Vietnam FDC on "Year of the Tiger"

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Vietnam

Year of the Tiger

Date of Issue : 1 December 2009

The stampset was issued to welcome the year 2010 - Year of the Tiger - Year to celebrate 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Ha Noi. It shows the images of Tiger, the third symbolized animal in zodiac, has lively design with bright colours of yellow and pink, typical colours of festivals and spring days.

This is my second FDC for the Year of Tiger. Very nice.

Hong Kong FDC on "Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games"

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Hong Kong

Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games

Date of Issue : 5 December 2009

This set of stamps is issued to celebrate the 5th East Asian Games held in Hong Kong from 5 to 13 December 2009. The event marks an exciting milestone in our sports history, as it is the first time Hong Kong has had the honour to host a regional multi-sport contest of this scale.

The set of six stamps contains two designs for each of the three denominations, featuring all the 22 sports in the 5th East Asian Games, namely, Judo, Rowing and Rugby Sevens ($1.40); Athletics, Badminton, Wushu and Shooting ($1.40); Basketball, Hockey, Squash and Aquatics ($2.40); Cycling, Weightlifting and Tennis ($2.40); Windsurfing, Football, Bowling and Taekwondo ($3); Table Tennis, Volleyball, DanceSport and Cue Sports ($3). The silhouettes in gold, silver and bronze foil represent the three levels of medals awarded, bringing out the spirit of competition that motivates athletes to go for their best.

At the end, Hong Kong get a total of 26 gold medals in this East Asian Games, including football. Unimaginable!

As the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games took place at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza,Tsimshatsui, I posted my FDC at Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office (TST). The postmarks are very clear. Its a pity that the postman tore away the red local registered mail label during delivery, so you can only see half of the datestamp postmark at the 0.50 bird definitive stamp.

France Cover - European Capitals : Lisbon Miniature Sheet

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France

On the cover above, there is a very nice "European Capitals - Lisbon" Miniature Sheet, issued on 9 Nov 2009. The sheet contains 4 stamps each with a denomination of 0.56 Euros. The souvenir sheet shows various views of historic parts of Lisbon. In the upper left of the sheet one can see the Monastery of the Heironymites. Below this is a picture of the Belem Tower. At the bottom of the sheet we are shown the Monument to Discoveries. Finally on the right side of the sheet one can see a depiction of Bairro Alto district of Lisbon. Between the stamps are drawings of the Chateau St Georges, Elevador Santa Justa and two Azulejos, a typical form of Portuguese painted, tin-glazed, ceramic tilework.

Although the souvenir sheet is a little bit torn, I still like it very much. The postmarks on the sheet are very clear. It is rather strange that on each stamps of the sheet, there are datestamp postmark of two different dates, 28 Nov and 29 Nov.

Israel FDC on "Lighthouses In Israel"

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Israel

Lighthouses In Israel

Date of Issue : 26 November 2009

The stamps in the series depict three of the lighthouses built along Israel’s southern Mediterranean coastline:

4.60 Israeli shekel : Jaffa
This 29-meter high lighthouse is built on a hilltop poised above the Jaffa Port. The Jaffa lighthouse was initially erected in 1865 as part of operations carried out by Turkish authorities to improve the port facilities. The structure appearing on the stamp was built by the British in 1936. The lighthouse’s identifying mark was four white flashes, emitted every 14 seconds. The rocks along the Jaffa shore did not allow ships to enter the port, thus passengers and cargo were offloaded at sea and transported to shore in small row boats, such as that appearing on the stamp to the right of the lighthouse.

6.70 Israeli shekel : Tel-Aviv
This lighthouse was built in the 1930’s on the beach to the north of Tel-Aviv, adjacent to the Yarkon Estuary in order to warn ships against approaching the shore, where sandbars were located. The 20-meter high lighthouse served the Tel-Aviv Port as well as the adjacent electricity plant harbor. The lighthouse’s identifying mark was two flashes (one long and one short), emitted every seven seconds.

