Bristle-thighed Curlew in Tuvalu

The Bristle-thighed Curlew (Numenius tahitiensis) is a rare migratory shorebird that winters across Pacific islands, including Tuvalu. Distinguished by its long, downcurved bill and bristly feathers at the base of its thighs, it breeds in Alaska and undertakes one of the longest nonstop migrations of any bird, covering thousands of kilometers to reach Polynesia and Micronesia. In Tuvalu, it inhabits coastal flats, reefs, and atolls, where it forages for insects, crabs, and other small prey. Historically significant in Pacific culture, the bird is vulnerable due to its limited breeding range and threats on migratory stopovers, making Tuvalu a vital refuge.

Tuvalu postcard

Tuvalu stamps postmark

Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the Atlantic Ocean, known for their stunning white-sand beaches and vibrant turquoise waters. For centuries, the islands were a haven for pirates and a center for salt production. Today, the economy is primarily driven by tourism and offshore finance. Fun fact: the “Turks” name comes from the Turk’s head cactus.

Turks Caicos postcard

Turks Caicos stamp postmark

Dumskaya Square in Odessa, Ukraine

Odessa is a port city on the Black Sea in southern Ukraine. Dumskaya Square in Odessa is a historic and cultural hub located in front of the Odessa City Hall, a neoclassical building dating back to 1837. The square has long served as a political and civic center, where important municipal decisions and public gatherings take place. As seen on this postcard received in 2016 it also houses the famous monument to Alexander Pushkin, commemorating the poet’s time in Odessa. Does it still today? Is it still called Dumskaya Square? I don’t know. One of the articles I found from 2024 claims the square was to be renamed to Exchange Square.

Ukraine Odessa postcard

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia. Historically, it was a vital part of the Silk Road, linking East and West with trade and culture. Conquered by Persian, Arab, Mongol, and Russian empires, it became part of the Soviet Union until independence in 1991. The country is known for its vast Karakum Desert, ancient cities like Merv, and the Darvaza “Door to Hell” gas crater. Fun fact: Ashgabat, the capital city, holds the Guinness record for the most white marble buildings.

This is a huge postcard that came in an envelope.

Turkmenistan postcard

Turkmenistan stamp postmark

Kemal Atatürk – Father of the Turks

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938) was the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. He was born in Thessaloniki (present-day Greece), and gained prominence during World War I, especially at the Battle of Gallipoli. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Atatürk led the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923), establishing Turkey as a sovereign republic in 1923. As president, he abolished the sultanate and caliphate, adopted secular laws and education and the Latin alphabet. He’s known as the “Father of the Turks”.

Turkey postcard

The Medina of Tunis

The Medina of Tunis is one of the best-preserved historic Islamic cities in North Africa. Founded in the 7th century, it flourished under the Aghlabids, Hafsids, and Ottomans, becoming a major cultural and economic hub. The Medina boasts over 700 monuments, including mosques, madrasas, palaces, and souks, such as the Zitouna Mosque, which played a key role in Islamic scholarship. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tunis postcard

Tunis stamp postmark

Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha, a remote volcanic archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean, is part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. Discovered by Portuguese explorer Tristão da Cunha in 1506, it was settled by Britons in the early 19th century and annexed by the UK in 1816 to prevent French use during the Napoleonic Wars. Its only settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, is known as the world’s most isolated inhabited place. Fishing, especially lobster, sustains its economy. There’s no airport—access, you can get there only by a 6-day boat journey from South Africa. But then there’s that “by Air Mail” sticker : )

Tristan Da Cunha postcard

Tristan Da Cunha stamp

Tristan Da Cunha stamp postmark

Tobago, Trinidad’s smaller sibling

Tobago, the smaller of the two islands forming Trinidad and Tobago, lies in the southern Caribbean and is famed for its lush rainforests, coral reefs, and serene beaches. Historically, it changed colonial hands over 30 times, mainly between the British, Dutch, and French, before uniting with Trinidad in 1889 under British rule. Couple of fun facts about Tobago: (1) the island inspired Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, and (2) goat and crab races are traditional Easter celebrations.

Trinidad and Tobago postcard

Trinidad and Tobago postcard stamp postmark

Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard

Ny-Ålesund, located on the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, is one of the world’s northernmost settlements. Originally established in 1916 as a coal mining town, it later became notable for its role in Arctic exploration. In 1926, Roald Amundsen launched his airship Norge from Ny-Ålesund in the first successful flight over the North Pole. Today, it is a leading international Arctic research center, hosting scientists from over 10 countries. Its pristine Arctic environment, rich wildlife, and historic buildings make it a unique destination for scientific and environmental studies.

Svalbard postcard

Svalbard stamp postmark

Barentsburg, Russian settlement in Norwegian archipelago

Barentsburg is a Russian settlement located on the island of Spitsbergen in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. Founded in 1932 by the Soviet Union, it was named after the Dutch navigator Willem Barentsz, who explored these waters in the 16th century. The town was once a major coal mining center. Today, it remains the second-largest Russian settlement in the archipelago after Longyearbyen. The settlement is famous for its Russian cultural center, museum, and the only coal mine still operating in the archipelago. The local currency is the Norwegian krone, but rubles are also accepted.

Despite being part of Norwegian territory, the settlement operates under Russian administrative jurisdiction.

Barentsburg postcard

Barentsburg stamp postmark

Barentsburg postmark