Vatnajökull National Park - Iceland

 When Miguel told me that he was going to travel to Iceland, I asked him to send me a card of the Vatnajökull National Park, the only UNESCO site I was still missing from the country. He sent me not one but two, one written and stamped from there and the other one when he got home. 

 

Vatnajökull National Park is the largest of national parks in Iceland, it  covers 13% of the country and ranks among the largest national parks in Europe.  

Vatnajökull National Park is unique on a global level due to its geological history, which has been largely written by the protracted conflict between fire and ice. Many places can boast of volcanoes or glaciers, and some even have both, but nowhere else can you witness the struggle that rages between plate boundaries, mantle plume and plateau glaciers like in Vatnajökull National Park. The interaction between these phenomena and other land-shaping factors has resulted in the creation of a natural environment that is ever-changing and of a more diverse character than any other defined area in the world. Vatnajökull National Park offers the opportunity to experience the shaping of the earth in real time.

The park was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 5 July 2019 on the basis of its unique natural characteristics.

 Photo: Hörour Finnbogason

Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Its enormous power can be felt if you lay your hand on a rock close to the waterfall, it vibrates! The waterfall is 44-45 m high and about 100 m wide.
In a geological sense, Iceland is a young country. Among his young country's characteristics are the numerous waterfalls that have not yet eroded the embankments in their path. - in: https://www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is

Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon by the ring road and was recently designated as a part of Vatnajökull National Park. It's still blue waters are a sight not to be missed, as it is dotted with icebergs from the edge of Breiðamerkurjökull, a part of the Vatnajökull glacier. The lagoon flows through a narrow gateway into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving the spectacular sight of the large chunks of ice on the black sandy beach. In wintertime, the fish-filled lagoon hosts a number of seals, which visit the lagoon for an easy meal. Year-round curious seals can be seen basking on the blue-tinted icebergs. - in: https://www.south.is

Þingvellir National Park - Iceland

Þingvellir National Park was one of the many Icelandic attractions my friend Miguel visited on his recent trip to this countty. The park is the Crown Jewel of Iceland and is praised as the national shrine of Iceland due to its great historical and geological significance.
Iceland’s first national park was established there in 1928, and the Þingvellir area has been recognized for its outstanding universal value and listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2004.  

The 1st of these card was sent by Miguel and the other one by Tine.

Multiviews from the park. 

Clockwise from top left: one of the many water-filled rifts or fissures on the valley floor; the Oxarárfoss waterfall; the church (1859) and parsonage; the Þingvallavatn Lake, the largest natural lake in Iceland; another water-filled fissure and the cleft at Almannagjá, the historical assembly site of the 1st Iceland Parliament from 930 until 1798. 

The name Þingvellir literally means “Assembly Plains,” and the place symbolizes the history of Iceland. The Alþingi, or Iceland’s parliament, was founded there as early as 930, making it the oldest operating parliament globally. The parliament continued to convene at the fields of river Öxará for 868 years or until 1798. Therefore, many significant events of Iceland’s history have taken place there, and Icelanders consider it the nation’s birthplace.

The magical landscapes at Þingvellir are formed in the unique geographical setting of a rift valley in the divide between the North-American and Eurasian continental plates. The lava fields at Þingvellir are torn apart by tectonic forces, leaving admirable gorges and fissures. The most impressive of them, Almannagjá, is the focal point of the national park. A hiking path leads through the enormous cleft to the “law rock” and Öxará river, enveloped by stunning walls of basalt rocks.  - in: https://www.visiticeland.com

SE-251695

In almost 19 years of Postcrossing, this is only my 7th official card from Sweden. Curiously, all of them except one, depict churches of the country. This one in Uppsala, with its towering 118.7 meters, is the largest church in the Nordic countries.

SE-251695, sent by Eva.

A visit here is a journey through centuries of history, mystery, and remarkable treasures. Kings and scientists rest side by side, medieval relics blend with modern art, and legends of saints and miracles still echo within the Gothic vaults.
Throughout history, Uppsala Cathedral has been the setting for royal coronations, historic burials, and pivotal moments in Sweden’s development. Construction began around 1270, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1435. Until 1719, Swedish kings and queens were crowned here, and to this day, it remains the place where the country’s bishops are consecrated. - in: https://destinationuppsala.se

DE-15631064

 After 2 months without any official cards in my mailbox, I finally started to get them again. Lets start with this German official that shows this beautiful winter scenery of Filzmoos, a town in the state of Salzburg, Austria.

 

Foto: Erwin Trampitsch, J. Mallaun

DE-15631064, sent by Adrian.

Filzmoos is picturesque mountain village in the heart of the Salzburg Alps, surrounded by imposing peaks and lush green alpine meadows. 

