A postcard from each corner of the World
Victoria Falls, located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is one of the world’s largest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls, spanning 1.7 km with a drop of 108 meters. Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (“The Smoke That Thunders”), it was named Victoria Falls by Scottish explorer David Livingstone in 1855, honoring Queen Victoria. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions for its breathtaking views, adventure sports, and wildlife.
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.
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.
Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean with history spanning over 2,500 years. Known in ancient times as Ceylon, it was a vital hub for trade and Buddhism. The island was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, gaining independence in 1948. It’s renowned for tea plantations, wildlife, and ancient temples, making it a destination celebrated for both cultural heritage and natural beauty.
On the postcard: Ancient City of Polonnaruwa – it was the second capital of Sri Lanka, and is a UNESCO WHS.
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.
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.
The Danube River is vital to Romania, serving as a major waterway for trade, transport, and agriculture. It forms much of the country’s southern border and flows into the Black Sea through the Danube Delta. The Danube Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity. The river connects Romania to Central and Eastern Europe, influencing cultural exchange and development.
Postcard: Two camels and riders passing Zubara Fort, Qatar. (Built in 1938 and used by the military until the mid 1980’s)
Located in northwestern Qatar, AlZubara Fort stands as a testament to Gulf heritage. Its dramatic coastal setting overlooks the ruins of an 18th–19th century pearl-trading town — a UNESCO World Heritage site — for which it is the best-known landmark.
El Morro, officially known as Castillo San Felipe del Morro, is a historic fortress in San Juan, Puerto Rico, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Built by the Spanish between the 16th and 18th centuries to defend against seaborne attacks, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the San Juan National Historic Site.
On this postcard: Spanish engineers first added a lighthouse to El Morro in 1846 to guide ships safely into and out of San Juan harbor. However, the current tower was built by American military engineers and rises 51 feet above the sixth level of El Morro. Its lamp is 182 feet above sea-level and still serves shipping every night.
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.
