2012-03-31

Most viewed in March of 2012


The top 3 of the most viewed posts in March of 2012 are:

1 - Braga's Municipal Stadium - Portugal, posted in 29-12-2011



2 - Pozzo Etrusco in Perugia - Italy, posted in 13-08-2011



3 - RU-737192 - Animal Kisses, posted in 22-02-2012



Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile in Paris - France


© ?

Sapic12 made a lottery game at the Postcrossing forum, and this postcard of Paris was the prize.

In French: "Paris et ses merveilles...
L'arc de triomphe de l'Etoile (1806-1836) point central de la place ronde d'un diamètre de 240,86 mètres."

In English: "Paris and it's wonders...
The Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile (1806-1836) is the midpoint of the round square with a diameter of 240,86 meters."

"The Arc de Triomphe (Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile) is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle (originally named Place de l'Étoile), at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. There is a smaller arch, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, which stands west of the Louvre. The Arc de Triomphe (in English: "Triumphal Arch") honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I." In: Wikipedia

2012-03-30

Green sea turtle - Philippines


© Danny Ocampo / Greenpeace


"Pacific Ocean: Apo Island Marine Reserve, Philippines. Green sea turtles at the time of dinosaurs"


This beautiful turtle was sent from Portugal by Flora. I love it!


"The Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), also known as green turtle, black (sea) turtle, or Pacific green turtle, is a large sea turtle of the family Cheloniidae. It is the only species in the genus Chelonia. Its range extends throughout tropical and subtropical seas around the world, with two distinct populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Their common name derives from the usually green fat found beneath theircarapace (upper shell).


The green sea turtle is a sea turtle, possessing a dorsoventrally flattened body covered by a large, teardrop-shaped carapace and a pair of large, paddle-like flippers. It is usually lightly colored, although parts of the carapace can be almost black in the eastern Pacific. Unlike other members of its family, such as the hawksbill sea turtle and loggerhead sea turtle, C. mydas is mostly herbivorous. The adults commonly inhabit shallow lagoons, feeding mostly on various species of seagrasses." In: Wikipedia

2012-03-29

Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi - Italy


© D.A.C.A.

Unused, bought in Lisbon (Portugal)

"The Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Italian: Basilica Papale di San Francesco, Latin: Basilica Sancti Francisci Assisiensis) is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Order of Friars Minor—commonly known as the Franciscan Order—in Assisi, Italy, the city where St. Francis was born and died. The basilica is one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy. With its accompanying friary, the basilica is a distinctive landmark to those approaching Assisi. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
The basilica, which was begun in 1228, is built into the side of a hill and comprises two churches known as the Upper Church and the Lower Church, and a crypt where the remains of the saint are interred. The interior of the Upper Church is an important early example of the Gothic style in Italy. The Upper and Lower Churches are decorated with frescoes by numerous late medieval painters from the Roman and Tuscan schools, and include works by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, Pietro Lorenzetti and possibly Pietro Cavallini. The range and quality of the works gives the basilica a unique importance in demonstrating the development of Italian art of this period." In: Wikipedia

2012-03-28

Castle of Javier - Spain


© Comercial Escudo de Oro

Unused, bought in Braga (Portugal)

"The Castle of Xabier (in Basque: Xabierko Gaztelua; in Spanish: Castillo de Javier) is located on a hill in the town of Javier(Navarre, Spain), to 52 km east of Pamplona and 7 km east of Sangüesa. Built in the 10th century. In this castle was born and raised the Saint Francis Xavier, son of the Lords of Xavier, and from there took his surname." In: Wikipedia

2012-03-27

"Wake Up" rooster - Netherlands


© Henk P. Drost

"Chihuahua" sent this surprise postcard with a wealthy rooster with one of the Postcrossing stamps! :D I was my first postcard with that stamps!

2012-03-26

Santa Cruz Beach in Torres Vedras - Portugal


© Grafipost

There are some games at the Postcrossing Forum. This postcard is a prize of a Hangman game. It was sent by PilotOne and shows the Santa Cruz Beach in Terres Vedras.

"Perhaps because of the rare natural beauty of its beaches, Santa Cruz is one of the most sought after seaside resorts of the western region.
Santa Cruz and its outskirts are favoured with a group of beaches with extensive miles of golden sands, surrounded by majestic cliffs.

