US-12167852

 The ID of this card is American, it was sent from New Jersey but the card, as it can easily seen, is from Costa Rica.

Laura visited the country for the third time in January and says that Manuel Antonio National Park is her favorite place there.

 

Fotos: Jean Mercier / Françoise Bourrigaul

US-12167852, sent by Laura.

Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, just south of the city of Quepos, Puntarenas, and 157 km (98 mi) from the national capital of San José.

Established in 1972, Manuel Antonio National Park, is the smallest national park in the country,but its 683 hectares boast an unparalleled blend of stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife.

Nestled within this compact yet extraordinary park is a mesmerizing mix of rainforest, pristine beaches, and coral reefs, creating a sanctuary of natural beauty. The beaches, considered among the most picturesque in Costa Rica, are fringed by dense, green forests, offering outstanding snorkeling opportunities in their clear, inviting waters.
The forest itself is a haven for an array of wildlife, including sloths, iguanas, the enchanting squirrel monkeys—a species rarely seen elsewhere—along with white-faced monkeys and countless vibrant crabs that add a splash of color to the landscape. 

The trail weaving around Punta Catedral affords hikers breathtaking panoramic views, further enhancing the park’s allure. - in: https://manuelantoniopark.net

 

Sydney's Harbour - Austrália

 Port Jackson, most commonly known as Sydney's Harbour, is regarded as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world, around which Sydney was built. I had no idea it's official name was Port Jackson.

It is the location of significant landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The location of the first European settlement and colony on the Australian mainland, Port Jackson has continued to play a key role in the history and development of Sydney. - in: wikipedia

AU-1060899, sent by Cindy.

Sydney Harbour is famed for its sparkling waters, iconic sights, spectacular events and hundreds of kilometres of shoreline. Sydney Harbour is also a working harbour with a thriving maritime industry that supports the city’s economic development.
Australia’s busiest waterway, Sydney Harbour sees thousands of recreational, passenger and working vessels share the water with around 1,200 large commercial vessels each year, including the cruise ships that call into Sydney’s two cruise terminals: the Overseas Passenger Terminal and White Bay Cruise Terminal.
At the heart of Sydney Harbour is Glebe Island, a working port for over 100 years that today provides Sydney with a vital maritime supply route for construction materials that will build the city’s future. - in: https://www.portauthoritynsw.com.au 

Foto:  © State Library of New South Wales

DE-4135230, sent by Cristina.

Construction of Sydney's Harbour Bridge in the 1930's. 

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's most well known and photographed landmarks. It is the world's largest (but not the longest) steel arch bridge with the top of the bridge standing 134 metres above the harbour. It is fondly known by the locals as the 'Coathanger' because of its arch-based design.

It was as early as 1815 that Francis Greenway proposed building a bridge from the northern to the southern shore of the harbour.

It took some time for this to become a reality with design submissions invited in 1900. All the submissions were considered unsuitable and so the momentum for the bridge crossing stopped.

However, after the First World War more serious plans were made, with a general design for the Sydney Harbour Bridge prepared by Dr J J C Bradfield and officers of the NSW Department of Public Works. The New South Wales Government then invited worldwide tenders for the construction of the Bridge in 1922 and the contract was let to English firm Dorman Long and Co of Middlesbrough.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge construction started in 1924 and took 1,400 men eight years to build at a cost of 4.2 million. Six million hand driven rivets and 53,000 tonnes of steel were used in its construction. It now carries eight traffic lanes and two rail lines, one in each direction, but at the time of its construction the two eastern lanes were tram tracks. They were converted to road traffic when Sydney closed down its tram system in the 1950s. - in: http://www.australia.gov.au

Campbell Island - New Zealand

 New Zealand only has 3 UNESCO sites but it wasn't easy to get cards from them all. I finally got a card of the Sub Antarctic Islands, which was added to the WHS list, in 1998. 

The card was sent by Jodine.

