Finland - Tammio

This is a painting of a model of a fishing vessel from Tammio off the South Coast of Finland. The artist Erkki Sandberg is an old friend of My friend Merja who sent me this card.

Australia - Wollongong Head Lighthouses

Wollongong Harbour is the only point on the eastern coast of Australia which has two lighthouses at a lovely seaside town called Shell harbour, which is about an hour and a half’s drive South of Sydney on the East coast of Australia Located on Flagstaff Point the newer lighthouse on Wollongong Head assists the passage of vessels into Port Kembla.  Completed in 1936, by the Department of Shipping and Transport, it was the first new lighthouse in New South Wales since 1903. The tower is constructed of reinforced concrete and replaced several earlier lights.  It was built to service as a coastal light and Port Kembla, to the south of Flagstaff Point. Up until now the only aid had been the old Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse situated on the Belmore Basin to the north. The lighthouse was built in 1871, is situated in the Belmore Basin on the southern breakwater The Breakwater light was discontinued in 1974. This card was sent to me by Emma.

Greenland

A train of huskies across the icy wastes of Greenland. This excellent maxicard was sent to me Ella.

Åland – Lighthouse at Market

Märket is a small 3.3 hectares (8.2 acres) uninhabited skerry in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and FinlandÅland Islands), (in the area of the autonomous which has been divided between two sovereignties since the Treaty of Fredrikshamn of 1809, and is in urgent need of maintenance, and a Finnish interest group is trying to raise funds for its preservation. The lighthouse has been automatic since 1979 and the surrounding buildings are no longer used. The increasing general availability of GPS has made its primary function redundant. Russia and then Finland operated the lighthouse in Swedish territory. In 1981, Sweden and Finland signed a treaty in which the ground under the lighthouse was transferred to Finland in return for an equal area of land in the Finnish half. As a result, the border now snakes across the tiny island in an intricate inverted-S curve, and the lighthouse is finally in Finland. defined the border between Sweden and Russian Empire as going through the middle of the island. The westernmost land point of Finland is on Märket. The Finnish side of the island is part of the Municipality of Hammarland. The Swedish part of island is itself divided by two counties of Sweden - Uppsala County (Östhammar Municipality) and Stockholm County (Norrtälje Municipality).The lighthouse on the card shown in the picture was sent to me by Merja

Italy – 150th Anniversary of the Tricolour - the Symbol of National Identity

A stamp, FDC, Maxi card and a mini sheet were issued by Italy on January 7, 2011 whilst celebrating the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy dedicated to the Tricolour National Flag, the symbol of national identity. The stamp shows the three colours of the Italian flag crossed through by two waving green and red ribbons that continue outside of the design at both the top and the bottom. The word “ITALIA” and the denomination “€ 0,60” complete the stamp. This nice maxi card was sent to me by Roberto.

Egypt – The Sound and Light shows at the Pyramids of Giza

Have you ever wondered what life must have been like thousands of years ago in Egypt? These thoughts of curiosity have inspired artists to take you there, for a brief period, through the creation of sound & light shows. You can get a glimpse back in time to see, feel, and imagine how it was when the powerful ancient Egyptians ruled. The artists have masterfully created a spectacle show that draws you in as part of history. The Sound and Light shows at the Pyramids of Giza are truly awe inspiring. It is magical and mystical. Want a truly unforgettable evening of entertainment in Cairo? Then don't miss the world-famous Pyramids Sound and Light Show in Giza! You'll hear the story of Egypt as seen through the eyes of the Sphinx over the ages, and see the breathtaking site of the floodlit pyramids lit up under the stars.

Finland – Icebreaker Tarmo

The Tarmo is an icebreaker that served Finland for many decades. The Tarmo was built in 1907. She was armed and served in World War II. She is currently moored at a nautical museum in Kotka, Finland. She is often reported to be the world's oldest surviving icebreaker, although Russian Angara icebreaker predates Tarmo by at least 7 years and also survives to this day as a floating museum. Another Finnish icebreaker, built in 1963, was named after the original Tarmo. This card was sent to me by Merja My Friend.

