Memphis and a steamboat adventure

I must say it has been an adventure to find any information about the steamboat pictured in this beaufiful card. I could make out the name on the picture - "Island Queen" - but the information found in the Internet was quite confusing. It seems there was an "Island Queen" operating from 1905 to 1922 in round trips between Cincinatti and Coney Island. She was consummed by fire in 1922. In 1925, a second "Island Queen" was built and resumed the previous trips. In 1947, her fuel tanks exploded, killing 19 persons. And after it, there was no obvious record of another steamboat named "Island Queen", although the picture seemed quite modern. After a bit of research, I concluded that the steamboat in the picture is an excursion steamer, a part of the Memphis Queen Line fleet, operating nowadays.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to sail on such an amazing steamboat? It must be an amazing experience. I would love to visit Memphis and the Mississipi river one day...

The card was sent to me by leni.

Source: wikipedia, http://www.ragtime.nu/islqueen.htm, http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~kycampbe/memoriesislandqueen.htm,

http://www.steamboats.org/traveller/lower-mississippi-river/memphis.html

Merry Christmas!

Cards in the Mail wishes all of you out there a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year. May you see all your dreams come true and find hapiness. And, of course, may your mailbox be always full of extraordinary postcards.

Have a wonderful hollyday season. ;)

Picture: taken from the Internet.

My sad little house...

No, this is not a postcard. It's a picture of my house taken by my neighbour.

I live near a small brook (water stream) that was mostly dry. But on the night of the 15th of December, a waterspout in the northen side of the island caused floods on several places. The brook that ran in front of my house rose 3 metres (~9 feet) and took half the property. It happened in a few minutes and we had to run from the house, in the middle of the night with the rain pouring down on us. We actually thought the brook was going to take the house and our lives. Fortunely, it was just a scare and of course a few material damages. Nothing we can't replace. The only bad thing is the fact that we have to move now. It's not safe to live here anymore. But we are still counting our blessings. There where other families that lost everything. Their houses, their clothes and furnitures, their hole life. And that's terribly sad.

But life goes on, and we, terceira islanders, are survivors.

Anyway, I am currently packing and busy, busy, busy.

Mail damages...

I am usually a lucky girl, specially with all things related with mail. I rarelly loose any cards and mine usually arrive well at other people's mail boxes.

But this time, bad luck rang my door bell and left this at my door step. This is the sort of thing that makes me very angry. This envelope, sent to me by edward, from Taiwan, arrived a while back at my mail box looking like this. It seems it caught a bit of rain, although it arrived dry. It also had a stamp missing.

The two cards inside where damaged too. One of it was glued to another. It was a beautiful bridge card for ny bridge collection.

Unfortunely, I'm sure I'm not the only one with such problems. If any of you want to share your story, send me an e-mail and I will post it.

Postcard Friendship Friday - Tartu University

I've always had a thing for singleview cards of beautiful buildings. Maybe it's because my best friend is an architect, or maybe it's because I love beauty in all its forms. The truth is that this kcard is quite stunning.

It was sent from Estonia and shows the University of Tartu. It took me a while to identify the building, because there is hardly any written information on the back of the card. It is located in Tartu, the 2nd largest city in Estonia. Regarded by most Estonians as the country's "national university", it is the highest ranked university in Estonia. It was established by King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden in 1632.

In the photo you can see its main building, built in 1809 in the neoclassical style. It houses the oldest museum in the University - the Art Museum.

It looks quite amazing. I wouldn't mind attending a few classes here myself. I would be proud of it. Hey, maybe one day - who knows, right?

source: wikipedia

For more informations about PFF, see http://www.cpaphilblog.com/

Pavlovsk's Park

This card sent by larisa, from Russia, shows the Rose Pavilion, one of many in Pavlovsk's Park, sourounding its Grand Palace.

Pavlovsk is a town located 30 km (19 mi) from St. Petersburg, Russia, near the Slavyanka River. It was granted in 1777, by Catherine the Great, to her son Paul upon the birth of his first son. In 1780, the scottish architect Charles Cameron was made responsible for the construction of a Grand Palace in Pavlovsk, to be used as a Country Residence of the Russian Imperial Family. The construction and most landscaping was concluded in 1825. The residential complex harbours an imense park, a Palace, several pavilions and monuments, covering around 1,500 acres. It holds a collection of rare furniture, porcelain, glass works and art. After Paul's death, the Palace became the residence of its widower, Maria Fedorovna.

