Malaysia: 175 Years of the First Postage Stamp - One Penny Black

This great shaped card arrived some days ago. It shows some traditional malaysian clothes. Baju is the term for clothing in the Malay language. Since Malaysia comprises three major cultures: Malay, Chinese and Indian, each culture has its own traditional and religious articles of clothing all of which are gender specific and may be adapted to local influences and conditions. Traditional Malay attire for men is the baju melayu, a loose tunic which is worn over trousers and usually accompanied with a sarong called a sampin which is wrapped around the hips. It is also often accompanied with a songkok or cap. Malay women wear the baju kurung, a knee-length blouse worn over a long skirt. The blouse is long-sleeved and collarless, while the skirt, called a kain, has pleats on one side. A headscarf is sometimes worn with this. Another popular traditional costume is the kebaya, a more tight-fitting two-piece dress. This is often considered less formal.

On the back with a great stamp:

Stamp:
Minisheet The 175th Anniversary of the World's First Postage Stamp - One Penny Black - Issued: 30-04-2015


Thanks to Shaliza for this great card!

Germany: 6th International Postcrossing-Meeting in Bielefeld

This year a large international Postcrossing-Meeting took place from 22nd October 2015 to 25th October 2015 in Bielefeld, Germany. I wasn't able to join the Meeting, but I received a nice card from it. The card was exclusively made for this event.

 

Stamp:
Reintroduction of Spices "Salmo trutta trutta" - Issued: 04-12-2014


Thanks to Christine for this card!

Suriname: Paramaribo

Last week I also received my first card from Suriname. Suriname is a sovereign state on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. It is bordered by French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west and Brazil to the south. At just under 165,000 km2 (64,000 sq mi), it is the smallest country in South America and has a population of approximately 566,000, most of whom live on the country's north coast, in and around the capital and largest city, Paramaribo. Originally inhabited by a number of indigenous tribes, Suriname was explored and contested by European powers before coming under Dutch rule in the late 17th century. Dutch Guiana remained a plantation colony until 1954, when it became one of the constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with equal status to the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles. On 25 November 1975, the country of Suriname left the Kingdom of the Netherlands to become an independent state, nonetheless maintaining close economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties to its former colonizer.

Stamp:
Local Dresses (from a set of six) - Issued: 17-06-2015


Thanks again to David for this great card!

Canada: Inuvik

I received this some days ago and I think this should be mentioned here. This is a cover from Inuvik. Inuvik is a town in the Northwest Territories of Canada and is the administrative centre for the Inuvik Region, located about 200 km (124 mi) north of the Arctic Circle on the shores of the Beaufort Delta. The population as of the 2011 Census was 3,484. The city is connected to the Dempster Highway. The highway begins about 40 km (25 mi) east of Dawson City, Yukon on the Klondike Highway and extends 736 km (457 mi) to Inuvik.

The cover was sent to me by the Town Administration of Inuvik and included some cards, a tourist guide and nice pin.

Inside the Cover I found pretty nice cards:

Thanks to Mr. Taylor Giffin for this great Cover!



♁ 68° 21′ N 133° 43′ W

USA: Colorado State University

Colorado State University (also referred to as Colorado State and CSU) is a public research university located in Fort Collins, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The university is the state's land grant university, and the flagship university of the Colorado State University System. The current enrollment is approximately 32,236 students, including resident and non-resident instruction students and the University is planning on having 35,000 students by 2020. Notable alumni are Wayne Allard United States Senator from Colorado (1997–2009) or Walter Scott Jr.

The card was actually sent from Birmingham, Alabama.

Stamps:
left:  A Charlie Brown Christmas (from a set of 10) - Issued: 01-10-2015
right: Civil War: 1864 "Mobile Bay August 5, 1864" (from a set of two) - Issued: 30-07-2014


Thanks to Cara for this card!

Taiwan: Greetings Cover

A few days ago, I received a nice cover from Taiwan. Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a sovereign state in East Asia. Taiwan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with a population density of 648 people per km2 in July 2015. The capital of Taiwan is Taipei.

Stamps:
Top row: 4x Greeting Stamps - Best Wishes (from a set of 10) - Issued: 12-02-2015
Greetings (from a set of 10) - Issued: 12-11-2009


Thank to George for this cover!

