2012-10-31

Barrel organ player in Paris - France


© Éditions d'Art Yvon

unused

I've never saw any barrel organ, but I'm curious how does it sound. If you are as curious as me, look at the video:



"A barrel organ (or roller organ) is a mechanical musical instrument consisting of bellows and one or more ranks of pipes housed in a case, usually of wood, and often highly decorated. The basic principle is the same as a traditional pipe organ, but rather than being played by an organist, the barrel organ is activated either by a person turning a crank, or by clockwork driven by weights or springs. The pieces of music are encoded onto wooden barrels (or cylinders), which are analogous to the keyboard of the traditional pipe organ." In: Wikipedia

2012-10-30

Paiol Theater in Curitiba - Brazil


© Paraná Cart / José Kal... (photo)

used, sent from Curitiba (Brazil) to Lisboa (Portugal), with postmark of 09/08/1977

"The Paiol Theatre is a cultural space and an auditorium for theater and musical shows in the city of Curitiba, capital of Parana State, Brazil. It is a circular building, built in 1874, and previously used by the Brazilian Army as an arsenal of gunpowder and ammunition. After its deactivation, the municipality of Curitiba turned it into a cultural and scenic space, inaugurated as a Theater on December 27, 1971." In: Brazil Travel Buddy

2012-10-29

St. Mark Church in Venice - Italy (UNESCO)


?

unused

It seems an old postcard of St. Mark Church in Venice.

2012-10-28

Hospicio Cabañas in Guadajalara - Mexico (UNESCO)


© Karten / Erik Schnabel

unused

"The Hospicio Cabañas was built at the beginning of the 19th century to provide care and shelter for the disadvantaged – orphans, old people, the handicapped and chronic invalids. This remarkable complex, which incorporates several unusual features designed specifically to meet the needs of its occupants, was unique for its time. It is also notable for the harmonious relationship between the open and built spaces, the simplicity of its design, and its size. In the early 20th century, the chapel was decorated with a superb series of murals, now considered some of the masterpieces of Mexican art. They are the work of José Clemente Orozco, one of the greatest Mexican muralists of the period." In: UNESCO

2012-10-27

AU-173543 - Montezuma Falls


© Geoff Murray (photo) / Tasmanian Postcards & Souvenirs



AU-173543 sent by "MelbPrincess"

"Montezuma Falls is Tasmania’s highest waterfall, located near Rosebery on the state’s west coast. Rosebery is a 90-minute drive south of Burnie (125 kilometres).

The track to the Falls begins at Williamsford, two kilometres south of Rosebery. This easy, three-hour return walk along a level track takes you right to the base of the 104 metre Falls through pleasant park-like rainforest including leatherwood, myrtle, sassafras and giant tree ferns. You may see native wildlife along the way, including several species of birds. The track follows the historic route of the former North East Dundas Tramway right to the base of Montezuma Falls." In: Discover Tasmania

2012-10-26

The old city of Rhodes - Greece (UNESCO)


© M. Toubis

unused, offered by "joaninha"

"The Order of St John of Jerusalem occupied Rhodes from 1309 to 1523 and set about transforming the city into a stronghold. It subsequently came under Turkish and Italian rule. With the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Great Hospital and the Street of the Knights, the Upper Town is one of the most beautiful urban ensembles of the Gothic period. In the Lower Town, Gothic architecture coexists with mosques, public baths and other buildings dating from the Ottoman period." In: UNESCO

2012-10-25

MO-8533 - A paint by Chan Iu Pui


© 10Fantasia / Chan Iu Piu


MO-8533 sent by "Cantarella"

A work by Chan Iu Piu (2010). A street market somewhere in Macau.

2012-10-24

Cathedral of Havana - Cuba


© Manuel Cervantes


sent from Canada by Garnet

My first postcard from Cuba!!

"The Catedral de la Virgen María de la Concepción Inmaculada de La Habana (Cathedral of The Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception) is a Roman Catholic Cathedral and is the seat of Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino, the Cardinal Archbishop of Havana, Cuba. It is also dedicated to Saint Christopher (San Cristóbal), thus it is sometimes dubbed as Cathedral of Saint Christopher.

