France

Nouveau courrier de la France. Celui-ci est vraiment très beau. Éric est très genéreux et nous surprend toujours avec de belles choses. J'aimerais mettre en évidence le timbre Europe 2008, dont je fais une campagne pour en réunir de tous les pays.

Merci, Éric!

New letter from France. This is really a very beautiful one. Éric is very generous and always surprises us with such beautiful things. I would like to highlight the stamp Europe 2008 on the upper right side. (As you know, I'm trying to collect this year every Europa FDC).

Thanks a lot, Éric!

Poland

Again a new beautiful cover with pope John Paul II - "In memoriam".

Thanks to Kazimierz.

Latvia

Beautiful FDC received from Latvia titled "Eiropas Cempionâts Orientesanas Sporta 2008" - "European Championship for Guidance sport 2008".
Courtesy of Normunds.

United Nations

Letter received from United Nations (UNAMI - United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq) Nine stamps decorate this envelope. Two of the series have the theme "The World Heritage": EGYPT: Saint Catherine Area, Ancient Thebes and Islamic Cairo; USA: Hawaii volcanoes, Everguades and Yellowstone.

Thank you, Martin!

Chile

Carta recibida de Chile. Los sellos están invulgarmente dispuestos en diagonal y este emisión es un homenaje a MARTA COLVIN (Chillán 1907 -Santiago 1995), en el centenario de su nacimiento. De ascendencia irlandesa y portuguesa, desde muy joven fue atraída por la escultura y el diseño. Obtuvo reconocimiento internacional con el Gran Premio de Escultura en la Bienal de São Paulo (Brasil) en 1965. En la parte trasera de la carta se encuentran 3 sellos con pinturas de ROBERTO MATTA (Santiago 11.11.1911 - Civitavecchia (I) 23/11/2002), un gran pintor surrealista chileno. Además de pintor, fue arquitecto, filósofo y poeta, considerado por muchos el último de los representantes del surrealismo.
Cortesía muy amable de Humberto!
Letter received from Chile. The stamps are unusually in diagonal and are a tribute to hMARTA COLVIN (Chillan 1907-Santiago 1995), in the centenary of her birth. From Irish and Portuguese descent, since very young was attracted by the sculpture and the design and obtained international recognition with the Grand Prize for sculpture in the Biennial of São Paulo in 1965. On the back of the letter we see 3 stamps with paintings by ROBERTO MATTA (Santiago 11.11.1911 - Civitavecchia (I) 23.11.2002), a famous Chilean Surrealist painter. In addition to painter, he was architect, philosopher and poet, considered by many the last of the representatives of Surrealism.
Courtesy of Humberto!

Sweden

Beautiful cover with Europa CEPT stamps 2008 from Sweden.

Thank you so much, Arne!

P. R. CHINA

Two covers from P.R. of China received the same day, courtesy of Zhou fan.

Both covers contain 2 stamps from the same issue dated May 10, 2008 - "Summer Palace --- Special Stamps". This full set is composed by 6 stamps with the nominal value of 1.20 yuan each. On these above showed covers we have 2 stamps from this issue, entittled "Shiqikong Bridge" and "Garden od Harmonious Pleasures".

Zhou fan invites you to visit his interesting blog: http://www.ejiyou.cn

Thank you, Zhou fan!

Ecuador

Primera carta que recibo de Ecuador. La imagen que tengo de este país es un santuario para la fauna marina. De hecho, los sellos en la parte superior derecha parecen confirmar eso. Este sello de las Islas Galápagos exhiben dos majestuosas mantarayas (Aetobatus narinari) "volando" en el océano. El sello central, muy rico de colores, celebra el quincuagésimo aniversario de la revista "Viztazo" y nel podemos ver, aunque muy discretamente, el Papa Juan Pablo II.

Muchas gracias, John.

First letter I receive from Ecuador. The image I keep in mind about this country is a sanctuary for marine life. In fact, the stamps in the upper right seem to confirm this. This stamp from Galapagos Islands exhibit two majestic Aetobatus narinari "flying" calmly in the ocean. The central stamp, with very rich colors, celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the magazine "Viztazo" and we can see in, but very discreetly, Pope John Paul II.

Many thanks, John.

France

Très beau et bien original courrier reçu de la France (Seine Maritime). Onze timbres font de cette enveloppe un tableau très vivant et agréable. Il y en a même des timbres qui ne sont pas de ces jours. C'est le cas du timbre central en haut, qui rend hommage à Didier DAURAT (1891-1969), et Raymond VANIER (1895-1965), deux pionniers de l'aviation française. Un autre, fait appel à la Conférence de Paris 1946. Pour finir, celui du coin supérieur droit est très suggestif: "Ceci est une invitation." J'aimerais partager ce message avec vous tous, pour l'échange sympa d'articles philatéliques et d'amitié. Un grand merci, Gilles!

Very beautiful cover received from France (Seine Maritime). Eleven stamps make this envelope a very pleasant picture. There are even stamps issued decades ago. This is the case of Central stamp at the top, which pays tribute to Didier DAURAT (1891-1969), and Raymond VANIER (1895-1965), two pioneers of French aviation. Another one, evoques the Paris Conference 1946. Finally, the upper right is rather suggestive: "This is an invitation." I want to share with you all, for the exchange of philatelic items and friendship. Thanks a lot, Gilles!

Latvia

New beautiful FDC received from Latvia.

Thank you so much, Normunds!

Taiwan

New FDC from Taiwan

"Bridges of Taiwan (II)"

Thanks, James!

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 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 on this 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!