8.80 Israeli shekel : Ashdod
This 76-meter high lighthouse is built atop Tel Yona, near the Ashdod Port. It was erected in the 1960’s as part of the construction of the port facilities. The lighthouse’s identifying mark was three white flashes, emitted every 20 seconds. Ashdod Port is Israel’s largest sea port. It is a modern facility, equipped with huge cranes and is capable of handling large cargo ships quickly and efficiently.

The stamps are very beautiful.

India FDC on "Holy Cross Church"

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India

Holy Cross Church

Date of issue : 14 September 2009

(The following information is from the website : http://www.smcim.org/mapranam/about.htm)

The Mapranam Holy Cross Church, which is part of the Irinjalakuda Diocese is a historically renowned and noted Pilgrim Centre ideally located in the enchanting rural ambience of Kerala. One of the oldest Churches, founded in 928 AD, it was recently renovated (1989) and attracts worshippers beyond the religious barriers. It is perhaps for the first time in the history of the world that a religious Sanctum has combined and practiced the cultural, spiritual and ethical values of different religions- especially Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. The Church is already accepted and acknowledged by masses across the region and serves as a parent institution to several Churches that belong to the localities such as Irinjalakuda Cathedral (The Head Quarters of Irinjalakuda Diocese) Porathussery, Karuvannur, Chemmanda, Karalam, Pallissery, Kuzhikkattukon, Pullur, Thanissery, Thuravankunnu, etc..

There are only a few churches in Kerala that are established in the name of the Holy Cross. The Mapranam Holy Cross Church is the only one of its kind in the Dioceses of Irinjalakkuda, Thrissur and Palakkad. Besides, Mapranam is one of the very few churches that is blessed with the possession of a relic of the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ. So the Holy Cross Church Mapranam holds a unique history in the Syro Malabar Archiepiscopal Church. On the 21st of September 1887, Mar Selinose Thereesa, Apostolic Vicar of Varapuzha, conferred his recognition and granted permission to the Holy Cross Church Mapranam to place the relic of Holy Cross in the Church. Every year on the 14th of September is celebrated as the feast of the Holy Cross when the worshippers could experience the mercy and the blessings of relic of the Holy Cross. Besides, the faithful get a chance to kiss the relic of the Holy Cross on 21st September, the eighth day of the feast and on Good Friday.

Israel FDC on "Israel - Romania Joint Issue : The Yiddish Theatre, 1876, lasi"

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Israel

Israel - Romania Joint Issue : The Yiddish Theatre, 1876, lasi

Date of Issue : 26 November 2009

The stamp features an adapted illustration, based on the original poster for the play Two kuni Lemis.

This joint Israel-Romania stamp issue commemorates the establishment of the Yiddish Theatre in Lasi, Romania in 1876 and the accomplishments of the founder of Jewish theatre, Abraham Goldfaden (1840-1908).

Very nice stamp design.

China FDC on "Stage Art of Ma Lianliang"

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China


Stage Art of Ma Lianliang (馬連良)

Date of Issue : 28 November 2009

2-1 : Summoning the East Wind
2-2 : Orphan of the Zhao Family

Ma Lianliang (1901 - 1966), a native of Beijing, of Hui ethnic group, was a renowned master of Peking Opera. At the age of eight, he entered Xi Lian Cheng Opera School. After graduation, he combined what he learned from the school with bold innovation, and based on stage practice, he gradually developed a unique artistic style of his own, which is now commonly known as the Ma School. The images he portrayed on stage featured distinctive personalities, and in addition to outstanding performance in singing, recitation and acting, the master impressed the audience with his accurate representation of scenarios and vivid depiction of dramatic figures, thus realizing a perfect fusion of play plots with artistic forms. His most representative plays, including "Summoning the East Wind", "Sweet Dew Temple", "Su Wu as a Shepherd" and "Orphan of the Zhao Family", enjoy great popularity among the audience.

