Armação de Pêra - Portugal

Sofia sent me this card from Armação de Pêra, in Algarve, as a game prize. 

© Edição Vistal 

Armação de Pêra is a beautiful long expanse of sandy beach stretching for over 6 km and framed by the golden limestone cliffs that form the natural backdrop to so many of the beaches on this western side of the Algarve. Originally used by the local fishermen from the nearby village of Pêra for preparing their fishing tack (armação), Armação de Pêra has now become one of the most popular beaches in the Algarve and a modern resort, offering a host of amenities and entertainment. - in: http://www.portugal-live.com/portugal/algarve/armacao-de-pera.html

The fishing legacy is still however alive as along the beach you can see the local fisherman heading out to sea on their boats. 

PT-402182

I love to get official cards from my own country but that doesn't happen that often. João sent me a view of the lovely town of Marvão. I've been there almost 2 years ago but I need to visit the town again with more time. 

Marvão is on the UNESCO Tentative List. 

Nearby the border with Spain, situated between Castelo de Vide and Portalegre, on the highest point of the lovely São Mamede mountain, in Alentejo, is situated this charming village of Marvão. 

In a peacefull and relaxing environment, surrounded by 13th and 17th century defensive walls, Marvão rises high, with its lovely white houses, narrow and winding streets, showing that time is not as quick as it often seems. 

Photo © Rui Cunha 

PT-402182, sent by João.

Its strategic location, on the higher point of the São Mamede Mountain, with difficult accesses, that served as a natural protection, and near the border with Spain, made of Marvão an important Portuguese defensive point for many centuries, being the stage of several battles and political conflicts. 

Visiting Marvão, one has the certain of visiting history itself, along these historical streets, with gothic and manueline inheritances, and medieval testimonies of other times, marked in the typical granite constructions. 

The Castle and its imposing walls from the 13th century are unforgettable monuments of the village.
Located next to the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, from the highest points in Marvão, like Torre de Menagem (Watchtower) or the Pousada de Santa Maria, one can enjoy of astonishing landscapes throughout the surrounding natural area. - in: http://www.getportugal.com/en/poi-marvao-14917

CA-506369 & CA-506372

Two beautiful snowy official cards from Canada. 

 © Published & Distributed by The Postcard Factory

CA-506369, sent by Masha.

Winter is generally December, January and February, though winter weather can start in November and last through late March, early April, especially in the eastern part of the country.

The height of winter is freezing cold in most places except for the BC coast, where winters are moderate with little snow. Nearby Whistler, on the other hand gets loads of snow and is a major ski destination through May.

Photo P.Quitternelle

CA-506372, sent by Michèle.

In the Rockies, winter is long. However, snow stays around only in the higher altitudes. Calgary, does not get much snow, but Banff and Canmore may get two feet in April. In addition, southern Alberta gets winter relief from warm Chinook winds.

Eastern Canada, including Toronto and Montreal, has a short, fierce winter, below zero temperatures most of the time, and -20°C (-4°F) not uncommon. At least one or two snowfalls of eight inches or more will likely hit in January and February. - in: http://gocanada.about.com/od/weatherincanada/ss/Canadas-Four-Seasons_2.htm#step-heading

SG̱ang Gwaay - Canada

Now is time for a new UNESCO site in my collection. Many thanks Brittany for this SG̱ang Gwaay card. This canadian site was classified as World Heritage Site in 1981. 

© 2014 Canada Post

Ninstints is the usual name in English for SG̱ang Gwaay Llanagaay ("Red Cod Island Village"), a village site of the Haida people in Haida Gwaii on the North Coast of British Columbia.

At the village of SGang Gwaay llnagaay (Nan Sdins) the remains of large cedar long houses, together with a number of carved mortuary and memorial poles, illustrate the art and way of life of the Haida. The site commemorates the living culture of the Haida, based on fishing and hunting, their relationship with the land and sea, and offers a visual key to their oral traditions. The village was occupied until shortly after 1880. What survives is unique in the world, a 19th century Haida village where the ruins of houses and memorial or mortuary poles illustrate the power and artistry of Haida society. - in: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/157

US-3161232

Cinderella Castle is the main attraction and the symbol of the Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom, is the first-built of the four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando, Florida. It opened on October 1, 1971. It is dedicated to fairy tales and Disney characters. 

www.postcardfair.com

US-3161232, sent by Ciara.

Rising high in the sky at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., Cinderella Castle welcomes you to a magical world of fantasy and fun. The central icon of Walt Disney World Resort, the castle invites all who visit to celebrate in a place where dreams come true.

Boasting soaring spires, ornate turrets and regal royal-blue rooftops, the 189-foot castle invokes both the magic and mystery of real-world castles—such as Fontainebleau and Versailles—and fictional palaces like the one seen in Disney’s animated classic Cinderella.

Adding to the enchanted environment, the castle is surrounded by a tranquil moat, lush green grass, rose bushes and a wishing well, providing perfect picture-taking opportunities from nearly every angle.

Cinderella Castle provides a spectacular backdrop for the fireworks extravaganzas that occur in Magic Kingdom park on select nights. Over 16 million colored lights illuminate the castle when the sun sets; and during fireworks shows, lights and music effortlessly come together to create an even more magical setting. - in: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/cinderella-castle/

BR-339885

An official from Ouro Preto, a city that I'd love to visit in Brazil. I've a few cards from here but this is the 1st with the Museum of the Inconfidência. 

Edição: Postais de Minas

BR-339885, sent by Célio.

Museum of the Inconfidência is a history museum dedicated to those who died in a failed rebellion movement, Inconfidência Mineira, for Brazilian independence from Portugal. It was established in 1938. It is located in Tiradentes Square in Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais. 

The museum keeps a valuable collection of objects and manuscripts relating to the Inconfidência revolutionary plot, such as works attributed to Aleijadinho, Xavier de Brito, Master Ataíde, Servas ... as well as clothing, furniture and assorted objects of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. - in: http://www.ouropreto.org.br/ingl/museus.asp

The museum was established in the 20th century but the building was built in the 18th. It was used as legislative house and jail.

Falésias Beach - Brazil

Falésias (cliffs) Beach is a beach in Jequiá da Praia,  municipality located in the coast of the Brazilian state of Alagoas.

The card was sent by Luzia.

Assistel Turismo Distribuidora

The beach seems to be really beautiful but I can't find information about it...