Finland - Grannies

Ella My Friend sent me this card showing our well known world famous characters the 'Grannies'. Here we see the Grannies having a Tree Top Picnic. On the left are the stamps on the cover sent by Ella that had some other things as well.
Thank you Ella.

Netherlands – Three Master

A model of a three master barque in the Prinz Hendrik Museum at Rotterdam.

Finland - Lighthouses

Finland has coastlines facing south on the Gulf of Finland and west on the Gulf of Bothnia, both arms of the Baltic Sea. Finland also administers the Åland Islands (Ahvenanmaa), an archipelago at the junction of the two gulfs. After centuries of rule by Sweden, Finland was conquered by Russia in 1809 and became an autonomous grand duchy within the Russian Empire. The country declared its independence from Russia in 1917, at the start of the Russian Revolution. Finland has a large number of lakes and inland waterways, and there are lighthouses on many of the larger lakes. I am indebted to Michel Forand for researching and locating many of these lights. Unfortunately, we have no light list for the country's inland waterways, so data on the characteristics of the lights is not available. No doubt there are more lighthouses to be discovered on Finnish lakes. Coastal lighthouses in Finland are maintained by the Finnish Maritime Administration (Merenkulkulaitos), and the agency also maintains the lights of inland waterways. The Finnish word for a lighthouse is majakka (plural majakat). Swedish is a second official language in Finland, and some of the lighthouses are commonly known by their Swedish names.

The lighthouse at the top Left is the famous one named Uto. It figured on a 1946 stamp that was issued to commemorate the Pilotage Services of Finland. Those interested may kindly refer to my blog http://letstalkstamps.blogspot.com. The one ot Top Right is the lighthouse at Porkkala, by the name of Ronnskar. The one shown at the Lower left side is at Kirkkonummi, is situated on a small little rocky island called Kallbådan. This lighthouse was finished in 1920. The material of the lighthouse is reinforced concrete. Originally there were rooms for two lighthouse keepers, engine room, sauna, kitchen and tank for freshwater. There was also some kind of a foghorn. The lighthouse was a part of Porkkala area that was leased to the USSR from 1944 to1955. The lighthouse was in very bad condition after this time. Lighthouse keepers did not live there any more after this period. Men from lighthouse Rönnskär took care of Kallbådan. Nowadays Kallbådan has a remote control from Rönnskär. The island Kallbådan is a seal protected area and that’s why no one is not allowed to go to the island without permission. These paintings on the cards are all by the artist Pekka Vehvilainen. And these pretty cards were sent to me by my friend Merja.

Finland

Sailing Ship Sigyn, built in Göteborg 1887, and now a museum ship in Turku, is the last remaining wooden barque used for trade across the oceans. At the time she was built there were thousands of similar vessels, but she was one of the last ones built. She was quite small even for her time, considering she was built for long-distance trade, but well built and considered fast and beautiful. Sigyn (Old Norse "victorious girl-friend") is a goddess and wife of Loki in Norse mythology. Sigyn is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson. In the Poetic Edda, little information is provided about Sigyn other than her role in assisting Loki during his captivity. In the Prose Edda, her role in helping her husband through his time spent in bondage is stated again, she appears in various kennings, and her status as a goddess is twice stated. Sigyn may appear on the Gosforth Cross and has been the subject of an amount of theory and cultural references. This lovely card was sent to me by Pirjo.

France – Besançon

Besançon is the capital and principal city of the region of Franche-Comté in eastern France. It had a population of about 220,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area in 1999. Located close to the border with Switzerland, it is the capital of the department of Doubs. Once proclaimed first green city of France, it still enjoys a proven life quality. Thanks to its rich historical and cultural heritage and its unique architecture, Besançon has been labeled a 'City of Art and History' since 1986, and has been on the UNESCO world heritage list since 2008. This card was sent to me by Tanja. The card had this lovely stamp of the Eifel Tower on it.