Both the cover and stamps design are very nice. Its great to find out that the name "Ma Lianliang" on the stamp is in traditional chinese

Australia Postcard - Broken Hill

Postcard
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Bilhete Postal

Australia

A very nice multiview card from Broken Hill, New South Wales. I also like the astronomy stamp which shows the Reflection Nebula M78. Thank You very much!

Israel FDC on "Christmas"

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Israel

Christmas

Date of Issue : 26 November 2009

I'm glad to receive Christmas FDC from Israel, the holy land. It's a pity that a foolish postman add a datestamp postmark on it

Korea FDC on "New Year's Greetings Stamp"

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South Korea

New Year's Greetings Stamp

Date of Issue : 01 December 2009

The year 2010 is the year of the tiger. The stamp design features a baby tiger roaring loudly.

This is the first Year of Tiger FDC I receive. Very nice as usual !

China FDC on "Guangji Bridge"

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China


Guangji Bridge (广济桥)

Date of Issue : 16 November 2009

Guangji Bridge, also known as Xiangzi Bridge, first built in 1171, spans over a river in the east of Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province. An outstanding model in combining beam bridge, floating bridge and arch bridge, the structure features 24 piers at the eastern and western section, which support pavilions varying from one another. The central part of the bridge is formed by 18 shuttle-shaped boats connected appearance, characterized by an integration of girders and boats as well as an array of elegant pavilions in traditional styles

Another very nice stamp issues.

Estonia FDC on "Christmas"

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Estonia

Christmas

Date of Issue : 19 November 2009

The first postage stamp dedicated to Christmas was issued in Canada in 1898, and Estonia got its first Christmas stamp in 1992.

My first 2 Christmas FDCs in the year 2009. Very nice.

China FDC on "Ancient Academies (2nd Series)"

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China


Ancient Academies (2nd Series)

Date of Issue : 15 November 2009

(On the top FDC)
4-1 (1.20 yuan) : Shigu Academy & Han Yu (石鼓书院 & 韩愈)
Shigu Academy was named after its location on the Shigu Mountain north to Hengyang City, Hunan Province. It was originally the place where Li Kuanzhong, a scholar in the Tang Dynasty, Built a studio, and later it became, in the Song Dynasty, an academy, attracting many famous scholars and followers. Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty bestowed the land and the tablet bearing Shigu Academy on it, making the Academy highly reputed throughout the country

(On the top FDC)
4-2 (1.20 yuan) : Anding Academy & Hu Yuan (安定书院 & 胡瑗)
Anding Academy lies in the Taizhou Middle School in Jiangsu Province. Hu Yuan, a renowned educator in the Northern Song Dynasty, once taught here, and developed the educational thought of combining both theory and practice, and implementing the education by subjects. The Academy was built by Chen Gai, the then governor of Taizhou in the Southern Song Dynasty, on the former site where Hu Yuan gave lectures. As one of the earliest academies of classical learning in Jiangsu Province, it had cultivated a large number of outstanding talents.

(On the lower FDC)
4-3 (1.20 yuan) : Ehu Academy & Zhu Xi, Lu Jiuyuan (鹅湖书院 & 朱熹, 陆九渊)
Located north of the Ehu Mountain in Qianshan County, Jiangxi Province, Ehu Academy was built by Cai Kang, a judicial official in the Song Dynasty, to mark the Ehu Meeting of such philosophers as Zhu Xi, Lv Zuqian, Lu Jiuyuan and Lu Jiuling. Now, the major architectures of the Academy have been well preserved with an integral layout after several times of destruction, rebuilding and renovation during the ups and downs over the past 800 years

(On the lower FDC)
4-4 (1.20 yuan) : Dongpo Academy & Su Dongpo (东坡书院 & 苏东坡)
Dongpo Academy, situated in Danzhou, Hainan Province, was first built in the Song Dynasty with the original name of Zaijiutang. It gradually evolved from a venue where Su Dongpo, a great scholar in the song Dynasty, assembled with local scholars during his exile in Danzhou to an academy with sacrificial and educational functions. Dongpo Academy, the supreme academy in Danzhou for all the following dynasties, is an important cultural site in Hainan Province.

