Postcards Around the World

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

2013-10-21

Ha Long Bay - Vietnam (UNESCO WHS)

New, sent by Manuela

"Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest." In: UNESCO

2013-10-20

BR-248519 - Ponta Negra Beach, Natal

BR-248519 sent by "MarianaEmer"

"Ponta Negra (lit. "Black Tip") is a famous beach and neighborhood located in the Brazilian city of Natal, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Located in the extreme south of the beach is the Morro do Careca (Bald Hill), a large dune and an iconic landmark of the city. Located in the extreme north of the beach is the Via Costeira (Coastal Way), a long coastal road that connects Ponta Negra with several other beaches of the city, such as Areia Preta and Praia dos Artistas.

The beach is completely urbanized and there are several shops, restaurants, bars, night clubs, and hotels.

The sand itself is lined with "tents", or huts, called "barracas" that serve food and drinks to beachgoers day and night.

A common sight on the beach are "jangadas", simple, multicolored, local fishing boats typical of northeastern Brazil." In: Wikipedia

2013-10-19

International Music Festival - Macau

New, sent by Blicas Blocas

Information on the back side: "Held in October, has won great acclaim for its opera production in unique locations such as the St. Paul Ruins, the serene Lou Lim Ieoc Garden and the imposing Senado Square."

2013-10-18

Albufeira - Portugal

Sunset in Albufeira, unused, sent by Cláudia

Several views of Albufeira, unused, sent by Claúdia

"Albufeira is a city in Portugal. It is the seat of Albufeira Municipality. It is a main tourist destination, due to its coastal location. The city has a population of 22,000. It is 250 kilometres (160 mi) from Lisbon, and is within close proximity of Paderne Castle. Lagos is located 30 kilometres (19 mi) to the west, and Faro 45 kilometres (28 mi) to the south-east. Facilities include a marina, golf courses plus a great many hotels, apartment blocks, restaurants and bars for the annual flood of visitors." In: Wikipedia

2013-10-17

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, Madrid - Spain

New, sent by Claúdia.

"The Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is a famous bullring in Madrid (Spain).

Situated in the Guindalera quarter of the district of Salamanca, it was inaugurated on June 17, 1931. It has a seating capacity of 25,000 and is regarded as the home of bullfighting in Spain.

This bullring was designed by the architect José Espeliú in the Neo-Mudéjar (Moorish) style with ceramic incrustations. The seats are situated in ten "tendidos". The price of the seats depends upon how close they are to the arena and whether they are in the sun or the shade (the latter being more expensive). The bullfighting season starts in March and ends in October; bullfights are held every day during the San Isidro Fiesta, and every Sunday or holiday during the season. Bullfights start at 6 or 7pm and last for two to three hours." In: Wikipedia

2013-10-16

Komodo Dragons at Komodo National Park - Indonesia (UNESCO WHS)

RR Portugal x World G42, sent by jejeirene

"These volcanic islands are inhabited by a population of around 5,700 giant lizards, whose appearance and aggressive behaviour have led to them being called 'Komodo dragons'. They exist nowhere else in the world and are of great interest to scientists studying the theory of evolution. The rugged hillsides of dry savannah and pockets of thorny green vegetation contrast starkly with the brilliant white sandy beaches and the blue waters surging over coral." In: UNESCO