Morocco Postcard - Casablanca

Postcard
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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

Postcard
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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.

India FDC on "Sacred Heart Church"

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India

Sacred Heart Church

Date of issue : 19 June 2009

(The following information is from the website : http://www.sacredheartpondy.org/index.php)

In the year 1895, the then Archbishop Mgr.Gandhi consecrated the Archdiocese of Pondicherry to the Sacerd Heart of Jesus. He wishes to build a new church in devotion of Sacred Heart of Jesus. Rev.Fr. Telesphore Welter, the parish priest of Nellithope had prepared the building plan and parish priest of Cathedral Rev.Fr.Fourcaud commenced the construction of the new Church in 1902 at the Southern side of the Pondicherry town.

The blessing of the church and the first mass was held at the western wing of the present church by Mgr. Gandhi on 17-12-1907 and the new parish surrounding this Church has been established on 27-01-1908.

This 100 years old historical Church is 50 mts. long 48 mts. wide and 18 mts. high with latin rite cross shape in ariel view is in Gothic style. 24 main columns hold the structure in which we seen the biblical word on the entrance written in Latin "I have consecrated this house, that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there forever." which reveals the presence of the Sacred Heart Jesus and Mother Mary carved in the entrance door welcome us. Inside the church we can see Glass pictures of 28 saints who were related to the devotion of Sacred Heart of Jesus.

India FDC on "Lifeline Express"

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India

Lifeline Express

Date of issue : 12 May 2009

The Life Line Express, in partnership with Indian Railways, is the world's first hospital on rails and has served 5,00,000 persons. It was launched by the Impact India Foundation in 1991. The main function of the Life Line Express is to provide medical and surgical treatment to the disabled in rural and tribal areas.

The Life Line Express comprises 2 operation theatres, post-operative recovery rooms, laboratory, x-ray facilities, an auditorium for workshops equipped with a TV and LCD projection facilities including a CCTV set-up connected to cameras in the main theatre, generators and other ancillary requirements.

Dominican Republic Postcard

Postcard
明信片
Bilhete Postal

Dominican Republic

Very nice postcard from Dominican Republic. White beach and clear water, I really wish I would be there one day.

India FDC on "250 Years of the Madras Regiment (1758-2008)"

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India

250 Years of the Madras Regiment (1758-2008)

Date of issue : 28 May 2009

The Madras Regiment was formed by Major Stringer Lawrence, a veteran of action in Spain, in 1758. It is the oldest regiment in the Indian army. The regiment has been through many campaigns with both the British Indian Army and the Indian Army.

Currently the regiment has a strength of 19 battalions.

China FDC on "11th National Games of the People's Republic of China"

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China


11th National Games of the People's Republic of China

Date of Issue : 16 October 2009

2-1 (1.20 yuan) : Emblem
2-2 (1.20 yuan) : Mascot
(The selling price of the Minisheet : 3.60 yuan)

The 11th National Games of the PRC was held from October 16 to 28, 2009, in Shandong Province, and athletes from around the country competed in 362 events in 33 sports, more than any previous such games. Of the events, 354 were competed in Shandong, while the rest in the cities of Beijing, Shenyang and Changchun.

Hong Kong also take part in the 11th National Games and has got 2 gold medals, 1 silver medal and 4 bronze medals.

You would probably found out, the offical cancellation on the minisheet is bigger than the offical cancellation on the stamp set.

Estonia FDC on "Bird of the year – Eurasian Tawny Owl"

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Estonia

Bird of the year – Eurasian Tawny Owl

Date of Issue : 8 October 2009

The Estonian Ornithological Society has chosen the tawny owl (Strix aluco) as the bird of the year 2009. The tawny owl, a bird in the order Strigiformes, is an age-old resident of Estonia, although it was relatively rare until the middle of the 19th century. The tawny owl prefers habitats close to humans – cemeteries, parks, broadleaved groves around farms or manor seats etc. The tawny is a nocturnal bird of prey who nests in large hollows and cracks in trees, but sometimes also in suitable holes in buildings. It willingly settles in nest boxes with a large entrance holes. There are from 1,000 to 2,00 nesting pairs of the tawny owl in Estonia at present. The tawny is about the size of a crow; it has large dark eyes and a brownish or grey plumage. The tawny starts nesting early in the year. Some couples lay their eggs already in February, although generally this activity occurs at the beginning or middle of March. The clutch, usually of three to four eggs, is incubated by the female alone in four weeks and it takes about as long for the young to fledge. The tawny’s wide diet includes almost any prey it can catch, mainly small rodents – particularly in rural areas – but birds, frogs, bats and earthworms will do as well. The tawny owl is a species in the third category of protected birds.

On 10 Sep 2009, Estonian Post issued a very lovely brown bear stamp. This time, on 8 Oct 2009, they issue another very nice stamp of tawny owl. I very much like it. Thank you very much to my friend in Estonia.