More than 20 Beaches along the Coast
Even though many opt for a refreshing swim in the Atlantic or simply relaxing the body by sunbathing.
Along more than 20km of coast, from Assenta to Porto Novo, there are more than twenty beaches at your entire disposal some in proximity of inviting picnic grounds or rest areas." In: Praia de Santa Cruz

2012-03-25

Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona - USA


© Impact / Russ Finley (photo)

"Adobe" loves to promote the beauties of Arizona! This time is the Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

Text on the back side: "Navajo farms add peaceful contrast to the dramatic red sandstone walls of Canyon del Muerto."

"Canyon de Chelly National Monument  was established on April 1, 1931 as a unit of the National Park Service. It is located in northeastern Arizona within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Reflecting one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, it preserves ruins of the early indigenous tribes that lived in the area, including the Ancient Pueblo Peoples (also called Anasazi) and Navajo. The monument covers 83,840 acres (131.0 sq mi; 339.3 km2) and encompasses the floors and rims of the three major canyons: de Chelly, del Muerto, and Monument. These canyons were cut by streams with headwaters in the Chuska mountains just to the east of the monument. None of the land is federally owned." In: Wikipedia

2012-03-24

Queluz National Palace - Portugal


© G. A. Wittich / Edição Visual

RR Portugal G60, sent by "ninocas"



"The Queluz National Palace (Portuguese: Palácio Nacional de Queluz) is a Portuguese 18th-century palace located at Queluz, a freguesia of the modern-day Sintra Municipality, in the Lisbon District. One of the last great Rococo buildings to be designed in Europe, the palace was conceived as a summer retreat for Dom Pedro of Braganza, later to become husband and then king consort to his own niece, Queen Maria I. It served as a discreet place of incarceration for Queen Maria as her descent into madness continued in the years following Dom Pedro's death in 1786. Following the destruction by fire of the Ajuda Palace in 1794, Queluz Palace became the official residence of the Portuguese prince regent, John VI, and his family and remained so until the Royal Family fled to Brazil in 1807 following the French invasion of Portugal. " In: Wikipedia

2012-03-23

Salamanca Cathedral - Spain


© Purger & Co., München, Photochromiekarte 2867

Unused, bought in Lisbon (Portugal) in 2011

Spanish: Salamanca - Catedral
Vista general de la puerta del macimiento

English: Salamaca - Cathedral
View of the Door of Birth


2012-03-22

Saluti da Venezia - Italy


© S.A.R.

Used, sent from Milano (Italy) to Paço d'Arcos (Portugal) with postmark of 05-10-1976. Bought in Lisbon (Portugal) in 2011.

"Founded in the 5th century and spread over 118 small islands, Venice became a major maritime power in the 10th century. The whole city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building contains works by some of the world's greatest artists such as Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and others." In: UNESCO



2012-03-21

Postcrossing Meeting in São Paulo - Brazil


© Original Postcards

Another postcard I forgot to publish earlier... It's from the 9th Postcrossing Meeting in São Paulo (02/10/2011). "Andreaeiko" sent this multiview of São Paulo.


2012-03-20

Turtle - Portugal


© Luciana Fina, Moritz Albert, published by Postalfree

This is an ad card of the Alkantara Festival (2010) in Portugal. It's the 7th card of 8. Sent by PilotOne.


2012-03-19

Manhattan in New York - USA


© USA Souvenir & Apparel Inc

This gorgeous thunderstorm in Manhattan was sent by "ilove2smile". 

"New York City is the most populous city in the United States, with is metropolitan area ranking among the largest urban areas in the world. For more than a century, Manhattan has been one of the world's major centers of commerce and finance."


2012-03-18

Tawangmangu waterfall in Surakarta - Indonesia


© Adidharma (photo)

This big waterfall was a surprise postcard from Shinta! She lives in Indonesia and knows that I collect postcards with waterfalls! This is time is the Tawangmangu waterfall in Surakarta.


"Tawangmangu is located 40 km east of Solo, this recreational resort offers fresh weather; scenic views, swimming pools, bungalow style hotels and restaurants. Tawangmangu, a mountain resorts at an elevation of almost 1 km above sea level, which promises a cool escape from the city's heat. It lies on the slopes of Mt., Lawu, at an elevation of 1300 m above sea level. A cool splendid hill resort also on the slope of mount Lawu, at about 1400 M height above sea level. The road from Solo via Karangpandan is a fine trip thru magnificent green terraced hills. Tawangmangu has all kind of facilities, hotel, camping ground, forest tourism, etc. The climate is fresh and one can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Other features include nearby temples, a national park and 40m in high waterfall of Grojogan Sewu.