The stamps are very beautiful. Very nice FDCs.

Indonesia FDC on "Provincial Flora & Fauna"

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Indonesia


Provincial Flora & Fauna

Date of Issue : 5 November 2009

These 2 Indonesian FDCs are both very nice and beautiful.

South Africa Postcard

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Bilhete Postal

South Africa

A really lovely cartoon card from my friend in South Africa.

Morocco Postcard - Casablanca

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Bilhete Postal

Morocco

A nice nightview card of Casablanca from Morocco. The stamps on the card are beautiful.

Chile Postcard - Cathedral of Chillán

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Bilhete Postal

Chile

A beautiful postcard from Chile. I very much like the colorful and nice stamps affixed on the card.

Estonia FDC on "Saku Hall"

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Estonia

Saku Hall

Date of Issue : 5 November 2009

Saku Hall is the most outstanding architectural monument in the small town of Saku on the middle reaches of the Vääna River close to Tallinn, one of the most beautiful examples of Classical architecture in Estonia. The first reports of the manor go back to 1489 when the manor seat was situated a few kilometres to the south from the present location. It moved to where it stands today in the 17th century. It had a number of earlier owners but in 1765 Otto Magnus von Rehbinder bought the estate. His grandson Paul Eduard started to build up the mansion in a grand style. The manor hall has a portico with rich decor supporting on four beautiful columns and large “Venetian” windows. The architect has remained unidentified (the famous Carlo Rossi of St. Petersburg has been suggested as one of the possible authors). Stucco décor and stencilled paintings enhance the interior. In the 20th century the manor hall housed a domestic economy school and then a specialised secondary school. It has also served as the seat of the local government. Today Saku Hall functions as a holiday and seminar centre.

Again, a very nice FDC from Estonia. You can see a new type Estonian registration mail label.

Hong Kong FDC on "Hong Kong, China - Brazil Joint Issue on Football"

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Hong Kong

Hong Kong, China - Brazil Joint Issue on Football

Date of Issue : 5 November 2009

$1.40 : Header by Striker
$2.40 : Defense by Goalkeeper
$3 : Long Pass by Skipper
$5 (NOT affixed on the FDC above) : Tackle by Defender

India FDC on "Rare Fauna of The North East"

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India

Rare Fauna of The North East

Date of issue : 1 October 2009

500p (Left) : Red Panda
It has a rounded head ,large erct pointed ears ,a stumpy muzzle and short hairy soled legs which protect it from cold. found in Himalayan regions above 5000 feet.

500p (Top Right) : Barbe's Leaf Monkey
These are colored greyish to black with brow ,hands and Feet being black and the upper arms , legs and tail ,a silvery grey. Found in Tripura ,Cachar and Karinganj districts of Assam , and Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.

500p (Lower Right) : Marbled Cat
The Cat is about the size of a domestic cat .Its Head and body length is 45-62 cm ( 18-24 “) and it weighs 2-5 Kg . Its tail is extremely long and bushy . Apart from Northern India also found in Nepal , Guangxi and Yunnan (China ) , Cambodia ,Laos, Myanamar, Thailand ,Vietnam , Malaysia , Sumatra etc.

A very nice India FDC. I very much like the stamp design.

Slovakia FDC on "Preservation of Nature - European Pond Terrapin"

