Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - July '26

 Back to 2026 with the cards that I received in July. These are from Russia, China, Finland and Canada.

 

The stone Resurrection Church was built on the Trade square of Ples in 1817, in honor of the victory of Russia over Napoleon. 

The card was sent by Nadezhda.

 

Since I bought my own house, I'm quite interrested to see how traditional houses look like around the world. mm6 sent me this one, Qiao’s Family Compound, a large architectural complex located in Qiaojiabao village of Qixian county, in Shanxi Province.

It’s originally built in 1756 during the Qing Dynasty and was possessed by Qiao Zhiyong, a famous business man in that historical period.

The compound was renovated twice and enlarged once to become the present magnificent building which reflects the unique living styles of northerners in ancient China during the Qing Dynasty.The compound is an enclosed castle-like architecture which occupies an area of 4,175 sq.m. (44,939 sq. ft.) and is now composed of six large courtyards, 20 small courtyards and 313 rooms. - in: https://windhorsetour.com

 PALETTI

I believe that most of us associate Finland with snow, not beaches. I've been to beach in Finland, but I really, really want to see snow in Finland. 

Hailuoto is the largest island in the Bay of Bothnia with an area of approximately 200 square kilometres. The island is located off the coast of Oulu, approximately 7 kilometres from the mainland. A significant part of Hailuoto’s surface area is included in the Natura 2000 nature conservation programme. - in: https://www.luontoon.fi

Anna mentioned that a brand new bridge is now connecting the island to mainland, so it may no longer be as peaceful and quiet as it was before. 

www.papersisters.de

This was Shelley's 1st RR in the forum and she wanted to share with me this card that she got from the Paper Sisters, in person, at a meet up in Toronto in 2018. It probably was the 1st version of the Happy Postcrossing from Canada.

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR * August '25

No, I didn't make a mistake, these are the postcards from the August's group of last year. One of the cards didn't make it here and it had to be resent. 

www.papersisters.de

Is not that I don't like plants and flowers but gardening isn't definitely one of my hobbies. There's a lot of flower pots in my house but if they depended on me to survive, I'm sure most of them would be dead by now. 

This Happy Postcrossing card was new in my collection and it was sent by Daniela.

The retablos are one of the most distinctive features of the Baclayon church on the island of Bohol. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved colonial churches in the Philippines.

Originally founded in 1596, Baclayon Church was constructed by the Jesuits using coral stones held together with egg whites and lime. Its massive walls and resilience over time have made it one of the best-preserved colonial churches in the country. The architectural style combines Baroque and Neoclassical elements, while the interior features elaborate woodcarvings, ancient frescoes, and an altar adorned with gilded ornaments. Although it suffered severe damage during the 2013 earthquake, the church has since been restored and continues to serve as a vital religious center. - in: https://en.webtours.bg

The card was sent by Jill, who used a Pope Francis stamps to make the roman catholic theme even more complete.

 

Unfortunately mm6's 1st card got lost in the mail and she had to resend it. 

Kaiping, Jiangmen is home to Guangdong's first World Cultural Heritage, Kaiping Diaolou. Most of these unique structures were built by returning overseas Chinese in the 1920s and 30s, resulting in a fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles. The Diaolou are categorised into three types: watchtowers, residential towers, and communal towers. Watchtowers were typically built at the entrance of villages, equipped with searchlights and alarm devices to fend off bandit invasions, while residential towers and communal towers are mainly for residential purpose. - in: https://www.gbayouth.org.hk

 

And another card from Asia. Hirosaki Castle, in Japan, sent by Tomoko.

Hirosaki Castle was built in 1611 by the Tsugaru Clan. A three-story castle tower, fortified moats, castle gates and some corner turrets (yagura) survive or were reconstructed. The castle is located in Hirosaki Park, a spacious public park of about 0.6 square kilometers.
The castle's original five-story keep burnt down in 1627 after being struck by lightning. Rebuilt in 1810, the present three-story keep is the only one in the Tohoku Region that was not rebuilt in the modern era, amongst only a handful in all of Japan. - in: https://www.japan-guide.com

US-12661365

 I think I've never posted so many cards in a row from the US or any other country. But this is the last one, for now. A new FOTW for my collection.

