CA-1679259

 Medicine Hat is a very curious name for a city. Several legends tell how this city in Alberta got it's name. 

* The Famine Legend: A brave journeyed to the South Saskatchewan River to save his starving people. A river serpent demanded the sacrifice of his wife in exchange for a "holy bonnet" that would give him the power to hunt and survive.

* The Battle Legend: During a conflict between the Blackfoot and Cree tribes, a medicine man lost his headdress in the river, creating an omen that gave the region its name.

 

 

Photo: Len Grant

CA-1679259, sent by Curt.

Once again, Canadian mail services ruined the stamps. Why??!

With its tall spires, St. Patrick's Church has long been a Medicine Hat landmark. Erected between 1912 and 1914 and designed by American architect Manley N. Cutter, it is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival church architecture in western Canada.

Lassen Volcanic N. P. - USA

I didn’t know about this park until a month ago. The United States has 63 designated national parks, and this is one of the few I've never heard of. It is great to learn about new places. 

US-12167856, sent by Mary Beth.

Nestled in the peaceful forests and wilderness of Northern California is Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen Peak is the largest plug dome volcano in the world and the southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range.

 

by Aaron Powers

US-12403353, sent by Jessica.
Established in 1916, Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes and numerous volcanoes. A closer look at the landscape, however, reveals the hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots that still shape and change the land, evidence of Lassen's fiery volcanic past. - in: https://www.nationalparks.org

Heceta Head Lighthouse - USA

Perched atop 1,000-foot-high Heceta Head, the lighthouse is one of the most photographed on the coast. The light atop the 56-foot tower was first illuminated in 1894. Its automated beacon, seen 21 miles from land, is rated as the strongest light on the Oregon coast.

 

Pub. by Smith-Western Inc

US-12403357, sent by Jeanette.

A view from Heceta Head Lighthouse looking south towards Sea Lion Caves.

A half-mile trail to the lighthouse begins in the parking area and passes the lightkeeper’s house on its way up to the lighthouse and viewpoint.
Built in 1893, the assistant lightkeeper's house is one of the last remaining on the Pacific Coast. Visitors can book a room with ocean views and imagine the life of a lightkeeper.

 

Printed by Lantern Press - Seattle WA

US-8728888, sent by Simon.
The lighthouse viewpoint is among the best on the coast for spotting whales during the winter and spring migration, as well as sea lions and many species of birds. Common murres lay their eggs on the rocks below the viewpoint railing. The park and surrounding ocean are part of Oregon’s largest marine reserve, the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve. - in: https://stateparks.oregon.gov

Grose River Valley - Australia

 There are a number of hiking trails through the Grose River Valley and I'm sure the views are amazing. Rainey said it is a peaceful place to enjoy nature and breathtaking views.

 

Photograph: Henry Gold

The Grose Valley, officially Grose Gorge is a rugged valley in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia. It has been formed by the Grose River, the headwaters of which are in the Mount Victoria area. 

The majority of the valley falls within the Blue Mountains National Park. - in: wikipedia

Chersonesus - Ukraine

In 2013 Ukraine had two sites added to the UNESCO WHS list, the Wooden Tserkvas of Carpathian region and Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora, where these cards are from.

The ancient city is located on the shore of the Black Sea at the outskirts of Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine.

 

Photo: Pavel Filatov

RU-10752922, sent by Elizaveta.

The site features the remains of a city founded by Dorian Greeks in the 5th century BC on the northern shores of the Black Sea. It encompasses six component sites with urban remains and agricultural lands divided into several hundreds of chora, rectangular plots of equal size. The plots supported vineyards whose production was exported by the city which thrived until the 15th century.

 The site features several public building complexes and residential neighbourhoods, as well as early Christian monuments alongside remains from Stone and Bronze Age settlements; Roman and medieval tower fortifications and water supply systems; and exceptionally well-preserved examples of vineyard planting and dividing walls. 

 

 UA-1774059, sent by Oksana.