Japan: Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go

The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama are one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The site is located in the Shogawa river valley stretching across the border of Gifu and Toyama Prefectures in central Japan. Shirakawa-gō (白川郷, "White River Old-District") is located in the village of Shirakawa in Gifu Prefecture. These villages are well known for their houses constructed in the architectural style known as gasshō-zukuri (合掌造り). The Gasshō-zukuri, "prayer-hands construction" style is characterized by a thatched and steeply slanting roof resembling two hands joined in prayer. The design is exceptionally strong and, in combination with the unique properties of the thatching, allow the houses to withstand and shed the weight of the region's heavy snowfalls in winter.

Stamp:
Evocative Memory of Seasons (from a set of 10) - Issued: 20-11-2014 with special postmark

Russia: Novosibirsk

Novosibirsk (Russian: Новосиби́рск) is the third most populous city in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg and the most populous city in Asian Russia, with a population of 1,473,754 as of the 2010 Census. The city is located in the southwestern part of Siberia on the banks of the Ob River adjacent to the Ob River Valley. The city is "only" 122 years old founded in 1893 at the future site of a Trans-Siberian Railway bridge crossing the great Siberian river of Ob.

On the card you can see the Novosibirsk-Glavniy Railway Station. It is one of the largest Railway Stations in Russia and the building was supposed to look like a large steam-engine. (if it does, it is up to you).

Stamps:
left: Definitive Issue "Bear" (from a set of 15) - Issued: 29-08-2008
right: Science and Technology - Watches (from a set of four) - Issued: 28-05-2010


UPDATE: 29-12-2015

Antonya was so nice to send me another card from Novosibirsk and I'm very happy that it makes its may to me an I can show it here. The card shows the City center for Novosibirsk.

Stamps:
Mining and Metallurgical Company Norilsk Nickel - Issued: 02-06-2015
Wild Life.Definitive Issue (from a set of 15) - Issued: 29-08-2008


Thanks to Antonya for these nice cards!


UPDATE 16-02-2016

Today I received another card from Novosibirsk. It shows different churches of the city and the coat of arms in the middle of the card.

Stamps:
Bridges (from a set of 4) - Issued: 28-11-2008
Fauna. Dogs (from a set of 5) - Issued: 15-03-2002
Awards of Russia "Order of St. Ekaterina" (from a set of 3) - Issued: 18-02-2013


Many thanks to Oleg for this card!

Israel: Jerusalem

Jerusalem is located on a plateau in the Judean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is considered holy to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In 2011, Jerusalem had a population of 801,000, of which Jews comprised 497,000 (62%), Muslims 281,000 (35%), Christians 14,000 (around 2%) and 9,000 (1%) were not classified by religion. On the card you see pictures from the promenade along the ramparts of the Old City.

Stamp:
The 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Realtions with Germany (Joint Issue) - Issued: 07-05-2015


Thanks to Moni for this nice card!

Finland: Kemijärvi

Kemijärvi is a municipality of Finland and the northernmost town in Finland. It is located in the province of Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle. The municipality has a population of 7,869 (30 June 2015). The Eastern Lapland area where Kemijärvi is situated is well known for the nearby skiing resorts Suomu, Luosto, Pyhä and Salla, as well as Ruka in Kuusamo region. The Lake Kemijärvi, next to the city is much appreciated as a place to visit during summertime. Lake Kemijärvi is surrounded by hills and large forests. Common fish species found include pike, perch and brown trout. Also, currently Kemijärvi is the northernmost known lake in Finland with an indigenous population of zander.

Stamp:
Valentines Day (from a set of six) - Issued: 17-01-2001


Thanks to Kirsi for this card!


♁ 66° 43′ N,  27° 26′ O

Germany: Treasures of German Museums - "Grieving Women" by Tilman Riemenschneider

Tilman Riemenschneider (c. 1460 – 7 July 1531) was a German sculptor and woodcarver active in Würzburg from 1483. He was one of the most prolific and versatile sculptors of the transition period between late Gothic and Renaissance, a master in stone and lime wood. The largest collection of his work, 81 pieces, can be found in the Mainfränkisches Museum in the Marienberg citadel in Würzburg, Germany.