The New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands consist of five island groups (the Snares, Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands and Campbell Island) in the Southern Ocean south-east of New Zealand. The islands, lying between the Antarctic and Subtropical Convergences and the seas, have a high level of productivity, biodiversity, wildlife population densities and endemism among birds, plants and invertebrates. They are particularly notable for the large number and diversity of pelagic seabirds and penguins that nest there. There are 126 bird species in total, including 40 seabirds of which eight breed nowhere else in the world. - in: https://whc.unesco.org

 

© Henry Elsom

Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku is an uninhabited subantarctic island of New Zealand. The terrain is mountainous and its solitary Sitka spruce is considered the world's most remote tree.
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Campbell is an untouched natural environment known for its successful conservation efforts, including the complete eradication of various invasive species.
Home to the southern royal albatross among other seabirds, the island is a significant breeding ground for many types of wildlife. - in: https://explorearth.com

JP-2386593

Toji's five-story pagoda is one of the structures that make up this temple. 

 The temple, also known as Kyōōgokoku-ji, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

 

JP-2386593, sent by Noriko.

Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji), literally "East Temple", was founded at the beginning of the Heian Period just after the capital was moved to Kyoto in the late 700s. The large temple, together with its now defunct sister temple Saiji ("West Temple"), flanked the south entrance to the city and served as the capital's guardian temples.
 Toji's five storied pagoda, which was originally erected by Kobo Daishi in 826. It stands 57 meters tall, making it the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan, and has become a symbol of both the temple and Kyoto as it can be seen from many places across the city. The ground floor of the pagoda is occasionally opened to the public and houses four smaller Buddha statues. - in: https://www.japan-guide.com

IN-714002

 Our Lady of Ransom Church is a Catholic church in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu.

 

IN-714002, sent by Naveen.

Dating back to the 15th century, this Catholic church is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with its 12 towers and gleaming gold cross atop the central spire. 

Surrounded by fisherman houses and just a stone's throw away from the sea and the iconic Vivekananda Memorial, the church offers a peaceful retreat for both locals and travelers seeking solace and spiritual reflection. 

Our Lady of Ransom Church has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, when it was built as a tribute to Mother Mary. The church's connection to St. Francis Xavier and its evolution from 'Our Lady of Delights Grotto' to its current form add to its historical value. - in: https://www.avathi.com

FOTW Bahrain

 Last month Heidi was in Bahrain to play in the Parabadmington World Championship. No wins, she said, but she loved the country and I loved this FOTW. It has been awhile since I received a new postcard from this collection.

 

www.postcardsmarket.com

Barhain has an area of 778.3 km², a population of 1.425.171 and its capital is Manama.
Unique:
* Garden of Eden - it's thought by some to be the Garden of Eden due to Eden's suppoded resemblance to the ancient land of Dilmun, whic many scholars accept to be the area emcompassin Bahrain;
 Famous:  
* Bahrain World Trade Center - is the 1st skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design. Each turbina is 29 meters in diameter and their capacity its 675 kw of wind power production;
History: 

* Haya Bint Rashid Al. Khalifa - was the first Middle Eastern woman to take over the role of United Nations General Assembly President;

* Houda Ezra Ebrahim Nonoo - is the first Jewish person, and third woman, to be appointed ambassador of Bahrain. She's also the first Jewish ambassador of any Middle Eastern Arab countty.

Budva - Montenegro

The 1st of these cards of Budva, was my 1st card from Montenegro. Ana sent it in 2009! So long ago. Since then I've received other cards from the country but I still don't have many. 

Celeste, who visited the country in 2008, sent me the Citadel card last month.

"Budva is a coastal town in Montenegro. The coastal area around Budva, called the Budvanska rivijera, is the centre of Montenegro's tourism, and is well known for its sandy beaches, diverse nightlife, and beautiful examples of Mediterranean architecture.
Budva is 2,500 years old, which makes it one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic sea coast
Budva is the capital of Montenegrin tourism.
Because of its 11,310 m of sandy beaches in and around Budva, and its vast cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Budva is increasingly attracting foreign tourists. This makes it the most attractive tourist destination in Montenegro." - in: wikipedia

The Budva Citadel has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It is believed to have been established by the Illyrians, an ancient Indo-European people, and later developed by the Romans.