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Slovakia

Preservation of Nature - European Pond Terrapin

Date of Issue : 23 October 2009

The European Pond Turtle is the only original representative of turtles in Slovakia. Like other water turtle species, it has a slightly curved shell. The upper part of the shell (the carapace) is up to 30 centimetres long, and is brown-black with many small whitish or yellow spots. The lower shell (the plastron) is yellow-white to light-brown and has variably dark (usually black) markings. The turtle’s skin on its limbs, tail, neck and the greater part of head is covered by scutes. It has five digits on the front feet, and four digits fused into paddles for swimming with sharp claws on its back feet.
European Pond Turtles usually occur in still water or muddy and overgrown streams in lower altitudes. Their activity begins at the end of March, depending on the climate. During the day they search for food, hide by water areas, and sun themselves on shores or on top of objects floating in water. The turtles can remain submerged for long periods due to their strong breathing apparatus which consists of anal gland and oral cavity mucosa that can absorb oxygen from the water. Turtles usually mate in the water in the early spring, then in late spring or early summer the females lay eggs around ponds into shallow dug holes. In warmer areas the young hatch in autumn. In Slovakia they usually hatch the following year in spring. The young mature at the age of 15 years and live for about 70 years or more. European Pond Turtles are mostly carnivorous, usually feeding on insects, fish, crustaceans, earthworms, and amphibians, sometimes also dead animals, and their diet also includes vegetation. They usually hibernate buried at the bottom of water biotopes from the end of October.
In Slovakia, European Pond Turtles only occur within a few isolated areas of the Eastern and Western lowlands.

A very nice FDC from Slovakia. The datestamp postmark is very clear. Thank You very much to my friend in Slovakia.

Lithuania FDC on "The World heritage Objects - Struve Geodetic Arc"

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Lithuania

The World Heritage Objects - Struve Geodetic Arc

Date of Issue : 24 October 2009

537 (2 Lt) : TRIANGULATION CHAIN OF STRUVE ARC
538 (2 Lt) : POINT IN MEŠKONYS OF STRUVE’S ARC

Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve (1793–1864), the professor of University of Tartu in Estonia developed methodology for measuring the arc of the meridian of the earth. He composed a triangulation chain of 258 triangles with special markings firmed on top. This chain was later named Struve Geodetic Arc in honour of the professor.
The establishment of Struve Geodetic Arc in 1816–1852 is one of the greatest and most impressive attempts to determine the exact size and shape of the earth. The triangulation chain passed through territories of ten countries – from the northernmost European city Hammerfest in Norway to Ismail in Ukraine at the Black Sea. The Arc crosses Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russian Federation, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova. The fragments of this triangulation chain, which extended through the mentioned countries 2822 kilometres, were used for the calculation of the arc of meridian.
In the territory of Lithuania 3 points of Geodetic Arc out of 18 present in the country are marked: one in Rokiškis district (Gireišiai village) and two in Vilnius district (Paliepiukai and Meškonys villages).
From 2005 the Struve Geodetic Arc was inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. The Struve Geodetic Arc is the first trans-national nomination in the World Heritage List, introduced by ten states.
On June 16 2006 the geodetic point in Meškonys was introduced to the public.

My second real posted FDC from Lithuania. It is really a great surprise to me. The stamp design are nice. As you can seen, the FDC was sent on 26 Oct, 2 days after the first day of issue and I got it on 31 Oct. It only took 5 days for postal delivery. Inside the FDC, my friend has enclosed the First Day Sheet (FDS) of that issue. Thank You very much to my friend.

Estonia FDC on "Estonian Mills. Angla Windmill"

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Estonia

Estonian Mills. Angla Windmill

Date of Issue : 22 October 2009

The Angla windmills lie in Angla Village at the Upa-Leisi road, one of the main traffic and tourist routes of Estonia's western Saaremaa Island. The group of windmills is a Saaremaa must, being a symbol of the island and one of the best surviving groups of windmills in Estonia, standing at its original location on Angla Windmill Hill. The group consists of five windmills – four post windmills with rotatory bodies, the fifth being an octagonal wooden Dutch windmill with a rotatory boat-shaped roof and gallery. The Reinu windmill, dating back to the beginning of the 19th century, is the oldest in the group. Lause windmill (1880) probably has older parts in its structure. The third windmill in the complex is that of Viita. The Vilidu windmill (1913) was thoroughly restored in 2008 and has the original function of grinding flour with a miller working as a guide there in the summer. The Tedre Dutch windmill (1927) is currently under restoration.