Stamp:
Treasures of German Museums - "Grieving" Women by Tilman Riemenschneider - Issued: 01-10-2015 with special first day of issue postmark

Germany: The 500th Anniversary of the Birth of Lucas Cranach the Younger (1515-1586)

Lucas Cranach the Younger (Lucas Cranach der Jüngere; October 4, 1515 – January 25, 1586) was a German Renaissance artist, known for his woodcuts and paintings. He was the youngest son of Lucas Cranach the Elder and Barbara Brengebier, and began his career as an apprentice in his father's workshop alongside his brother Hans. Henceforth, his own reputation and fame grew. After his father's death, he assumed control over the workshop. They lived in the city of Kronach, in Franconia (in Germany).

Stamps (from the left):

Numeral Stamp (2 Cent) - Issued: 05-12-2013
Definitive Issue - "Crocus" - Issued: 11-08-2005
Definitive Issue - "Tulipa sp." - Issued: 08-09-2005
The 500th Anniversary of the Birth of Lucas Cranach the Younger (1515-1586) - Issued: 01-10-2015 with special first day of issue postmark 

Switzerland: Sillerenbühl

Sillerenbühl is a mountain about 1.970 m above sea level in the municipality in of western Bernese Alps near the city of Albristhorn in Switzerland. In summer the region is famous for hiking and in wither of course for skiing.

Stamps (from the left):
Pro Patria - Art (from a set of four) - Issued: 29-05-1970
Machine label
International Year of Crystallography (from a set of two) - Issued: 06-03-2014 (with hand cancellation "3713 Reichenbach Im Kandertal")

Thanks to Hansjürg for this nice card and stamps!

Andorra: Map-Card (Spain Post)

Yesterday, I received my first card from Andorra. Andorra is a sovereign landlocked microstate in Southwestern Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by Spain and France. Andorra is the sixth-smallest nation in Europe, having an area of 468 km2 (181 sq mi) and a population of approximately 85,000. Its capital Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe, at an elevation of 1,023 metres (3,356 ft) above sea level. The official language is Catalan, although Spanish, Portuguese, and French are also commonly spoken. 

Postal services in Andorra are unique in that they are not operated by the country itself, but by its two larger neighbouring countries, Spain and France. This is a legacy of the centuries of de facto control exercised by those two countries over Andorra. Correos of Spain and La Poste of France operate side by side; Spanish post boxes are red and French ones are yellow.

Stamp:
EUROPA Stamps - Old Toys - Issued: 23-04-2015


Thanks to Svea for this card!

Brazil: Fernando de Nóronha

Fernando de Nóronha is an archipelago of 21 islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, 354 km (220 mi) offshore from the Brazilian coast. The archipelago got its name from the Portuguese merchant Fernão de Loronha, to whom it was given by the Portuguese crown for services rendered regarding wood imported from Brazil. In 2001 UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site because of the importance of its environment.

Stamps:
Brazilian Meliponinae Bees (from a set of six) - Issued: 22-05-2015


Thank again to David for this great card!

Finland: Kemi

Kemi is a town and municipality of Finland. It is located very near the city of Tornio. It was founded in 1869 by decree of Russian Emperor Alexander II because of its proximity to a deep water harbour. Kemi is situated by the Bothnian Bay, at the mouth of river Kemijoki, and it is part of Lapland region. The town has a population of 21,807 (30 June 2015). Kemi also has a claim to fame as the home of the world's largest snow castle (reconstructed every year to a different design). The snowcastle is usually located at the inner harbour of Kemi.

Stamp:
Signs of the Sky (from a set of 8) - Issued: 08-09-2014


Thanks to Riita for this card!

China: 16th Asian Games Official First Day Cover

The 2010 Asian Games, was a multi-sport event celebrated in Guangzhou, China from November 12 to 27, 2010. Guangzhou was the second Chinese city to host the Games, after Beijing in 1990. A total of 9,704 athletes from 45 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) competed in 476 events from 42 sports and disciplines (28 Olympic sports and 14 non-Olympic sports). Guangzhou is the third largest Chinese city and the largest city in South Central China. In 2014 the city's administrative area was estimated to have a population of 13,080,500.

Stamps (on the front):
The 16h Anniversary of Asian Games - Guangzhou, China - Issued: 25-12-2009 with matching postmark

The cover arrived with beautiful stamps on the back of the cover, too.

