Capri - Hand painted Postcard

 Europe-Italy-Capri This is a hand painted Postcard showing the main square in Capri Town . It is full of designer stores and the standout clock tower. 

Posted in the post box outside the main post office. Stamp shows the main Piazza in Napoli . Beautiful stamp.

Capri- Italy

 Europe-Italy-Capri Took the ferry from Sorrento and spend a very enjoyable day on the island of Capri.Took the funicular rail up from the port to the middle of the island and the main town. Did not have time to discover the beaches and relaxed and had a lovely lunch . 

The Post Office was nearby . But I could not persuade them to postmark this card. You cant win them all. lol. 

Sorrento-Italy

 

Europe-Italy-Sorrento A beautiful town facing the Bay of Naples. Stayed on the lower part where the ferries come in. There is a nearby lift of a steep walk up to the main part of the hill top town where all the main attractions are. Enjoyed it all especially the walks around the town at night , bull of buzz. 

The Post office was closed when I was walked up that way. A large building. So put the card in the Post Box and that was that. No postmark. Have not figured out what is on the stamps. 

Pompeii - World Heritage Site

 Europe-Italy-Pompeii This is one of those World Heritage Sites, that so many have got to and now I am only getting there now. Though I nearly did not make it. Waiting on the bus from Amalfi bus station, the bus went and I did not see it. Why, I was sitting in the wrong location and the bus had no sign and it was very small , plain white bus. The next bus was 3 hours !! So since I was based in Amalfi I went around the town and got on the later bus. Got to Pompeii at about 4.45pm and you must enter by 5.30pm But had up to 7pm . So it worked out well with a lot less visitors. It was very impressive and bearing in mind I have been to lots of Roman sites. You could really get a feel for the layout of the streets and the look. 

The Post office was on the other side of this site and and near the normal entrance. There was no post box at the main entrance. So I posted this back in Amalfi in the Post box outside . 

Amalfi - Italy

 Europe-Italy-Amalfi This is the central attraction in Amalfi . The Arab-Norman Sant Andrea Cathedral. It is am impressive site both inside and out. It is right off the harbour when you get off the fast ferry. Loads os shops selling all things lemon. The hotel was at the top of the town and many many steps. Still it is Italy and worth every moment for memories alone. 

The `Post Office was easy to visit right on the harbour front. When I gave the card back I asked for it to be handstamped and the officer duly obliged. Always a bonus. I spelt Amalfi wrong on this card. I tend to mix letters about and sometimes numbers. I usually watch it but missed this one. Left it as a memory to me . LOL 

Positano hand painted Postcard

 Europe- Italy-Positano I loved this Postcard when i seen it . A mini painting . So I could not pass it by. By the way. Middle to late September is an ideal time to go weather wise. 

I was delighted to be offered this stamp at the post office. I am a bit of a film buff. Sergio Leone famous for the Westerns . Once upon a time in the West, Once upon a time in America, A fistful of Dollars to name but a a few. Both Once upon a time films are fantastic. 

Positano - Italy

 Europe-Italy-Positano This is a beautiful part of the Amalfi coast. Positano , lives up to its reputation . As a result the cost to stay here is sky high. So it was good for a day trip and to have lunch here. It is busy busy. 

It is not often that I put a postcard on here that is not postmarked. However with more and more counties not doing that it would mean that some of my travels would not be listed here. In the past as I strived to visit every country and territory if the postcard was not postmarked in the same destination I would not put it up here and not count it. But since I have at least one correctly franked , I am a bit more relaxed about it now. Italy and the UK for me has the highest level of not postmarking mail. So no surprise here. This card was dropped into a post box. 

Minori -Amalfi Coast

 Europe-Italy-Minori An ancient seaside resort on the Amalfi coast. This was my first stop on this trip to the famous Amalfi coast. This town was recommended as had excellent value with accommodation . Lovely start to the holiday and some nice restaurants to eat. This area is a World Heritage Site. 

