British Indian Ocean Territory 2005

Indian Ocean-British Indian Ocean Territory  This is a map to show you the islands in this group. On this trip the first island to visit was Danger Island. Also visited was Eagle,Three Brothers, Salomon and Peros Banhos. On Peros and Salomon both islands had the buildings and graves of the people who once lived there. The people were removed in 1976. This is a very sad story and if interested I suggest you Google it . I visited here from 17 April to 5 May 2005. Nearly 10 years ago. 

British Indian Ocean Territory if currently off limits to visitors ( excluding yachts who make their own way usually from Cocos (Keeling) and Christmas Islands in the Indian Ocean. I was lucky to be part of a Scientific mission to see who the Islands were after the Tsunami of December 2004. 

Flag of British Indian Ocean Territory also known as BIOT.

This is how the some of the low lying atolls look like as we arrive by boat. The water was nice and warm and usually very calm. Though this area has some of the highest rainfall in the world. 

To get to each island we had to leave our "mother ship" and get on a Zodiac . Usually we could not get right to edge of the land due to coral .So as seen in the second photo we had to swim the last part in , usually holding waterproof bags with our cameras. Sure was fun !!! 

There was 16 on the trip in total. Here some of us on the ship. The " Indian Ocean Explorer" . The captain was great as was the fresh food prepared every day. Unfortunately the ship was captured by Somali pirates in the area of the Seychelles around 2008 and was burned. The Captain did survive but has not gone back to sea since as far as I know. 

The first photo from the top shows the old plantation Managers house. This is on Peros Banhos . On one of these Islands we found horses which was pretty amazing. On Peros Banhos the old Church and the cross at the harbour still stands tall. Finally some messages written in blood by the last people to leave or taken from the island. Today they still fight for justice to return to these Islands. I hope one day to visit if they are returned to the people of the Chagos Islands. BIOT is a made up name . 

While visiting these Islands I was lucky to be able to dive and see how pristine these waters are. This was not by camera but were manly taken by the scientist on the trip. I will never forget the vibrant colours and life around the sea bed. I understand that some of the underwater photos were subsequently used for the design of postage stamps issued by BIOT. 

I wont forget this in a hurry. Sea cucumbers a major delicacy in Japan. As we were on a official trip approved by the British Government we were due to meet the Marine immigration officials from BIOT. However on the day prior to meeting them , on a remote Island , I found these sea cucumbers laying out to dry. As such I with others then discovered fisherman living on this remote island catching these . They when exported are quite expensive. However, as we then had to report the fisherman for being on the islands, the marine officials had to change course to get here and take the fishermen back to Diego Garcia to be removed from the Islands. So no passport stamp for any of us on this trip!!

Here I am at the entry point to Peros Banhos. Right at the harbour not far from the church. 

Some photos relaxing on the islands. On one of the days I was "in Charge "  so a mark of respect I was given a foot mat and a was allowed to listed to the BBC world service . 

One of my favourite pastimes was to watch the Hermit crabs come and go. Amazing and when you went near them they would stop walking and bury themselves in the sand. They are all carrying sea shells that help to protect them. 

On my way home the Captain had found out it was my birthday . So I woke up to see this notice on the message board , just before Breakfast. A very memorable day . Unfortunatly there is only a Post office in Diego Garcia so I had to send my postcards there for processing as you can see on this blog. However a trip that I was very fortunate to take part in and one I will never forget. Since then I have become a friend of the Chagos and also on Facebook to help these people go back to there home. Hopefully it will happen sooner rather then later...... 

Cologne Germany

Europe-Germany-Cologne I visit this city every January for work. So it never looks like this postcard. However it still has a lot to offer. I especially like the green bridge that you see here on the picture. 

I had taken the trouble to find out what Post Office in the city had special stamps. The one I choose in fact had only this issue available as well as the regular Flowers issue. 

Galway- Ireland and Blog update

Europe-Ireland-Galway  Galway city, without doubt the cultural capital of the West of Ireland. Galway boasts some of the finest shops, pubs and restaurants to be found. One of my favourite cities in Ireland. I spend a nice weekend here in November. 