Stamps (on the back):
left:
2x Chinese Dream - People's Happiness (from a set of four) - Issued: 25-07-2015
mid: 
Fruits (from a set of four) - Issued: 15-07-2014
Birds of Prey (from a set of four) - Issued: 23-01-2014
right: 
Writers of Ancient China (from a set of six) - Issued: 04-06-2015
Fruits (from a set of four) - Issued: 15-07-2014


Special thanks to Wong Ling-Chih!

Russia: Magadan

Yesterday I received two nice cards from the far east of Russia. Magadan (Russian: Магадан) is a port town and the administrative center of Magadan Oblast, Russia, located on the Sea of Okhotsk. As in 2010 the population was 95,982. The town has a number of cultural institutions including the Regional Museum of Anthropology, a geological museum, a regional library and a university. The climate of Magadan is subarctic, winters are prolonged and very cold, with up to six months of sub-zero high temperatures, so that the soil remains permanently frozen. Magadan is a popular tourist destination today, in part because of its painful association with the Gulag forced labor camps of the Stalin era.

Besides others, Magadan is twinned with Anchorage, AK.

Stamps:

left:  Traditional Costumes - Issued: 21-09-2012

right: Decorative Art - Laze (from a set of four) - Issued: 12-12-2011

On the second card you can see some mountains of the Hasyn Raion of Magadan Oblast.

Stamps:

left: Russian Navy (from a set of two) - Issued: 26-08-2014

right: Russian Contemporary Art (from a set of six) - Issued: 30-07-2012

Thanks a lot to Anna for the nice cards!

Ukraine: Postcrossing Stamp Cover

Today, I received a great cover from Ukraine. On the cover, there is the new ukrainian postcrossing stamp. The stamp was issued by Ukrposhta on October 9th, on World Post Day. The stamp was designed by Nataliia Andriichenko, and shows a girl holding a pen, while wearing a traditional Ukrainian national costume. A matching cancellation mark was also designed.

Stamp:
Postcrossing - Issued: 09-10-2015


Thanks to Olesya for this nice cover!

Germany: The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Helmut Schön (1915-1996)

Today, I would like to show you a nice maximum card I got. The Card commemorates Helmut Schön. He was a German football player and manager. He is best remembered for his exceptional career as manager of West Germany. Under Schön's leadership, the German team were Football World Cup runners-up in 1966, third in the World Cup of 1970, European champions in 1972, World Cup winners in 1974 and European Championship runners-up in 1976. He holds World Cup records for both coaching the most matches (25) and the most wins (16), and was the first coach to win both a World Cup and a European Championship. On 15th September 2015 he would have become 100 years.

Stamp:
The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Helmut Schön - Issued: 01-09-2015 with special postmark

Russia: Syktyvkar

Syktyvkar (Russian: Сыктывкар) is the capital city of the Komi Republic, Russia with a Population of 235,006 (as in 2010). Syktyvkar is located on the Sysola River, which is the origin of its former name Ust-Sysolsk. The city is located near to the point where the Sysola joins the larger Vychegda River, which is itself a branch of the Northern Dvina.

The card arrived in a nice envelope, which advertises the Masters World Cup in Cross Country Skiing, which was held there from 14th till 20th march 2015.

Stamps:
left:  National Symbols - Coat of Arms of Republic of Komi - Issued: 26-05-20011
right: The 150th Anniversary of Lenigrad Zoo - Issued: 14-08-2015


Thanks to Irina for the nice card and stamps!

Finland: Helvetinjärvi National Park

This card was actually sent from Oulu, Finland from a small Postcrossing-Meetup on World Post Day. World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in the Swiss capital, Berne. The card shows Helvetinjärvi National Park.

The card arrived in a cover. On the cover there are special postmarks commemorates the World Post Day.

Stamp:
Bridges and Waters (from a set of 10) - Issued: 23-10-2014 with special postmark of World Post Day on 09 Oct. 2015

Thanks to Elenna for this Cover and Card!

USA: Dallas, TX

Dallas is a major city in US-State of Texas and it is the largest urban center of the fourth most populous metropolitan area in the United States. On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on Elm Street while his motorcade passed through Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas. The nickname of the city is "Big D".

Stamps:
from the left:
Penguins - Issued: 01-06-2015
Vintage Flowers (from a set of two) - Issued: 14-02-2015
Music Icons - Elvis Presley (1935-1977) - Issued: 12-08-2015