 

www.postcardsmarket.com

US-12661365, sent by Beth.

The USA have an area of 9.833.517 km², a population of 324.099.593 and its capital is Washington D. C.
Unique:
* Statue of Liberty - symbol of the American Dream;  
* Boing Everett Factory, WA - the largest building in the world by volume at 13.385.378 m3;
Famous:  
* Benjamin Franklin - one of the Founding Fathers of the US;
* The bald eagle - symbol of freedom and national bird of the United States since 1782;
History: 

* Declaration of Indepence - July 4, 1776 (from the Great Britain);

* Constitution - June 21, 1788.

Mountain Lion Cubs - USA

 Aren't these mountain lion cubs adorable? this beautiful card was one of my favorites and it was sent by Taylor.

Did you know that Puma concolor holds the Guinness record for the animal with the greatest number of names? In English alone it has more than 40. Mountain lion, puma, panther, wildcat, catamount, painter, cougar... — different names, same animal. 

Photo by Michael Mauro

Much of Colorado, including the Front Range, is prime mountain lion country. These large, powerful predators have always lived here, preying on plentiful deer and playing an important role in the ecosystem. 

The mountain lion (...) exists only in the Western Hemisphere and is one of North America's biggest cats. In Colorado, population estimates range from 3,000 to 7,000 mountain lions. A lion's natural life span is probably about 12 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity. 

Lions are very powerful and usually kill large animals, such as deer and elk. Natural enemies include other large predators such as bears, lions, and wolves. They also fall victim to accidents, disease, road hazards, and people. - in: https://steamboatsprings.net

US-12661367

 How fantastic it must be to walk through a slot like that! This one is a sandstone slot in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

A slot canyon is a long, narrow channel or drainageway with sheer rock walls that are typically eroded into either sandstone or other sedimentary rock. 

Slots like these are beautiful but can be dangerous when it rains as they flood easily and can be difficult to get out of quickly due to the steep walls.

Photography: David Muench

US-12661367, sent by Megan & Layla.

Glen Canyon is the broader sandstone canyon system carved by the Colorado River through Navajo and Wingate sandstone, much of it now submerged beneath Lake Powell following the construction of Glen Canyon Dam. Protected today as Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the canyon includes stretches of river both above and below the reservoir, along with significant archaeological and cultural resources tied to the region's long Indigenous history. - in: https://www.grandcanyonjourneys.com

Canyon de Chelly - USA

 I'm not done with American cards yet! I actually got one more official card yesterday. I'me getting a lot of official cards from the US but those that i'm sending are not getting there. 

The 1st one of these is an official but the other was sent by Carol to wish me an happy birthday in.... 2011!

 

US-12661364, sent by Sydney.

Canyon de Chelly is a protected site that contains the remains of 5,000 years of Native American inhabitation. Canyon de Chelly is located in the northeastern portion of the US state of Arizona within the Navajo Nation and not too far from the border with neighboring New Mexico. It is located 472 km (293 miles) northwest of Phoenix, Arizona. Canyon de Chelly is unique in the United States as it preserves the ruins and rock art of indigenous peoples that lived in the region for centuries - the Ancestral Puebloans and the Navajo. Canyon de Chelly has been recognized as a US National Monument since 1931, and it is one of the most visited National Monuments in the United States today.

Photo by George H. H. Huey

On the back of the card: Fall foliage and a silver ribbon of water flowing in Chinie Wash enhance the beauty of the red rocks seen from Tsegi Overlook.