The citadel's medieval fortifications were constructed during the Venetian rule in the 15th century. It prominently reflects Venetian architectural influences, characterized by its well-preserved defensive walls, bastions, and towers. The Budva Citadel served as a strategic military outpost, protecting the town of Budva from various threats, including pirate attacks. 

The Budva Citadel is part of the larger Old Town of Budva, which exudes a unique and charming atmosphere. Cobblestone streets, quaint squares, and historic buildings create a picturesque setting that transports visitors back in time. - in: https://www.gpsmycity.com

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - February '26

Cards from Germany, Finland and Israel.

 

www.papersisters.de

Grace sent me a new HP card.

2026, year of the horse, is a year full of events. When it comes to sport, the year started with the Olympic Winter Games in Italy; in July we can expect great soccer matches in the Canada, USA and Mexico World Cup - go Portugal - and in September, Germany will host the Women's Basketball World Cup. 

The astronomy lovers will look to the sky to see Artemis II orbit the moon and a lunar and solar eclipse in August. 

The 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II, the 100th anniversary of the death of Claude Monet and the 7th anniversary of World Postcard Day  are also happening this year.

Lookphotos / Sabine Lubenow

Red Cliff on Sylt is a wonder of the North Sea. Card sent by Nicole.

It is an impressive landmark and popular photo motif on the island. Due to its unique colour, the Red Cliff on Sylt used to help sailors find their way around the North Sea. The imposing cliff stretches for around four kilometres. It is around 30 metres high and lies on the beach between the villages of Wenningstedt and Kampen. The reddish colouring of the limonite sandstone cliff is particularly fascinating in the evening light. - in: https://placesofgermany.de

 

 I don't have much to say about this castle because I already have and posted a few cards of it, I actually already had this card. The other one was an official received many years ago and this was sent by Minna.

Olavinlinna Castle is an impressive 15th-century three-towered castle located in Savonlinna. Built on an island, it is the northernmost medieval stone fortress in the world.

Michelle sent this card from USA but this beautiful church is actually located in Mount Tabor in the holy land. Church of the Transfiguration is believed to be connected to an event mentioned in the Gospels, where Jesus speaks with Moses and Elijah. 
The current Franciscan church was designed by the Italian architect Antonio Baraluzzi and completed in 1924. It was built on the remains of an ancient Byzantine church refers to the 6th century, and a 12th century refers to the crusader period. - in: https://jm-tours.com

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - January '26

 The MFS RR started quite well this new year and I've received all the January and February cards. These are from Russia, Finland, Belgium and the Netherlands.

 

 Besides choosing a nice card, Natalya also used great stamps to send it.

Opened in 1870, Belorusskiy station is one of nine main railway hubs in the heart of Russia. Interestingly, this railway terminal first welcomed the returning Soviet soldiers who also brought the news about the victory over Germans in 1945. Today this transportation joint provides connections between Moscow and such great destinations across the country as Smolensk, Rybinsk, Uglich, Anapa, Voronezh, and Rostov-on-Don. Did you know that Belorusskiy station is often called the Russian “gate to Europe”? Apart from domestic routes, the train station also serves international routes interlinking the capital with Berlin, Warsaw, and, surely, Minsk, the biggest city in Belarus. - in: https://www.russiantrains.com

 

Photo: Esko Pärssinen

I've been to Helsinkiin June but if you visit it in winter, you might have the chance to slide down the steep snowy stairs of the cathedral. I bet it is as fun for kids as adults. Leena has never tried it though.

 

 

The Ardennes, which stretches to the South and East of Wallonia, is a real paradise for nature lovers and undeniably the most enchanting part of Belgium. 

The hills offer, here and there, a rugged, windswept wilderness. Elsewhere, the gaze meets with thick forests, deep river valleys sprinkled with gorgeous villages. Head a little further on and you will in turn, marvel at spectacular underground cave systems and green peaks. 

 And almost everywhere you venture, you come across traces of the two World Wars. - in: https://visitwallonia.com

Card sent by Lara.

