Author: Erik

Pitcairn Island

Pitcairn Island, a remote British Overseas Territory in the South Pacific, is best known as the refuge of the HMS Bounty mutineers in 1790. With a population of fewer than 50 people, it is one of the world’s least populated jurisdictions. The island features rugged cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and rich marine biodiversity. Adamstown, the only settlement, retains a unique blend of Polynesian and British heritage. Notable sites include the Bounty’s anchor and Christian’s Cave. Pitcairn is known for its isolation, history, and rare cultural continuity from its mutineer founders.

Pitcairn Island postcard

On this postcard, clockwise from top left: “Bounty” Bible – Polynesian petroglyphs Down Rope – Graves of John Adams (“Bounty” mutineer), his wife Teio and daughter Hannah – Bounty anchor outside the Courthouse in the Square.

Pitcairn Island cover stamp postmark

Pitcairn Island stamps

I received this postcard in a nice envelope.

Cuzco, Peru

Cuzco, Peru, was once the capital of the Inca Empire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Andes Mountains. Known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, it blends Incan and Spanish colonial architecture, with landmarks like the Qorikancha Temple and the Cathedral of Santo Domingo. Cuzco is rich in indigenous culture, traditional festivals, and vibrant markets. The city is located at over 3,400 meters above sea level.

Cuzco Peru postcard

Peru stamp postmark

Map of Paraguay

Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America. It borders Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. Known as the “Heart of South America,” it has a rich Guaraní heritage, which remains a co-official language with Spanish. Paraguay gained independence from Spain in 1811. It is famous for its folk music, traditional crafts, and the massive Itaipú Dam, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric plants. Some of the famous attractions are Asunción’s colonial architecture and the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad and Jesús, UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Paraguay map postcard

Paraguay stamps postmark

National Parliament Building of Papua New Guinea

The National Parliament Building of Papua New Guinea is located in Port Moresby, the capital city. It was open in 1984 and blends traditional haus tambaran (spirit house) architecture with modern design. Papua New Guinea is located in the southwestern Pacific. It gained independence from Australia in 1975. Known for its extraordinary cultural diversity, it is home to over 800 languages.

This card was sent to me from Timor-Leste.

Papua New Guinea postcard

Papua New Guinea stamp postmark

The Bridge of the Americas, Panama

The Bridge of the Americas is a vital road bridge in Panama that spans the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, connecting North and South America. Completed in 1962 by the United States, it was the first permanent bridge to link the canal’s eastern and western shores. Stretching 1,654 meters, it symbolizes Panamanian strategic global trade. Before the Centennial Bridge opened in 2004, it was the only non-ferry crossing over the canal.

This is my first Panama postcard, but it was mailed from the USA.

Panama postcard

USA Machine Stamp

Beehive building in Wellington, New Zealand

The Beehive is an iconic government building in Wellington, New Zealand, serving as the Executive Wing of Parliament. Designed by Scottish architect Sir Basil Spence, its unique beehive-like shape was controversial at first but has become a national symbol. Construction was completed in 1981. The building houses the offices of the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers. Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is known for its vibrant arts scene and picturesque harbor.

New Zealand postcard

New Zealand stamp

Interesting places in Russia to collect mail from

Many philatelists and postal history collectors like to receive mail from unique and interesting places: remote islands, south pole stations, mountain-peak mailboxes, underwater mailboxes, unrecognized countries, etc.

Russia is a whole World of its own! Highest peaks, oldest cities, remote islands, coldest places, disputed territories, exclaves, scientific stations, and much more! And many of these places have a post office : )

So, here’s some interesting places to collect from Russia! >>

Continue reading “Interesting places in Russia to collect mail from”

Bethlehem, Palestine

Bethlehem, located in the West Bank of Palestine, is known as the biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ, and is a major pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide. The city’s centerpiece is the Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built over the traditional site of Jesus’ birth. In the twelfth century, during the Crusader period, protective walls, two bell towers, paintings, and mosaics were added to the church. During the mid-thirteenth century, prior to an invasion, Crusaders buried 13 bronze bells near the church, coating them with animal fat to protect them from rust. These bells were unearthed in 1906.

Palestine West Bank postcard

Palestine stamp postmark

 

 

 

Palau

Palau is an island country in the western Pacific Ocean, comprising over 300 islands in the Micronesia region. It became independent in 1994 under a Compact of Free Association with the United States. The capital is Ngerulmud, located on Babeldaob Island. Palau is known for its pristine marine environment, crystal-clear waters, and biodiversity, making it a top destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, especially around the Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake.

Palau postcard

Palau stamp postcard