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

Kairouan - Tunisia

Kairouan is a city in northern Tunisia, 50 km (31 mi) from the east coast and 184 km (114 mi) from Tunis. 

The city was founded by the Umayyads around 670. In the period of Caliph Mu'awiya (reigned 661–680), it became an important centre for Sunni Islamic scholarship and Quranic learning, and thus attracting a large number of Muslims from various parts of the world, next only to Mecca and Medina. - in: wikipedia

It is classified as UNESCO WHS since 1988.

The 1st of these cards was sent by Emerich and the 2nd and 3rd were both bought by me, in Expo 98 in Lisbon and at the collectors fair in my city a few days ago.

Carte d'Or

Kairouan is an important religious pilgrimage site and, for history lovers, one of Tunisia's star tourist attractions. This bustling city is jam-packed with some of the country's best examples of Islamic architecture, from grand mosques and tombs with ornate decoration to the Medina back alleys lined with candy-coloured houses.

Kairouan is also a major shopping destination and is famous for the quality of its carpets. When all the craning your neck at mosque minarets and admiring gorgeous tile work gets too much, it's time to hit the souks for a bit of bargaining with the town's many craftsmen. - in: http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/kairouan-tun-kr-k.htm

The Mausoleum of Sidi Sahab, generally known as the Mosque of the Barber, is actually a zaouia located inside the city walls. It was built by the Muradid Hammuda Pasha Bey (mausoleum, dome and court) and Murad II Bey (minaret and madrasa). In its present state, the monument dates from the 17th century.

The mosque is a veneration place for Abu Zama' al-Balaui, a companion of the prophet Muhammad, who, according to a legend, had saved for himself three hairs of Muhammad's beard, hence the edifice's name. The sepulchre place is accessed from a cloister-like court with richly decorated ceramics and stuccoes. - in: http://www.travellino.net/places/866

 

The Great Mosque of Kairouan, also known as the Mosque of Uqba, is one of the most important mosques in Tunisia, situated in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Kairouan. Every city in Tunisia has a Great Mosque, but the Great Mosque in Kairouan is the most important of all.
It is the oldest Muslim place of worship in Africa and is commonly regarded as the fourth holiest site in Islam (after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem). Established by the Arab general Uqba ibn Nafi in 670 AD (the year 50 according to the Islamic calendar) at the founding of the city of Kairouan, the mosque is spread over a surface area of 9,000 square metres and it is a model for all later mosques in the Maghreb.
For centuries, the Great Mosque of Kairouan has served as a pilgrimage destination for North Africans not able to make the long trip to Mecca. According to popular belief, seven trips to Kairouan was worth one hajj to Mecca. - in: https://www.alluringworld.com

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - May '26

 I was hoping to get cards today but the mailbox was empty. 

May 's MFS RR cards from Germany, USA, Russia and Belgium.

 

www.papersisters.de

Nadine send this Happy Postcrossing card with a few inspiring German women. The ladies mentioned on the card are: Sophie Scholl (1921 - 1943), a student and anti-Nazi political activist, active in the White Rose non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany; Elly Beinhorn (1907 - 2007), a pioneering female aircraft pilot; Maria Sibylla Merian (1647 - 1717), a entomologist, naturalist, and scientific illustrator; Melitta Bentz (1873 - 1950), inventor and entrepreneur known for revolutionizing the process of coffee brewing with her invention of the coffee filter; Margarete Steiff (1847 - 1909) , a seamstress who in 1880 founded Steiff, a maker of toy stuffed animals; Clara Schumann (1819 - 1896), pianist, composer, and piano teacher. She married the composer Robert Schumann; Marlene Dietrich (1901 - 1992), actress and singer; Paula Modersohn-Becker (1876 - 1907), Expressionist painter and draftswoman; Bertha Benz (1849 - 1944), automotive pioneer. She was the business partner, investor and wife of automobile inventor Carl Benz; Käthe Kollwitz (1867 - 1945), artist who worked with painting, printmaking (including etching, lithography and woodcuts) and sculpture..

How many of these women had you heard of before?

