2011-06-30

David, Florence - Italy

























During my ERASMUS period in Italy, I was able to see the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence, the home of many works of Michelangelo. The David statue is one of them!


"Michelangelo's David arrived in 1873, moved here from the Piazza della Signoria in order to better conserve it. A copy of the statue still stands in Piazza della Signoria where it formerly was displayed. Despite the familiarity of the statue's image, the sheer size of the marble statue comes as a surprise. Commissioned by the Opera del Duomo in 1501, the work was deliberately designed to symbolize the virtues of Republican Florence and freedom from foreign and papal domination. Recently, it has come to symbolize the ultimate symbol of the artistic and intellectual ambitions of the Renaissance.


The 16-foot high block of marble was transformed in 3 years into the work of art that was to establish, along with the Pietà displayed at the Vatican, Michelangelo's reputation as the foremost sculptor of his day.David was always intended as an outdoor sculpture which explains some of the extraordinary physical distortions evident in the statue, such as the overly large hands and head. Even the eyes are made to be looked at from below; when examined from statue eye level, in fact, the two eyes were found to be looking in different directions." In: Visit Florence

2011-06-29

The Second Tower - San Marino



"On the second, and highest pinnacle of Mount Titano, 756 meters high, we find the Cesta Castle (also called Fratta). Built at the end of the XI century, this too has a pentagonal floor plan. The Second Towerhoused the Fortification Guards Division as well as some prison cells. Around the end of the XVI century, when the tower was no longer of strategic importance, it fell into disuse. In 1930, as a result of the construction of the Rimini - San Marino railroad, it was decided to restorate the medieval monuments in order to stimulate turism. 

Today the Cesta Tower houses the Museum of Archaic Arms, which contains approximately 535 pieces including: sidearms, spears and lances, firearms, bows and arrows, crossbows and coats of armour, all dating back to various periods from the Middle Ages to the end of 1800. The rest of the collection, which totals more than 1550 pieces, can be found in the "Center for the Study of Military Arms from the Middle Ages to the 1800's" in Borgo Maggiore.
 " In: San Marino Site

2011-06-28

Széchenyi Chain bridge, Budapest - Hungary


sent by kosta28

"The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. It was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Budapest, and was opened in 1849.
It is anchored on the Pest side of the river to Széchenyi (formerly Roosevelt) Square, adjacent to the Gresham Palace and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and on the Buda side to Adam Clark Square, near the Zero Kilometer Stone and the lower end of the Castle Hill Funicular, leading to Buda Castle.
The bridge has the name of István Széchenyi, a major supporter of its construction, attached to it, but is most commonly known as theChain Bridge. At the time of its construction, it was regarded as one of the modern world's engineering wonders. It has asserted an enormous significance in the country's economic, social and cultural life, much as the Brooklyn Bridge has in New York and America. Its decorations made of cast iron, and its construction, radiating calm dignity and balance, have elevated the Chain Bridge to a high stature in Europe. It became a symbol of advancement, national awakening, and the linkage between East and West." In: Wikipedia

2011-06-27

Bom Jesus Sanctuary, Braga


unused, made from cork

The Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary (The Good Jesus of the Mont Sanctuary) and it's surrounded areas are one of my favorite places in Braga, my hometown. This is a partial view of the staircase and the front of the church.

"The Sanctuary is a notable example of pilgrimage site with a monumental, Baroque stairway that climbs 116 metres (381 feet). It is an important tourist attraction of Braga. [...] The design of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, with its Baroque nature emphasised by the zigzag form of its stairways, influenced many other sites in Portugal (like Lamego) and colonial Brazil, like the Sanctuary of Congonhas. As the pilgrims climbed the stairs, (by tradition encouraged to do so on their knees) they encountered a theological programme that contrasted the senses of the material world with the virtues of the spirit, at the same time as they experienced the scenes of the Passion of Christ. The culmination of the effort was the temple of God, the church on the top of the hill. The presence of several fountains along the stairways give the idea of purification of the faithful.
The new church (built 1784–1834) by Carlos Amarante was one of the first Neoclassic churches of Portugal." In: Wikipedia

2011-06-26

Waterfall in Pedro Miguel, Faial Island - Açores


Caracolinho's parents were in vacations at Açores (in English Azores) and she sent me this card showing a waterfall in Pedro Miguel, Faial Island.


