Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - June '26

 I was hoping to get cards today but the mailbox was empty. 

June 's MFS RR cards from Germany, USA, Russia and Belgium.

 

www.papersisters.de

Nadine send this Happy Postcrossing card with a few inspiring German women. The ladies mentioned on the card are: Sophie Scholl (1921 - 1943), a student and anti-Nazi political activist, active in the White Rose non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany; Elly Beinhorn (1907 - 2007), a pioneering female aircraft pilot; Maria Sibylla Merian (1647 - 1717), a entomologist, naturalist, and scientific illustrator; Melitta Bentz (1873 - 1950), inventor and entrepreneur known for revolutionizing the process of coffee brewing with her invention of the coffee filter; Margarete Steiff (1847 - 1909) , a seamstress who in 1880 founded Steiff, a maker of toy stuffed animals; Clara Schumann (1819 - 1896), pianist, composer, and piano teacher. She married the composer Robert Schumann; Marlene Dietrich (1901 - 1992), actress and singer; Paula Modersohn-Becker (1876 - 1907), Expressionist painter and draftswoman; Bertha Benz (1849 - 1944), automotive pioneer. She was the business partner, investor and wife of automobile inventor Carl Benz; Käthe Kollwitz (1867 - 1945), artist who worked with painting, printmaking (including etching, lithography and woodcuts) and sculpture..

How many of these women had you heard of before?

 

Photo by William Carr

A dreamy snowy view of Bryce Canyon in Utah. 

Bryce Canyon National Park in Southwestern Utah is famous for the largest collection of hoodoos—the distinctive rock formations at Bryce—in the world. It was declared a National Moument in 1923, and officially established as a National Park in 1928. - in: https://www.nationalparks.org

This card was sent by Nan.

 

This beautiful card of the Ipatiev monastery, was sent by Natasha.

Ipatiev monastery, founded around 1330, is a male monastery situated on the bank of the Kostroma River just opposite the city of Kostroma. 

According to the legend it was founded by the Tatar prince Chet, who adopted Christianity under the name of Zechariah. In 1613 the monastery was the place where Moscow boyars came to invite Mikhail Romanov to become the new ruler. As a result, the first prayer of thanksgiving was prayed in Trinity Church to mark the salvation of Russia from the turmoil the coming of the new ruling dynasty. After that event, the monastery became a holy place for the Romanov dynasty. There, for many years the Fyodorovskaya icon of the Mother of God, the patroness of the new royal family was kept. - in: https://www.advantour.com

And finally, Lara's card, of the beautiful city of Dinant. After my trip to Belgium a few years, I promised myself that I'd travel to the country again to visit this city.

 Dinant, a picturesque city located on the banks of the majestic Meuse river and surrounded by the scenic landscape of the Belgian Ardennes.

Lake Constance - Germany

 Lake Constance in southern Germany is one of the largest lakes in Central Europe. Crossing the borders of three countries, it boasts clear waters, charming lakeside towns and historic landmarks.

As a holiday area, the Lake Constance region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm and cultural experiences.
The major part of the Lake Constance shoreline is in Germany, but there are sections of the lake in Austria and Switzerland. It is around 63 kilometres long and 14 kilometres wide.

 

© Schöning GmbH & Co. KG

 

 DE-9119260, sent by Anne.

The lake is divided into two sections. Upper Lake Constance (Obersee) is the eastern end of the lake and is the area most people would think of as 'Lake Constance'. Lower Lake Constance (Untersee) is the part to the west of Konstanz before the river Rhine flows out of the lake.
Incidentally, Lake Constance is known as the Bodensee in German. If you are a little confused about the names Constance and Konstanz, these probably come from one of the later Roman Emperors who controlled this region. - in: https://www.germansights.com

 

DE-16659809, sent by Marion.

View of the lake seen from Mainau castle.

 

© Schöning GmbH & Co. KG

DE-15386997, sent by Kerstin.

There are plenty of small towns and villages along the German shoreline of the lake, such us Lindau; Friedrichshafen; Konstanz and Überlingen.