It is a 100 M high waterfall; the pool at the bottom has very chilly water. In front of the gate to Grojogan Sewu, horses for rent are available to ride around Tawangmangu." In: Indonesia Turism

2012-03-17

Penedono Castle and Pillory - Portugal


© Câmara Municipal de Penedono

RR Portugal G60, sent by "martinha"


"Penedono Castle was probably built in the 14th century by D. Vasco Fernandes Coutingo, lord of Couto de Leomil. This small unusually shaped castle (with prism towers and pyramidal battlements) is actually an excellent viewpoint. Castle’s restoring works lasted until 1953. (National Monument)" In: Lifecooler

2012-03-16

Machu Picchu - Peru


© Mayer Abanto (photo)

Alien RR, sent by "fjordita"

This is my first postcard from Peru, although this one wasn't sent from there...It was sent from UK. Anyway, it's an amazing postcard!

"Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna." In: UNESCO

2012-03-15

Acropolis of Athens - Greece


© Greek Memories Editions

Once again, Nectaria sent this great postcard from Athens: a winter view of the Acropolis (UNESCO WHS).

"The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. In the second half of the fifth century bc, Athens, following the victory against the Persians and the establishment of democracy, took a leading position amongst the other city-states of the ancient world. In the age that followed, as thought and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts. The most important monuments were built during that time: the Parthenon, built by Ictinus, the Erechtheon, the Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis, designed by Mnesicles and the small temple Athena Nike." In: UNESCO

2012-03-14

Soure Castle - Portugal


© Oswaldo Santos (photo) / Papyrus

RR Portugal G60, sent by "Zepombal"

"It is said that the construction of Soure castle began in the 11th century. It was immediately destroyed by the Moors during a battle. One century later, it was donated to Count Fernando Peres de Trava, who rebuilt it. In the 20th century it was given to Soure Town Hall. Despite a rather complicated process regarding the deeds and the ownership of the castle, the castle became property of Soure Town Hall. The dominating architectural styles are: Medieval, Romanic, along with Gothic and Manueline influences. It is a simple castle of small dimensions. Remains of the citadel can still be seen, defined by four towers in the angles, a Suevi-Visigoth door and a Mozarab window." In: Lifecooler 


2012-03-13

TH-78774 - Orcas Island in Washington


© Lantern Press

TH-78774 sent by "bigmangomomma" 

This postcard has some story to tell... The user is from Thailand, so the ID starts with TH. The postcard was bought in Washington (USA) but was sent from Canada.


"Orcas Island  is the largest of the San Juan Islands, which are located in the northwestern corner of Washington state in San Juan County, Washington." In: Wikipedia

2012-03-12

Beach in São Martinho do Porto - Portugal


© Forways

I've never heard about this São Martinho do Porto... It's a small place in Alcobaça Municipality. "Leninha" sent this view to the beach.

2012-03-10

AT-79614 - Thunderstorm


© Photo: IFA/Nägele

AT-79614 sent by "pixi17"


A beautiful postcard with a thunderstorm!

2012-03-09

Ávila's map card - Spain


© FISA

unused, bought in 2011

"Ávila (Latin: Abila and Óbila) is a Spanish city located in the autonomous community of Castile and León, capital of the province of the same name.

"Ávila de los Caballeros" is an honorific title of the city. Another is "Ávila del Rey" and yet another "Ávila de los leales" are all present in the flag of the city.

The city is notable for having a complete medieval city walls, romanesque.

It is also one of the cities with the highest number of churches (romanesque and gothic) and catering establishments in relation to the number of its inhabitants.

It is considered by many as the city of «Pebbles and Saints». It said the writer José Martínez Ruiz «Azorín», after writing «The Castilian Soul» which was «perhaps the most 16th century city of Spain»." In: Wikipedia


2012-03-08

PT-196789 - Harbor seal at Lisbon Zoo


© Atlanticpost

PT-196789 sent by "geminiscp"

"The harbor (or harbour) seal (Phoca vitulina), also known as the common seal, is a true seal found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere. They are found in coastal waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as those of the Baltic and North Seas, making them the most widely distributed of the pinnipeds (walruses, eared seals, and true seals).

