Malta

Good news!
Thanks to Pamela, I have today 2 reasons more to celebrate: This is my first and beautiful FDC received from Malta.
Secondly, I am encouraged to collect (all) the FDC EUROPE 2008 (!) . So, you are all invited, all of you, to join me in this objective.
I have some several Portuguese FDC's EUROPE available to send to my friends sending me a FDC EUROPE 2008 from their different countries.
Do you accept this challenge, don't you?

Ukraine

New beautiful cover from Ukraine.

Courtesy of Igor!

Algeria

"Le Guépard du Tassili" - "The Cheetah of Tassili", this is the title of this FDC coming from Algeria (2005).

This nice cover is complemented with 2 stamps issued on 2006, evoking the world day of the environment - June 5.

Thank you, Ouari!

Poland

New nice cover from Poland.

Two stamps evoque the "History of Polish Photo". Tribute to Karol Beyer (1818-1877).

Courtesy of Kazimierz.

Slovenia

Beautiful letter coming from Slovenia with suggestive and beautiful collection of stamps.

4 stamps with flowers (Gentiana tergestina, Iris illurica, Paeonia officinalis, Pulsatilla montana) give color and life to this envelope.

We can wake up, early in the morning, with bad-mood, but when we receive such a kind of letter, we get suddenly a dose of optimism to help us to face the rest of the day ...

Thank you, Cvetko!

Norway

Two interesting covers received almost at the same time, from Norway. The block's letter (with 2 stamps) refers to the Norwegian mythology. The main stamp of the upper letter reminds Henrik Wergeland (1808-1845), a local author.

Thank you very much, Tonni!

Lithuania

New nice cover from Lithuania.

Thank you, Einius, from this beautiful cover and for all interestering stamps you sent to me.

Greetings from Santa Maria da Feira to Vilnius!

Croatia

New nice cover from Croatia,

Courtesy of Dragan.

Thank you!

Portugal - Olympic Games Beijing 2008

Olympic Games of Beijing 2008

Issue: April 30, 2008


Full set (FDC) - 3 stamps

Block - 4 stamps


Design: João Machado

Latvia

Beautiful FDC coming from Latvia, just issued on 26.04.2008.

This year's theme for the stamps Europe CEPT is WRITTEN LETTERS.

Here we have a beautiful envelope under a fascinating, warming and (often) enigmatic theme.

I am very happy because this is the first FDC I get from Latvia. Thank you very much, Normunds!

Indonesia

This is my first cover I get from Indonesia.

Indeed it is a beautiful FDC dated 05.11.2007 on butterflies. Curiously (or not) , on the left a stamp refers to the Olympic Games of Beijing 2008.

I would like to take this opportunity to show a special greeting to all athletes who, coming from around the world and in a friendly way, with cult of sport and friendshipp will take part in these Olympic Games edition.

Thank you, Irene!

The Philippines

New cover from The Philippines.

It's a nice one with butterflies (3 different stamps - 2007).

Thanks, Ray!

Poland

Yes, most of you know how I appreciate Pope John Paul II.

He is my favorite topic in my philately.

Well, here is a new beautiful cover (one more!) I received today from Poland, birthplace of This remarkable Man and Pope.

Thank you very much, Mieczyslaw!

Poland

Two stamps on the WWF call our attention in the upper right corner of the envelope. It's an appeal more for the preservation of bio diversity and respect for our Planet.

We are deeply involved, all of us.

Thank you, Piotr!

Czech Republic

Stamps of various themes give life to this nice cover. Among them, I will elect 3: Two of them refer to the Olympics in Athens 2004 and one for the winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City-2002. Thank you, Vladimír!

Poland

Two nice letters from Poland, as beautiful as unexpected.

They arrived almost simultaneously. The friendship builds up step by step, like a solid house, stone by stone.

Thank you so much, Kazimierz.

Vietnam

Again, a surprise and what a surprise!

Who doesn't remember hearing about Vietnam?

Well, it is the first letter I get from this distant country and by the feminin and delicate Tram's hand. She is interested in stamps on flora, food, etc.. Visit her blog: http://stampsoftramha.blogspot.com.

It's really interesting.

Congratulations and thank you, Tram!

Yemen, Republic of

I am pleased, of course, because it is my first letter of the Republic of Yemen. It's rare to get news about this country that extends along Red Sea and, among others, is a part the Kingdom of Sheba. Courtesy of Safia.

Russia

New letter from Russia.

I regret don't have information on the stamps on this envelope. I also regret don't know Russian and don't have minimum knowledgment how to read the Cyrillic alphabet. It could be helpful at least to mention the names of the men listed in stamps in the upper right, both born in the year 1917. (By coincidence, a date also marked in the history of Russia).