Situated at a pleasant altitude of over 1,000 metres above sea level, to the south of the city of Salzburg, Filzmoos is the Austrian hiking village, the No. 1 climbing region in SalzburgerLand and the bike village of the Alps.
A hiking trail network of around 250 kilometres in all levels of difficulty awaits hiking enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation.
Thanks to its perfect location in the heart of Ski amadé, skiers and snowboarders alike will be delighted. Around 760 kilometres of pistes and 270 ski lifts make this ski area the biggest skiing paradise in Austria. Those who are looking for quiet and unspoilt nature will find peace and relaxation while cross-country skiing, ski touring, snowshoeing and winter hiking.

Dresden - Germany

A few months ago when I decided to travel to Czech Republic, my friend and I also decided to visit Dresden, when we realized it wasn't that far from Prague. It is one of the suggested day trips from Prague but we ended up spending 2 days there. Dresden was the city I wanted to visit the most in Germany and I was super excited to finally visit it. Loved it there!! 

I had a very specific card in mind that I wanted to send from there but then, saw this one and change my mind. This is a view of Dresden Cathedral on the left, the castle on the right and the equestrian statue of King Johann (John), who ruled Saxony from 1854 until 1873. 

Photo by Mirko Stelzner

Dresden Cathedral, called in German Katholische Hofkirche, is most important Catholic church of the city. 

The Hofkirche stands as one of Dresden's foremost landmarks. It was designed by architect Gaetano Chiaveri from 1738 to 1751. The church was commissioned by Augustus III, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland while the Protestant city of Dresden built the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) between 1726 and 1743. While the general population of the city was Protestant, its rulers were Catholic. The Catholic Elector built the cathedral for his own use and for the use of other high-ranking officials, connecting it to his home, Dresden Castle, with an ornate high level walkway. 

The church was badly damaged in February 1945 during the bombing of Dresden in the Second World War. The building was restored by the year 1962 by the East German government. It was further restored in the early 21st century following reunification, including the rebuilding of the bridge to the castle. 

Dresden Castle, or Royal Palace, is one of the oldest buildings in Dresden, Germany. For almost 400 years, it was the residence of the electors (1547–1806) and kings (1806–1918) of Saxony from the Albertine House of Wettin as well as Kings of Poland (1697–1763). It is known for the different architectural styles employed, from Baroque to Neo-Renaissance.
Today, the residential castle is a museum complex that contains the Historic and New Green Vault, the Numismatic Cabinet, the Collection of Prints, Drawings and Photographs and the Dresden Armory with the Turkish Chamber. It also houses an art library and the management of the Dresden State Art Collections. - in: wikipedia

Sanctuary and Portico di San Luca - Bologna

 These last days UNESCO has been annoucing the new World Heritage Sites. As a UNESCO card collector, I'm always interrested to know which sites will be added to the list. However, this year it seems that won't be easy to get cards from most of the candidates!! I don't even have, and I've actually never seen. cards from the Portuguese candidate, which by now, we already know it won't be classified.

On the other hand, Italy has added one more site to it's already long list of classified sites. 

 

Italy adds new sites almost every year and 2021 was no exception. Portico di San Luca, in Bologna, together with the other city porticoes, it was included in UNESCO World Heritage Site list that year. Óscar went on a short work trip to Bologna but had time to visit a bit of the city and send me a card. 

I've been to the city twice and I totally can see myself visiting it again. On a third visit I definitely want to walk along the portico and visit the sanctuary. By the way, the sanctuary card was sent by Marita back in 2011.

 

The Sanctuary of San Luca, located on Colle della Guardia, has been the symbol of Bologna as well as a place of religious worship for centuries. It is connected to the city centre by a road that, starting from Porta Saragozza, unwinds for four kilometres with a portico that boasts over 600 archways and is the longest in the world.

 Photo: Alessandro Canova

 

 The portico started being built in 1674 and, during Ascension week, a procession has been walking along it carrying the Byzantine Madonna with Child to the Cathedral since 1433. The Sanctuary church was, however, built later in the 18th century to replace a previous 15th-century construction.
The sanctuary offers marvellous views over the surrounding landscape. In addition, the panoramic terrace opened in 2017 at a height of 42 metres above Colle della Guardia (300 m asl), enables visitors to admire a unique 180° view of Bolognafrom the hills to the centre stretching out as far as Casalecchio di Reno. - in: https://www.bolognawelcome.com

 

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - May '25

 No, I didn't forget April's cards, one is still missing, so let's move on to May.