The Rose Pavilion was erected in the 19th century and it was designed by A. Voronikhin. It is surounded by rose gardens, hence its name. Everything in its decor was based on the rose theme. For several decades it was a gathering place for artists and writers.

The complex was destroyed during WWII and was later restaured.

I was already impressed by the card's beauty but after doing a quick search on the Internet I was stunned by Pavlovsk's beauty and rich history. If you have the time, I suggest you do the same. You won't regret it.

source: wikipedia; alexanderpalace.org

Coimbra

This wonderful card was sent by susanaportugal from Portugal, signed in the back by all the participants in the 3rd Postcrossing meeting in Portugal. Unfortunely I couldn't be there. I guess that's the price I have to pay for living in an island - it gets hard to go to the mainland. Anyway, it was such a great surprise to get this card!

The card shows Coimbra, one of the oldest cities in Portugal. It's a college town, growing around the University, one of the oldest in Europe and the oldest in Portugal. The specific site shown in the card is the "Largo da Portagem" (english: Square of Toll). It owes its name to the fact that this was the place where the taxes were collected over the goods that arrived in the city, coming from the South.

In the picture you can see the square of Joaquim António de Aguiar, a notorious 19th century portuguese politician born in Coimbra. In 30th of May, 1834 he issued a law that extinguished all religious orders in Portugal. Due to this he was nicknamed "O mata-Frades" (english: "the friar killer").

I've visited Coimbra a while ago but I don't remember going to this square. Anyways, the city is quite beautiful, full of history and legends. A place you should visit...

Source: google.

Yes, I am still around...

I bet you've wondered about my whereabouts. Well, you can put you mind at ease: I am still alive and, for the most part, healthy.

I can only justify my absence from this blog with the huge amount of work I've had in the last few months. And now I have an internet problem, but I will be coming soon with more postcards and more stories.

So, stay tunned for scenes of the next episodes...

Israel Mapcard

I am not much of a mapcard fan but this one is amazing. It was sent from Israel by pam korsover a while back and the colours are incredible. It's very cute and childlike, don't you think?

Postcard Friendship Friday - 25th of April Bridge

I have a big fascination with bridges. I find them beautiful, a symbol of human ingenuity and strenght.

I particularly like this black and white postcard of the 25th of April Bridge, built in 1966, over the river Tagus, in Lisbon, Portugal's capital.

Its construction was completed 6 months ahead of schedule and its original name was Salazar Bridge, named so in honour of António Salazar, Portugal's Prime Minister and dictator for over 30 years. He founded and led the "Estado Novo", the authoritan, right-wing government that presided over the country from 1932 to 1974.

After the revolution, in 25th of April of 1974, its name was changed to 25th of April Bridge.
When it was inaugurated, it was the 5th largest suspension bridge in the World and the 1st outside of the USA. Nowdays, it stands in 66th place in the World ranking, but it's the highest bridge in Europe.

This wonderful card was sent to me from moonwolf.



For more information about Postcard Friendship Friday see

Postcard Friendship Friday - Polish Winnie The Pooh

I love Disney's Winnie The Pooh and I collect its cards from all over the world. This one was sent by Silwie, from Poland.

Can anyone tell me what the words mean in english? :)

For more information about Postcard Friendship Friday see http://www.cpaphilblog.com/

Castle Square

This beautiful card was sent by Sylwie, from Poland.

Warsaw is the capital of Poland. It is known as the "phoenix city" because it was completely destroyed during World War II and rebuilt with the heroic effort of polish citizen.

The card shows Castle Square, an important part of Warsaw's Old Town, inscribed in 1981 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the square there are several polish landmarks, such as the Zygmunt's Column (left side of card) and the Royal Castle (right side of card) and the Patrican Houses.

I adore the colors in the card. It seems like a wonderful place to visit, especially for someone who adores History, like me.

Source: Wikipedia.

Paris, Je T'aime!

