Ireland: EUROPA 2019 "National Birds" + Louis Braille (1809-1852)

 

Stamps:

EUROPA 2019 "National Birds" (from a set of 2) - Issued: 11-04-2019

Louis Braille (1809-1852) - Issued: 23-01-2009

 

Many thanks to Holger!

Luxembourg: Pope Francis' visit to Luxembourg

Pope Francis visited Luxembourg on September 26, 2024, marking his 46th Apostolic Journey abroad. This visit was notable as the Pope typically travels to less-visited regions or areas with smaller Catholic populations. This was also the first papal visit since 1985, when Pope John Paul II visited Luxembourg. For this special occasion the Post of Luxembourg issued a nice souvenir sheet that can be seen on the cover below. 

Stamp:

Pope Francis' visit to Luxembourg 2024 - Issued: 10-09-2024
 

Romania: The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

 -- Happy New Year 2025 everyone --

Stamps:

The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - Issued: 09-10-2024

Garden Flowers - Issued: 21-10-2022

Stamps:

The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - Issued: 09-10-2024

Garden Flowers - Issued: 21-10-2022

Greenland: Nerlerit Inaat ("Constable Pynt")

Nerlerit Inaat, also known as Constable Pynt, is a small settlement in eastern Greenland, notable for its remote location and modest infrastructure. Situated near the Ittoqqortoormiit municipality, it primarily serves as a hub for transportation, hosting an airport that connects the isolated region to the rest of Greenland and Iceland. 

Stamps:

Deserted Stations  - Issued: 15-05-2017 

SEPAC 2023 - "Traditional markets" - Issued: 30-05-2023

 

 

 

Austria: "Christmas 2024" - 63rd "Weihnachtsballonpost" ("Christmas Balloon Post")

 Merry Christmas to everyone!

Like last year, I'm happy to show this year's Weihnachtsballonpost ("Christmas Balloon Post"), too. As a reminder, this is an annual tradition and philatelic charity champaigne of sending specially designed Christmas covers and postcards via hot air balloon from Sonthofen, Germany to the town of Christkindl in Austria. The envelope bears a pictorial cancellation from the Christkindl post office on the right and on the left the black Cachet of the Ballon including a customized stamp celebrating the 63rd Weihnachts-ballonpost and depicts a festive scene with St. Nicholas and a postal worker. The green-framed flight label provides detailed information about the balloon transport. 

Stamp:

Christmas – the Traismauer Nativity Play - Issued: 14-11-2024

Switzerland: The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

Stamp:

The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - Issued: 05-09-2024

 

I sent this cover to myself when I was visiting the Ulm 2024 Stamp Fair.

Italy: The 26th European Athletics Championships - Rome, Italy

The 26th European Athletics Championships were held from 7 to 12 June 2024 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. It was the third time Italy staged this sporting event after the inaugural 1934 edition in Turin, for men only, and the 1974 edition at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Thus, the city and the venue hosted the event for the second time after 50 years.

Stamp:

The 26th European Athletics Championships - Issued: 04-06-2024

Many thanks to Marcello!

Liechtenstein: Village Views - "Ruggell"

Ruggell, the northernmost municipality in Liechtenstein, is nestled in the Rhine Valley and boasts natural beauty alongside historic architecture. A key highlight is the Küefer-Martis-Huus (left stamp), a carefully restored building that now serves as a cultural center and museum, offering insights into local history, art, and culture.

Another notable landmark is the Old Vicarage (right stamp), the former parish house of Ruggell. This historic structure reflects the region's traditional architecture and stands as a testament to the village's rich heritage.

Stamps:

Village Views - "Ruggell" (full set) - Issued: 02-09-2024
 

Germany: The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

 

Stamp:

The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - Issued: 10-10-2024

 

The cover shown below is a commemorative philatelic cover ("Jubiläumsbrief") issued by Deutsche Post to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). Unlike the common design adopted by many other postal administrations, the stamp issued by Deutsche Post features an own design. As I like the common design much more, it is at least prominently displayed on this cover.

India: First Commercial Flight of Lufthansa LH 753 from Hyderabad to Frankfurt

In January 2024 Lufthansa has launched a new direct service between Frankfurt, Germany and Hyderabad, India. Serviced by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, the new route operates five times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The cover below shows the first commercial flight from January 16, 2024 on its way from Hyderabad to Frankfurt with a Frankfurt Airport arrival postmark dated January 17, 2024.The turquoise inscription highlights this First Commercial Flight of  LH 753, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (D-ABYT).

 

Stamps:

Surya Namaskar (from a set of 12) - Issued: 20-06-2016

 

 

 

Brazil: The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

 

Stamp:

 The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - Issued: 09-10-2024

Many thanks to Damiao!