Hitchhikers at Sea

During all my years in the Navy I never came across a sight like this one. Hitchhikers at sea…wow… this is indeed a good one. Thanks Merja for this card.

Egypt - King Tut's throne

The Egyptian Museum was first built in Boulak. In 1891, it was moved to Giza Palace of "Ismail Pasha" which housed the antiquities that were later moved to the present building. The Egyptian Museum is situated at Tahrir square in Cairo. It was built during the reign of Khedive Abbass Helmi II in 1897, and opened on November 15, 1902 (More History). It has 107 halls. At the ground floor there are the huge statues. The upper floor houses small statues, jewels, Tutankhamon treasures and the mummies. A hall for the royal mummies was opened at the museum, housing eleven kings and queens. More than a million and half tourists visit the museum annually, in addition to half a million Egyptians. When Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun, he remarked that it was, "the day of days, the most wonderful that I have ever lived through, and certainly one whose like I can never hope to see again". However, the collection is yet to be completely documented, and it took some ten years for Howard Carter to finish excavating the tomb. There is probably no more famous group of artifacts in the world then those associated with the discovery of young King Tutankhamun's tomb. The collection has traveled the world, setting attendance records most anywhere that it may be found. While its current permanent housing is in the basement of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, it will soon be moved to a new down town location.

This scene, depicted on the card is actually on the backrest of King Tut's throne, shows how he would lean back in a relaxed manner while his wife, Anchesenamun, rubbed ointment into his shoulder. The text also suggests that the young Tutankhamun married his own half sister. Asha gave me this nice card.

Lithuania - On the Revir Neris

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 (850,324 together with Vilnius County) as of 2010. It is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. Very pleasant and very beautiful, that’s what comes to ones mind when talking about Vilnius. The city displays a variety of both architectural expression and willpower. This is perhaps due to the interesting history that rests in this attractive town, which not always has been the capital of Lithuania. However, for over five centuries, until he 18th century, Vilnius had been political and cultural centre of Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The Old Town is Vilnius was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 just because the town "has preserved an impressive complex of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and classical buildings as well as its medieval layout and natural setting". 2009 Vilnius was the European Capital of Culture. In the picture you can see the Gediminas' Tower, which is the only remaining part of the Upper Castle in Vilnius, Lithuania. Gediminas' Tower is an important state and historic symbol of the city of Vilnius and of Lithuania itself. It is depicted on the national currency, the litas, and is mentioned in numerous Lithuanian patriotic poems and folk songs. The Flag of Lithuania was re-hoisted atop the tower on October 7, 1988, during the independence movement that was finalized by the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania on March 11, 1990. A reconstruction of the Royal Palace of Lithuania was completed in 2009, and is located near the base of the hill upon which Gediminas' Tower stands. You can also see the beautiful River Neris which connects two old Lithuanian capitals - Kernavė and Vilnius. Along its banks are burial places of the pagan Lithuanians. 25 km from Vilnius are the old burial mounds of Karmazinai. There also are many mythological stones, and a sacred oak. Laimute sent this card to me.

Poland - Ostrów Tumski, Poznan

Ostrów Tumski, the island surrounded by the River Warta and its tributary, the Cybina. Initially, this was a small settlement outside the city walls, controlling the river crossing. It appears to have become the capital when moment Poland adopted the Christian faith in 966. It is also said that Poznań was the site of Mieszko I's conversion to Christianity. The settlement was protected by huge wooden and earth embankments, reinforced with stones. Here on the card you can see the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. Inside these are buried the first kings and princes of Poland. In the distance is a red multi-storey building which houses the University of Poznan where my friend Pawel studies.