 

Photo by William Carr

A dreamy snowy view of Bryce Canyon in Utah. 

Bryce Canyon National Park in Southwestern Utah is famous for the largest collection of hoodoos—the distinctive rock formations at Bryce—in the world. It was declared a National Moument in 1923, and officially established as a National Park in 1928. - in: https://www.nationalparks.org

This card was sent by Nan.

 

This beautiful card of the Ipatiev monastery, was sent by Natasha.

Ipatiev monastery, founded around 1330, is a male monastery situated on the bank of the Kostroma River just opposite the city of Kostroma. 

According to the legend it was founded by the Tatar prince Chet, who adopted Christianity under the name of Zechariah. In 1613 the monastery was the place where Moscow boyars came to invite Mikhail Romanov to become the new ruler. As a result, the first prayer of thanksgiving was prayed in Trinity Church to mark the salvation of Russia from the turmoil the coming of the new ruling dynasty. After that event, the monastery became a holy place for the Romanov dynasty. There, for many years the Fyodorovskaya icon of the Mother of God, the patroness of the new royal family was kept. - in: https://www.advantour.com

And finally, Lara's card, of the beautiful city of Dinant. After my trip to Belgium a few years, I promised myself that I'd travel to the country again to visit this city.

 Dinant, a picturesque city located on the banks of the majestic Meuse river and surrounded by the scenic landscape of the Belgian Ardennes.

Chichicastenango - Guatemala

You have the patience, you might find some treasures!! I was able to find 2 cards from Guatemala in that fair and I really like this one.It depicts a procession in Chichicastenango, a city in a mountainous region about 140 km northwest of Guatemala City.

Chichicastenango was the ancient capital of the Quiché Kingdom and is a vital center of Maya culture in Guatemala. Known for its thriving artisan traditions, the town is often called the “Mecca of the Mayas.” It is historically significant as the place where the Popol Vuh, the sacred Maya text, was discovered in the Spiritual Temple, the same location where the Church of Santo Tomás now stands.

Foto: Thor Janson

The heart of Chichicastenango’s cultural event is the Patron’s Day Festival on December 21st, celebrating Saint Thomas, the town’s patron saint. The festival is a lively mix of traditional dances, colorful costumes, marimba music, and Mayan ceremonies, showcasing the deep cultural and spiritual roots of Chichicastenango’s habitants. These rituals and performances offer a unique insight into the local’s rich heritage, blending ancient practices with modern festival elements like the multiple groups of traditional dancers, musicians, and cofradías (brotherhoods), participating in high spirited street processions. - in: https://columbusguatemalatravel.com

Tungurahua volcano - Ecuador

 A few weeks ago I went to the collectors fair in my city and saw, literally, thousands of cheap cards. However I only bought 14. I was surprisingly very selective. Only 14 but I think I bought some interresting cards. One of them was my 2nd card of the Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador. I got the 1st one many years ago, from a UNESCO swap. This volcano is part of the Sangay National Park, a UNESCO WHS since 1983.

Tungurahua is an active stratovolcano located in the Cordillera Oriental of Ecuador. It is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes. Three major volcanic edifices have been sequentially constructed since the mid-Pleistocene over a basement of metamorphic rocks. Tungurahua II was built within the past 14,000 years following the collapse of the initial edifice. Tungurahua II itself collapsed about 3000 years ago and produced a large debris-avalanche deposit and a horseshoe-shaped caldera open to the west, inside which the modern glacier-capped stratovolcano (Tungurahua III) was constructed. 

 

 Foto: Isabel Wuth

Tungurahua causes many tremors in the nearby city of Banos. Tungurahua has had at least seventeen eruptions in historical times. Prior to a long-term eruption beginning in 1995 that caused the temporary evacuation of the city of Banos at the foot of the volcano, the last major eruption had occurred from 1916 to 1918, although minor activity continued until 1925. - in: https://volcano.oregonstate.edu

The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta - Indonesia

 As I'm writings this post, the UNESCO comittee is chosing this year's new sites. I checked the new inscribed properties, 13 so far, this morning and I've 2 of them. There's still more to come and hopefully, one will be the portuguese candidate. Fingers crossed.

