A postcard from each corner of the World
Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, is located on Mahé Island and is one of the smallest capitals in the world. It was established during British colonial rule, it showcases a rich blend of African, French, Indian, and British influences, reflecting the islands’ diverse heritage.
On this postcard: Victoria seen from Bel Eau, Clocktower (modeled after London’s “Little Ben” ), Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market (offers local crafts, spices, and produce), Market Street.
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, strategically located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. With a turbulent history influenced by Roman, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires, the city boasts a rich cultural heritage.
On the postcard: The former military facility, erected toward the end of the 19th century, houses the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of Belgrade. On its right, we can see a symbol of Belgrade, a statue of Pobednik (Victor), the work of sculptor Ivan Meštrović. It was erected in 1913, and placed on the plateau of the Belgrade Fortress in 1928.
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is a coastal city located on the Cape Verde Peninsula, the westernmost point of mainland Africa. It was once a hub of the transatlantic slave trade. Once a French colony, Senegal gained independence in 1960 and retains French as its official language. Today Senegal is famous for its music, particularly mbalax, and its strong traditions of storytelling and dance.
On the postcard: monument Demba et Dupont, war memorial: two bronze statues represent a Senegalese rifleman and a French soldier, standing together and looking in the same direction — the tribute to the brave Senegalese tirailleurs and their French counterparts who fought valiantly during both World Wars.
Saudi Arabia is known for its vast deserts, Islamic heritage, and immense oil reserves. It is the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, attracting millions of Muslim pilgrims annually. The country features dramatic landscapes, mountains, and Red Sea coastlines. Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province is the largest and one of the most economically vital regions in the country as it is rich in oil and natural gas.
This card was received clean in an envelope.
São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off Central Africa’s west coast. A former Portuguese colony, it gained independence in 1975 and retains Portuguese as its official language. São Tomé is the larger island, has attractions like Pico Cão Grande and Obo National Park, while Príncipe is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Fun fact: the nation is known for organic chocolate! as well as for its rainforests, volcanic peaks, rich biodiversity, pristine beaches, cocoa plantations, and colonial architecture.
Boca do Inferno, on this postcard, is a basaltic coastal site on the road south from São Tomé town. It is known for its blowholes, geyser-like eruptions of seawater activated by wave action. The basalt has formed into hexagonal columns, rather like Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway. Such rock formations can also be seen on Príncipe’s west coast.
San Marino, one of the world’s oldest republics, is a landlocked microstate surrounded by Italy. Founded in 301 AD, it has a rich history of independence. Nestled on Mount Titano, San Marino offers stunning views, medieval architecture, and a well-preserved old town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for its Three Towers — Guaita, Cesta (pictured on this postcard), and Montale —and its unique political system with two Captains Regent.
Samoa is located in the South Pacific, and is comprising two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i. Samoa practices fa’a Samoa, the traditional Samoan way of life emphasizing family, respect, and community. Formerly known as Western Samoa, it gained independence from New Zealand in 1962.
On the postcard
Left-Top: Robert Louis Stevenson Museum – Vailima
Left-Bottom: Teuila 2009
Right-Top: Fleamarket – Savalalo
Right-Bottom: Fusi, Saoluafata
Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a small French overseas territory located off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Historically tied to fishing and maritime trade, the islands were once a base for cod fishing and rum-running during Prohibition. It’s renowned for its blend of French culture in a North American setting, offering a unique and remote travel experience.
In 1816, following Napoleon’s second abdication, France reclaimed Saint Pierre and Miquelon from Great Britain. It seems this postcard and the postmark on the envelope I received in 2016 celebrates 200 years of French rule.
Saint Martin is a unique Caribbean island shared by two nations: the northern French Saint-Martin and the southern Dutch Sint Maarten. Marigot is the capital of the French side of Saint Martin in the Caribbean. Located on the island’s west coast, the city features colonial-era architecture, waterfront cafés, and open-air markets selling local crafts and cuisine.
Saint Lucia is an island nation in the eastern Caribbean. It is famed for its dramatic landscapes, including the iconic twin Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island has volcanic beaches, tropical rainforests, and the world’s only drive-in volcano at Sulphur Springs. It is known for luxury resorts, cocoa plantations, and festivals. Soufrière, on Saint Lucia’s west coast, was founded by the French in the 18th century and once served as the island’s capital.