It is however clear that the dominant theme of all main stamps is the sea and sea shipping.

Thanks, Nikolai, for your fidelity!

Returned Cover

In February of this year I received a wonderful letter from Russia, through the hand of Andrew.
Upon receipt, I showed it to you on this blog (posted on February, 20) and I shared my pleasure with you, and I commented it. Don't you remember?
Andrew's letter was really superbe, "just magnificent", an incomparable work of art, wasn't it?
Well, I tried to act the same way, and I sent to Andrew my cover on 20.02.2008, by registered mail, with a colorful series of " Trajes Regionais - Regional Costumes," a series issued by Portuguese Post (CTT) on 2007.
I am now really disappointed, because just today I received back this letter ... I feel strange a feeling of mission not accomplished...
Andrew, I'm so sorry! Please, tell me your right address, so that you receive my new cover.
Thanks in advance to email me.

Chile

Three stamps of Pope John Paul II, a beautiful series issued by Correos de Chile.

The snowfall in the Andes range and the reassuring flight of the condor, give the stamp of the left an intrinsic musicality recalling the beautiful song "El Condor pasa."

Courtesy of Humberto.

The Netherlands

New letter from Piet.

The stamps are a slight breeze in fresh shades of blue and green. On this sheet we can read in Dutch "Vergeet-ze niet" - "Do not forget them", in allusion to older people. The original name of the delicate small blue flowers means in Dutch "Do not forget me."

Needless to use more words.

Thank you so much, Piet!

United Nations

Nice FDC from the United Nations.

Stamps concern "Endangered Species" and this new issue took place on March 6, 2008 in New York, USA.

Always up date theme.

Thank you, Ms. Yan Wu.

Pope John Paul II

Dear friends,

My collection of covers, stamps and blocks on Pope John Paul II has increased substantially in the last weeks, thanks to the sympathy and kindness of friends around the world, surprising me with valuable material.

During His Pontificate, Pope John Paul II materialised 104 trips by the most diverse places in the world. I think all countries visited issued stamps comemorating each event. Moreover, among the countries not visited, many of them didn't remain indifferent to the importance and greatness of His odd figure, and also issued commemorative stamps.

I would like to continue this enthusiasm in the expansion of my philatelic collection on This MAN and on This POPE.

So, I invite you the sending: -- Letters with (at least) a stampe of Pope John Paul II on the envelope and, if possible, the same one, separately, inside. If you send me an additional block and/or a mini-sheet, better yet. You can also send me letters that were addressed to other people. It is not necessarily they were issued in my name.

Upon receipt, I will send a cover to everyone equally, stamped with the theme(s) of your choice and including inside some stamps, blocks and mini sheets of your choice, according to my availabilities.

I promise to be generous in return.

I'm waiting for your letters.

Greetings from Portugal for you all!

André de Melo

PS: Herewith 2 examples: 1 cover, courtesy of Vladimir (CZ) and 1 cover, courtesy of Kazimierz (PL)

Tristan da Cunha

It is not every day we receive a letter from an unusual place.

Reason why I'm a lucky man today, thanks to Ms. Green.

This archipel in the Southern Atlantic Ocean was first sighted in 1506 by the Portuguese sailor, Tristão da Cunha (He is in the stamp, comemorating 500 years of that discovery).

You can know more about these islands through Tristan da Cunha web site: http://www.tristandc.com/

Thank you so much, Ms. Green, for this pleasant trip.

Ukraine

Two different coloured stamps from the same issue 2007 (here in duplicate), decorate this beautiful cover received from Ukraine.

Courtesy of Igor.

Thanks!

Poland

New letter from Greg, one of my friends in Poland.

As you can see, this envelope is decorated with Easter eggs stamps.

But the real gift is inside, with beautiful stamps about painting and, Pope John Paul II. Several thematic postcards complete this packet.

Oh what a pleasant surprise!

I am very grateful to Greg for the enrichment of my Pope John Paul II's collection.

Thank you very much!

Croatia

Beautiful letter from Croatia.

10 (!) stamps adorn this cover and dominant theme revolves around the Christmas with churches.

The sport also occupies its space, with a stamp dedicated to the athlete Blanka Vlasic.

Thanks, Dragan!

You are invited to have a look to Dragan's web site: http://www.followstamps.com/

Czech Republic

I already told you before: Vladimir is a courageous man, you tries to think always positive, for whom life is an inestimable value that must be assessed for each day.

Whenever everything seems grey, if we are able to join our hands, then everything seems easier and life is even more sense.

We wish all the best to you, Vladimir, and thank you for your excellent lesson of life.

Poland

Thank you, Kazimierz, for this beautiful envelope received today… Oh, how I am grateful to you! ...