The construction of the cathedral was started by Jesuits in 1748 on the site of an earlier church and finished by Havana City in 1777. The cathedral is set in the former Plaza de La Ciénaga or Swamp Plaza, in a site where was gathered the runoff from the city." In: Wikipedia

2012-10-23

Ancient theater of Taormina - Italy


© Plurigraf


used, sent from Messina (Italy) to Lisboa (Portugal), with postmark of 08/08/1992

"The most remarkable monument remaining at Taormina is the ancient theatre (the teatro greco, or "Greek theatre"), which is one of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily, on account both of its remarkable preservation and of the surpassing beauty of its situation. It is built for the most part of brick, and is therefore probably of Roman date, though the plan and arrangement are in accordance with those of Greek, rather than Roman, theatres; whence it is supposed that the present structure was rebuilt upon the foundations of an older theatre of the Greek period." In: Wikipedia

2012-10-22

Loriga in Serra da Estrela - Portugal


© Guia Turístico do Norte


sent by "martinha"

"Blicas Blocas" visited "martinha" and both signed this card for me.

Loriga is a village in Seia (Guarda district) and belongs to Serra da Estrela National Park. This village is know as the "Portuguese Switzerland".

2012-10-21

Crystal waterfall in Diamatina (Minas Gerais) - Brazil


© Sérgio Ricardo de Freitas (photo) / Postais de Minas


sent by Gi_Ploetto

This small but lovely waterfall is located in Diamantina (Minas Gerais state). As far as I can see, looks a perfect place to be with friends and take a swim!

2012-10-20

Grand-Place with flower carpet in Brussels - Belgium (UNESCO)


© Edit. Thill, S.A.


unused, offered by "martinha"

"La Grand-Place in Brussels is a remarkably homogeneous body of public and private buildings, dating mainly from the late 17th century. The architecture provides a vivid illustration of the level of social and cultural life of the period in this important political and commercial centre." In: UNESCO

2012-10-19

Yuyuan Shopping Center in Shangai - China


© ?

unused, bought in Lisboa (Portugal)

"Yuyuan Shopping City is located in the Nanshi district of Shanghai. The Yuyuan Shopping City is popularly known as the “Kingdom of Shanghai Arts and Crafts and small articles”. If you are looking to purchase various artifacts and art and craft items, the Yuyuan Shopping City is definitely the place for you to go. The types of articles that are sold here include antiques, jadeware, items made of gold and silver, jewelry, bottle caps and silk threads. The items are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and are definitely worth buying." In: Asia Rooms

2012-10-18

Lourdes Sanctuary - France


© Sanctuaire de Lourdes

unused

"The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes or the Domain (as it is most commonly known) is an area of ground surrounding the Catholic shrine (Grotto) to Our Lady of Lourdes in the town of Lourdes, France. The Sanctuary is a destination for pilgrimage; sick pilgrims are reputed to be miraculously healed by Lourdes water. This ground is owned and administrated by the Roman Catholic Church, and has several functions, including devotional activities, offices, and accommodation for sick pilgrims and their helpers. The Domain includes the Grotto itself, the nearby taps which dispense the Lourdes water, and the offices of the Lourdes Medical Bureau, as well as several churches and basilicas. It comprises an area of 51 hectares, and includes 22 separate places of worship. There are six official languages of the Sanctuary: French, English, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and German.

Grottos intended as replicas of the one at Our Lady of Lourdes, and other grottos in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes, are often described as "Lourdes grottos"." In: Wikipedia

2012-10-17

1349998 - "It must be Easter" (1994) by Kike Hollist


© Mike Hollist / Daily Mail

NL-1349998 sent by "Alex1972", a work by Mike Hollist named "It must be Easter" (1994)

2012-10-16

2012-10-15

JP-236050 - Three Stairs Fall at Sandankyo Valley


© Seikyokudo


JP-236050 sent by "yukari"

"At the Sandan-no-taki Falls, or Three-Step Falls, three stages of 30-meter-high waterfalls plunge into the 120-meter long passage with a thunderous roar. It is the best scenic spot in the Sandan Valley. While there is a well-maintained 12-kilometer-long promenade, with just a few ups and downs, leading to the Sandan-no-taki Falls, it is also convenient to take a regular bus (from April to November), running from Sandan-kyo Shomen-guchi (in front of the Sandan Valley) to Deai-bashi Bridge, close to Saruiwa. A riverboat also runs through this ravine. It is utterly thrilling to pass through the Nidan-no-taki Falls and the Sarutobi where the precipices on both sides are just two meters apart!" In: Japan National Tourism Organization

2012-10-14

DE-1499539 - Humboldt Penguin


© G. Budich (photo) / Planet-Verlag


DE-1499539 sent by "elfie-luna"

"The Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) (also termed Peruvian Penguin, or Patranca) is a South American penguin, that breeds in coastal Peru and Chile. Its nearest relatives are the African Penguin, the Magellanic Penguin and the Galápagos Penguin. The penguin is named after the cold water current it swims in, which is itself named after Alexander von Humboldt, an explorer.