Finland - Nyland Yacht Club

Isn't this alovely picture? Nyland Yacht Club is a yacht club in Helsinki, Finland. The club was founded on March 4, 1861 with the approval of its constitution by Tsar Alexander II. His brother, Admiral-General Grand Duke Konstantin, officiated at the inauguration ceremony. In the same year, NJK received its first yachting ensign, based on the flag of the Neva Yacht Club of St. Petersburg: white with a blue cross (similar to the flag of Finland), with the crest of the district of Nyland (Uusimaa) in the upper inner corner. Today's flag, introduced in 1919, is the fourth version of the original. The official language of the club is Swedish. In 1885 NJK came to Blekholmen (Valkosaari). That same year the club's first pavilion was built. The present pavilion, designed by architects Estlander and Settergren, was inaugurated on August 31, 1900. This super card was sent to me by my Dear Friend Merja.

Netherlands – Amersfoort

This picture is of The Koppelpoort, a medieval gate in the Dutch town of Amersfoort. Completed around 1425, the Koppelpoort is a sublime example of medieval defensive architecture. It is a combination of a land and water-gate and is part of the second city wall of Amersfoort, which was constructed between 1380 and 1450 AD. The gate was attacked in 1427 during the siege of the city. This attack was repelled. The gate was opened and closed every day by the appointed raddraaiers, "wheel-turners". A minimum of twelve wheel-turners were collected morning and evening by several guards. It was an extremely dangerous task; if they did not begin walking simultaneously, then one could fall, dragging the rest along with often fatal results. Before the gate could come down, it had to be raised, to pull out the iron pins that held it in place. Only then could it come down. While the gate was going down, walking in the wheel grew ever easier and faster, and many people stumbled and broke their limbs. The Koppelpoort was given its current appearance during the restoration by Pierre Cuypers in 1885 and 1886. Among other things, Cuypers removed a step between the two gates and replaced it with a slope. From 1969 to 1993 a puppet theatre was situated in the gate. The latest restoration was completed in 1996. It was carried out very cautiously, and with respect for the old building materials. For this the town of Amersfoort received the Europa Nostra Award. Gerrit sent me this nice card.

Germany - The only lighthouse with fog bell.

Pingelturm Lighthouse at the mouth of the Weser in Lower Saxony Bremerhaven is a seaport. As such, its external appearance is naturally characterized by lighthouses. The most northerly lighthouse is located to the south of the entrance to the Caesar`s Lock which leads to the Caesar`s Harbor and Connection Harbor. This is the beacon "Caesar`s Lock East light ”, in the vernacular called "Pingelturm”. Its architecture is very attractive and the beacon is a veritable unique specimen with its external fog bell. Incidentally, the bell still operates when it is foggy. Then it rings four times in rapid succession. The lighthouse is simply unmistakable in its entire appearance. The red brick building with a height of approximately 15 m, dating from the year 1900 and conceived by the harbour architect Rudloff, is easily recognizable from afar at the dyke.

It is a tapered round brick tower with lantern and gallery, the lantern crowned with a spike like that of an Imperial Army helmet. Lighthouse unpainted red brick with white false window casings; the lantern is green. The original fog bell, still active (4 strokes every 10 s), is mounted on the side of the tower. The elegant turn-of-the-century architecture of this lighthouse makes it a unique historic treasure. The light guides ships into the Kaiserhafen, a protected harbor in downtown Bremerhaven entered through a lock, the Kaiserschleuse. The familiar sound of the fog bell has given the lighthouse the local nicknames of Klingelturm or Pingelturm. Located on the east side of the harbor entrance, on the north side of downtown Bremerhaven. This nice card was sent to me by Ina from Germany.

Canada – The Gastown Steam Clock

This steam clock stands on a street corner of Gastown in Vancouver, British Columbia and is one of the world's only functioning steam clocks. It is powered by steam from an underground system of pipes that supply steam to heat many of the downtown buildings of Vancouver, BC. Every quarter of an hour the Gastown steam clock sounds its whistle and you can watch the steam shoot from the vents at the top of the clock. If you look through the glass panels on the side of the steam clock you will see how the steel balls are raised to the top of the clock under steam power and then they slowly fall to create the power to make the steam clock work. This pretty card was given to me by Asha.