You know, I am a fanatic for this extraordinary Person who was Karol Woitila, the Pope John Paul II.

I count on my friends in Poland to enrich my collection. They know (you know) they/you can count on me on this friendly exchange. Greetings for all of you!

The Netherlands - Piet

I promised to talk about Piet, this extraordinary and generous Dutch man who collects stamps and letters from every unusual place on the planet and, above all, FRIENDSHIP for him is an essential value. He has an interesting, strong and fascinating personality…
Like every collector, Piet has his want list. A few days ago he let it know to me. Unfortunately, I cannot help him, as this moment, as I would like. However, among all friends who visit my site, certainly some of you may help him… Reason why I would like to let you know Piet’s want list (covers) from the following places, i.e.:
- Karakalpakstan (Uzbekistan)
- Barneo Ice Station (Russ. Arctic)
- Palmerston Island (Cook Island)
- Somaliland (Somalia)
- Uros Islas (Peru – Lake Titicaca)
- Barnaba (Ocean Island – Pacific)
- Mustang (Nepal-Tibet)
- Nicobal Island (India)
- Nordkapp (Northern Norway)
- Niihau (Hawai – The Forbiden Island)
- Oecusse (East Timor Enclave)
- Golan Heights (Syria – Israel)
- Isola Stramboli (Italia)
- Isola Vulcano (Italia)
- Tavolara (Italia)
- Nova Zembla (Russian Arctic Isl.)
- Franz Josef land (Russ. Arctic Isl.)
- Cabinda (Angola Enclave)
- Suwarrow Island (Pacific)
- Castaway Cay (Disney Island)
- San Blas Islas (Panama)
- Saharaou Republic (Western Sahara)

In case you are from one of the above mentioned places, feel free to let me know. Piet deserves mine and your friendship.

Germany

Beautiful cover received from Germany.

The stamps down on the right side reproduce a painting of Carl Spitzweg (1808-1885). Upon a block evokes Limes, the border started to be built by Emperor Augustus to separate the Roman Empire from Germanic Tribes not won. Its ruins were declared a World Heritage Site in 2005 by UNESCO.

Thanks, Maik!

Canada

Again nature in stamps.
Thank you, Gilbert!

Ukraine

Nice cover from Ukraine.

The colors of the landscape and the themes of the stamps applaud the spring.

Thanks!

Netherlands

My friend Piet is an unusual man.

We had never met each other, but next time I will be in the Netherlands, I promise to knock Piet's door to thank warmly his spontaneous generosity.

By the way, do you remember my campaign to get letters from the African continent? Some days later he sent me 7 African covers, from his private collection.

Well, now Piet surprised me again: I have just received some hours ago, from him: 1 letter from South Georgia & The South Sandwich Islands; 1 letter from the Ukrainian Antarctic Station; 1 letter from Namibia; 1 letter from Isla Robinson Crusoe; 1 postcard from Pitcairn Islands; 1 postcard from Britisn Antarctic Territory, and 1 postcard from East Timor.

When the friendship creates and fortifies its roots, what more can we wish?

Piet let me know his wantliss about places he is still missing cover from. Certainly some of you can help him...

I'll announce to you his wantlist, soon.

Thank you so much, Piet!

Chile

Nice cover received from Chile.

Both stamps belong to the series "Iglesias Centenarias de Chile" - Centennial Churches of Chile. The stamp on the left portrays the Church of Parinacota, built in the seventeenth century. And the right right one portrays the Church of San Pedro de Atacama, built in 1774.

Courtesy of Adolfo.

The Philippines

This is my first cover I received from the Philippines.
The stamps are really very beautiful, with long format, and its theme is one of my favorite topics - Churches and Cathedrals.
It was regrettable that the letter had caught rain on the long journey and arrived "crashed", with the stamps damaged.
I appreciated a lot Myron's generosoty and I am sure that the next letter will come to my hands in excellent condition.
Thanks, Myron!

Japan

First letter I received from Japan.

The stamps with flowers represent quite well the image I hold of the "Country of the Rising Sun."

Thanks, Pham!

Slovenia

New letter from Slovenia.

I am pleased to see the number of my friends growing in Slovenia. Among them, Bojan is the most recent.

Thanks!

Russia

New cover from Russia.

4 stamps (2007, complete issue) on the right give movement and beauty. On the left side 1 stamp( 2008) with horses, too, comemorates 150 years from the 1st Russian stamp.

Thank you, Nikolai!

Croatia

New nice cover from Croatia.

4 different beautiful topics on the stamps, including Beijing Olympic Games 2008, coming soon...

Courtesy of Duvravko. Thanks!

Sweden

Nice cover from Sweden, courtesy of Arne.

Thanks for both stamps alluding to children's stories.