Canyon de Chelly sits at an elevation of over 1829 m (6,000 ft) and bisects the Defiance Plateau in eastern Arizona. The tributaries of the Chinle Creek, which runs through Canyon de Chelly and originates in the Chuska Mountains, have carved the rock and landscape for thousands of years, creating red cliffs that rise up an additional 305 m (1000 ft).
Canyon de Chelly is one of the longest continuously inhabited places anywhere in North America, and archaeologists believe that human settlement in the canyon dates back some 5,000 years. Ancient prehistoric tribes and peoples utilized the canyon while hunting and migrating seasonally, but they did not construct permanent settlements within the canyon. Nonetheless, these prehistoric peoples did leave etchings on stones and on canyon walls throughout what is now Canyon de Chelly. - in: https://www.worldhistory.org

US-12661343

The Fire Island Lighthouse, the sixth tallest lighthouse in the country and the tallest in New York City!

 If you dare to climb  the 182 steps of the tower, on a clear day, you can see the New York City skyline in the distance.

 

US-12661343, sent by Erin.

The Fire Island Lighthouse is an iconic landmark on the western end of the island.
The current lighthouse stands 180 feet tall (51 meters), and was built in 1858. It dwarfs the original 1826 lighthouse which stood at only 74ft. The Fire Island Lighthouse has served as a navigational aid for local mariners and was the first light immigrants saw when coming to America in the 1800s. The lighthouse light remained dark for twelve years (1974-1986 when the United States Coast Guard decommissioned the tower. Luckily the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society was formed and raised over $1.2 million to relight the light on Memorial Day of 1986.
Today, the lighthouse is run by volunteers who share their passion for the history of Fire Island, the lighthouse, and Long Island. - in: https://fireislandferries.com

US-12661349

This card deserves a post on its own. Pamuk says Colonial Williamsburg is the most beautiful palace in the US. I don't know about that but I'm sure I'd like to visit it.

Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living-history museum and serves as a window into 18th-century Virginia on the eve of the American Revolution. Once the capital of the colony, Williamsburg was at the center of political debate, revolutionary fervor, and the daily lives of ordinary Virginians. Today, the restored city features original and reconstructed buildings, allowing visitors to walk the same streets as figures such as Patrick Henry, George Wythe, and Thomas Jefferson. 

The historic area is brought to life by costumed interpreters, craftsmen, and reenactors who demonstrate trades, politics, and military practices of the period. Taverns, homes, shops, and government buildings show the breadth of colonial society, while military encampments and militia drills highlight Virginia’s role in the Revolution. - in: https://thelibertytrail.org

 

© The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

US-12661349, sent by Pamuk. 

More than 300 buildings comprise the colonial capital city. 89 of those buildings are original to the 18th century, while the rest were carefully reconstructed based on extensive research and archaeological evidence. This preservation process started with the founding of Colonial Williamsburg in the 1930.

One of the area’s most recognizable landmarks is the Governor’s Palace.
Originally completed in 1722, the Palace was home to seven British royal governors, Virginia’s first two elected governors (including Thomas Jefferson), and hundreds of servants and enslaved people. After a fire destroyed the Palace in the late 1700s, Virginia’s capital moved from Williamsburg to Richmond. The Governor’s Palace was meticulously reconstructed in the 1930s, and today you can tour its lavish interiors and explore its sprawling gardens. - in: https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com

Covered Bridges in Pennsylvania

And wouldn't you know it, I kinda like covered bridges!! I've received several postcards with this type of bridge, and most of them came from the state of Pennsylvania. And it's no wonder, Pennsylvania is the state with the most covered bridges. These are just 3, but there are 209.

Of the nearly 14,000 authentic wooden covered bridges that once existed in the United States, less than 900 remain. Over the years, many covered bridges have been destroyed by fire, flooding, or vandalism. The majority of the others simply collapsed due to age and disrepair, and some were torn down to make way for newer iron bridges. - in: https://heartofpa.com

 

US-919518, sent by Dan.