In the 3rd century AD, the site was known as the most productive wine centre of the Black Sea and remained a hub of exchange between the Greek, Roman and Byzantine Empires and populations north of the Black Sea. It is an outstanding example of democratic land organization linked to an ancient polis, reflecting the city’s social organization. - in: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1411

RU-5402673, sent by Vera. 

The Saint Vladimir Cathedral is a Neo-Byzantine Russian Orthodox cathedral on the site of Chersonesos Taurica. It commemorates the presumed place of St. Vladimir's baptism.

The author of the project of St. Vladimir Cathedral in Chersonese was academician David Grimm. According to his plan, the Cathedral had to be built in Byzantine style. The construction took 15 years and was finished in 1874-1876.

During World War II the cathedral was destroyed. The work on its restoration began in the late 1990s, even though it was made more active only in 2000. - in: wikipedia

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR * March '26

March MFS RR's cards from Russia, Canada, Finland and Netherlands.

 

This beautiful building is the Astashovo Terem, the house of the peasant Martian Sazonov in Kostrona region. Inesa saw the card of my favs. 

The House of Martian Sazonov (or Astashovo Terem) is a stunning 19th-century, fairytale-like Russian wooden palace built in 1897 in the Kostroma region. Commissioned by local peasant-turned-entrepreneur Martian Sazonov, the ornate building was restored in the 2010s from a dilapidated state to serve as a boutique hotel and museum.

Photo: Don Harmon

Laurence used such beautiful stamps to send this card but Canadian mail services ruined them. Was it really necessary to cross them out like that? 😒

On the back of the card: Banff Avenue with Stoney Sqauw Mt. (left) and Cascade Mountain, which presides over the busy mountain town of Banff. This is the administrative centre of Banff National Park, as well as a tourist service centre. The park occupies 2.564 square miles on the east slope of the Canadian Rockies.

 

 Kuva: Heikki Rytkönen

Cute bear card alert. Isa also found this one on my favs.

The brown bear is Finland's national animal, and ancient Finns held it in such reverence that they used dozens of different names to avoid speaking it aloud. Today, with a population of around 2,000, Finland has one of the highest bear densities in Europe. The way to see wild brown bears is to spend a night in a purpose-built hide in the forests of Eastern Finland: you settle in during the afternoon, and bears typically appear in the long light of the Finnish summer evening.
The main hubs are Kuhmo and Suomussalmi in Kainuu, where bear-watching operators run overnight excursions. June is the prime month, with near-endless light, active bears, and a good chance of seeing cubs born that spring. Finland's wildlife operators manage feeding stations under strict regulations, and guides are careful not to disturb natural behaviour. - in: https://www.visitfinland.com/

 

 www.papersisters.de

A new Happy Postcrossing card sent by Annerie. Postcards always brigthen up my day.

Larnaka - Cyprus

 Great card, beautiful church and cheap stamps. Now I want to go to Cyprus, send all my mail from there and pet cats. Heidi was there on holidays and she mentioned cats are everywhere. 

She probably didn't know but I had several cards of this chrch on my favs walls.

photo by Stavros & Kostas Marmatakis

Located in its own square in the town centre, the magnificent stone church of Agios Lazaros is one of the most remarkable examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus and lies over the tomb of the saint. Built by Byzantine Emperor Leo VI in the 9th century, the church was restored in the 17th century. Although the three domes and original bell tower of the church were destroyed in the first years during Ottoman rule, the gold-covered iconostasis has survived today and is a superb example of baroque woodcarving.
Saint Lazarus came to Cyprus after being resurrected by Jesus. He was ordained as Bishop of Kition by the Apostles Barnabas and Paul and lived in the town for 30 years. His tomb can be seen under the sanctuary. The saint is so revered that a procession is held in his honour eight days before Easter. During the procession, the icon of Saint Lazarus is carried through the streets of Larnaka. - in: https://larnakaregion.com

Via Appia - Italy

 Roman roads last centuries, and this one is the the oldest and most important of the great roads built by the Ancient Romans. Via Appia was classified as UNESCO WHS in 2024.

