Postcards Around the World

2013-10-31

Dubrovnik - Croatia (UNESCO WHS)

New.

"The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', situated on the Dalmatian coast, became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Damaged again in the 1990s by armed conflict, it is now the focus of a major restoration programme co-ordinated by UNESCO." In: UNESCO

2013-10-30

Vilamoura - Portugal

New, sent by Claúdia Ferreira

"Vilamoura is the largest luxury tourist complex in Europe, covering some 20 km² of land. It is located in the municipality of Loulé, in the Algarve, Portugal. Its boundaries lie within the parish of Quarteira. Vilamoura is a purpose-built resort and marina which was started from scratch by Cupertino de Miranda, a wealthy banker from Porto, in 1974[1] and is still expanding outwards from the marine center. The resort is located 23 km west along the coast from Faro and is at 266 kilometers south of Lisbon. The nearest airport is at Faro." In: Wikipedia

2013-10-29

Puffin - Belarus

Used, sent by Sapic12

"Puffins are any of three small species of alcids (auks) in the bird genus Fratercula with a brightly coloured beak during the breeding season. These are pelagic seabirds that feed primarily by diving in the water. They breed in large colonies on coastal cliffs or offshore islands, nesting in crevices among rocks or in burrows in the soil. Two species, the Tufted Puffin and Horned Puffin, are found in the North Pacific Ocean, while the Atlantic Puffin is found in the North Atlantic Ocean.

All puffin species have predominantly black or black and white plumage, a stocky build, and large beaks. They shed the colourful outer parts of their bills after the breeding season, leaving a smaller and duller beak. Their short wings are adapted for swimming with a flying technique under water. In the air, they beat their wings rapidly (up to 400 times per minute in swift flight, often flying low over the ocean's surface." In: Wikipedia

2013-10-28

Beaches in Algarve - Portugal

New, sent by Claúdia Ferreira

Multiview view postcard with some of the most popular beaches in Algarve region.

2013-10-27

Puerta de Alcalá - Spain

New, sent by Cláudia Ferreira

"The Puerta de Alcalá ("Alcalá Gate") is a Neo-classical monument in the Plaza de la Independencia ("Independence Square") in Madrid, Spain. It stands near the city center and several meters away from the main entrance to the Parque del Buen Retiro. The square is bisected by Alcalá Street, although the street itself doesn't cross through the monument, and it is the origin of the Alfonso XII, Serrano and Olózaga streets. Its name originates from the old path from Madrid to the nearby town of Alcalá de Henares.

Madrid in the late 18th century, still remained a somewhat drab villa in appearance, surrounded by medieval walls. Around the year 1774, king Charles III commissioned Francesco Sabatini to construct a monumental gate in the city wall through which an expanded road to the city of Alcalá was to pass, replacing an older, smaller, gate which stood nearby. It was inaugurated in 1778." In: Wikipedia

2013-10-26

Women Volleyball Grand Prix - Macau

New, sent by Blicas Blocas

Information on the backside of the postcard: "Just like the Macau Marathon, the Women Volleyball Grand Prix recognizes Macau as a quality venue for first class international sport events."

2013-10-25

Ponta da Piedade, Lagos - Portugal

New, sent by Claúdia.

Ponta da Piedade (Mercy Point) is a natural protected area of rock formations in the coast of Lagos.

2013-10-24

Sydney Opera House - Australia (UNESCO WHS)

New, sent by Manuela

"Inaugurated in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is a great architectural work of the 20th century that brings together multiple strands of creativity and innovation in both architectural form and structural design. A great urban sculpture set in a remarkable waterscape, at the tip of a peninsula projecting into Sydney Harbour, the building has had an enduring influence on architecture. The Sydney Opera House comprises three groups of interlocking vaulted ‘shells’ which roof two main performance halls and a restaurant. These shell-structures are set upon a vast platform and are surrounded by terrace areas that function as pedestrian concourses. In 1957, when the project of the Sydney Opera House was awarded by an international jury to Danish architect Jørn Utzon, it marked a radically new approach to construction." In: UNESCO

2013-10-23

Maine's coast wildlife - USA

New.

Information on the back side: "A small sample of unique wildlife found inland and on the coast of Maine."

"Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost portion of New England. It is known for its scenery—its jagged, mostly rocky coastline, its low, rolling mountains, its heavily forested interior, and picturesque waterways—as well as for its seafood cuisine, especially lobsters and clams.

For thousands of years, indigenous peoples were the only inhabitants of the territory that is now Maine. At the time of European encounter, several Algonquian-speaking peoples inhabited the area. The first European settlement in Maine was by the French in 1604 on Saint Croix Island, by Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons. The first English settlement in Maine, the short-lived Popham Colony, was established by the Plymouth Company in 1607. A number of English settlements were established along the coast of Maine in the 1620s, although the rugged climate, deprivations, and conflict with the local peoples caused many to fail over the years." In: Wikipedia

2013-10-22

University of Coimbra - Portugal (UNESCO WHS)

New.

"Situated on a hill overlooking the city, the University of Coimbra with its colleges grew and evolved over more than seven centuries within the old town. Notable university buildings include the 12th century Cathedral of Santa Cruz and a number of 16th century colleges, the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, which has housed the University since 1537, the Joanine Library with its rich baroque decor, the 18th century Botanical Garden and University Press, as well as the large “University City” created during the 1940s. The University’s edifices became a reference in the development of other institutions of higher education in the Portuguese-speaking world where it also exerted a major influence on learning and literature. Coimbra offers an outstanding example of an integrated university city with a specific urban typology as well as its own ceremonial and cultural traditions that have been kept alive through the ages." In: UNESCO