Taiwan - Train along the coast

A lovely view of a train along the Taiwanese Coast.

Ukraine – Varenyky

Varenyky or pierogi (Canadian Ukrainian), are a kind of stuffed dumpling associated with Ukrainian cuisine. Some variants are also found in Moldovan, Mennonite, Belarusian, Russian, Lithuanian, and Polish cooking. Varenyky are believed to originate from Chinese and Siberian influences, although sometimes they are said to be of Turkish origin. Varenyky are similar to Polish pierogi. Varenyky are square- or crescent-shaped dumplings of unleavened dough, stuffed with sauerkraut, cheese, mashed potatoes, cabbage, meat, hard-boiled eggs (a Mennonite tradition) or a combination of these, or with a fruit filling. Varenyky are very popular in Ukraine. This attractive card was sent to me by Roma.

China – Jinan University

Jinan University is a leading research and comprehensive university based in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China. It is one of the oldest universities established on mainland China tracing back to the Qing Empire. It is a university administered by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council and the Chinese Ministry of Education. The name "Ji-Nan" (also Chi-Nan "reaching southward") comes from 'The Classic of History' which is a compilation of documentary records related to events in ancient history of China. The articles reads, "His speech and teachings spread from north to south, until they reached the four corners of the world." Thus the name "Jinan" conveys the school's mission: to spread Chinese culture and learning from North to South, from China to the rest of the world. Gong Yudie sent me this nice maxi card

Cyprus – Gourri Village

Merja wanted me to see this quaint village of Gourri in the Troodos Area. It is a populated place in Nicosia, Cyprus. The name comes from a medieval aristocratic family called Gourri. Their coat of arms, a sun displayed, is found in several places in the island. One of the members of the family was Jacques du Gourri, viconte of Cyprus. The Church is dedicated to Saint George and it was built in 1775.

China - Kaiping

Kaiping or Hoi Ping is a county-level city in Guangdong Province, southern China. It has a population of 680,000 as of 2003 and an area of 1,659 km². The locals speak a variation of the Taishan dialect. Kaiping has traditionally been a region of major emigration abroad, and a melting pot of ideas and trends brought back by overseas Chinese made good. As a consequence, several watchtowers incorporate architectural features from China and the West. As a result, a large number of early Chinese Canadian and Chinese American communities had people who originated from Kaiping and its neighbouring counties of Taishan, Enping and Xinhui. It is said that there are more Kaipingnese people living abroad today than there are Kaipingnese in Kaiping. My friend Gong Yudie sent me this nice maxi card in a beautiful cover with a nice minisheet and pretty stamps on it as displayed.

Cyprus – Kato Paphos

Paphos sometimes referred to as Pafos, is a coastal city in the southwest of Cyprus and the capital of Paphos District. In antiquity, two locations were called Paphos: Old Paphos and New Paphos. The currently inhabited city is New Paphos. It lies on the Mediterranean coast, about 50 km (31.07 mi) west of the Limassol (the biggest port in island), which has a A6 highway connection. Paphos International Airport is the country's second largest airport. Near Palaepaphos (Old Paphos) at the seaside of Petra-tou-Romiou is the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty and the founding myth is interwoven with the goddess at every level, so that Old Paphos became the most famous and important place for worshipping Aphrodite in the ancient world. In Greco-Roman times Paphos was the island's capital, and it is famous for the remains of the Roman governor's palace, where extensive, fine mosaics are a major tourist attraction. The apostle Paul of Tarsus visited the town during the 1st century AD. The town of Paphos is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the world's heritage. Paphos enjoys a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate, with the mildest temperatures on the island. The typical summer's season lasts about 8 months, from April to November, although also in March and December sometimes there are temperature above 20 °C (68.0 °F). My dear friend Merja sent this card.