And speaking of new sites, three years ago, Indonesia inscribed the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta on the WHS list. I've all the Indonesian sites now (again). 

 

The central axis of Yogyakarta was established in the 18th century by Sultan Mangkubumi, and has continued from that time as a centre of government and Javanese cultural traditions. The six kilometre north-south axis is positioned to link Mount Merapi and the Indian Ocean, with the Kraton (palace) at its centre, and key cultural monuments lining the axis to the north and south that are connected through rituals. It embodies key beliefs about the cosmos in Javanese culture, including the marking of the cycles of life. - in: https://whc.unesco.org

 

Tugu Jogja, is more than just a landmark. It stands at the center of a symbolic line connecting the majestic Mount Merapi, the Yogyakarta Kraton (Royal Palace), and the mystical South Sea. This monument is a testament to the city's spirit, resilience, and deep-rooted Javanese philosophy, witnessing centuries of history unfold around it. 

Initially, the monument was named Tugu Golong Gilig. Built by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I in 1755, it had a cylindrical pole ("gilig") with a sphere ("golong") on top. It symbolized the unity of the people and the ruler ("Manunggaling Kawula Gusti") and served as a focal point for the Sultan's meditation, aligning the palace with the peak of Mount Merapi. 

The original monument collapsed during a massive earthquake in 1867. The Dutch colonial government rebuilt it in 1889, but with a significant change in design. The new square structure with a golden spire, named De Witte Paal (The White Pole) or Tugu Pal Putih, intentionally disrupted the original philosophical meaning, altering the sacred axis. - in: https://tugujogja.com/

GR-112432

 Almost 20 years of postcrossing and only 3 officials from Greece. I loved that Faye wrote so much on such a limited space. In a few sentences, she told me everything I needed to know about the Heptapyrgion or Yedi Kule, the Castle of Thessaloniki, located in the Old Town.

 

GR-112432, sent by Faye.

The fortress of Heptapyrgion is one of the best well-preserved fortification monuments in Greece, a symbol of the power of the city of Thessaloniki, but also a site with a heavy historical impact due to its use as a prison in recent years.

The fortress has towered over the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, for over 1,000 years. It was first constructed during the Byzantine era (330 AD to 1453 AD), although this most recent version was rebuilt by the Ottomans after they conquered the city in the 1400s.
After the Ottoman invasion, Heptapyrgion remained a prominent point within Thessaloniki’s acropolis. It was under the military’s control, becoming the residence for the city’s military advisor and a garrison for about 300 troops. But by the 19th century, the military’s interest in the fort had dwindled. It was soon converted into a prison.
To the Greeks, Heptapyrgion is haunted by memories of turbulent periods within their recent history. The fortress held political prisoners during troubled times like the fascist dictatorship of 1936, the years of Nazi occupation and the civil war that followed it, and the seven year-long military junta that began in 1967. Those interned there faced harsh conditions. Torture was common, and hundreds of inmates were executed at an infamous spot not far from the fortress. - in: https://www.thessalonikitourism.gr

 

Happy Postcrossing from Finland

 A few weeks ago I won a lottery on IG, hosted by Päivi, and one of the prizes was this card, a new one in my Happy Postcrossing collection.

 

www.papersisters.de

Finland, the country of the lakes, Santa Claus, saunas and if you're lucky, you might see the northern lights. The country is home to a few dear friends and it was in the summer cottage of one of them, that I tried the karelian pie. 

Mulhouse - France

 This is not my 1st card from Mulhouse but I don't know much about the city. Heidi has been to the city to play in a tournament, last June. I don't know if she had enough time to explore the city but she had time to send a few cards.

Mulhouse is a lively Alsatian town with a flourishing industrial and textile past: it boasts a beautiful historical centre and a number of museums second only to Paris.