Paris, le Ville-Lumiére or the City of Lights, the capital of France! It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is home to some of the World’s most recognizable landmarks, such as the Champs-Élysées, le Arc de Triumphe, the Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris, the Louvre, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower, named after its designer Gustave Eiffel, was built in 1889 as the entrance arch for the Exposition Universelle. The Exposition was a sort of World’s Fair, held for the centennial celebrations of the French Revolution.

In the beginning, the tower was met with much criticism from the public. Newspapers of the day were filled with angry letters from the arts community of Paris. It was suppose to be dismantled in 1909 but it was allowed to remain due to communication purposes. Nowadays, it’s France’s most recognizable icon.

I think it’s a remarkable piece of architecture, a tribute to Humanity’s imagination and ability.
This beautiful twilight card was sent by yenamarre, from France.

Source: Wikipedia.

Ireland

I have been fascinated with Ireland since childhood. It seems all great things come from there: U2 and Enya, Liam Neeson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and (Oh, my God!) Colin Farrell. I also love its History and Culture. And, of course, the accent. Have I mentioned I have a thing with accents?

Anyway, this card was sent by neojojo's sister, a portuguese living in Ireland. I am not much of a sheep person but I find this card very amuzing. Oh, how I would love to visit Ireland!...

I will be back!

Yes, I have been away for a long, long time. But I will be back to blogging very soon.
Do not worry, I will be back!

Bali

This amazing view of Bali in Indonesia was sent by Kemz, from Indonesia. It shows a wonderful twillight scene in Candi Dasa, a seaside town in Eastern Bali.

Bali Island is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, a group of Indonesian islands in the middle-south part of the Malay Archipelago. It has a population of over 3000000 people and it's home to most of Indonesia's small Hindu minority. It's also the largest touristic destination in the country. Bali is well known for its luxourious beaches, its culture and arts and its nightlife.

Source: Wikipedia.

Kul-Shariff Mosque

The Kull-Shariff Mosque is located inside the Kazan Kremlin, the chief historic citadel of Tatarstan, situated in the city of Kazan.

It is the biggest mosque in Europe and it was opened in June 2005. It was built on the site of a previous mosque that was destryed in 1552, during the siege of Kazan.

The siege of Kazan was the final battle of Russo-Kazan Wars. It led to the lose of Tatarstan's independence, the total destruction of Kazan city and the massacre of its population. Ivan the Terrible sacked Kazan to pay his men and the city's survivors were massacred or enslaved. The city was buried to ashes.

Nowdays, the mosque's look is modern and elegant an it serves mostly as a Museum of Islam, although it also helds all the major Muslim celebrations.

Besides the main building, there is also a library, a publishing house and Imam's Office.

This gorgeous card was sent by bo-lg, from Tatarstan Republic of Russia.

Source: Wikipedia.

Stirling

I must confess I would love to visit Scotland one day. I love History and Scotland has such a rich background. Also, all the Scottish cards I have are breathtakingly beautiful. But to tell you the truth, my love affair with Scotland began a long time ago, on the day I first watched Braveheart. Yes, I know it's pathetic but I can't help it. I can only blame the accent. That rich, hipnotizing, sexy Scottish accent...

Anyway, this amazing card, sent by Lynn from Scotland, shows Stirling, a city located in Scotland, United Kingdom. It was the setting for several battles in the Wars of Scottish Independence during the 13th and 14th centuries. It was also in its centre that the Battle of Stirling was fought, in 1648. It was a part of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, a series of conflicts that took place in Scotland, Ireland and England between 1639 and 1651, as the result of tensions between the King and subjects over religious and civil issues.

Some sources suggest that Stirling's name originates in either a Scots or Gaelic term meaning "the place of battle, struggle or strife".

Stirling is famous for its historic relevance but also for some peculiar facts: it's also well known for its many hautings, like the Green Lady in Stirling's Castle and the "Settle Inn", located near the castle and considered the most haunted place in Scotland.

Source: Wikipedia

MMMmmmm....

I think the title says it all... :)

A great card sent by twillight29, from Norway.

This way... or the other?

