China: Leshan Giant Buddha

The Leshan Giant Buddha (Chinese: 乐山大佛) is a 71-metre (233 ft) tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803 (during the Tang dynasty). It is carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red bed sandstones that lies at the confluence of the Min River and Dadu River in the southern part of Sichuan Province in China, near the city of Leshan. It is the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world and it is by far the tallest pre-modern statue in the world.

 

Stamp:

Leshan Giant Buddha (s/s) - Issued: 28-04-2003

Many thanks to Xu Wei!

Croatia: World Post Day 2022

 

Stamp:

World Post Day 2022 - Issued: 09-10-2022

I sent this Cover to myself during my visit at the International Stamp Fair in Ulm 2022.

Portugal: EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity"

 

Stamp:

EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity" - Issued: 09-05-2023

Many thanks to Jerome!

South Georgia: Bird Island Research Station

Bird Island Research Station is an important centre for research into bird and seal biology. Lying off the north-west tip of South Georgia, Bird Island is one of the richest wildlife sites in the world. The research station, active since 1957, was completely redeveloped in 2005 and today provides accommodation for 10 staff.

To note the second postmark on the cover showing a nice cachet of "RRS Sir David Attenborough". It is a research vessel owned by the Natural Environment Research Council and operated by the British Antarctic Survey for the purposes of both research and logistic support. The vessel is named after broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough. 

Stamp:

Queen Elizabeth 90th Birthday s/s - Issued: 21-04-2016

Italy: Products of Italy with Protected Designation of Origin

 

Stamps:

Products of Italy with Protected Designation of Origin (from a set of 15) - Issued: 20-11-2021

Germany: International Stamp Fair "Ulm 2023"

The International Stamp Fair (Internationale Briefmarken-Börse) in Ulm, Germany took place from Thursday, 26. October to Saturday, 28. October 2023. I sent this cover below to myself during my visit. On the back you can see some postmarks of postal administrations that participated.

Stamp:

Postal stationery "International Stamp Fair Ulm 2023" - Issued: 05-10-2023

Backside: Definitves Stamps "Flowers - Eranthis hyemalis" - Issued: 08-06-2017

Liechtenstein: SEPAC 2023 - "Traditional markets"

 

Stamp:

SEPAC 2023 - "Traditional markets" - Issued: 05-06-2023

Germany: Lufthansa Inaugural Flights Frankfurt a.M. -> Asturias (Oviedo) -> Munich

On April 23, 2023 Lufthansa expanded its operations in Spain with the start of a new non-stop service between Frankfurt am Main (FRA) and Asturias (OVD). The Cover below shows the Flight LH 1552 on Airbus A319 from Frankfurt a. M. to Ovideo on April 23, 2023 with a arrival postmark of April 24, 2023 (Oviedo Post Office). 

Stamps:

Diversity in Germany - Issued: 02-11-2022

2x Hyacinthoides non-scripta (20 ct.) - Issued: 08-06-2017

World of Letters (05 ct.) - Issued: 02-12-2021

This second cover shows another new operating Lufthansa route. This time Flight LH 1793 on Airbus A319 on April 29, 2023 from Ovideo to Munich Airport. With a arrival postmark of "Briefzentrum 85" (= Freising, Munich Airport) on May 2, 2023 (cover was processed this late maybe because of May the 1st, a day off in Germany).

Stamp:

Spain with Ukraine - Issued: 30-05-2022

UK: 100 Years since the Discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb

In 1922, a team led by British Egyptologist Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings excavated Tutankhamun's tomb, in an effort that was funded by British aristocrat George Herbert. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb received worldwide press coverage; with over 5,000 artifacts, it gave rise to renewed public interest in ancient Egypt, for which Tutankhamun's mask, now preserved at the Egyptian Museum, remains a popular symbol.

This cover was sent from Edinburgh, Scotland. Many thnaks to Jerome!

Stamps:

2x Tutankhamun (from a set of 8) - Issued: 24-11-2022

Macedonia: EUROPA 2018 "Bridges"

Stamp:

EUROPA 2018 "Bridges" (m/s) - Issued: 02-05-2018

Romania: Ana Aslan and "The Elixir of Youth" - Joint Issue w/ Armenia

 Stamps:

 Ana Aslan and "The Elixir of Youth" - Joint Issue w/ Armenia - Issued: 03-04-2023

Many thanks to Mihnea!

Slovenia: EUROPA 2010 "Children Books"

Stamps:

Europa 2010 "Children Books" (full set) - Issued: 28-05-2010

 

Many thanks to Slavica!