 

It may look centuries old but the White Mosque is a relatively new architectural monument in Bolgar. Built in 2012 near the city entrance, the grandeur of the building attracts visitors, and the mosque’s oriental design creates a fairy-tale atmosphere. Inspiration for the White Mosque came from some of the world’s best Islamic architecture. The mosque complex includes a prayer area with an elegant arcade of 88 oriental columns, refined minaret towers, and a main dome adorned with intricate stained glass. Inside, the prayer hall features tall columns with crescent-topped crowns, while the walls display verses from the Koran in elegant Arabic script.  - in: https://visit-tatarstan.com

Card sent by Yuliya. 

 This is not my 1st card of this church in Gierviaty. This one was sent by Anastasiya.

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Gierviaty was built at the beginning of the 20th century, on the site of a former wooden Catholic church of the 16th century.
5 Interesting Facts about the Church of the Holy Trinity:
* The church in Gierviaty is one of the top three tallest temples in Belarus.
 * A brick factory was specially built near the village for the construction of the structure, which supplied the material for the building erection.
 * No less than 70 people worked daily on the construction.
 * For enhancing the strength of the building mixture, raw chicken eggs, collected from local residents, were added.
  * The church has astonishing acoustics. Its walls house an antique organ from 1882, made by a Vilnius musical craftsman specifically for the acoustical capabilities of the church. Nowadays, organ music concerts are held here, which are attended by guests from Belarus and abroad. - in: https://en.belarus.travel

Not my 1st card of this church either. 

Mission San Xavier del Bac is a historic Spanish Catholic mission about 16 km south of downtown Tucson, Arizona. 

A National Historical Landmark, this mission was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797. The oldest intact European structure in Arizona, the church's interior is filled with marvelous original statuary and mural paintings. It is a place where visitors can truly step back in time and enter an authentic 18th century space. 

Card sent by Karissa.

www.papersisters.de

I've said many times that I really like Happy Postcrossing cards but my favorites are definitely those of the countries. I was a lovely surprise to get this one from Lara, new to my collection. 

Eiffel Tower, Nimes, Pont du Gard, Mont Saint Michel, baguette and croissant, wine and champagne, etc, there's no doubt this is a french card.

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - March '25

 A few moonths have passed since I last posted cards from this RR. That's only because a few cards are still missing but now started to arrive. One of these from China, only arrived 2 or 3 weeks ago. Better later than never.

 Pilsum Lighthouse is probably the only German lighthouse I can recognize immediately. The card was sent by Katharina.

The Pilsum Lighthouse  was built in 1889 in order to provide a beacon for the Emshorn channel on Germany’s North Sea coast.
It has guided ships through the narrow channel until 1915. In the First World War its light was extinguished in order that enemy ships could not navigate the route.  After that it was no longer needed, because the channel was changed.  The height of the structure is 11 metres  the height of the light about sea level is 15 metres. Today the tower is one of the best-known symbols of East Frisia. - in: https://www.thewanders.eu

Even though Tanya is from Belarus, she often sends Russian cards. This one depicts Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Cathedral of the Assumption in Moscow's Kremlin. 

The Ivan the Great Bell Tower is a church tower inside the Moscow Kremlin complex. With a total height of 81 metres (266 ft), it is the tallest tower and structure of the Kremlin. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century by Italian architect Bon Fryazin, as the cent on Cathedral Square for the three Russian Orthodox cathedrals, namely the Assumption (closest to the tower), the Archangel and the Annunciation, which do not have their own belfries.  

The cathedral of the Assumption was originally constructed in 1326 under Ivan I. The cathedral was rebuilt between 1475 and 1479 at the behest of the grand prince Ivan III to a design by the Italian architect Aristotele Fioravanti. From 1547 to 1896, the coronation of Russian monarchs took place here. In addition, the cathedral is the burial place for most of the Moscow Metropolitans and Patriarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church; it also serves as a part of the Moscow Kremlin Museums. - in: wikipedia

 It took more than 3 months for this card to travel from China to may mailbox. I'm sure Mandy was a bit worried but it finally reached me. 

The Longhua Pagoda, located near the Longhua Temple in Shanghai, is celebrated as the best-preserved pagoda of a multi-story pavilion type from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) in the region. It was praised by Ming Dynasty poet Feng Qian as the "flying pagoda of a thousand years".

The seven-story octagonal pagoda stands over 40 meters high. Inside are four doors and four niches in the walls on each floor. - in: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn

 

Qian also sent a card of a pagoda.

Located on the top of the back mountain of Manfeilong Village, Menglong Town, Jinghong, Manfeilong Pagodas were originally built in 1203. It is composed of 9 pagodas – 1 big pagoda in the center surrounded by 8 small ones. They look like big bamboo shoots. They embody the style of Myanmar’s pagodas. - in: https://www.wendyweitours.com