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

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

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - Nov. 25

 Happy New Year!!

I haven't had this much free time in years, but despite that, I've never gone this long without posting updates. The truth is, I haven't been getting many postcards and I've had a few tricky weeks. Let's see how the next few weeks go.

 Last year I joined the MFS RR eleven months and only two months are still not complete, meaning that a few cards are still missing. That's not the case of November.

www.papersisters.de

  

In Chinese zodiac, the snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be intuitive, strategic, and intelligent. 

The Snake occupies the sixth position in the Chinese zodiac. 2025 was the year of the Wood Snake. 

 In Chinese culture, the Snake is the most enigmatic animal among the 12 zodiac animals. People born in a year of the Snake are supposed to be the most intuitive. 

Snakes tend to act according to their own judgments while remaining private and reticent. They are determined to accomplish their goals and hate to fail. 

Snakes represent the symbol of wisdom. They are intelligent and wise. They are good at communication but say little. Snakes are usually regarded as great thinkers.

 Snakes are materialistic and love keeping up with the Joneses. They love to possess the best of everything but they have no patience for shopping. - in: https://www.chinahighlights.com

Card sent by Marena.

  

www.papersisters.de

 

Hang sent me a new German Happy Postcrossing from Germany card, this one a castles version. The castles mentioned on the card are: Hohenzollern Castle; Drachenburg Castle; Moritzburg Castle; Heidelberg Castle; Schwerin Castle; Wartburg Castle; Glücksburg Castle and of course, Newschwanstein Castle.

www.papersisters.de

Another Germab HP card, this one sent by Bille, and from a very specific region, the "Pott". 

The Ruhrpott is a former industrial area of coal mining and heavy industry that has transformed into a diverse cultural and economic hub, famous for its industrial heritage (like Zollverein), green spaces, major cities (Dortmund, Essen, Duisburg, Bochum), and vibrant cultural scene, including being a European Capital of Culture in 2010. 

The region takes its name partly from the river Ruhr and the word “Pott” which comes from “Kohlenpott” (meaning “coal pot”) alluding to the area’s coal-mining past.

 

When I think I already have enough cards of the Trinity St. Sergius Lavra, I get another one!! This one was sent by Tanya.

Dresden - Germany

Before World War II, Dresden was called “the Florence of the Elbe” and was regarded as one the world’s most beautiful cities for its architecture and museums. 

At the end of the war, Dresden was so badly damaged that the city was basically leveled. A handful of historic buildings–the Zwinger Palace, the Dresden State Opera House and several fine churches–were carefully reconstructed out of the rubble, but the rest of the city was rebuilt with plain modern buildings. - in: http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-dresden

 In the last months of World War II, Allied bombers from the British Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Force conducted several major bombing raids on the eastern German city of Dresden. Beginning on the night of February 13, 1945, more than 1,200 heavy bombers dropped nearly 4,000 tons of high-explosive and incendiary bombs on the city in four successive raids. 

 

 DE-8360341, sent by Heiko.

An estimated 25,000 people were killed in the bombings and the firestorm that raged afterward. More than 75,000 dwellings were destroyed, along with unique monuments of Baroque architecture in the historic city center. - in: https://www.theatlantic.com

DE-15872662, sent by Manuela.

On the left bank of the Elbe is Dresden's historical centre with buildings from the Renaissance, the Baroque and the 19th century. Despite being devastated in the Second World War, the Altstadt (Old Town) has kept or regained its attractive buildings.

© Schöning GmbH & Co. KG

DE-5174131, sent by Manuela.

The most well-known symbol of the rebuilding of the city centre is Dresden Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the magnificent domed Baroque church which again dominates the Dresden skyline. After the Second World War, Neumarkt square and the symbolic ruins of the Frauenkirche remained almost untouched for half a century before also coming up for construction.