Germany: 90th Anniversary of the steam Ice-Breaker "Stettin" + Season-ending 2023

The "Stettin" is a steam icebreaker built by the shipyard "Stettiner Oderwerke" in 1933. The economy of the city of Stettin (now: "Szczecin") strongly depended on the free access of ships to and from the Baltic Sea. Therefore, icebreakers were used to keep the shipping channels free from ice during the winter. From 1933 to 1945, Stettin was used in German Navy ("Kriegsmarine") service on the Oder River between Stettin and Swinemünde, as well as on the Baltic Sea. From 1945 on, she was used by the waterway and navigation authorities in Hamburg on the river Elbe. In 1981, Stettin was slated to be scrapped due to uneconomic costs. However, with the establishment of a development association, thousands of working hours, and support by generous sponsors, the ship was saved. Today, she is a technical culture monument. Her homeport is the museum port of Oevelgoenne in Hamburg, Germany. During summertime, Stettin cruises with invited guests on occasions like "Hamburg port birthday," "Hansesail Rostock," and "Kieler Woche," and is also used as a charter vessel.  (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Stettin_(1933) 

On this cover you can see a special personalised stamp showing a picture of the ship, a special postmark from its 90th Anniversary and on left a cachet postmark for the season-ending of cruises in 2023.

 

Stamp:

Personalised stamp "Ice Breaker Stettin" - Issued: unknwon

 

Faroe Islands: EUROPA 2019 "National Birds"

This Cover was sent from the City of Saltangara. The birds on the stamp are black guillemot or tystie (Cepphus grylle).

 

Stamp:

EUROPA 2019 "National Birds" (from a set of 2) - Issued: 29-04-2019

Many thanks to Henrik!

France: The Route Napoléon

The Route Napoléon is the route taken by Napoléon in 1815 on his return from Elba. The route begins at Golfe-Juan, where Napoleon disembarked 1 March 1815, beginning the Hundred Days that ended at Waterloo. The road was inaugurated in 1932 and meanders from the French Riviera north-northwest along the foothills of the Alps. It is marked along the way by statues of the French Imperial Eagle.

Stamp:

The Route Napoléon (s/s) - Issued: 13-07-2023 w/ First Day Cancellation from Grenoble

Many thanks to Eric!

Japan: Greetings - "Autumn"

 

Stamps:

Greetings - "Autumn" (63 Y) (from a set of 10) - Issued: 09-08-2023

Many thanks to Mitsuhiko!

Spain: Spanish Antarctic Research Station "Gabriel de Castilla" + BIO Hesperides

Gabriel de Castilla Base is a Spanish research station located on Deception Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. The station was constructed in late 1989. The station is named for Gabriel de Castilla, a 17th century Spanish navigator and according to some reports the first person to sight the mainland of Antarctica. BIO Hespérides (see my other cover) (A-33), is a Spanish polar research vessel. She was built in 1990, by Bazán Shipyards of Cartagena, Spain. Hespérides is used to service the research bases in Antarctica.

Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of the Faculty of Computer Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid - Issued: 18-10-2021

South Korea: Honey Bees

 

Stamps:

Honey Bees (full set) - Issued: 19-05-2023 w/ Fist-Day Cancellation

Many thanks to Park Pyo Jun!

Gibraltar: Our Schools - "St. Anne’s School"

St. Anne’s School is a 500-place upper primary school for 7- to 11-year-old students. The school serves the northern district in Gibraltar. A new building was completed in September 2019 which can be seen on the stamp.

Our Schools - "St. Anne’s School" (from a set of 4) - Issued: 30-04-2020

The 50th Anniversary of the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (from a set of 4) - Issued: 20-02-2003

Many thanks to Eric!

Philippines: The 100th Anniversary of the University of the Philippines College of Business Administration (UPCBA)

The University of the Philippines is a state university system in the Philippines. It is the country's national university. Widely regarded and often cited as the Philippines' top university system, its alumni include a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, 7 of 17 Philippine presidents, 14 of 26 chief justices, 36 of 42 national scientists, and 40 of 57 national artists, the most of any university. The College of Business Administrationwas established in 1916, initially as a school within the university. It has since been the leader in management education in the Philippines, not because it is the oldest academic institution in management but because of its continuing pursuit of academic excellence. 

To note: Stamp inscriptions are misleading in that it appears to be the centennial of the Alumni Association of UPCBA, when in fact the Alumni Association is just the sponsor of the issue, not the celebrant (see: Source).

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of the University of the Philippines College of Business Administration (UPCBA) - Issued: 04-12-2016

Many thanks to Ani!

