MV Kronprins Carl Gustaf (1966-1975)

Kronprins Carl Gustaf was built in 1966 by Werft Nobiskrug, Rendsburg for Lion Ferry Ab of Halmstad. Her sisterships were Prins Bertl andGustav Vasa, and B&I Line ferries Munster, Leinster and Innisfallen were developments of the design. Kronprins Carl Gustaf entered service for Lion Ferry between Halmstad-Copenhagen-Travemünde. In 1967 she was transferred to the Trave Line service Helsingborg-Copenhagen-Travemünde. Kronprins Carl Gustaf was chartered to SJ (Statens Järnvägar - Swedish State Railways) in 1969 for their Malmö-Travemünde route. From 1972 this service was run by Rederi Ab Öresund. In 1975, Kronprins Carl Gustaf was sold to Polskie Linijskie Oceanica and renamed Wilanow, for service between Ystad-Swinoujscie. Ownership of Wilanow was transferred to Polska Zeluga Baltycka in 1977 for Swinoujscie-Rønne/ Ystad/ Copenhagen service, marketed as Polferries. In 1991 Wilanow was rebuilt in Gdansk with more berths. She was sold in 1997 to SEM Maritime, and renamed Split 1700 for eastern Mediterranean service. Thank you Merja fgor this nice card.

Shenzhen OCT East – It’s Theme Parks, Resorts, Villages and more

Once again China leaves everyone in awe of the scale of some of  it’s undertakings, people here think big, but I guess they have to! The Shenzen OCT East is a combination of two large theme parks, resort hotels, three small scenic towns, golf courses and more covering an area of 9 square kilometers. It is huge. I guess you could call it destination tourism, a man made one stop holiday utopia.

Their intention is clear, they’ve built a one stop destination for a surreal holiday experience. Packed into one big location is the adventure, excitement, wonder, thrills and eye-opening sights matched together with comfort and relaxation. OCT East is located a little out of the way, about 40 minutes or so from central Shenzhen by bus or taxi. It’s another tourist attraction where its best to arrive early and beat the long entry lines due to volumes of tour buses.

The picture on the card Kathylee sent me is of Huaxing Mahayana Hotel of Shenzhen OCT East, sanctuary of Zen. The Mahayana OCT Boutique Hotel Shenzhen. Located in the breathtaking Wind Valley of OCT East, The Mahayana OCT Boutique Hotel, sanctuary of Zen, within Hua Xing Temple, offers a brand new level of tranquility, elegance, peace and nature for the soul searching being.

A brief about the Hua Xing Temple here won’t be out of place. It is located in the breathtaking Wind Valley of OCT East, and offers the perfect bolthole from the hustle and bustle of city life. It covers 12000㎡and contains Guanyin Statues, Hua Xing Temple, The Mahayana OCT Boutique Hotel, Buddhist Holy Place, Buddhist Music Performance, Grand Hall, Market, vegetarian restaurant, and the Guiyi Pavilion.

Liechtenstein National Day

This item is a Maxicard issued by Liechtenstein on 9^th May 1981.  A lovely 80 Rappen Europa CEPT stamp is affixed to the card.  The beautiful Flower Pageant was par of the National Day procession at the Vaduz Castle. This lovely card was given to me by my friend Merja.

Arctic Olympics

You are right Merja, Finns do have some very interesting habits. But, don't you realise, that, Finland has found a member for their Arctic Olympics.

Sister Mountain

Sister Mountain one of the many picturesque peaks in the Far East of Russia, namely in the Primorye. It is very popular amongst tourists. The stark volcanic top emerges from the autumnal colours of the sides of the mountain. Thank you Sveta for this lovely card.

Asian black bear

The Asian black bear, also known as the moon bear or white-chested bear, is a medium-sized species of bear, largely adapted for arboreal life, seen across much of the Himalayas and the northern parts of the Indian Subcontinent, Korea, northeastern China, the Russian far east and the Honshu and Shikoku islands of Japan. It is classed by the IUCN as a vulnerable species, mostly due to deforestation and active hunting for its body parts. The species is morphologically very similar to some prehistoric bears, and is thought by some scientists to be the ancestor of other extant bear species. Though largely herbivorous, Asian black bears can be very aggressive toward humans, and have frequently attacked people without provocation. The species was described by Rudyard Kipling as "the most bizarre of the ursine species." But, the little fellow on the card seems to be more interested in tree climbing. Thank you once again Sveta.

Old Ironsides - USS Constitution

USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Named by President George Washington after the Constitution of the United States of America, she is the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat. Launched in 1797, Constitution was one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed. Built in Boston, Massachusetts, at Edmund Hartt's shipyard, her first duties with the newly formed United States Navy were to provide protection for American merchant shipping during theQuasi-War with France and to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War.

Constitution is most famous for her actions during the War of 1812 against Great Britain, when she captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane and Levant. The battle with Guerriere earned her the nickname of "Old Ironsides" and public adoration that has repeatedly saved her from scrapping. She continued to actively serve the nation as flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons, and circled the world in the 1840s. Retired from active service in 1881, she served as a receiving ship until designated a museum ship in 1907 and in 1934 she completed a three-year, 90-port tour of the nation. Constitution sailed under her own power for her 200th birthday in 1997, and again in August 2012, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of her victory over Guerriere.

Constitution's stated mission today is to promote understanding of the Navy’s role in war and peace through educational outreach, historic demonstration, and active participation in public events. As a fully commissioned US Navy ship, her crew of 60 officers and sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events while keeping the ship open to visitors year round and providing free tours. The officers and crew are all active-duty US Navy personnel and the assignment is considered special duty in the Navy. Traditionally, command of the vessel is assigned to a Navy Commander. She is berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard, at one end of Boston's Freedom Trail. Thank you Charli for this lovely card.