Humboldt Penguins are medium-sized penguins, growing to 56–70 cm (22–28 in) long and a weight of 3.6-5.9 kg (8-13 lbs). They have a black head with a white border that runs from behind the eye, around the black ear-coverts and chin, and joins at the throat. They have blackish-grey upperparts and whitish underparts, with a black breast-band that extends down the flanks to the thigh. They have a fleshy-pink base to the bill. Juveniles have dark heads and no breast-band. They have spines on their tongue which they use to hold their prey." In: Wikipedia

2012-10-13

Florence Historic Center - Italy (UNESCO)


© De Maria


Used, sent from Firenze (Italy) to Lisboa (Portugal), with postmark of 29/03/1980, bought in Braga (Portugal)

Firenze is one of my favorite Italian cities! I've been there twice and I'm sure I'll be there again!

"Built on the site of an Etruscan settlement, Florence, the symbol of the Renaissance, rose to economic and cultural pre-eminence under the Medici in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its 600 years of extraordinary artistic activity can be seen above all in the 13th-century cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), the Church of Santa Croce, the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace, the work of great masters such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, Botticelli and Michelangelo." In: UNESCO

2012-10-12

Douro River in Porto - Portugal


© Objecto Anónimo, Lda


Sent from Finland by Heidi.

I'm not sure where this photo was taken... The publisher only says that was taken in Porto, at Douro riverbank.

2012-10-11

Lahore Fort - Pakistan (UNESCO)


© Gulraiz Ghouri (photo) / Foto Bank


Sent by Rita Simões, a view of the Lahore Fort, my first UNESCO postcard from Pakistan!

"The Lahore Fort, situated in the north-west corner of the Walled City of Lahore, occupies a site which has been occupied for several millenia. Assuming its present configuration during the 11th century, the Fort was destroyed and rebuilt several times by the early Mughals during the 13th to the 15th centuries. The 21 monuments which survive within its boundaries comprise an outstanding repertory of the forms of Mughal architecture from the reign of Akbar (1542-1605), characterized by standardized masonry of baked brick and red sandstone courses relieved by Hindu motifs including zooomorphic corbels, through that of Shah Jahan (1627-58), characterized by the use of luxurious marbles, inlays of precious materials and mosaics, set within exuberant decorative motifs of Persian origins." In: UNESCO

2012-10-10

World map with Penoy Flower pattern


© Beetle

RR Portugal x World G27, sent by Yi-Ting

A beautiful world map made by Beetle with the Penoy Flower pattern.

More of her work on Facebook.

2012-10-09

CA-241269 - Hoodoos, the Canadian Badlands


© Len Grabt (photo) / KolorKard

CA-241269 sent by "gepttrs" 

"A badlands (also badland) is a type of dry terrain where softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils have been extensively eroded by wind and water. It can resemble malpaís, a terrain of volcanic rock. Canyons, ravines, gullies, hoodoos and other such geological forms are common in badlands. They are often difficult to navigate by foot. Badlands often have a spectacular color display that alternates from dark black/blue coal stria to bright clays to red scoria." In: Wikipedia

2012-10-08

Sea Turtles - Portugal

The Oceanário de Lisboa has a temporary exhibition called "Sea Turtles. The Journey." I saw that exhibition and bought some cards:


© RiRich Carey / Sofoto



© Rainer Von Brands / Sofoto



© Priamo Melo / Sofoto



© Tropicdreams / Sofoto



© Zeamonkey / Sofoto

2012-10-07

Iguassu National Park - Brazil (UNESCO)


© Paulo Cesar Fernandes (photo)