 

 

 Photo: F. Ihlow, H. Voigt, F. Exss, Verlag

The Altstadt is the centre of city life: it is home to the city hall, the Saxon state parliament and important cultural institutions from the Old Masters Picture Gallery, Semper Opera House and the State Theatre to the Green Vault. Between Altmarkt and Neumarkt squares, Prager Strasse and Postplatz you will find plenty of places to shop, eat and drink. - in: https://www.dresden.de

 

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - Oct. '25

 October's cards are from Japan, Switzerland, Germany and Finland.

 

Anne is from Singapore but she sent a Japanese card, a snowy view of Amanohashidate, a pine-covered sandbar that spans the mouth of Miyazu Bay in the scenic, coastal region of northern Kyoto Prefecture. Viewed from the mountains at either end of the bay, the Amanohashidate Sandbar (which roughly translates to "bridge in heaven") looks like a pathway between heaven and earth. The scene has been admired for centuries and is ranked among Japan's three most scenic views. - in: https://www.japan-guide.com

I've never heard of Spiez before but this town on the shore of Lake Thun, in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss canton of Bern, is a popular day-trip destination. It's bay is actually considered one of most beautiful bays in Europe. 

Besides the beautiful bay, Spiez is known for its castle, its thousand-year-old churches, its vineyards, its museum of local history and viticulture and its water sports possibilities. 

The card was sent by Grace.

 

Marei is my official supplier of church cards from Bavaria. This one here is the pilgrimage church of Mariahilf and St. Johann Nepomuk, a late Baroque Roman Catholic church, built in the 18th century, located in Brannenburg, Upper Bavaria. Due to its location on the slope of the Sulzberg mountain overlooking the Inn Valley, the church is a popular destination for day trips, offering  great views of the surrounding landscape.

 

The Orthodox church of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholaos was built in 1896–1899 and has been used for 120 years. The church is one of the most significant buildings in Tampere in terms of architectural history. - in: https://visittampere.fi

Card sent by Katri.

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - Sept. '25

All the MFS cards from September and October arrived safe and sound but 2 cards are still missing, for the months of July and August. But if there's one thing we've all learned in so many years of sending and receiving mail, it's to never lose hope.

 www.papersisters.de

Still in the spirit of WPD, Lara sent this 2024 Papersisters card.

 

 

Oh Gent, what a beautiful city. I'd love to visit it again. 

This magnificent sight on Sint-Baafsplein in Ghent is a proud old lady: don’t just walk past her on your city trip. St Bavo’s Cathedral is the oldest parish church in the lively heart of Ghent. It stands on the site of a 10th century church and a 12th century Romanesque church. The latter was dedicated to St John the Baptist. In the Middle Ages, Ghent was a rich and powerful city that had the means to commission ever-larger and more opulent churches. So the Church of St John the Baptist was converted during the 15th and 16th centuries into the imposing Gothic St Bavo’s Cathedral. - in: https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/st-bavos-cathedral-majestic-tower

 Card sent by Monique.

awl-images / imageBROKER/ Hanke

When I traveled to Czech Republic, I went on a 2 days trip to Saxony with the idea of visiting Dresden and maybe another place. Moritzburg castle was one of the option but we decided to visit Meissen instead. This card was sent by Petra.

Moritzburg Castle is arguably the prettiest moated castle in Saxony. It was named after Duke Maurice, who had a hunting lodge built for himself near Dresden in 1542. From 1723, Augustus the Strong converted it into a magnificent baroque castle in the middle of a large pond and park. - in: https://www.schloss-moritzburg.de

From Hangzhou, China, Xinyi sent this card of the General Yuefei Mausoleum, commonly known in Chinese as Yuewang Temple. This temple was built in honor of Yue Fei, a general of the Southern Song dynasty during the Jurchen invasions when the capital of China was in Hangzhou. The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei was nestled in Yue Fei's temple at the south foot of Xixia Mountain of Hangzhou City.
The temple was first constructed during the Song Dynasty in 1221 to commemorate Yue Fei. The site includes Yue Fei's Temple, Loyalty Temple and Yue Fei’s Mausoleum inside. The temple was reconstructed several times in later date. The tombs and the tomb sculptures in the temple all dates from the 12th century, and have been meticulously restored. - in: https://www.zhangjiajietourguide.com