"Faial Island (the blue island) is part of the Azores central group, located about 66 miles from Terceira, 4.5 miles from Pico and 11 miles from S. Jorge. The surface area of Faial Island is approximately 67 square miles (173 km2). The island has about 15.000 inhabitants and its main municipal seat is located in the city of Horta. Different colours of blue decorate the houses, divide the fields and line the roadsides, giving Faial the name of Blue Island.
In the 18th century the development of whale hunting brought the early whaling fleets to Horta. By 19th century, Horta had become an important sea port, and a stopping point for a large number of yachts crossing the Atlantic.
In 1957 a great volcanic eruption from the "Ilheu dos Capelinhos", about 1 km from the coast, projected large quantities of lava and ash forming an islet that later became connected to Faial island by an isthmus.
The green circle of a volcanic cone at the top of a hill; White houses in towns mirrored on the ocean; The masts of sailing boats sailing from all over the world; The ochre walls of a fortress that has witnessed countless naval battles; The unforgettable sight of sunrise with the island of Pico in the background; The quiet inlets with beaches of soft sand; The hydrangeas standing out against the landscape, framing houses and roads, reason why Faial has been christened the "blue island"." In: Azores.com

2011-06-25

DE-936499 - Frankfurt


DE-936499 sent by xheo83

This multiview card shows the Frankfurt city. The sender says it's the fift-largest among German cities and that nowadays, the city is mainly known for it's financial district pointed out by a skyline of bank towers.

"Frankfurt am Main commonly known simply as Frankfurt, is the largest city in the German state of Hesse and the fifth-largest city in Germany, with a 2009 population of 672,000. The urban area had an estimated population of 2,295,000 in 2010. The city is at the centre of the larger Frankfurt/Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region which has a population of 5,600,000 and is Germany's second largest metropolitan area.
In English, this city's name translates to "Frankfurt on the Main". The city is located on an ancient ford on the river Main, the German word for which is "Furt". A part of early Franconia, the inhabitants were the early Franks. Thus the city's name reveals its legacy as being the "ford of the Franks" In: Wikipedia

2011-06-24

Zlatni Rat - Croatia


unused, bought in Portugal

"Croatia's most spectacular is the vast, golden shingle sandbar, almost 580 yards long, known as the Golden Horn. It juts out into the water at Bol on the island of Brac, the large island opposite Makarska.
The beach has a unique shape, like a white tongue stretched into the sea. It is unique also for the fact that it changes shape and position, depending on the wind. With its beauty and offer of various sports, the beach Zlatni rat attracts tourists from all over the world, who enjoy the sun, the sea and water sports." In:
Croatia Beaches

2011-06-23

Chapel of Bones - Évora


In Évora historic center (also UNESCO), at St. Francis Church, there is a very unique chapel: the walls are covered with real human bones! In there you have a mixture of feelings, it's a morbid place but at the same time is beautiful... It's absolutely a place that you never forget!

"The Capela dos Ossos (English: Chapel of Bones) is one of the best known monuments in Évora, Portugal. It is a small interior chapel located next to the entrance of the Church of St. Francis. The Chapel gets its name because the interior walls are covered and decorated with human skulls and bones. The Capela dos Ossos was built in the 16th century by a Franciscan monk who, in the Counter-Reformation spirit of that era, wanted to prod his fellow brothers into contemplation and transmit the message of life being transitory. This is clearly shown in the famous warning at the entrance "Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos" (“We bones, lying here bare, are awaiting yours")." In: Wikipedia

2011-06-22

PL-219632 - St. Mary's Cock


PL-219632 sent by letzteregen
I also collect cards showing chickens or roosters. So I gladly received this one with the St. Mary's Cock.

