2012-05-17

European Health Insurance Card - Portugal


© EU

Sent by "geminiscp"

This is an ad card to inform the advantages of the European Health Insurance Card.

Information on the back in Portuguese: "O Cartão Europeu de Seguro de Doença garante-lhe tratamento igual ao das pessoas residentes no país que está a visitar. Válido em 31 países europeus."

Translation to English: "The European Health Insurance Card guarantees equal treatment of people living in the country you are visiting. Valid in 31 European countries."

2012-05-16

Snow in Helsinki - Finland


© Shutterstock


"Dollart" and "Kilona" sent this snowy view of Helsinki.

2012-05-15

Lighthouse of Peninsula Serrano in Iquique - Chile


© ?

unused

"1878 (Barbier et Fenestre). Active; focal plane 39 m (128 ft); white flash every 12 s. 22 m (72 ft) slender cylindrical cast iron tower with four skeletal legs, painted with red and white bands (lantern red). A Navy photo appears at right, Patricia Santini has a 2011 photo, and the tower is centered in a Google satellite view. This lighthouse was built by the French firm Barbier et Fenestre for the government of Peru, which controlled the Iquique area at the time. The lighthouse was placed in operation in time to witness the naval Battle of Iquique in May 1879; later that year the city was conquered by Chilean forces. Declared a National Monument in 1986, this lighthouse is a rare surviving example of French lighthouse design. The lighthouse was carefully restored in 1993-95. Located on the Serrano Peninsula on the south side of the Bay of Iquique. The lighthouse is in the middle of the commerical port of Iquique, and the absence of photos suggests that this area is not open to the public. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS CHI-095; Admiralty G1974.3; NGA 1050." In: Lighhouses of Central and Nothern Chile

2012-05-14

La Rambla in Barcelona - Spain


© Pere Vivas (photo) / Triangle Postals

unused, offered by Claúdia

"La Rambla is a street in central Barcelona, popular with both tourists and locals alike. A tree-lined pedestrian mall, it stretches for 1.2 kilometers between Barri Gòtic and El Raval, connecting Plaça de Catalunya in the centre with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell." In: Wikipedia

2012-05-13

Holy Trinity Church in Fátima - Portugal


© Edições Missões Consolata

unused, offered by "Martinha"

The new church in Fátima, the Holy Trinity Church, was inaugurated on the 13 of October 2007. Last tine I was in Fátima, this church was no built yet, I've only saw the pictures.

"Church of the Santíssima Trindade (English: Church of the Most Holy Trinity) is a Roman Catholic church in the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima in Fátima, Portugal. Ranked as the eighth largest Christian church in the world, the church was constructed between 2004 and 2007 at a cost of 80 million euros.

The first stone was laid on June 6, 2004, by the now retired Bishop of the Diocese of Leiria-Fátima, Bishop Serafim Ferreira e Silva, Pope John Paul II blessed and donated the first stone, on March 9 2004. It is a piece of marble taken from the tomb of Apostle Peter, over which St Peter's Basilica in Rome was built. This was only a symbolic act, as the stone was later put inside the finished church for the pilgrims to see.
It was consecrated on October 12, 2007, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the apparitions of Fátima, by the Secretary of State of the Vatican and Legate of Holy Father Benedict XVI, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

The Church, dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity, has about 8500 seats, and its architect was the Greek Alexandros Tombazis. It was entirely paid with gifts from the pilgrims. The decoration is inspired in Byzantine and orthodox art." In: Wikipedia

2012-05-12

NL-1181588 - Penguins


© IFAW.org

NL-1181588 sent by "Nancepost"

A beautiful card with penguins, issued by IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare).

2012-05-11

PL-364245 - In love


© Krzyaztof Klelbasinski

PL-364245 sent by "doel"

On this year's trip to Poland I've bought this postcard, but last week it came also as an official: a fragile heart with a bandage

2012-05-10

Macau Grand Prix - Macau


© Macau's Tourism Office

unused, offered by Blicas Blocas

Information on the card: " Exciting street circuit Grand Prix with the control tower in the background held in November"

This year the 59th Macau Grand Prix will take place from 15th to 18th of November.

2012-05-09

Ponta da Piedade in Lagos - Portugal

 

© New Jamp, Lda

unused

Lagos is a lovely city, and this spot is one of my favorites! "Ponta da Piedade" is the name of the lighthouse and also the name of this small rocked bay in the bottom of the lighthouse.

"Ponta da Piedade is a lighthouse in a prominent position on the southern corner of the bay of Lagos. It is surrounded by bizarre rock formations and fascinating grottos.
This bizarre scenery with cliffs of up to 20 metres is especially impressive from the seaside. It is one of the most photographed motifs in the Algarve.