Sent by Marcelo

"The park shares with Iguazú National Park in Argentina one of the world’s largest and most impressive waterfalls, extending over some 2,700 m. It is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, among them the giant otter and the giant anteater. The clouds of spray produced by the waterfall are conducive to the growth of lush vegetation." In: UNESCO

2012-10-06

Michigan map card - USA


© Souvenir Specialties

Sent by Emily

Information on the postcard: "Michigan - derived from the Indian words "michi-gan", meaning "large lake" - entered into the Union in 1887 as the 26th state.
State Flower - Apple Blossom
State Tree - White Pine
State Stone - Petoskey
State Bird - Robin
State Fish - Brook Trout"

2012-10-05

Miranda do Corvo - Portugal



© Atlanticpost

Sent by Flora

"Miranda do Corvo is a Portuguese town in Miranda do Corvo Municipality in Coimbra District of Portugal.

Miranda do Corvo literally means "View over the Corvo River." The town has a beautiful church situated on a hill overlooking the area. A large "Rio de Janeiro"-type statue of Jesus also looks out over the town. There is a weekly market selling fresh local produce.

Miranda do Corvo is approximately 30 minutes by train from the city of Coimbra. Nearby is an ancient pilgrimage site called Senhora da Piedade. Young children were said to have seen visions of Our Lady of Mercy whilst walking in the hills. Ever since, a church has stood upon that spot. The spot offers spectacular views of the entire valley." In: Wikipedia

2012-10-04

Kalkan - Turkey


© Keskín Color Kartpostalcilik

Sent by Seda

"Kalkan is a town on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, and an important tourist destination. The area includes many historical sites (such as Tlos and Kekova) and many fine beaches (including Patara Beach & Kaputaş Beach).

Kalkan is an old fishing town, and the only safe harbor between Kaş and Fethiye; it is famous for its white-washed houses, descending to the sea, and its brightly colored bougainvilleas. It averages 300 days of sunshine a year.

Until the early 1920s, the majority of its inhabitants were Greeks. They left in 1923 because of the Exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey after the Greco-Turkish War and emigrated mainly to Attica, where they founded the new town of Kalamaki. Abandoned Greek houses can still be seen at Kalkan." In: Wikipedia

2012-10-03

St Nicholas Cathedral - Monaco


© Sopico

unused, bought in Lisboa (Portugal)

"Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée (Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception), also known as Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Monaco Cathedral (French: Cathédrale de Monaco), is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monaco in Monaco-Ville, Monaco, where many of the Grimaldis were buried, including Grace Kelly and more recently, Rainier III.

The cathedral was consecrated in 1875, and is on the site of the first parish church in Monaco built in 1252 and dedicated to St. Nicholas. Of note are the retable (circa 1500) to the right of the transept, the Great Altar and the Episcopal throne in white Carrara marble.

Pontifical services take place on the major religious festivals such as the Feast of Sainte Dévote (27 January) and the National holiday (19 November). On feast days and during religious music concerts, one can hear the magnificent four-keyboard organ, inaugurated in 1976." In: Wikipedia

2012-10-02

Aberdeen - Hong Kong


© K. P. Yuen (photo) / Goodyear Printing

unused, bought in Lisboa (Portugal)

"Aberdeen is an area on the south shore of Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. Administratively, it is part of the Southern District. Aberdeen Harbour is a harbour between Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau. The name 'Aberdeen' usually covers the areas of Aberdeen, Wong Chuk Hang and Ap Lei Chau, but it is more often used to refer to the town only. Population is approximately 60,000.

Aberdeen is famous to tourists for its floating village and floating seafood restaurants located within the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelters. The Tanka people are generally associated with the fishing industry, and there are also several dozen expatriates living on boats in the harbour." In: Wikipedia

2012-10-01

Armação de Pêra - Portugal


© Al-Garbdistri

Sent by Blicas Blocas

"Armação de Pêra is a Portuguese parish (freguesia) in the municipality of Silves. The village used to be called Pêra de Baixo or Lower Pêra to distinguish it from the present Pêra, which was then named Pêra de Cima or Upper Pêra.

The village of Armação de Pêra is, today, a popular tourist center with fine beaches, hotels, cafés and restaurants. The village is on a broad bay that stretches from Pont da Galé to Senhora da Rocha. Its beaches extend from Praia dos Pescadores or the Fishermans Beach, to Salomão beach, including those of Maré Grande and Beijinhos." In: Wikipedia
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