2013-08-27

Orange harvest in Algarve - Portugal

© Michael Howard
Sent by "gracinha"

Algarve region is known for the orange cultivation. That area has the perfect conditions to cultivate this fruit.

2013-08-26

Borobudur Temple Compounds - Indonesia (UNESCO WHS)

UNESCO#592; © Photo: E. Pasquier

Unused

"This famous Buddhist temple, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries, is located in central Java. It was built in three tiers: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,500 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The monument was restored with UNESCO's help in the 1970s." In: UNESCO

2013-08-25

Penguins - Germany

© ?

Advertise card promoting the travel options of Askja.

2013-08-24

Map and several views of Cyprus

© Toubis

Sent by "carolisha"

"Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean, and a member state of the European Union. It is located east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, northwest of Israel and the Gaza Strip, and north of Egypt." In: Wikipedia

2013-08-23

Palacio de Cristal, Madrid - Spain

"The Palacio de Cristal ("Crystal Palace") is a glass and metal structure located in Madrid's Buen Retiro Park. It was built in 1887 to exhibit flora and fauna from the Philippines. The architect was Ricardo Velázquez Bosco.

The Palacio de Cristal, in the shape of a Greek cross, is made almost entirely of glass set in an iron framework on a brick base, which is decorated with ceramics. Its cupola makes the structure over 22 metres high. The architecture was influenced by the glass and iron structural techniques of Joseph Paxton (who was responsible for London's Crystal Palace and also for greenhouses such as the Palm House at Kew Gardens)." In: Wikipedia

© Photo: Mónica Castro
Touchnote card sent by Mónica Castro


© ?
Unused, sent by Cláudia Ferreira

2013-08-22

Castle of Penela - Portugal

© Guia Turístico do Norte

Sent by "Martinha"

"Castle of Penela (Portuguese: Castelo de Penela) is located in a Penela town in Penela Municipality in Coimbra District, Portugal. The castle was built on a hill dominating the area and used to be a stronghold protecting Coimbra in times of Reconquista. Castle of Penela and the neighboring castle Montemor-o-Velho are both fine examples of defensive structures of that period.

The origins of the name are controversial and are attributed by some authors to ancient Celtic tribes. According to a local legend, King Afonso I (Afonso Henriques) exclaimed to incite his troops storming the stronghold: Coragem! Já estamos com o pé nela! (Courage! We have already set a foot in it!). A more plausible hypothesis is, however, that penela is a diminutive of penha, a place selected to build a fortress on." In: Wikipedia

2013-08-21

Waterfall in Wulai - Taiwan

© www.jjp.com.tw

Unsed, sent by "Sapic12"

"Wulai District is a rural district in southern New Taipei City in northern Republic of China (Taiwan). It sits near the border with Taipei and is famous for its hot springs. It is the largest district in New Taipei as well as the most mountainous. The name of the town derives from the Atayal phrase qilux ulay meaning "hot and poisonous"." In: Wikipedia

2013-08-20

Multiview from Seychelles

© Seychelles Tourism Board

Unused, sent by "PilotOne"

"Seychelles, officially the Republic of Seychelles (French: République des Seychelles; Creole: Repiblik Sesel), is a 115-island country spanning an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, some 1,500 kilometres (932 mi) east of mainland Africa, northeast of the island of Madagascar.

Other nearby island countries and territories include Zanzibar to the west, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agaléga and Réunion to the south, and Comoros and Mayotte to the southwest. Seychelles, with an estimated population of 86,525, has the smallest population of any African state. It has the highest Human Development Index in Africa and the highest income inequality in the world, as measured by the Gini index. Seychelles is a member of the African Union." In: Wikipedia

2013-08-19

Chinese Lunar New Year - Macau

© ?

Unused, sent by "Blicas Blocas"

Information on the back side of the card: "Chinese celebrate devotedly this colorful festivity that stands for the beginning of Spring or rebirth after the end of Winter. Religious rites, courtesy visits, fireworks displays and gambling make this event very popular."

2013-08-18

"Alminha" of Donfins, Guarda - Portugal

© Rui Cunha (photo)

Unused

"Alminha" are small altars constructed in the nature to take a moment to leave a prayer and make offers, mostly candles and flowers. These shrines are erected at crossroads of paths, often on rural roads, in forests or near watercourses, but also can find shrines along the roads. The shrines can also be embedded in old walls or in front of houses and can be constructed in various materials. (Adapted from the portuguese Wikipedia)
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