"The Forksville Covered Bridge is a Burr arch truss covered bridge over Loyalsock Creek in the borough of Forksville, Sullivan County, in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It was built in 1850 and is 152 feet 11 inches (46.61 m) in length. The bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The Forksville bridge is named for the borough it is in, which is named for its location at the confluence or "forks" of the Little Loyalsock and Loyalsock Creeks.

The bridge was restored in 1970 and 2004 and is still in use (...). It is one of three remaining covered bridges in Sullivan County (...)." - in: wikipedia 

 

 Color photo by Bron Miller © Modern-Ad

The McGees Mills Covered Bridge is a historic Burr truss wooden covered bridge located near Mahaffey, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is a 109 foot bridge built in 1873 over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. - in: wikipedia

 

 Photo © Thomas E. Walczak

 

US-2185668, sent by Julie.

On the back of the card: "The Logan Mills Covered Bridge, in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, spans the Fishing Creek in Loganton. Seen here in winter, the bridge was originally built in 1866, then rebuilt in 1979, and still allows traffic. Locals and tourists enjoy the charm and character of this lovely historic structure."

US-12403354

 The Pulp Mill Covered Bridge, also called the Paper Mill Covered Bridge, is a wooden covered bridge that crosses Otter Creek between Middlebury and Weybridge, Vermont on Seymour Street. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

 

Photography: Alois Mayer

US-12403354, sent by Betty.

This bridge has many distinctions. It is one of only seven double-barreled (two lane) covered bridges in the country, one of only two in the State of Vermont (the Museum Covered Bridge being the other), and the only still carrying regular traffic. It is also the oldest covered bridge in Vermont, and one of the oldest in the country.
The exact age of the bridge is in question. A sign on the bridge states it was built between 1808 and 1820. - in: wikipedia

MY-735999

Still on my list of must visit places, here's a postcard of Malacca, which was an important base for Portuguese expansion in the East Indies in the 16th century.

Historically, Jonker Walk was a center of trade, where Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian merchants exchanged goods, fostering a unique blend of cultures that is still evident in the architecture, food, and traditions found here today.

 

MY-735999, sent by Lee.

The traditional shop houses along the street have been preserved and adapted, housing antique shops, art galleries, and local eateries, many of which feature colonial-era designs that reflect both Chinese and European influences.

For the community, Jonker Walk remains a place of shared identity—a living tapestry of Melaka’s past and present. It brings together people from all walks of life, from locals enjoying a stroll through its streets to tourists immersing themselves in Melaka’s rich history and cultural offerings. Today, Jonker Walk continues to be a vital part of Melaka’s cultural landscape, bridging the old with the new and offering visitors an authentic experience of the city’s heritage. - in: https://discovermalaysia-unesco.com

Otranto - Italy

 Of all the places Óscar visited in southern Italy, Otranto was the place he liked the most. He said I might like it too and he's probably right. I've never been to the south of Italy, I guess I need to put Otranto on my visit list if I ever get to visit this region.

Otranto is a coastal town, port and comune in the province of Lecce, right on the heel of the Italian boot. it is It is one of the I Borghi più belli d'Italia - The most beautiful villages of Italy.

 

© DEDALUZ2 EDIZIONI

The cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata is the most important place of Catholic worship in the city of Otranto. The cathedral, built on the remains of a Messapian village , a Roman domus and an early Christian temple , was founded in 1068 by the Norman bishop William. It is a synthesis of different architectural styles comprising Byzantine, early Christian and Romanesque elements. - in: https://www.orminatours.com

Bügeleisenhaus - Germany

 I've never heard about Hattingen before but after googling about it, I'm pretty sure I might like it. My kind of place, small but lots to see. 

Hattingen is a 600 years old town in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its 150 half-timbered houses and the small winding street, make it a town full of charm. 

The most famous half-timbered house is the Bügeleisenhaus, located at Haldenplatz. 