This card was sent by Natallia.

More than 800 kilometres long, the Via Appia, was constructed and developed from 312 BCE to the 4th century CE, it was originally conceived as a strategic road for military conquest, advancing towards the East and Asia Minor. The Via Appia later enabled the cities it connected to grow and new settlements emerged, facilitating agricultural production and trade. This property, composed of 19 component parts, is a fully developed ensemble of engineering works, illustrating the advanced technical skill of Roman engineers in the construction of roads, civil engineering projects, infrastructure and sweeping land reclamation works, as well as a vast series of monumental structures including, for example, triumphal arches, baths, amphitheatres and basilicas, aqueducts, canals, bridges, and public fountains. - in: https://whc.unesco.org

 

In Rome, Via Appia starts just outside the historic center, near the Porta San Sebastiano (part of the Aurelian Walls). It stretches southeast from there, quickly transitioning into a beautiful, green archaeological park. 

The Appian Way is still in use today, and it is a popular tourist destination. The road is lined with ancient ruins, including tombs, catacombs, and churches. Visitors can walk or bike along the road, and they can also visit the nearby archaeological sites.

US-12167865

 We all have heard of Grand Canyon but Grand Canyon West is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park. But what are the differences between them?

To start, they are in opposite corners of Arizona, with the South Rim closest to Williams and Flagstaff. Grand Canyon West is closer to Las Vegas, Nevada. Grand Canyon West is operated by the Hualapai tribe, while Grand Canyon - South Rim is managed by National Park Service, so it is completely different in terms of history and cultural significance.

Grand Canyon West does not accept National Park passes; requires a specific, higher-priced entry package. It features the Skywalk and Hualapai Ranch, but has fewer hiking trails than the National Park and it is often more focused on quick, tourist-oriented experiences. The National Park may be more crowded but offers a more traditional, expansive wilderness experience.

 

Photo by Mike Jones © Smith - Southwestern

US-12167865, sent by Julie.

The most impressive attraction at Grand Canyon West, the horseshoe-shaped glass Skywalk curves out 70 feet (21 m) over the edge of the canyon, so visitors feel as though they're floating on air above one of the world's Seven Natural Wonders. This engineering feat is incredibly supportive: The SkyWalk can hold 70 fully loaded 747 passenger jets—so go on, do a couple of jumping jacks if you're so bold. Or, simply look below to the canyon floor; 4,000 feet (1219 m) beneath you. - in: https://www.visitarizona.com

US-12167858

 This is another American official card, it was sent from Seattle, but Basílica de Guadalupe is located in Mexico. I've never heard of it before but this basilica is the second most important site for the Catholic world after Rome. I had no idea.

It is said that the Virgin appeared before Juan Diego on four occasions on the Hill of Tepeyac. These apparitions occurred ten years after the fall of Tenochtitlán, in 1531. According to tradition, the Virgin appeared to Juan Diego and asked him to have a temple built there. The remains of a small adobe temple can still be seen in the old parish for Indigenous people, which is believed to have been this first temple. - in: https://visitmexico.com

 US-12167858, sent by Leo.

In response to our Blessed Mother request, the first Bishop of Mexico, Fray Juan de Zumárraga, ordered the construction of a small hermitage in 1531, which became a place of pilgrimage from its very beginnings.
However, with the increasing number of faithful, the need for a larger space became evident, so in 1709, the first basilica was inaugurated, today known as the Old Basilica of Guadalupe.
Due to the structural deterioration of the old basilica and the continuous increase in visitors, it was decided to construct a new building.
 The New Basilica of Guadalupe was designed by the architects Pedro Ramárez Vázquez, José Luis Benlliure, Alejandro Schoenhofer, Fray Gabriel Chávez de la Mora, and Javier García Lascuráin.
It was consecrated on October 12, 1976, as the most modern house of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This modern building can accommodate thousands of faithful and features a circular architecture that allows a clear view of the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe from any point inside. - in: https://guadalupe500mexico.com

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