Slovenia

New nice cover from Slovenia.

It's spring and with it this letter with flowers.

An ode to nature.

Thanks, Maks!

Croatia

Thanks to Davor, from Zagreb, I received this beautiful cover, the first one from Croatia. On the right corner up we can see a stamp with Pope John Paul II, one among my favorite topics.

I invite you to have a look at the interesting Davor's web-site: www.geocities.com/davor2405/philately.html

He collects stamps ww related to aviation. Certainly you have something he is looking for, and vice-versa.

Thank you again, Davor, for your nice cover, your stamps and the post cards, as well.

Ukraine

My collection urgently needed a beautiful cover from Ukraine. And here it is, surprisingly. Three stamps with colorful and elegant women faces decorate this letter. Because of its beauty and ellegancy, when I received it, the first image recalled me the Cossaks of Ukraine - folk Ukrainian groups who used to visit Portugal often in the 70's.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the large and very respected Ukrainian community resident in Portugal.

Thank you, Igor, for your contribution to the cult of friendship through stamps.

Slovenia

Beautiful new letter from Cvetko, with 4 stamps. The stamp with the facial value of 0.48 euros evoques Primoz Trubor, author of the first Slovenian book. On the left side up, again European Union, the Slovenian block issued in beginning of 2008.

I would like to remember Cvetko has an interesting philatelic blog we can join through the following address: http://freeweb.siol.net/stanisa1/401.html

Thank you, Cvetko, for this nice cover and the copious stamps gift, too. Maybe we'll meet each other, soon ...

Israel

I'm greatful to Lev by his kindness in sending me my first letter from Israel. On the top of the cover we have a John Paul II stamp, next to the Wall of Lamentations, as far as I understand.

Apart stamps, Lev is interested in swaping sugar packets (we currently use to add to coffee), and tea packets, too. Now, we will not be indifferent whenever we have quietly a cup of coffee or tea ...

Thank you so much, Lev.

Poland

Who does not remember the stories of their childhood?
This simple but very expressive letter from Poland is exactly remembering one of the most story writers in the world, of all time - Hans Christian Andersen (Odense 1805/Kobenhaven 1875). He was, according to scholars, the "first genuinely romantic voice to tell stories for children" and sought always pass patterns of behaviour that should be adopted by the new company that is organized, including pointing the clashes between "powerful" and "unprotected", "strong" and "weak", "exploiters" and "exploited". He also wanted to demonstrate the idea that all men should have equal rights.
Courtesy of Kasimierz. Thank you so much!

Belgium

This is my first cover received from Belgium.
Both stamps on the left commemorate the “Human Right Declaration”.
On the right we have a remembering of René Magritte (1898/1967), one of the most reputed Belgian painters related with surrealism school.
His works are metaphors that present as realistic representations, by the juxtaposition of common objects and recurring symbols in his work, such as the female torso, the hat coco, the castle, the rock and window, among other more, but a mode impossible to be found in real life.
Thank you, Holger!

India

We are sharing the beauty of one more cover.

The stamps represent a deep call for friendliness among peoples and also a call for healthy coexistence between man and nature. The 4 stamps on the left, with butterflies, are a recent issue from India.

Thanks to the kindness of Baiju.

Algeria

Nouveau courrier reçu d'Algerie. Il est vraiment superbe: À part les timbres dits "communs", on nous propose le block "Fontaines d'Alger" (2ème série), sortie le 23 février 2008 à Alger. Ma photo est très pauvre mais l'image réelle de l'ensemble est très belle - les quatre timbres de la série et la ville d'Algers en fond.

Cette lettre est remarquable en beauté et en abondance: un block (4 timbres) et encore 8 timbres en complément. Gentille proposition d'Ouari. À encourajer...

Merci, Ouari.

New cover from Algeria. It is really wonderful. Apart from the "common" stamps we are offered the block "Fountains of Algiers" (2nd serie) issued in Algiers on February 23, 2008. My photo is very poor but the real image overall is very beautiful - four stamps and the city of Algiers. This letter is remarkable richfull of beauty and abundance: a block (4 stamps), and yet complement 8 stamps. It's an Ouari nice proposal. To encourage ...

Thank you, Ouari.

Republic of Korea

What a beautiful cover just arrived at my hands! It was sent from Republic of Korea, courtesy of Jung Min.

The stamps are numerous (8!), the themes varied and magnificent and with a very clear cancellation. I paid particular attention to those of the top left corner, as they are focused on one of my preferred topics: wine / grapes. (I was surprised, and excuse my ignorance, because I didn't know this topic was the subject of several series issued by the Postal Service of South Korea...).

Really very nice surprise!

Jung Min has an interesting web site on postage stamps, you will like to have a look at: http://hiphila.blogspot.com