Monthly Fav. Surprise RR * September '23

 Just one more post with MFS RR cards.

 www.papersisters.de

Annerie loves to read, I also love to read but I must confess that I haven't read much this year. The last book I read was "The Last Bookshop in London." and I truly loved it. Historical novels are definitely my favorite.

 

Photo: Andrew Critchell

I think this is the 1st card Tani has ever sent me. She chose a nice one with the beautiful guild houses and Brabo Fountain in Antwerpen's Grote Markt. 

The houses once belonged to powerful organisations, such as the guilds and craftsmen.
The fountain in the middle of the market is perhaps one of the most photographed spots in the city. This work by sculptor Jef Lambeaux refers to the city's most famous legend, starring the giant Antigone and the Roman hero Brabo. You can see Brabo throwing the giant's hand, which he has just chopped off, into the Scheldt. According to some, this 'hand throwing' is at the root of the name Antwerp. - in: https://visit.antwerpen.be

When visiting Southern Bavaria, Ettal Abbey shouln't be missed. This working monastery was founded in 1330 by Emperor Ludwig of Bavaria. The original Gothic structure was a modest affair, and was rebuilt due to damage during the Reformation. 

When the abbey was destroyed by fire in 1744, the impressive complex that exists today was constructed in the Baroque style with Rococo elements. 

Like other Bavarian religious institutions, it was secularised during the Napoleonic era. The Benedictine order took control of the buildings once more at the start of the 20th century. 

The current basilica buildings can be visited and the abbey is also well-known for its beer production and for a variety of herbal liqueurs that it produces.

The card was sent by Marei.

 

Kuva: Hannu Hautala

I love this card!! Isa found it among my Finnish favorites.

 This beauty is a great grey owl, one of the largest owls in the world, and the largest to live in the northern hemisphere. 

They breed in North America from as far east as Quebec to the Pacific coast and Alaska, and from Finland and Estonia across northern Asia. They are permanent residents, although northerly populations may move south and southeast when food is scarce. In Europe they are found breeding in Norway and Sweden and more numerously through Finland and Russia. Even though the species occurs in Europe, the first great grey owl recognized by science was found in Canada in the late 18th century. - in: wikipedia