This beautiful card was sent by Kerstin.

 

© type art satz & grafik - dortmund

The 17th-century half-timbered house is a sight in itself: its façade is adorned with scrolled brackets, carved sun wheels, and fearsome "envy masks," while the interior also offers interesting exhibits for visitors. Cloth makers lived and worked here between 1771 and 1856, and a butcher's shop operated on the ground floor until 1907.

DE-16926328

 Königstein is a town on the river Elbe in Saxony in Germany.

 

DE-16926328, sent by Kerstin.

The city is home to the Königsstein Fortress, one of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe. On this card, we can hardly spot the fortress, on the top of the hill, but I've a different card, depicting it.

Northern Germany

My official cards are taking forever to reach their destinations, which is quite disappointing and frustrating, but on the other hand, I got a few cards these last days. These two are both from northern Germany.

© Schöning Verlag

DE-16914345, sent by Anneke.

Eckernförde is a small town, which is over 700 years old, in the northern part of Schleswig-Holstein. The town has a population of about 23,000 and is a popular tourist destination.

© Schöning Verlag

DE-16920876, sent by Svea.

Northern Germany is a fascinating area between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. It is characterised by diverse landscape, lush greens, rich history and unique culture. The region offers the best of picturesque coastal towns, historic cities and idyllic rural areas. Northern Germany is not only known for its impressive beaches and charming harbour towns, but also for its warm hospitality. The North German identity is reflected in traditional customs, a maritime way of life and a deep connection to nature – yet always curious and progressive. Whether you are exploring the vast plains and forests, the picturesque islands or the lively cities – Northern Germany has plenty to offer and will charm you with its culture and hidden gems. - in: https://www.visit-northerngermany.com/

Mont Saint-Michel - France

One of my next trips to France, has to be to this amazing place, Mont Saint Michel. These cards are sent to me in the last years by Ara, Hanna, Raquel, Valérie and also Van from China.

Éditions D'Art * Photo: H. Marcou

Mont-Saint-Michel is a rocky islet topped by a famous Gothic abbey, 1.6 km (1 mi) off the coast of Normandy in northwest France in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel in the English Channel. The island, located 5 km (3 mi) from the shore during the Middle Ages, is now surrounded by water only two times a month. Its one cobblestone street climbs in three spirals from a great granite base to the towering Benedictine abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, an architectural masterpiece built in the 13th century, replacing the original abbey, which was founded in 708 by Saint Aubert, bishop of Avranches, but destroyed by King Philip II of France in 1203.

Its fortifications enabled the islet to withstand repeated English assaults during the Hundred Years' War. The abbey served as a prison during Napoleon I's reign. Restored after 1863, and connected to the mainland by a causeway (completed 1875), the abbey is preserved as a national historical monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of France's great tourist attractions. - in: http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Provinces/Normandy/Mont-St-Michel.shtml

 Mont St Michel lies in the heart of an outstanding setting. Mont St Michel Bay has the highest tides in Europe, up to 15 metres difference between low and hight water, which transform the surrounding landscapes twice a day.  During top of the spring tides, the sea goes out 15 kilometres from the coast and comes in again very quickly.

 Artaud Frères - Editeurs 

  The tides are caused by the action of the heavenly bodies, principally the sun and the moon. When they are in line with the earth (in syzygy) the attraction is multiplied, announcing spring tides, this corresponds with the period of highest tides ; on the contrary, if the sun and the moon form a right angle (in quadrature), the attraction is reduced and we are in neap tides, the period of lowest tidal movement.

 

CN-4354349, sent by Van.

 This phenomena are accentuated in Mont Saint-Michel bay, because with the rock being in the back of the bay, the sea doesn't reach the Mount during neap tides. On the other hand during spring tides, the sea reaches the Mount but only after 4 hours and 30 minutes after the start of the rising tide, about every fortnight. - in: http://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/en/horaire-marees/mont-saint-michel.htm