 

Sweden: EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna"

This year, the Post of Sweden issued three stamps as a souvenir sheet (very expensive; almost 10 €) for this years EUROPA theme, with only one stamp bearing the EUROPA logo. Thank you Henrik for sending me two of the three stamps on cover. Still looking for the missing third stamp with the logo.

 

Stamp:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" (from a set of 3) - Issued: 25-04-2024

 

Stamp:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" (from a set of 3) - Issued: 25-04-2024

China: 120th Anniversary of the Birth of Deng Xiaoping (1904 - 1997)

In 2024, China commemorated the 120th birthday of Deng Xiaoping, one of the most influential statesmen of the 20th century, with the release of a special postage stamp. Deng, often called the architect of China’s reform and opening-up policy, spearheaded the country’s transformation from a planned economy to a socialist market economy starting in the late 1970s. While he is undeniably a key figure in China’s transformation into a global power, there are also criticisms of him, particularly regarding his role in the 1989 Tiananmen Square Crackdown.

 Stamps:

120th Anniversary of the Birth of Deng Xiaoping (full set) - Issued: 22-08-2024

 

Many thanks to Xu Wei!

 

Lithuania: The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

 

Stamp:

The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - Issued: 04-10-2024

France: Personalities - "Charles Aznavour (1924-2018)"

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Charles Aznavour’s birth, the French postal service, La Poste, issued a special stamp. This tribute celebrates the legendary singer-songwriter, who is cherished worldwide for his contributions to French and international music. The stamp was unveiled on February 27, 2024, and officially launched during the Paris Philex 2024 in May. To note on this cover a signature of Vietnamese-French artist Hom Nguyen, the designer of this stamp.

 Stamp:

"Personalities" - Charles Aznavour (1924-2018) - Issued: 03-06-2024

Many thanks for this nice Cover Eric!

Vietnam: The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

 

Stamps:

4x The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - Issued: 09-10-2024

Many thanks for this nice FDC Andrei!

Norway: EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna"

 

Stamp:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" - Issued: 31-05-2024

Many thanks to Rune!

Austria: The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

To note the yellow 'Priority' stamp on the left of this cover, indicating that it was sent via Priority Mail. This service is more expensive but faster than regular delivery, costing €1.40 for a 20g international letter compared to €1.20 for the Economic option.

Stamp:

The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - Issued: 23-10-2024

Indonesia: The 2024 Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Jakarta, Indonesia

The 2024 Asian International Stamp Exhibition took place from 3rd to 7th July 2024 in the capital of Indonesia Jakarta. The Cover below was mailed from there on the first day. Besides a special cancellation "Heritage Day" you can also see a postmark of the Logo of the Exhibition. 

 Stamps:

2x The 34th Asia International Stamp Exhibition and Competition BANDUNG 2017 (from a sheet of 4) - Issued: 02-11-2015

Many thanks to Xu Wei!

Latvia: The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

In 2024, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) celebrates its 150th anniversary. On 9 October 1874, 22 countries gathered to sign the Treaty of Bern, creating the General Postal Union, which would later become known as the Universal Postal Union. A century and a half later, the UPU now unites the postal networks of 192 member countries, having realized its founders’ vision of establishing a single postal territory to serve people everywhere. 

Stamp:

The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - Issued: 09-10-2024

Many thanks to Vera!

Greenland: Ilulissat - "on board of the MS Roald Amundsen"

In late August of this year a friend of mine went on a spectacular trip on the "Hurtigruten" Ship MS Roald Amundsen. The Cruise went trought the legandary Northwest Passage starting from Nome, Alaska to Halifax, Nova Scotia. During this cruise they called at various ports. This Cover for example was mailed during the visit in Ilulissat, Greenland. To note the small grey ship cancellation of the MS Roald Amudsen.

Stamps:

EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity" - Issued: 30-05-2023

The Environment in Greenland (from a  set of 2) - Issued: 27-10-2017

 

 

 

Picture of the Ship:

 

 

By Wolfgang Fricke - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109275816

Canada: Watson Lake - Yukon Territory (YT)

Watson Lake is a town in Yukon, Canada, located at mile 635 on the Alaska Highway close to the British Columbia border. It had a population of 1,133 in 2021. The town is named for Frank Watson, an American-born trapper and prospector, who settled in the area at the end of the 19th century. The town is famous for its Sign Post Forest (as can be seen by the cancellation). It was started by a homesick GI in 1942. He was assigned light duty while recovering from an injury and erected the signpost for his hometown: Danville, Ill. 2835 miles. Visitors may add their own signs to the more than 100,000 already present. 