Indonesia: "The 25th World Scout Jamboree" - Sae Man-Geum, South Korea

"The 25th World Scout Jamboree" was held from 1–12 August 2023 at Saemangeum, North Jeolla, South Korea, hosted by Korea Scout Association with the theme, "Draw Your Dream". About 43,000 participants from 158 countries attended.

 Stamps:

"The 25th World Scout Jamboree" - Sae Man-Geum, South Korea - Issued: 25-07-2023

Germany: Special Postcard - "75 years of Norderney Town Charter"

Norderney is one of the seven populated East Frisian Islands off the North Sea coast of Germany. The island is 14 by 2.5 kilometres, having a total area of about 26.3 square kilometres and is therefore Germany's ninth-largest island. Norderney's population amounts to about 5,850 people. In 1948 Norderney offically granted city rights and this year they celebrated the 75 Anniversary of this pivotal moment. For this event a speical postcard, special personalized stamp and postmark was put into circulation as you can see below.

To note the small postmark on the left which is the offical postmark of the city administration. As on the special cancellation on the right side too you can see the coat of Arms of Norderney.

Many thanks to Sarah for this great card!

Austria: The 100th Anniversary of Bambi

"Bambi" is a classic coming-of-age novel written by Felix Salten (left picture on the cover) in 1923. It tells the story of a young deer named Bambi and his adventures in the forest as he grows from a fawn into a mature stag. The book explores themes of nature, survival, and the circle of life. "Bambi" has been adapted into various films and is beloved for its timeless portrayal of the natural world and its impact on a young deer's life.

 

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of Bambi  - Issued: 16-09-2023 with First Day Cancellation

Fiji: Birds - "Peregrine Falcon"

Fiji, Officially the Republic of Fiji, is an island country in Melanesia, part of Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies about 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 km; 1,300 mi) north-northeast of New Zealand. Fiji consists of an archipelago of more than 330 islands—of which about 110 are permanently inhabited—and more than 500 islets, amounting to a total land area of about 18,300 square kilometres (7,100 sq mi). The most outlying island group is Ono-i-Lau. About 87% of the total population of 924,610 live on the two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

I'm very happy to recieve my very first cover from there sent from the capital of Fiji, Suva.

Stamps:

2x Birds - "Peregrine Falcon" - Issued: 25-07-1995

Åland: Special Exhibition Stamp IBRA 2023 - "Peace"

Åland Post Stamps took part at this year's Internationale Briefmarken Ausstellung (IBRA) ("International stamp exhibition") in Essen, Germany and issued a special designed stamp which was sold exclusively at this exhibition. 

Stamp:

Special Exhibition Stamp IBRA 2023 - "Peace" - Issued: 25-05-2023

Germany: 70th Anniversary of East German uprising of 1953

The East German uprising of 1953, also known as the East German Uprising or the June 17th Uprising, was a significant event in the history of post-World War II Europe. It was a spontaneous and widespread protest against the oppressive policies of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), which was under Soviet influence and control. This uprising, though ultimately crushed, marked a crucial moment in the fight for freedom and democracy in East Germany. In 2023 now 70 years have passed since this pivotal moment in the history of post-World War II Germany and the Deutsche Post commemorated this with a special postmark as seen below.

Stamps:

1x 50th Anniversary of East German uprising - issued: 12-06-2003

3x Definitves Stamps "Flowers - Eranthis hyemalis" - Issued: 08-06-2017

China: Modern Bridge Construction

Stamps:

Modern Bridge Construction (full set of 3) - Issued: 30-06-2023

Stamp:

Modern Bridge Construction m/s - Issued: 30-06-2023

 

Many thanks Xu Wei!

Greenland: Aasiaat

Aasiaat is a town in the Qeqertalik municipality in western Greenland, located on its namesake island in the heart of Aasiaat Archipelago at the southern end of Disko Bay. With a population of 2,980 as of 2021, it is Greenland's fifth-largest town.

Stamps:

2x First Day In School - Issued: 10-08-2020

Aviation (from a set of three) - Issued: 13-05-2015

Luxembourg: The 25th Anniversary of the European Institute of Cultural Routes

The European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) is the technical agency of the Cultural routes of the Council of Europe programme and hosts the Secretariat’s programme. It is responsible for the coordination of a network of over 20 European academic institutions aimed at encouraging research on Cultural Routes and hosts a specialised documentation centre at its headquarters located at Neumünster Abbey, Luxembourg.

 

Stamp:

The 25th Anniversary of the European Institute of Cultural Routes  - Issued: 16-05-2023

 

 

Italy: EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity"

 Stamp:

 EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity" - Issued: 09-05-2023

Many thanks to Marcello!