A great variety of shellfish and molluscs life in the warm and serene waters of the Costa d’Oiro, where this place belongs to. Discover the beauty of the nature, hidden bays and mysterious caverns.

The bay of Lagos with its white sandy beaches is the ideal place for all kinds of aquatic sports, e.g. wind surfing, sailing, diving and fishing.
How to access Ponta da Piedade:

From the seaside:
Sightseeing trips by sailing or small fishing boats are offered at the marina of Lagos.

From the country side:
By car to the southern point of the bay, then follow a pathway with steps carved into the cliffs." In: Algarve Portal

2012-05-08

Airview of Acropolis and Lycabettus hill in Athens - Greece


© ?

Sent by Alexandra

A great aerial view of the Acropolis with the Mount Lycabettus on the back!

"The Acropolis of Athens or Citadel of Athens is the best known acropolis  in the world. Although there are many other acropolis in Greece, the significance of the Acropolis of Athens is such that it is commonly known as The Acropolis without qualification. The Acropolis was formally proclaimed as the preeminent monument on the European Cultural Heritage list of monuments on 26 March 2007. The Acropolis is a flat-topped rock that rises 150 m (490 ft) above sea level in the city of Athens, with a surface area of about 3 hectares. It was also known as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man, Cecrops, the first Athenian king.
" In: Wikipedia

2012-05-07

Ad card with a rooster - Portugal


© Susana Rodríguez (design) / Postalfree

Sent by PilotOne

Another postcard (this time an ad card) for my rooster/chicken collection!

2012-05-06

Basilica of St Mary of Health - Venice


© Ed. Benedetti Roberto

unused, bought in Lisbon (Portugal)

Venice is a very special city! This card shows some fireworks and colored buildings in Venice.

"The Basilica of St Mary of Health (Italian: Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute), commonly known simply as the Salute, is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica located in the Dorsoduro sestiere of the Italian city of Venice. It stands on a narrow finger of land between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco making the church visible when entering the Piazza San Marco from the water. The Salute is part of the parish of the Gesuati and is the most recent of the so-called Plague-churches.

In 1630 Venice experienced an unusually devastating outbreak of the plague. As a votive offering for the city's deliverance from the pestilence, the Republic of Venice vowed to build and dedicate a church to Our Lady of Health (or of Deliverance, Italian: Salute). The church was designed in the then fashionable baroque style by Baldassare Longhena, who studied under the architect Vincenzo Scamozzi. Construction began in 1631. Most of the objects of art housed in the church bear references to the Black Death.

The dome of the Salute was an important addition to the Venice skyline and soon became emblematic of the city, inspiring artists like Canaletto, J. M. W. Turner, John Singer Sargent and Francesco Guardi." In: Wikipedia

2012-05-05

Map card of Portugal mainland (I)


© Kustos, Müller and Schlemmer (photos), G. A. Wittich (art & concept) / Edição Vistal

unused

Another map card that does not show the islands, only the mainland...

2012-05-04

Castle of Villalonso - Spain


© Ediciones Arribas

unused, bought in Zamora (Spain)

"Not far from the town of Toro, near the road to Medina de Rioseco, stands the castle of Villalonso, perhaps one of the best conserved in the province of Zamora.

The castle is clear model of the type of stately castles which were built in large numbers in the border provinces of Valladolid and Palencia during the 15th century." In: Castles.nl

2012-05-03

Ad card about the referendum of legal abortion - Portugal


© Postalfree

unused, offered by Blicas Blocas

Portuguese: "Tira a cabeça da areia! Responde às questões e descobre se és do tipo avestruz ou se, pelo contrário, enfrentas os problemas."

English: "Take your head out of the sand! Answer the questions and find out if you are like an ostrich or if you face the problems."

2012-05-02

Macanese cuisine - Macau


© Macau Tourist Office

unused, offered by Blicas Blocas

Information on the card: "Macanese food can claim to be one of the world's truly international cuisine with influences from Europe, South America, Africa, India, Southeast Asia and China"

2012-05-01

Old lady - Portugal


© N. Kustos (photo), G. A. Wittich (art & concept), Edição Vistal

unused, bought in Lisboa (Portugal)

I love this postcard! It shows and old lady, probably in a moment of introspection or probably just seeing what it's happening on the street or waiting for the postman... Who knows?

Most viewed of April 2012


The top 3 of the most viewed posts in April of 2012 are:

1 - Braga's Municipal Stadium - Portugal, posted in 29-12-2011



2 - The Battle of Chesma - Russia, posted in 25-10-2011



3 - More birthday gifts from Switzerland, posted in 30-05-2011



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