Running around Post offices is never considered fun on my behalf. There is a process in buying stamps and they usually have no selection and most of the time the mail is not postmarked. So I had a good start with this small Post office in Minori. I got them to postmark the card while I was in the office. So success. 

San Remo - Italy

 

Europe-Italy-San Remo This pretty town is on the Italian Riviera . Took the train from Nice and had a lovely day. Bonus was visiting a fantastic restaurant with pure Italian food and a decor to match. 

Posted this card on a Sunday and bought the stamp from a tobacco shop. Always a good back up to get a stamp. This card never received a postmark which is getting more and more common in Europe . 

Italy and England

Europe-Italy-Tivoli This is the Villa Adriana in Tivoli. Not as impressive as the gardens , though the town is very nice. The Villa is a World Heritage Site. 

I ended up posting this card at the airport. So a Roma Fiumicino Postmark. 

Europe-England-London  A old fashioned London bus. I used to love these buses and being able to jump on and off when they were moving. However I see that a new version has it the roads . 

On the English stamp there are the three Lions of England. The UK stamp features Peter O Toole a Irish actor in the flim " Lawrence of Arabia " 

Rome - World Heritage Sites

Europe-Italy-Rome It is such a long time since I was in Rome it was great to visit earlier this year. It was very easy to get around and traffic was not as bad as I had expected. This is the Colosseum and a World Heritage Site.  

I was here over a weekend, so not much joy trying to find a good selection of stamps. 

Europe-Italy-Rome  The Villa D'este  , the Tivoli Estate and Gardens. A most beautiful Gardens and waterfall. A must see in Rome and a great way to spend a half day. Also a World Heritage Site. 

I bought this stamp in a local Tobacco shop that also sell stamps. 

Vatican City, Sovereign Order of Malta and Italy

Had a weekend in Rome . A city that one can visit 3 different Post offices. First up is Vatican Post. I had been to the main Post office near St. Peter's Square but this one is at the end of the Sistine  Chapel as one exits. I found out that Vatican Post has 4 Post offices. The Post offices themselves have a limited selection of stamps. You have to go to the Philatelic section on the other side of the square. On this trip I  did visit the Vatican Museum as well for the first time. Very impressive and well worth while buying the ticket in advance to miss the large line outside.

This is my second visit to The Sovereign Order of Malta. They had just opened a new visitors centre in April. This building has diplomatic status. Here I am in the visitors centre with lady who is in charge . Behind you see a photo of the Grand Master.

Upstairs on the second floor is the Philatelic and Post office. Unfortunately there is only a select countries in the world who have postal arrangements with the Order of Malta. Ireland is not one of them. So only limited countries I can mail Postcards to. Last time I sent to a friend in Italy and then the postcard was sent on to me. Here is the latest issue and a special Order of Malta postcard being stamped by the chief Postmaster.

And finally to Rome itself. What a great city though at times a little chaotic. So much to see so little time, I would say. Had a great time and here is the famous Colosseum . One could spend many months in Italy and still have lots more to see. 

Tuscany Italy

Europe-Italy-San Gimignano  I recall climbing to the top to one of these towers to get a view of the World Heritage town. Italy at its best as you walk along the streets and watch and take it all in . ;

A standard definitive stamp . 

Europe-Italy-Pienza  This paricular squre and the way town planning was done assisted in getting Pienza a World Heritage Award. No cars allowed around this area. 

I like the Art Deco stamp on the right.. 

Europe-Italy-Montecatini   This is were I stayed during this trip to Italy. I was here working . Did not feel like work though.. Very relaxing and pleasant 

Small Post office here where I purchased my stamps for this trip. 

Europe-Italy-Pisa The very famous Leaning tower of Pisa. When I was there , there was a rope holding one side. Not seen here on the postcard. A World heritage Site 

A Pisa Postmark 

Europe-Italy-Siena   Well this square looks like this except on thing.. Its full of people. Many just sitting around and relaxing. Full of atmosphere. The Tower in the middle is pretty amazing. Need I say another World Heritage Site. 

The Postmark is Florence .