 

Before choosing which card to send me, Miriam checked my online album of windills, and was able to send this one that I still didn't have.

De Hoop is a former grain and hulling mill, located at the Vlissingsbolwerk in MiddelburgThe mill probably owes its somewhat bulky appearance to the fact that it was restored after a fire in 1755. De Hoop was probably built lower than it originally was. The mill continued to operate actively on the wind until 1920.  

In 1940, De Hoop was again severely damaged. In 1954, the mill was restored as a standing monument. Since 1988, it has been able to operate again thanks to extensive restoration work. This is still done sporadically by millers. - in: https://www.uitinmiddelburg.nl

CA-1655106

 I'm not a big fan of Leonard Cohen, but I really like urban art and that's why this card was on my favorites wall. 

On the occasion of the anniversary of his death on Nov. 7, 2016, Leonard Cohen was honoured by mural, located on Crescent Street in the heart of Montréal.

 

Photo by Jocelyn Léonard

CA-1655106, sent by Andrea.

The mural is the result of a collaboration between two artists: El Mac, the internationally renowned American “street“ portrait artist, and Gene Pendon, a Montreal-based artist with a fine arts degree from Concordia University. Montreal residents and visitors can admire the city’s largest mural from several key viewpoints. 

The mural is a part of MU’s Tribute to Montreal‘s Great Artists series.  - in: https://artpublicmontreal.ca

Bandiagara Cliffs - Mali

 I finally started to receive cards and I believe more will arrive this week, including from new UNESCO sites. 

This one arrived quite fast. It was sent by Svenja from Germany but the card depicts a UNESCO site in Mali, the Bandiagara Cliffs, on the WHS list since 1989. 

 

The Bandiagara escarpment, Land of the Dogons, is one of the most impressive geological, archaeological and ethnological landscapes in West Africa. It is a ‘mixed’ site, listed on both natural and cultural criteria. It is characterised by a 150km-long sandstone cliff, with a rocky plateau on top, and a sandy plain below.

Getty Images / Timothy Allen

The plateau varies in height from 100 m to over 500 m and is broken by ravines, gorges and rocky passages connecting the plain with the plateau. The escarpment itself is rich in plants and vegetation types which have been destroyed by man in more accessible places. These are mostly relict humid species sheltering in the ravines in an otherwise arid Sahelian climate, including several endemic species. The area was occupied centuries ago by the Dogon people, who have retained their traditional animist beliefs, culture, and unique architecture. The cliff protects beautiful houses, granaries, altars, sanctuaries and communal meeting-places which for centuries have been the heart of traditional Dogon culture. - in: https://www.naturalworldheritagesites.org

Djerba - Tunisia

 Well, well, things have been a bit slow lately. And why is that? Because I'm not getting postcards. Since the beginning of the year, I must have only received about 4!! One of them was this postcard from the island of Djerba, in Tunisia, which was classified as a World Heritage Site in 2023. 

For me it would be enough just to have a postcard from the there, but when I tagged Veerle I didn't realized she was going to send it from Tunisia. It was a nice suprise. I think I just have one of two cards written and sent from there.

This serial property is a testimony to a settlement pattern that developed on the island of Djerba around the 9th century CE amidst the semi-dry and water-scarce environment. Low‑density was its key characteristic: it involved the division of the island into neighbourhoods, clustered together, that were economically self-sustainable, connected to each other and to the religious and trading places of the island, through a complex network of roads. Resulting from a mixture of environmental, socio-cultural and economic factors, the distinctive human settlement of Djerba demonstrates the way local people adapted their lifestyle to the conditions of their water-scarce natural environment. - in: https://whc.unesco.org

Leopard cub - South Africa

 Claus was only supposed to send me the Turkemenistan cards but he also sent this extra cute card, one of my favs too. 

The Leopard – Panthera Pardus – Is another of the Big Cat Species and in South Africa it is known to be the smallest member of the Big  5.

 

 Photo: Chris Daphne

They're probably Africa's most beautiful and elusive cats, seldom seen due to their solitary behaviour.
Of all the big cats, they are the most at home in trees where they rest or store their prey out of reach of lions and hyenas. 