 

Mulhouse in Alsace is often associated with the image of a grey industrial city due to its manufacturing and commercial importance. Instead, the city offers its visitors a beautiful historical centre full of old frescoed buildings, a series of magnificent museums, a street art itinerary and a lively and expressive cultural scene that sets it apart from other Alsatian cities. In addition, Mulhouse can be considered the ideal starting point for exploring the region: many even choose it as a base for visiting Alsace, thanks to its proximity to the main attractions in the area, its wide choice of cheap accommodation and its proximity to the airport. - in: https://www.franceguide.info

Poitiers - France

Poitiers is the capital of the Vienne department and also of the Poitou-Charentes region, in west-central France.  The centre of town is picturesque and its streets include predominant historical architecture, especially religious architecture and especially from the Romanesque period. 

In the heart of the cobbled streets of the city, is a true gem of Romanesque art: Notre-Dame-la-Grande Church.

 

Photo: Sénalf

Poitiers was a quick stop during a road trip all the way from the Netherlands to Portugal. Óscar only had time to have a coffee in front of this beautiful.

 Mentioned as early as the 10th centuryNotre-Dame-la-Grande was completely rebuilt in the 11th century and then consecrated in 1086 by the future Pope Urban II.
At the beginning of the 12th century, the building was enlarged and the famous facade carved takes shape. Since then, the church has survived the centuries, resisted conflicts and urban transformations, and has been beautified thanks to successive restorations. - in: https://www.visitpoitiers.fr

 

Cliché: Pierre Morisan

On this card sent by Damien is possible to see a detail of the west facade of the church.

When you approach the Church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande, the striking facade instantly catches your eye.
Carved in the XIIrd century, the facade reads like a picture book: The frieze above the arches of the portals illustrates the story of the Bible from the original sin with Adam and Eve, until the birth of Jesus. - in: https://www.tourisme-vienne.com

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR * April '26

I was still missing one card to have the 4 cards of  the MFS April, and it finally arrived in June.

 

 Tanya always sends me churches. I've quite a few church cards from Belarus in my favs but I've never seen this one before.

The catholic Church of Saint John the Baptist is located in the village of Mscibava. It stands as a prominent architectural landmark in the village, which boasts a rich, centuries-old local history dating back to the Middle Ages.

www.papersisters.de

Ni Hao! Happy Postcrossing from China, even thought Karissa sent the card from USA. That's really not important, this is a new HP in my collection. 

About 1,4 billion people call the Peoples Republic of China home. The combination of a long history and traditions and a very modern presence makes it an exciting place to discover. The Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army and iconic Giant Panda are just some ambassadors. Chinese New Year celebrations continue for days and are held all over the world. 2026 marks the Year of the Horse.

I believe that my very 1st card of China was a card of this lake, Erhai. Xinyi said it is a UNESCO site but it actually is part of the Dali-Cangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, which in turn is on the UNESCO Tentative list.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Plateau,’Erhai Lake is the second largest lake in Yunnan Province and the seventh biggest freshwater lake in China, by area and water storage. Formed in a rift depression, Erhai Lake has been known since ancient times as the "flawless jade among mountains" due to the color and clarity of its waters.
Stretching 42 kilometres from north to south and 3.9 kilometres from east to west, it covers an area of more than 250 square kilometres, with the deepest point reaching 21.5 metres.
In Dali, locals regard Erhai Lake as their ‘mother lake.’ Hence why it is so important in the region and an unmissable tourism spot. - in: https://www.visityunnanchina.com

 

I'm more likely to find myself on a beach taking sunset photos than lying on the sand sunbathing. 

If beaches are your weakness then Malaysia should sit right at the top of your vacation wish list. Malaysia’s east coast is a great destination for getting a dose of reliable, relaxing sun, sand and sea. This corner of the country, separated from the frenetic trading ports of the south and west by dense jungle, has its own distinct culture, rooted in traditional fishing and farming. Just under an hour by plane from Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Terengganu is a bustling modern town with several laid back beach resorts dotted along the nearby coast, including one of our absolute favourites: Tanjung Jara. Even though this coast has its fair share of mass tourism, it's a great place to come if you want some simple, slower-paced beach bliss. - in: https://www.selectiveasia.com

This card was sent by Beatrice.