Author: Erik

Transnistria is Pridnestrovie

Transnistria, also known as Pridnestrovie, is a mostly unrecognized country located between the Dniester River and Ukraine. Internationally recognized as part of Moldova, it’s independence is only recognized by Abkhazia and South Ossetia, both of which are partially recognized countries. In 1990, fearing Moldovan reunification with Romania and the marginalization of its Russian-speaking population, the region declared independence. Its capital is Tiraspol. Fun fact: Transnistria has its own currency, the Transnistrian ruble, with unique plastic coins.

Transnistria postcard

Transnistria postmark

Transkei

Transkei was a “Bantustan” or “homeland” in South Africa, designated for the Xhosa people during the apartheid (a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination) era. The area witnessed significant conflict between European settlers and African communities over land in the 19th century, leading to its gradual annexation by Britain and incorporation into the Cape Colony. In 1963, it became the first internally self-governing black area, and in 1976, the first homeland to be granted “independence” by the South African government, though this was never recognized internationally. Residents lost South African citizenship. In 1994, with the end of apartheid, Transkei was reabsorbed into South Africa, becoming part of the Eastern Cape province. Nelson Mandela was born in the Transkei region.

Transkei maxicard postcard

Neiafu, Tonga

On this postcard: Mt. Talau, Neiafu, Vava’u, Tonga

Neiafu, located on Vava’u Island in northern Tonga – Polynesian kingdom of over 170 islands. It is the country’s second-largest town. Set around the Port of Refuge, one of the South Pacific’s finest natural harbors, it offers stunning views and is renowned for yachting and whale watching (humpback whales migrate here from July to October). Tonga is the only Pacific nation never colonized.

Tonga postcard

Tonga stamp postmark

Togo

Togo is a small West African country on the Gulf of Guinea. Once part of several indigenous kingdoms, it became a German colony in the late 19th century (and was known as known as Togoland), later transitioning to French control after World War I. It gained independence in 1960. The capital of Togo is Lomé. Togo is one of Africa’s narrowest countries, only 50 km wide in places. Fun fact: Voodoo is an officially recognized religion!

Togo postcard

Togo stamps postmark

Thailand

Thailand is located in Southeast Asia. Until 1939 is was known as Siam, and it is the only Southeast Asian nation never colonized by European powers. The country is known for its golden temples, tropical beaches, and vibrant street food culture. Its capital is Bangkok. Thailand’s attractions include the Grand Palace, ancient ruins, and island paradises like Phuket and Krabi. Fun facts: Thailand means “Land of the Free”, and it has more than 40,000 Buddhist temples.

Thailand postcard

Thailand stamp postmark

Maasai girls dancing in Tanzania

Tanzania, located in East Africa, and was formerly known as Tanganyika. It gained independence from British colonial rule in 1961 and united with Zanzibar in 1964 to form modern Tanzania. The country is known for its diverse ethnic groups, especially the Maasai, and for Swahili, its national language. Its coastal city, Zanzibar, was once a major hub in the spice and slave trade. Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro, is located in Tanzania.

Maasai girls dancing, pictured on this postcard, is a vibrant expression of culture, identity, and tradition. Dressed in colorful shúkà cloth, adorned with intricate beadwork and jewelry, the girls perform rhythmic movements accompanied by chants and songs. These dances often take place during important ceremonies such as coming-of-age rituals or community celebrations.

Tanzania postcard

Tanzania stamp postmark

Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, is a city surrounded by majestic mountains. It evolved from a small Monday marketplace (its name means “Monday” in Persian) into a major Soviet administrative center during the 20th century. The city’s architecture reflects Soviet and Persian influences. Tajikistan became independent in 1991.

Tajikistan postcard

Tajikistan cover stamps postmark

This postcard came inside an envelope, and a few stamps are missing.

Taipei City, Capital of Taiwan

Taipei City, the capital of Taiwan, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was a small trading port. Today, Taipei is a busy metropolis known for its modern skyscrapers, traditional temples, and vibrant night markets. The city is famous for landmarks like Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings, and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall — pictured on this postcard.

Taiwan postcard

Japan stamp

This postcard was sent to me from Japan.

The Great Mosque of Damascus, Syria

The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, is one of the oldest and most significant mosques in the world. Located in the heart of Syria’s capital, it was completed in 715 CE. Built on the site of a Roman temple and later a Christian basilica, it reflects the layered religious history of the region. The mosque features a vast courtyard, beautiful mosaics, and grand minarets. It is revered in Islam for housing the shrine of John the Baptist and is a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture and cultural convergence. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This postcard actually was in Damascus, but it was not possible to send it abroad, so it was sent to me from neighboring Lebanon.

Lebanon postmark stamps

Syria postcard

Spring in Schlosswil, Switzerland

Schlosswil is a picturesque village in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, known for its serene rural landscape. Its most notable landmark is Schloss Schlosswil, a castle dating back to the 13th century, which once served as the administrative center of the region. The village is nestled in rolling hills and offers views of the Emmental countryside. Schlosswil attracts history enthusiasts and those seeking traditional Swiss rural culture and architecture.

Switzerland postcard

Switzerland webstamp