This wonderful card reminds me of the most simple of truths: how we are all connected, no matter how far we are. Technology has connected us in ways that were only imaginable in the old times. Some say it has changed the way we connect to others, that it has made us more distant emotionally. Maybe that’s true, but I believe that it has issued us a challenge, one that we are trying to conquer with every bit of determination and imagination.

I am sitting here, in a small room in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. And you are reading this somewhere else, perhaps in the other side of the world or just on the other side of the road. That’s the magic of technology. That’s the beauty of invention.

Of course there are bad things that derivate from all this development. Sadly, that’s the way it is with all human creations. They are always imperfect, consumed by our own flaws as a race.

This card also reminds me of all the great choices that we face every day. It was sent by sputzie, from Singapure.

Florence

The Athens of the Middle Ages, as it has been called by History experts, Florence is considered by many the birthplace of Italian Renaissance and it’s well known for its art and architecture.

Located in the Italian region of Tuscany, it lies on the Arno River, and it’s one of the biggest tourist attractions in the region, particularly due to its historic centre, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.

In the picture we can see one of its best known landmarks: the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence’s Cathedral). The basilica is notable for its exterior with marble panels, the dome designed by Brunelleschi and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

This breathtaking card was sent by eryore, from the USA.

Source: Wikipedia.

Bulgarian Nights

The first time I saw this card I thought it was breathtakingly beautiful. It made me want leave everything behind and just sail through the ocean until I reached Bulgaria’s coast.

Sadly, life isn’t that simple, so I have to conform myself with staring at this card and not at the real thing. I guess we can’t have it all.

The card was sent by dj_christina, from Bulgaria.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn is more than a great actress or a star. She is a symbol of elegance and style, a fashion icon and an inspiration for many women worldwide.

Personally, I adore her films and the way she always wears the perfect clothes. Has anyone forgotten Givenchy's little black dress, worn by Hepburn in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s?

Audrey Hepburn was born in Brussels, Belgium in the 4th of May, 1929. She lived in Arnhem, in The Netherlands during her childhood, where she studied Ballet. Eventually, she moved to London in 1948, where she studied drama and worked as a model.

She went on to star in classic films such as Roman Holliday, Charade, Sabrina and, of course, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

During her last years, she dedicated a lot of effort to humanitarian work, especially UNICEF.

She died of cancer on 20 January 1993, in Switzerland.

This great card was sent by cockie, from Japan.

Source: Wikipedia.

On a different note...

There are many great blogs out there in the web, especially related to postcard collecting. But this blog (http://eyescard.blogspot.com/) by Alexander Karmanovsky is quite interesting. He had a great idea: eyescards. You take a picture of your (or someone else's) eyes, add what ever you want (words, embelishments or nothing at all) and send it to the address written in the blog.

So, take a look at it and be creative! Remember: the eyes are the windows to the soul.

Picture: my eye taken by me.

Kornati National Park

The Kornati National Park was created in 1980 in the Kornati archipelago. This archipelago is composed of more than 150 islands and it's located in the Mediterranean Sea, in the Croatian area known as Dalmatia.

There are no permanent settlements in Kornati. There are a few simple houses in some islands that are used by the land owners as temporary shelters.

This great card was sent by rlicul, from Croatia. All the cards I have received from Croatia are amazing. It seems like a wonderful country.

Source: Wikipedia.

Kazahkstan

According to russianruby, who sent me this card from Almaty, Kazahkhstan is the 9th largest country in the world and the largest country.

It gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the USSR and its capital is Astana. Astana is the 2nd largest city in the country and it has been the country’s capital since 1997. Its name literally means “Capital” in Kazakh.

The country is quite large and diverse in types of terrain. It has hills, flatlands, mountains with snow and deserts. Although it’s a very big country it has a low population density (6 people per square kilometre). And it seems there aren’t many cards available as well. :)

Source: Wikipedia

Lavender Fields, Cape Town

This card sent by mrsc, shows lavender fields in Cape Town, South Africa. The colours are beautiful and the photo looks incredible, in my opinion.

Lavender is a plant grown in many different places, all over the world. It is used in various areas, such as landscaping, medicine, the beauty industry and even in culinary.

Some say that either you like its fragrance or you don’t: there are no middle terms. I, personally, dislike it quite a lot, although it’s a beautiful flower. What about you?