The card shows a commemorative stamp featuring Thomas Davis. Unusually this stamp was available from the main Post Office in Galway . Normally special stamps are mostly only available from the Philatelic counter in the Dublin GPO. Also this is my last postcard in my current sets. So a bit sad putting this up , but also delighted I could share all these cards with you all.
Apart from a possible card from Germany , my next set of cards will be from the trip due to start February 16. That is all sorted now and looking forward to that. Lots of postcards due from that trip.
On the trip- Perth, Australia, Christmas Island , Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Sabah, Sarawak, Johor, Kelantan,Terengganu, Perak, Pahang, Penang,Perlis and Kedah. I have been to Malaysia many times but never posted cards in these states.

In the meantime this blog will start to go back to some of the countries I have been to share some more stories , photos and in many cases photos of Post Offices.  

County Down - Northern Ireland , Donegal -Ireland

Europe-Northern Ireland-Mount Stewart  This is a potential World Heritage Site. Mount Stewart House and Gardens is a very beautiful location to visit. Got a tour of the house where many of the Royal Family have stayed in the past.  

A regular Northern Ireland Definitive issue. 

Europe-Ireland-Donegal The most Northerly of the provinces of Ireland. A really beautiful county and I dont go here very often as it is up the top of the Island. Great beaches, if only we got the weather to appreciate them . 

This fashion stamp was from a booklet . 

Tourist sights in Ireland

Europe-Ireland-The Burren  A world renowned area for plants and rocks. Some plants are only grown in this area , so it is very unique. It is a lovely area to visit in County Clare in the West of Ireland. 

These cards were posted in 2009. Featuring a Europa stamp from that year. 

Europe-Ireland-Killarney One of my favourite places in Ireland to visit. I have been here many times and have fond memories from my time when I was a child . Killarney is a big tourist spot and is on the edge of the Ring of Kerry , a famous tourist trail. The Gardens and the old big house are a wonderful day to spend an summer's afternoon. 

A standard laser print . 

Rock of Cashel and Aran Islands

Europe-Ireland-Rock of Cashel  Dating from 1100 this was the original seat of the Kings of Muster . ( This area) . It is most famous for the Round Tower . Also on site is the remains of the Cathedral  and chapel. 

The other part of the round stamp issue. 

Europe-Ireland-Aran Islands These are very famous Islands on the west coast of Ireland. I had previously visited the most remote Island in the world ( Bouvet) and inhabited ( Tristan de Cunha) . I was quite embarrassed when asked about what was the Aran Islands like to visit. So I made sure I did. I have to say it is a wonderful place. Reminds me of old Ireland if I can put it that way. I was quite surprised to find many non Irish working here and they were speaking Irish language.  Here is Dun Aengus a fort on the coast of the Island. 

The Postmaster agreed to cancel this postcard for me prior to going into the outgoing mail bag. It ended up getting another laser printed cancel . 

Tentative World Heritage Sites , Ireland

Europe-Ireland-Clonmacnoise  This is one of Ireland's most important monastic sites and is situated on the banks of the river Shannon. Founded in 545A and is famous for its Round Towers. 

Posted nearby with a double cancellation. 

Europe-Ireland-Ceide Fields Beneath the wild boglands of North Mayo lies the Céide Fields, the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs. The stone walled fields, extending over thousands of acres are almost 6,000 years old, the oldest known in the world. They are covered by a natural blanket bog with its own unique vegetation and wildlife. The Visitor Centre has won several awards, including the Gold Medal for architecture. 

Possibly the first circular stamp that Ireland issued. 

Northern Ireland

Europe-Northern Ireland-Londonderry  Londonderry has two names. In Republic of Ireland more likely to be called just Derry. It is a famous city and especially known for its 17th century walls around the old city. 

A little unusual to get a handstamp on a postcard. So very pleased with that. 

Europe-Northern Ireland-Tyrone  A very typical picture of the countryside . It is the largest county in Northern Ireland has not access to the sea. But it is known for its mountains and gentle hills. 

This card was posted in Omagh , the main county town in Tyrone. 

Two Capital Cities Tehran and Baghdad

Middle East-Iran-Tehran This is the Azadi Tower. A landmark in Tehran. During my other two visits, I had never managed to stop and see it properly. I had passed it to and from the old international Airport in Tehran. This time I was determined that I would stop and see it . During my trip to Tehran, I also visited the previous Shah Palaces, the Gold Museum and the old American Embassy. This is possible with prior arrangement . 