Male leopards defend large territories which overlap the territories of two or even three females. Females defend their territories against other females. Young are born any time of the year as they are non-seasonal breeders.

Leopard cubs are born after a gestation period of three and a half months and females usually give birth to two or three cubs in hidden lairs of natural holes or thick bush. The Leopard mother takes great care to hide the cubs from predators like Lion, Cheetah and Hyena, who would jump at the chance to make an easy meal of the cubs.

Cubs stay with the mother for at least a year, during which time they learn the ways of the wild and how to survive on their own. . in: https://www.krugerpark.co.za

The best places to see leopards in South Africa are:
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve: Renowned for the highest density of leopards and the best, most habituated, and relaxed viewing opportunities on the continent.
- Kruger National Park: Offers excellent chances, particularly in the southern regions and around riverine areas.

- Private Reserves: Phinda Private Game Reserve (KwaZulu-Natal), Shamwari Game Reserve (Eastern Cape), and Karoo National Park (Western Cape) are top locations.
- Cape Fold Mountains: The Cederberg Wilderness is home to the smaller, elusive "Cape Leopard.

Meana Baba Mausoleum - Turkemenistan

 The second card Claus sent me is this one with the Meana Baba Mausoleum, located in Kaahka district.

 

This mausoleum is
 a sacred site linked to one of the most influential Sufi mystics of the Islamic world:
 Abu Sa‘id ibn Abi’l-Khayr al-Mayhani (967–1049 CE). 
Born in the town of Mayhana — now Meana —
he became known here as Meane Baba, the “Father of Meana.”
The mausoleum, built in the 11th century,
 still holds the atmosphere of devotion — with its rare double dome, colorful ornament, and traces of ancient calligraphy.
 - in: https://ayan-turkmenistan.travel

 

Kunya-Urgench - Turkemenistan

Kunya Urgench is a UNESCO site in north-western Turkmenistan, on the list since 2005. I got my 1st card from there back in 2009, when Claus sent it on behalf of Wendy, I postcrosser from Jamaica I used to talk with. It was a wonderful surprise, and now, all these years later, he sent 2 other cards that I had in ma favorites wall. 

On the 1st card we can see  the Mausoleum of Tyurabek Khanym and on the second the Mausoleum of  Sultan Tekesh. 

 

Urgench was the capital of the Khorezm region, part of the Achaemenid Empire. The old town contains a series of monuments mainly from the 11th to 16th centuries, including a mosque, the gates of a caravanserai, fortresses, mausoleums and a 60-m high minaret. The monuments testify to outstanding achievements in architecture and craftsmanship whose influence reached Iran and Afghanistan, and later the architecture of the Mogul Empire of 16th-century India. - in: https://whc.unesco.org

Tyurabek-khanym was a real historic figure, a Mongolian princess, the favorite daughter of the governor of Golden Horde - Uzbek-khan and the spouse of his deputy in Khoresm Kutlug Timur . Tyurabek - khanym was the patroness of women. Eventually she was canonized and declared a saint.
The Tyurabek Khanum Mausoleum is the largest and most impressive of the surviving monuments at Kunye Urgench. It is widely recognized as one of the earliest and finest monuments to make extensive use of mosaic faience, or multi-colored ceramic tiles, most notably in its inner dome which depicts an arrestingly detailed conception of the heavens. Though the site is traditionally believed to be the final resting place of Tyurabek Khanum, the wife of Qutlugh Timur—who ruled Khorezm between 1321 and 1336 on behalf of the Golden Horde—the monument may actually date to the reign of Timur (Tamerlane, r. 1370 to 1405), or even somewhat later. - in: https://www.orientalarchitecture.com

 

 The Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum stands as one of the few surviving monuments from pre-Mongol Urgench. Alongside the Il-Arslan Mausoleum, it forms part of a necropolis dedicated to one of the ruling Khwarezmian dynasties.