Common seals are brown, tan, or gray, with distinctive V-shaped nostrils. An adult can attain a length of 1.85 meters (6.1 ft) and a mass of 132 kilograms (290 lb). Females outlive males (30–35 years versus 20–25 years). Common seals stick to familiar resting spots or haulout sites, generally rocky areas (although ice, sand and mud may also be used) where they are protected from adverse weather conditions and predation, near a foraging area. Males may fight over mates underwater and on land. Females are believed[according to whom?] to mate with the strongest males and generally bear a single pup, which they care for alone. Pups are able to swim and dive within hours of birth, and they develop quickly on their mothers' fat-rich milk. A fatty tissue layer called blubber is present under their skins and helps to maintain body temperature.

Their global population is 5-6 million, but subspecies in certain habitats are threatened. Seal hunting or sealing, once a common practice, is now illegal in many nations within the animal's range." In: Wikipedia


2012-03-07

Castelo de Vide - Portugal


© Forways, Lda

A surprise postcard from "Blicas Blocas" showing several views of Castelo de Vide.


2012-03-06

Diego de Giráldez works add card - Spain


Hangman prize, sent from Portugal by "PilotOne"

It's and add card of Diego de Giráldez works, exhibited at Poio Monastery in Spain.

2012-03-05

Postcrossing Meeting in Münster - Germany

These postcards are from the Postcrossing Meeting in Münster, Germany, in 27-08-2011. I forgot to post them earlier... 


© Uli Stein

Sent by "anjaaustel".

German: Dagegen
English: Against it 



© mauritius images / Pacific Stock

sent by Isa



2012-03-04

Multnomah Falls in Oregon - USA


© Photos in Spring: Kerry Thalmann, Summer and Autumn: Dan Sherwood, Winter: Jeff Krausse

"Joaninha" offered me this great postcard of the Multnomah Falls.

"Multnomah Falls is a waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, located east of Troutdale, between Corbett and Dodson, along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The falls drops in two major steps, split into an upper falls of 542 feet (165 m) and a lower falls of 69 feet (21 m), with a gradual 9 foot (3 m) drop in elevation between the two, so the total height of the waterfall is conventionally given as 620 feet (189 m). Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the State of Oregon. It is credited by a sign at the site of the falls as the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States but that claim is debated among waterfall experts." In: Wikipedia


2012-03-03

Ticino - Switzerland


© Edizioni Alfa S.A.

RR CHxWorld G4, sent by masito

"Canton Ticino or Ticino is the southernmost canton of Switzerland. Named after the Ticino river, it is the only canton in which Italian is the sole official language. Ticino borders the Canton of Uri to the north, Valais to the west (through the Novena Pass), Graubünden to the northeast, Italy's regions of Piedmont and Lombardy to the south and it surrounds the small Italian exclave of Campione d'Italia. Together with areas of the canton of Graubünden (Grigioni) it makes up the so-called Italian Switzerland." In: Wikipedia

2012-03-02

Ribeira in Porto - Portugal


© Papyrus

unused

"Oporto is of outstanding universal value as the urban fabric and its many historic buildings bear remarkable testimony to the development over the past 1,000 years of a European city that looks outward to the West for its cultural and commercial links. 


The historic centre of is a townscape of high aesthetic value, with evidence of urban development from the Roman, medieval, and Almadas periods. The rich and varied civil architecture of the historic centre expresses the cultural values of succeeding periods - Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, neoclassical and modern. The active social and institutional tissue of the town ensures its survival as a living historic centre. Military, commercial, agricultural, and demographic interests converged here to shelter a population capable of building the city. It is a collective work, not accomplished at a particular moment but the result of successive contributions. One of the most relevant aspects of Oporto is its scenic character, resulting from the complexity of the landform, the harmonious articulation of its roads, and the dialogue with the river. It also represents a successful interaction between the social and geographical environments" In: UNESCO

2012-03-01

Picture of a fabrics illustration - Spain


© MO, published by Vita Nova

Used, sent from Badajoz (Spain) to Vila Nova de Gaia (Portugal) with postmark of 19-08-1964


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