Not many people knew where the central Post office was. It had changed since my last visit. In fact when I got there in the end, I have to say it was very boring. No special counters to visit and no selection of stamps. I wished I had visited the old Post office as this is  now a stamp museum and also has a Philatelic counter. As you can see this large stamp which was part of a Miniature sheet takes up a lot of the back of the postcard. 

Middle East-Iraq-Baghdad  I have to say that a few years ago, if someone had told me I would visit Baghdad I would have told them they were mad. However over the years I have got very determined to visit Iraq and if possible with safety Baghdad. I in fact spend 10 days in Iraq. I was surprised how religious it was , even more so then Iran. So seen a lot in that time and on a few occasions met the locals and talked to them about how life was in Iraq. Had the services of the Iraqi Tourism board, who usually only deal with religious tourism. Still interesting to see a country in the way it is and not the way you wished it was , if you know what I mean. This postcard is from the 1970s . It was not possible to find interesting Postcards from now. Still a piece of nostalgia. 

This card was sent from the Main Post office in Baghdad during a blackout. So it was difficult writing the card. I had prewritten other cards that I had requests for and sent those. But as I could not stay in the Post office too long I had to leave due to security reasons. Interesting the Post office is opposite the Iraqi National Museum.  During my stay in Iraq I sent cards from two other Post offices. However none of them arrived at their final destination. I was disappointed but not surprised. Getting access to Post Offices was far from easy . The tourist officers did not want me to go as it was not a priority for them. It was not possible to walk anywhere without security . On one of the Post offices I was not let in and left the Post cards with the Police. I guess one postcard is better then none ! 

Esfahan and Kashan - Iran

Middle East-Iran-Esfahan This is the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. It is in the main square in Esfahan. My favourite area in Esfahan. 

Again this card was posted at the very helpful philatelic counter at the main Post Office in Esfahan. So no need for the alphabet stamps that I have used on most cards. 

Middle East-Iran-Kashan  This is the Tabalai residence. A beautiful building with detailed  designs on face of the buildings. It is one of those places you have to visit to appreciate the work. 

This card was posted in Tehran rather then Kashan. 

Persepolis and Esfahan

Middle East-Iran-Persepolis This is the staircase of the Tripylon Palace in Persepolis. The whole place is fantastic . It was just incredible to see the detail on this staircase. A great World Heritage Site. 

I was delighted and surprised to find a Post Office on this sight. I guess it is a big tourist attraction. As usual in most of Iran the PO official would only allow me to use the alphabet Definitive stamps on the card. The other stamps I had purchased elsewhere , " Are for collectors only". So I had to put more postage then needed and I put this attractive miniature sheet on the card as well. 

Middle East-Iran-Esfahan  I think my favourite city in Iran. Really enjoyed it here. This is Khaju Bridge . Unfortunately the water is dried up now, so  no water to be seen . A great shame . 

This Post office had a Philatelic office. It looks like one of those offices that have staff, but nothing happens. So it was with great joy that they found me at the counter. Initially at the Post office counter , they would only sell me meter marks and not stamps. It took a few minutes for me to explain I wanted "real Stamps ".  However it really got sorted when I found this Philatelic office. They were so pleased and how impressed I was with the display that they offered me all  the stamps I wanted Free !!! However, this is Iranian friendly custom and is not to be taken literally. So I paid for my stamps and here you can see some of the new stamps I purchased. 

Pasargadae and Shiraz - Iran

Middle East-Iran-Pasargadae This is the Tomb of Cyrus the Great. It is not spectacular , but a interesting area to walk around and get a feel for the city that was once here. A World  Heritage Site. 

This card was posted in Shiraz as there is no Post office in this area. 

Middle East-Iran-Shiraz   One of my favourite cities and indeed places to visit in Iran. This is  the Eram Garden. Previous a home of the last Shah of Iran. Beautiful to walk around and enjoy. 

Featuring a large stamp showing a stamp collector. 

Yazd and Shiraz, Iran

Middle East-Iran-Yazd This is the Dolat Abad Garden. It was great to walk around. It is also a wonderful Persian Garden which is a World Heritage Site. 

More Alphabet stamps. 

Middle East-Iran-Shiraz A very nice city. This is the Shrine of the Shah e Cheragh . Beautiful colours at night on the individual tiles. 

This postcard has a unusual postmark. It says "Export ".  I guess that means airmail? The stamp on the left remained unmarked.