Constructed for the Khwarezmshah Tekesh, who passed away in 1200, this mausoleum epitomized the grandeur and detailed craftsmanship expected of royal tombs. The structure reaches a height of 30 meters, with its architectural significance highlighted by its roof, adorned with blue tiles inscribed with verses from the Quran, and its tower, which features 24 compartments.
During his reign, Tekesh not only preserved the boundaries of his state but also expanded them, uniting a vast expanse from the Aral Sea in the north to the Persian Gulf in the south, and from the Pamirs in the east to the Iranian Plateau in the west. He was known for constructing mosques and schools and for his patronage of scholars and poets. 

The Tekesh Mausoleum once dominated the skyline of Urgench, serving as a beacon in the desert. Exhausted travelers would catch sight of it from afar, signaling the nearing end of their arduous journey. - in: https://eurasia.travel

RU - 10638561

 And this is the 1st official of this year. It took a long 107 days scenic road to get here. 

Palace Bridge, a road- and foot-traffic bascule bridge, spans the Neva River in Saint Petersburg between Palace Square and Vasilievsky Island.

 

 

RU-10638561, sent by Mary.

Like every other Neva bridge (except for Big Obukhovsky Bridge), it is drawn by night, making foot travel between various parts of the city virtually impossible. The bascule span was designed by an American firm, the Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge Company, and built by the French firm Société de Construction des Batignolles between 1912 and 1916.
The total length of Palace Bridge is 260.1 metres, width is 27.8 metres. It is actually composed of five spans, the southernmost joining Palace Embankment between the Winter Palace and the Admiralty and leading to Palace Square. - in: wikipedia

DE-15852765

 Lets talk about official cards. This one from Germany was the last one I received in 2025. I've received a total of 59 cards from 19 countries, being Germany, USA and Netherlands, the three I've received the most from. 

I've sent 50 cards to 22 countries, most of them to Germany, USA and Russia. I'm a bit disappointed because the cards that I've sent in October and November are expired now. Is unsual to have expired cards to USA and Germany. 

Anyway, 2025 was one of the years I've sent the fewest postcards and considering how much postage will increase next month, I belived I won't sent much more this one. 

St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Severus’ Church, in Erfurt, are examples of the International Gothic style of church architecture and are closely linked to the city and its history.

 

DE-15852765, sent by Hauke.

St. Mary’s Cathedral (on the left), which was built in the 14 century, is the place where Martin Luther attended theological lectures from 1507 to 1511, was ordained as a priest and gave his inaugural lecture. Particular highlights are the Gothic choir-loft windows, the extensive choir stalls (14th century) and the Romanesque sculptures of an enthroned Madonna and a monumental candle holder in the interior. The cathedral is also famous for the “Gloriosa”, the world’s largest free-swinging medieval bell with a diameter of 2.56 m.
Right next to the cathedral, at the top of the hill, is St. Severus’ Church. The five-nave early Gothic hall church was the collegiate church of an Augustine community of Augustinian canons. Here, you will find, in addition to the sarcophagus of St. Severus, a 15-metre-high baptismal font and an alabaster relief portraying the Archangel Michael.
Along with the neighbouring Catholic church dedicated to St. Severus, St. Mary’s Cathedral is supposed to be a place of peace for Christians and non-Christians. Together, they tower over the large Domplatz and shape Erfurt’s wonderful cityscape as architectural gems. - in: https://www.luther-land.com

Sandeman

Óscar could have sent a card with Santa Claus to wish me Happy Holidays, but he sent this card with Don, the logo of the Sandeman Port wine brand, and I liked it much better. 

 The brand was founded in 1790 by the Scotsman George Sandeman (1765–1841). Besides Port wine, it also produces Sherry, Brandy, and Madeira wine.

 

Foto: David de Abreu

The brand is well known for its logo featuring a man named Don, dressed in a Portuguese student's cape and a wide-brimmed Spanish hat, known as "the Man in the Black Cape." This logo was created in 1928 by Scottish artist George Massiot Brown. 

The black cape represents the students of the universities of Coimbra and Salamanca. The Spanish hat symbolizes the production of sherry wine in Spain. 

This combination reflects Sandeman's production of Port wines in Portugal and sherry in Spain, conveying mystery, tradition, and quality.