"St. Mary's Church or, properly, Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary  is a Roman Catholic church in Gdańsk, Poland, which is claimed to be the largest brick church in the world." In: Wikipedia

2011-06-21

DE-928788 - Art made from marble and tiles


DE-928788 sent by sternhaufen


This card is weird... It seems to be made from different types of marble and tiles, but the sender doesn't say anything about it...

2011-06-20

FI-1109793 - Swan


FI-1109793 sent by tuojo

This is a amazing card! This white swan is flying "in front" of the a beautiful moon! This is one perfect card!!!

It says that this picture was taken from a calendar of 1999 called "Like the birds of the sky" (in Finnish "Kuin taivaan linnut").

2011-06-19

BE-102396 - Belgium map


BE-102396 sent by TCLom


This map card shows the monuments and the touristic places to see in Belgium.


"Belgium officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, as well as those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium covers an area of 30,528 square kilometres (11,787 sq mi), and it has a population of about 11 million people. Straddling the cultural boundary between Germanic and Latin Europe, Belgium is home to two main linguistic groups, the Dutch-speakers, mostly Flemish, and the French-speakers, mostly Walloons, plus a small group of German-speakers." In: Wikipedia

2011-06-18

RU-441557 - Siberia Region


RU-441557 sent by neg922

This view from Siberia Region looks like a self-printed postcard... And at the back side there is no info about the place, the publisher, neither the lines for the address... Even tough is not a bad view...

"Siberia is an extensive region constituting almost all of Northern Asia. [...] Encompassing much of the Eurasian Steppe, the territory of Siberia extends eastward from the Ural Mountains to the watershed between Pacific and Arctic drainage basins, and southward from the Arctic Ocean to the hills of north-central Kazakhstan and the national borders of both Mongolia and China. It makes up about 77% of Russia's territory (13.1 million square kilometres), but has only 28% (40 million people) of Russia's population." In: Wikipedia

2011-06-17

Chilam Jush Festival - Pakistan


The Kalashi Women are performing a traditional dance at Chilam Jush Festival, in Pakistan.


"In Chitral, Pakistan there habitat a tribe called Kalash. Area is also known as kafiristan. It is local tribe that celebrate a festival called “Chilam Josh”. Below snow capped mountains, beautiful women and men dressed in tribal finery sing and dance." In: Paki Mag

2011-06-16

Basilica of St. Peter - Vatican

On my Erasmus period in Italy, I was able to visit the Vatican and the St. Peter's Basilica. Unfortunately, I just had time to see the church and the crypt, no time for the Museum and the view from the top of the Basilica... Maybe next time...

"The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter officially known in Italian as Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano and commonly known as St. Peter's Basilica, is a Late Renaissance church located within the Vatican City. St. Peter's Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world. It is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom" In: Wikipedia



2011-06-15

GR-14398 - Pylos


GR-14398 sent by katrin_s

This was my first card from Greece, from the city of Pylos. This is a partial and colored view of the bay.

"Pylos historically known under its Italian name Navarino [...] Pylos' bay is formed by a deep indenture in the Morea, shut in by a long island, anciently called Sphacteria or Sphagia (modern name Sfaktiria), famous for the defeat and capture of the Spartans, in the Battle of Pylos during the Peloponnesian War, and still showing the ruins of walls which perhaps formed their last refuge" In: Wikipedia

2011-06-14

Innsbruck - Austria

  

Innsbruck - Austria, unused

The antique shops can be a great surprise, this card was found in one of them. It shows a south view of Innsbruck with the Serles Mountain (2719m) and Nockspitze Mountain (2406m).