Stamps:

Parliament Building - From Booklet - Issued: 30-03-1987

Maple Leaf - Issued: 28-12-1998

Tourism - From Far and Wide (from a set of 11) - Issued: 14-01-2019 

University of Manitoba - Issued: 28-02-2002

Canadian Paintings (from a set of 2) - Issued: 22-05-1981

Many thanks again to Linda!

 

 

 

Watson Lake Sign Post Forest - (c) By Jadecolour at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9651101

 

Germany: 1300 years of the Monastic Island of Reichenau

In 2024, the Reichenau Monastery Island on Lake Constance marks 1300 years since its founding back in 724 by the monk Pirmin. This UNESCO World Heritage site has a rich legacy as a medieval center of learning, spirituality, and art. The Benedictine monks of Reichenau were renowned for their exquisite illuminated manuscripts and contributions to theology, science, and medicine. Today, visitors can explore three well-preserved Romanesque churches on the island, each showcasing remarkable frescoes and architectural details that illustrate Reichenau’s unique role in European monastic and cultural history. On this occasion the commemorative cover below was issued on the 1st of March 2024 by Deutsche Post. I'm happy to receive it mailed from the Reichenau Island Post Office.

Stamps:

World heritage of UNESCO - Monastic Island of Reichenau - Issued: 02-01-2008

ATM Stamp Value: 0,40 €

USA: The Alex Trebek Stamp

Alex Trebek was a beloved Canadian-American television personality best known as the host of the quiz show "Jeopardy!" for 36 years, from 1984 until his death in 2020. The stamp artwork evokes the style of the game in which a provided answer prompts contestants to respond with the corresponding question. 

Stamps:

2x The Alex Trebek Stamp  - Issued: 22-07-2024

Many thanks to Michael!

Japan: German frigate "Baden-Württemberg" (F 222) - Mission: "Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024" (May - December 2024)

For around six months, from May to December 2024, german frigate "Baden-Württemberg" and replenishment ship "Frankfurt am Main" will be traveling westwards around the globe. The voyage is formally a so-called foreign training cruise. Above all, this means that the naval vessels and crews will use the time for their own training – especially in cooperation with various partner navies in the Indo-Pacific region. The cover below was mailed during the port call to Tokyo from 20 to 25 August 2024 with the cachet of the Crew "Echo".

 

Stamp:

Definitive Stamp "Kerria japonica" - Issued: 02-02-2015

Picture of the Ship during the port call to Tokyo:

Picture: (c)Bundeswehr/Julia Kelm

 

Pakistan: Arshad Nadeem - Javelin Gold Medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Arshad Nadeem, the Pakistani javelin thrower, made history at the 2024 Olympics by winning a gold medal, marking a historic milestone for both his career and his nation. In Paris, Nadeem delivered a stunning performance, launching his javelin over 90 meters to secure his gold. Its Pakistan first-ever Olympic gold medal in track and field.

 

Stamps:

3x Arshad Nadeem - Javelin Gold Medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics - Issued: 14-08-2024

Many thanks to Mohammad!

Latvia: Intangible Cultural Heritage - "Gauja rafters"

For a long time, the River Gauja was an important waterway for rafting timber to Rīga. The ancient rafting trade has been included in the Latvian intangible cultural heritage list and in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list.

 

Stamp:

Intangible Cultural Heritage - "Gauja rafters" - Issued: 12-04-2024

Many thanks to Vera!

Belgium: Cycling - "Belgian Tour de France Winners"

 

Stamps:

Cycling - "Belgian Tour de France Winners" (from a set of 10) - Issued: 12-06-2017

Many thanks to Wesley!

Tunisia: Musical Instruments - "Gnaoua Instrument" - Joint Issue w/ Morocco

Stamp:

Musical Instruments - "Gnaoua Instrument" - Joint Issue w/ Morocco - Issued: 02-12-2021

Many thanks to Abida!

 

Liechtenstein: 120th Anniversary of the Birth of Salvador Dalí

Salvador Dalí (Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, Marquess of Dalí of Púbol), born 11 May 1904 died 23 January 1989, was a Spanish painter who became famous for the unusual images he used in his paintings. He was born in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain. His eccentric personality and surrealist masterpieces, like 'The Persistence of Memory', made him a household name in modern art. To celebrate his 120th birthday, the Principality of Liechtenstein issued a special commemorative Souvenir Sheet in June 2024 that can be seen on the Cover below, mailed from the city of Mauren in the north of Liechtenstein.

 Stamp:

 120th Anniversary of the Birth of Salvador Dalí (s/s) - Issued: 03-06-2024