Friday 31 August 2018

Plaza de Espana - Seville

Europe-Spain-Seville This is Plaza de Espana. It is in the Maria Luisa Park in Seville. It was built for the Spanish America Exposition of 1929. A beautiful place to visit with a small lake. 

One of the  stamps I was able to get at the Post office in Seville. 

Thursday 30 August 2018

Sevile - Alcazares

Europe-Spain-Seville One of the great cities of Spain. A majestic place and a beautiful city. This is a view of the Reales Alcazares. The Royal Palace. A World Heritage Site. 

I visited the main Post office in Seville and was surprised to find there was no Philatelic section. Well I guess there was , but no stamps. Luckily I was able to find a desk that had a number of different stamps. 

Wednesday 29 August 2018

American Peace Memorial Honiara

Pacific Ocean-Solomon Islands-Honaira This card is showing the United States Peace Memorial wish a memorial to the Americans killed in this area during WWII. There are a number of interesting sites in relation to the war on this island. In reality these are the key tourists places to visit . 

I bought this postcard at the Post Office. I did not see any other postcards for sale in Honiara while there or at the main museum . Interesting that the Postmark only says Solomon Islands , no mention of Honiara. 

Monday 27 August 2018

Honiara - Solomon Islands

Pacific Ocean-Solomon Islands-Honiara I only spend two days and unfortunately managed only to  visit Honiara. Air fares to the outer islands are expensive . But if you want to see the best of the Solomon Islands that is the place to go. Honiara itself would not win a beauty award. However a new airport is in the pipeline and much upgrading of roads is necessary. 

The Post office was just across the road from the hotel I was staying in. Its on the main street. Very friendly people here. There is in fact a Philatelic Bureau upstairs but I did not go as no new stamps were issued recently . The Post Office counter had a selection of stamps to choose from . 

Sunday 12 August 2018

Tanna - Vanuatu

Pacific Ocean-Vanuatu-Tanna  This island is amazing. The Volcano was a highlight, but also spent time in a remote village with starts from the Oscar winning "Tanna". Wonderful 

There is a Post office in the centre of town and mailed that there. Nice clear postmarks. I am doing well on this trip with clear cancellations . 

Saturday 11 August 2018

Port Vila - Vanuatu

Pacific Ocean-Vanuatu-Port Vila Not the most attractive islands I have ever been to. I was here for a couple of days and a cruise ship was in port. However, the people are wonderful. So friendly and welcoming. A real nice surprise. 

I visited the Post Office on Saturday as it opens half day. It was very busy with cruise passengers mailing out packages and postcards. The Post Office itself had a great selection of stamps . The Philatelic Bureau does not open on a Saturday. 

Friday 10 August 2018

Ouvea - Loyalty Islands- World Heritage Site

Pacific Ocean-New Caledonia-Loyalty Islands-Ouvea White sands and a beautiful World Heritage Site is what awaits  here in Ovuea. Surrounded by a fantastic Lagoon on one side. This island is more Kanak then the mainland and a different relaxed feel. 

The Post Office was on the way back to the airport for the flight to Noumea. I love the clear cancellations that you get in New Caledonia. 

Thursday 9 August 2018

La Foa - New Caledonia

Pacific Ocean-New Caledonia-La Foa  This is a small town on the west coast. Famous for its annual film festival. I visited the cinema when there and it is a real gem. Also nearby you have the Parc des Grandes Fougeres Park which is at Farino . Wonderful Ferns and a lovely walk. 

A nice Post office in the town of La Foa. Very helpful , clean and even a selection of stamps on show . New Caledonia really knows how to make sure it has good cancellations. 

Wednesday 8 August 2018

Tjibaou Centre, Noumea- New Caledonia

Pacific Ocean-New Caledonia-Noumea This is the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea. It is an amazing building featuring Art gallery, Museum , Library and displays. Mr Tjibaou was a Kanak leader who fought for local rights. He was murdered a number of years ago. 

I posted this card at the airport on departure. The postmark is showing a plane taking off. The Postal Service even has a philatelic display and Post Office at the airport. 

Tuesday 7 August 2018

Architecture of Noumea - New Caledonia

Pacific Ocean-New Caledonia-Noumea This card showing some of the beautiful Colonial Architecture of Noumea. The main island Grand Terre is great to drive around . Great Scenery . Roads excellent for the most part.  

New Caledonia has certainly some beautiful stamps . The Philatelic Shop had a full selection of stamps and souvenirs. This card was posted from the Philatelic shop. . Great to see a clear cancellation. 

Monday 6 August 2018

Noumea New Caledonia

Pacific Ocean-New Caledonia-Noumea This card shows the area which I stayed in . Close to the beach and restaurants. It is a very nice Island to travel around and hired a car to do so. 

I posted this at the Philatelic shop in Noumea. It is not attached to the main Post Office. In fact I found it by mistake while driving and was amazed to see such a wonderful window display. 

Saturday 4 August 2018

Melbourne Australia

Pacific Ocean-Australia-Melbourne My second time here. A very nice city . Main reason here was to visit a member of my family. Love the trams 

I went to the main Post Office in Melbourne. I have to say very impressive for a modern set up. Very helpful staff and a philatelic and coin display . Seen these Bird stamps , beautiful . 

Thursday 2 August 2018

Apia Samoa

Pacific Ocean-Samoa-Apia Third time back in Samoa.. This time I visited Savaii which is the biggest island in the group. It is very nice and less touristy then the island of Upolu. 

I sent this card from Apia. I had planned to send a card from Savaii , but I could not find any cards and the days I was there Saturday and Sunday , I did not see any shops open selling cards. 

Wednesday 1 August 2018

Auckland New Zealand

Pacific Ocean-New Zealand-Auckland Back in New Zealand as I start the last of my trips to the Pacific. Spend a few days here and the first time I have been during the winter.. My it was different cold then Dublin and rainy. So did not look like the postcard. I like New Zealand , but not a big fan of Auckland. 

I purchased these stamps online from New Zealand Post. The last time I was here found it difficult to find a Post Office. Was ok this time and had these stamps. Postmark is quite faint , at least it got one !! .