 "Innsbruck is the capital city of the federal state of Tyrol in western Austria. [...] Located in the broad valley between high mountains, the Nordkette (Hafelekar, 2,334 metres (7,657 ft) in the north, Patscherkofel (2,246 metres (7,369 ft)) and Serles (2,718 metres (8,917 ft)) in the south, it is an internationally renowned winter sports centre, and hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics and the 1984 and 1988 Winter Paralympics. It is to host the 1st Winter Youth Olympics in 2012. The word bruck comes from the German word Brücke meaning "bridge" which leads to "the bridge over the Inn". In Wikipedia

2011-06-13

Animals from Lisbon Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa in portuguese) is one of my favorite places in Portugal! I've already been there 2 times and I'm sure that more will come... From the Oceanarium store I bought these two cards: one showing the Magellanic penguin and the other showing the big stars, the Alaska sea-otters.


 The first sea-otters were called "Eusébio" and "Amália" in honer of those two Portuguese.
"The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg (30 to 100 lb), making them the heaviest members of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals." In Wikipedia






The Magellanic penguin (in Portuguese, Pinguim de Magalhães) "are medium-sized penguins which grow to be 61–76 cm (24–30 in) tall and weigh between 2.7 kg and 6.5 kg (5.9-14.3 lbs). The males are larger than the females, and the weight of both drops while the parents nurture their young.

Adults have black backs and white abdomens." In Wikipedia

2011-06-12

FI-1105752 - Sally Brown


FI-1105752 sent by eevaanneli


I am a fan of Peanuts and my favorite character is Snoppy, but is always a pleasure receive cards from the others! The Peanuts are a comic strip created by Charles Schulz. The main characters are Charly Brown and Snoopy. Sally Brown, shown on this card, is the sister of Charly Brown.

2011-06-11

Postcrossing 5 000 000 card


The user elephantus sent the original one to Thailand and for me a copy of the Postcrossing card 5 000 000! This one was sent from Isle of Man where he was on vacations and it shows a loch-engine.

2011-06-10

SE-19931 - Doping risks

SE-19931 sent by missblesk

As a health professional I like to receive cards related to health. So these two cards came com Sweden and they tell the harmful effects that doping provokes on different body parts. "Missblesk" sent the two version: male and female.




"The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport is commonly referred to by the term "doping", particularly by those organizations that regulate competitions. The use of performance enhancing drugs is mostly done to improve athletic performance." In Wikipedia

2011-06-09

TR-58730 - Loggerhead sea turtle


TR-58730 sent by akmeya1033

I used to have a turtle as a pet and I wouldn't mind to have this one! This Caretta caretta came from Turkey.

"The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), or loggerhead, is an oceanic turtle distributed throughout the world. It is a marine reptile, belonging to the family Cheloniidae. The loggerhead measures up to 213 centimetres (84 in) long when fully grown. The adult loggerhead sea turtle weighs approximately 135 kilograms (300 lb). The skin ranges from yellow to brown in color, and the shell is typically reddish-brown. [...] The loggerhead sea turtle is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans as well as the Mediterranean Sea. It spends most of its life in saltwater and estuarine habitats, with females briefly coming ashore to lay eggs. The loggerhead sea turtle has a low reproductive rate; females lay an average of four egg clutches and then become quiescent, producing no eggs for two to three years. The loggerhead reaches sexual maturity within 17–33 years and has a lifespan of 47–67 years." In: Wikipedia

2011-06-08

Nova Lisboa - Angola


I found this used card on a store in Braga. It shows a swimming pool in Nova Lisboa, Angola. The postcard has a postmark dated from 08-08-1962.

"Huambo, formerly Nova Lisboa ("New Lisbon" in Portuguese), is the capital of Huambo province in Angola.[...] After independence from Portugal in 1975, Nova Lisboa was given back its original name - Huambo. The Angolan Civil War (1975–2002) halted Angola's and Huambo's development, destroying a great part of its infrastructure. [...] The death of Jonas Savimbi in February 2002 and the subsequent signature of a new cease-fire brought back tranquility to the Province and set the conditions for the present ongoing peace process and the beginning of an era of development. The advent of peace brought a new era of reconstruction and regeneration." In Wikipedia

2011-06-07

US-395959 - Sloth


US-395959 from 9teen87


The user (and now a friend) "9teen87" got the US number but sent a Costa Rica card from her vacations :D  We met in Cologne during the Postcrossing Meeting in April 2011. 