Algeria Cover - 09.09.09

Cover
封
Sobrescrito

Algeria

The postal deliverly between Algeria and Hong Kong is really slow. After a long wait, I finally got this Algeria 09.09.09 registered cover. The 09.09.09 Draria datestamp cancellation is very clear. Besides the 2 flower definitive stamps, you can also find one very beautiful stamp. It is one of the 3v stamps of "Fishing Ports" issued on 2 Sep 2009. Unluckily, there is no cancellation on it.

China FDC on "Military Parade on the National Day for the 60th Anniversary of the PRC"

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China


Military Parade on the National Day for the 60th Anniversary of the PRC

Date of Issue : 1 October 2009

4-1 : Military Phalanx
4-2 : Land Force and Second Artillery Corps Formation
4-3 : Naval Equipment Formation
4-4 : Air Force Formation

China FDC on "60th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China"

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China


60th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China

Date of Issue : 1 October 2009

4-1 : Founding Ceremony
On October 1, 1949, during the founding ceremony held on the Tiananmen Square in Beijing, Chairman Mao Zedong stood on the Tiananmen Rostrum and solemnly declared to the world the establishment of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China.

4-2 : Reform and Opening-Up
On December 18, 1978, the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the CPC was held in Beijing. The session re-established the guideline of emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts, and decided to shift the Party's and the state's working focus to the construction of socialist modernization and implement the strategic policy of reform and opening-up.

4-3 : The Return of Hong Kong and Macao
On July 1, 1997, the handover ceremony between Chinese and British governments was held in Hong Kong, proclaiming China's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and the founding of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of PRC.
On December 20, 1999, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macao.

4-4 : Olympic Pageant
On August 8, 2008, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, kicked off at the National Stadium in Beijing, with the Olympic flame ignited for the first time in China. Eventually, China led the world in the Olympic gold medal tally with 51 golds.

Souvenir Sheet : Motherland in My Heart

Hong Kong FDC on "60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China"

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Hong Kong

60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China

Date of Issue : 1 October 2009

(The stamps on the Souvenir Sheet of the 2nd FDC)
$1.40 : Victoria Harbour and Tiananmen Square depicted on two interlocking cogwheels
$1.80 : The five-star national flag flying by the side of the "Forever Blooming Bauhinia", symbolise the intimate and inseparable bond between Hong Kong and our Motherland.
$2.40 : The Bird's Nest reminds us of the country's first hosting of the Olympic Games.
$2.5 : The successful launch of China's manned spacecraft Shenzhou-7 marks China's rapid technological advancement and development.
$3 : The Temple of Heaven against the backdrop of an illuminated globe.
$5 : A golden dragon soaring above the Great Wall signify the nation's rising economic and international status.

On the 1st FDC, the stamp sheetlet with two $5 stamps in Chinese red captures the excitement of the special occasion. The National Emblem and the dazzling Tiananmen Square on the left and the Regional Emblem above the splendid night view of Hong Kong on the right underline the close and harmonious tie between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

A very popular stamp issue in Hong Kong. There was long queue outside every philatelic post office on that day. The queue at GPO extended all the way to the opposite of the IFC building. I started queue up at around 11am and left GPO after 5pm without lunch. The design of the souvenir sheet is rather good, especially the $5 and the $2.5 stamp, but the stamp sheetlet is poor.

China FDC on "The Grand Canal of China"

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China


The Grand Canal of China

Date of Issue : 26 September 2009

(2nd FDC)
6-1 : Lantern Lighting Pagoda

(3rd FDC)
6-2 : Palace of the Goddess of the Sea

(4th FDC)
6-3 : Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall

(5th FDC)
6-4 : Qingjiang Water Gate

(6th FDC)
6-5 : Wenfeng Pagoda

(7th FDC)
6-6 : Gongchen Bridge

(1st FDC)
Souvenir Sheet : A Thousand-li Thoroughfare

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, stretching 1794km from Beijing to Hangzhou, is the longest manmade water course in the world. It passes through Beijing and Tianjin Municipalities and the provinces of Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, connecting the Haihe, Huanghe (Yellow), Huaihe, Changjiang (Yangtze), and Qiantang Rivers.

A very nice stamp issue. I very much like its stamp design. Although this stamp issue do not have any special effect, I think it is one of the best Chinese stamp issues in 2009. THANK YOU VERY MUCH to my friend for all his nice FDCs.

Estonia FDC on "Hara Lighthouse"

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Estonia

Hara Lighthouse

Date of Issue : 24 September 2009

The small Hara Island near the western shore of Hara or Papilaht Bay (earlier Paponvik) is mainly covered with spruce forest. In 1909 an iron framework lighthouse 15.2 meters high was erected at the highest point (12 metres above sea level) of the island.

In 1954 major rebuilding of the lighthouse was carried out as the navigation mark was to be connected with a new military port. The hight of the tower was increased to 23.7 meters with the red light visible to seven nautical miles.

Its present hight is 24 metres and it consists of a cylinder with a conical red roof over a metal framework. The tip of the sea mark is clearly visible over the forest. The Hara Lightouse will be one hundred this year.