Vatican City

Europe-Vatican City This is the very famous Michelangelo painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. A World Heritage Site. 

The Vatican City always  have a very clear postmark. 

Europe-Vatican City I have an sort of attachment to this painting . When I got my bathroom repainted I got a painter to recreate this and so here is the Postcard to remind me. Also in the Sistine Chapel. 

On my couple of times to the Post office in Vatican city it has been quite busy especially sending parcels overseas. I guess it is cheaper than the Italian Post . 

Vatican City and Sovereign Order of Malta

Europe-Vatican City Here is a beautiful postcard of Pope Francis. My trip to the Vatican this time was longer then previous. I really enjoyed the Vatican Museum and the Gardens. Larger then I had expected. Vatican City is a World Heritage Site. 

On the day I visited I could get to a Post office ok but not the Philatelic section. There was a large event due on in St.Peter's the next day and so it proved to difficult to try to explain to all the Guards that I wanted to buy stamps when in fact they pointed me to a nearer Vatican Post Office. Did not realise there was a number of Post offices, I think 3 ! 

Europe-Sovereign Order of Malta Another visit here to the building in Rome. This time there was a new museum  just opened, so took the opportunity to view and learn about the Order. Very interesting. 

Unfortunately Ireland does not have an arrangement with the Post office here in Ireland,  so I cannot post back home. Last time I sent to a friend in Italy who then had it sent on under cover. So was happy this time just to get the postcard cancelled with the 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. 

Europe

Europe-Italy-Rome   A great photo including The Pantheon .  I have been to Rome a few times but still feel I have much to see. I will just have to go back..

I do like this stamp with the old and the new soldiers. 

Europe-Italy-Rome  The Colosseum. Took a great tour inside. Massive  in size . Just to think as I sat there all the history of the place. No sign of Russell Crowe anywhere!! A World Heritage Site. 

Yes this is a stamp! Made of Silk. The stamp value is on the top right of €2.58. I was not sure if the post office would even postmark this as I put it in a letter box. Very nice to feel and a rare usage I would think. 

Europe-Vatican City  Not often you can get a whole Country on a postcard! You need lots of patience visiting Vatican City as you wont be alone. I certainly was not. When in Rome......

The Vatican Post office is a busy place. I am told the mail out of here is quicker then by sending out of the Italian Post office. Vatican stamps are always religious. Here is the previous Pope,Benedict . 

Europe-Sovereign Order of Malta   The Roman steps and the Trevi  Fountain. Very near here is the Sovereign Order of Malta. Not really a country but they do have permanent status at the United Nations. 

Well I suppose if you are going to be at the U.N. you better have your own stamps. So here is one. You can buy at the headquarters of the S.O.M in Rome. I wonder can you get your passport stamped? Unfortunately not all countries recognise these stamps, including Ireland. So I had to mail to a friend in Italy and then get it sent on to me. I did try and put some postcards in the postbox with Italian and SOM stamps but that did not work.  

Europe-Italy-Gioia del Colle   A very old town from 7c BC. In the province of Bari. Was here for work. But  did enjoy walking around the town in the evening. One of the joys of the small towns in Italy. 

When you think of Italy you have to think of Food. In this area of Italy the food is marvellous and cheap.  I guess it is one of the poorest regions of Italy but you still get the great food. The Stamp shows a glass of wine and some food,says it all. 

Europe-Italy-Altamura  The Romanesque Cathedral from which began in 1232. This region is famous for its quality of bread which is sold all over Italy. In this part of Italy also a centre for leather sofas . Some of this industry has moved to China. Another small town to walk around and people watch.  In the restaurants in the evening the whole family would come into eat and they would also watch the TV at the same time.! 

Showing a definitive stamp from Italy.