"Sloths are classified as folivores as the bulk of their diet consists mostly of buds, tender shoots, and leaves, mainly of Cecropia trees. [...]  They have made extraordinary adaptations to an arboreal browsing lifestyle. Leaves, their main food source, provide very little energy or nutrition and do not digest easily. Sloths therefore have large, specialized, slow-acting stomachs with multiple compartments in which symbiotic bacteria break down the tough leaves." In Wikipedia

2011-06-06

FI-872840 - Garfield


FI-872840 from Xpaula

Garfield is a lazy cat from a tv cartoon. I still like to read the comic books, Garfield as a great sense of humor... On this card Garfield is saying "Smile and the world smiles with you!"

"Garfield is a comic strip created by Jim Davis. Published since June 19, 1978, it chronicles the life of the title character, the cat Garfield(named after Davis's grandfather); his owner, Jon Arbuckle; and Arbuckle's dog, Odie. As of 2007, it was syndicated in roughly 2,580 newspapers and journals, and held the Guinness World Record for being the world's most widely syndicated comic strip." In Wikipedia

2011-06-05

BE-27103 - Belgian pralines

I only know a few people that don't like chocolate... I'm not included on those :D "tinewoest" from Belgium sent the BE-27103 card with those tasty pralines... Yummy :D

2011-06-04

Penguins - China

Shinta from Indonesia sent an envelope full with penguins cards, issued in China in 2007. The penguins are one of my favourite animals, so I was (and still) very happy for receiving it! :D






2011-06-03

TW-306400 - Black-faced spoonbill


Last week came the Postcrossing card TW-306400. Myhappytone sent a card of the black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor) and she says it's a protected species.


"The Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) has the most restricted distribution of all spoonbills, and it is the only one currently regarded as endangered. Confined to the coastal areas of eastern Asia, it seems that it was once common throughout its area of distribution. Currently, it has a niche existence on only a few small rocky islands off the west coast of North Korea, with three wintering sites at Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam, as well as other places where they have been observed in migration." In: Wikipedia

2011-06-02

The Colosseum of Rome - Italy



Caracolinho was in vacations in Rome and sent me a card of the Colosseum (UNESCO). I've already been there and I loved it. To be honest, I love Italy! 


"The Colosseum, or the Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of RomeItaly, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering. [...] Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine. Although in the 21st century it stays partially ruined because of damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions and still has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit "Way of the Cross" procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum." In: Wikipedia

2011-06-01

International Children's Day


Today, the 1st June, the world dedicates the day to the kids. The card above was printed in Italy, but it's written in Portuguese and dated 24-11-1975.

"The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland proclaimed June 1 to be International Children's Day in 1925. It is not clear as to why June 1 was chosen as the International Children's Day: one theory has it that the Chinese consul-general in San Francisco (USA) gathered a number of Chinese orphans to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in 1925, which happened to be on June 1 that year, and also coincided with the conference in Geneva. The holiday is celebrated on 1 June each year. It is usually marked with speeches on children's rights and wellbeing, children TV programs, parties, various actions involving or dedicated to children, families going out, etc." In: Wikipedia

Peniche - Portugal


As a birthday gift, ZePombal sent me this card from Peniche, Portugal. "Peniche is known for its long windy beaches, sought for recreational activities and sports such as surfwindsurf , Bodyboarding or kite surf. Peniche has very good waves. Supertubos is the most popular wave in the region, with very fast and powerful (tubular) waves, one of the best in Europe; some call it the "European Pipeline". Peniche, with its typical harbour, its white windmills and chapels and large sand beaches has inspired famous artists like Maurice Boitel." In Wikipedia


Thank you ZePombal :D
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