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