Ephesus - Turkiye

 Asia-Turkiye-Ephesus  Was a couple of  hours bus ride from Marmaris. It was amazing here. I have been to lots of these type of sites and this one was impressive. Well worth the visit and a World Heritage Site. 

I think this is my first card here with no Postage Stamp !! There is a story behind this card. It was a Sunday and I had forgotten to buy extra stamps at the Post office in Marmaris. After the visit to Ephesus we had a one hour stop on Selcuk to look around and a coffee break . I also took the opportunity to visit the Post office which being a Sunday was closed. I had stuck 200 Turkish Lira to the back of the card and had intended to put this in the postbox. However, I had noted even though I was right beside the Post office there was no Post box and not even a slit in the door to put this card into the office. So as I was having coffee beside the PO , I asked the owned if he would mail the card when the office opened on Monday. No problem . I had forgotten to explain that it must have a actual stamp on the card and not a meter mark. Still it is something to remember and recall . 

Rhodes - Dodecaese Islands.

 Europe-Dodecanese Islands-Rhodes-Rhodes Town  On a short one day visit here from Marmaris Turkiye. Spend the day walking around the old town . Very enjoyable to visit. 

With only being a short time here had not got the time to visit the Post Office. But I did with a bit of a struggle find a shop selling stamps. There is a very faint postmark here on the stamp. 

Marmaris Turkiye

 Asia-Turkiye-Marmaris This was the furthest South I had visited on the Turkish coast. I was just a simple holiday . The beach is not great, but the hotel was nice with a good pool and excellent food. 

The one Post office was just in the old town. But once there it was nice to look around . No post boxes were anywhere to be seen. No choice of stamps at the Post office , but a good clear postmark. 

Gozo - Malta

 Europe-Malta-Gozo-Victoria This is the Citadel virtually in the centre of Gozo. It is situated next to the main town which is known as Rabat or Victoria. It like most historical buildings is very well maintained in Malta. Great views of Gozo from all sides. Gozo was bigger than I had anticipated . Just spend the day here but worth a bit more time .

More Bus stamps and part of the full set . I would have loved to have seen the postmark for Gozo , but as usual on this occasion no mark. The Post office was on the main street just down from the Citatel. 

Valletta - Malta

 Europe-Malta-Valletta This is a postcard showing Auberge Del Castille . it is right in the centre of Valletta. On the left hand side the building includes a Post Office. The main building incudes the offices of the Prime Minister. It is a few years since I have been in Malta. Valletta is very beautiful and I was impressed with the upkeep on the buildings and the look of the city . 

I really like those old buses. I was delighted to see a small number of them in Malta. They are now used on a limited basis for tourists . But they are sort of unique. As now more and more par for the course no postmark on these stamps. 

Aarhus - Denmark

 Europe-Denmark-Aarhus . The second largest city in Denmark. First time here. Especially known for modern buildings and architectural landmarks that were built centuries ago. This is a card by Martin Schwartz . 

I was in Aarhus for a few days work. I could not find any postcards and this card I purchased as the main art gallery in the city. I did manage to find the main post office which was in a Supermarket. A few stamps to choose from. However , it was only after when I realised the price of the stamp. 36KR = €4.84. Certainly the most expensive postage to send a postcard within Europe . 

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 . 

Monte Carlo - Monaco

 Europe-Monaco-Monte Carlo Spend a lovely sunny day in Monaco. A superb lunch and a first visit to the famous Casino. €17 to get in but you get a credit of €10 to gamble. Needless to say that did not last long. The palace was closed to visitors due to covid. 

Monaco is one of those countries that stamps have a high presence if I can say it that way. In the centre of town is a large Philatelic Museum. In fact that is were I visited to buy these stamps. Not only could you buy new stamps but also older stamps like from a stamp shop. Especially love the old style of the formula 1 car stamp. You cant miss the stands and set up when you visit here. 

Nice France

 Europe-France-Nice Spend a pleasant few days here. My second time and seen a lot more this time to see. The old town is very attractive and the prices for eating out are cheaper then Dublin ! 

No selection of stamps at the Post office. But had not realised that the main Post office was beside the train station. Second time recently to have a stamp with a bar code . The first one was Germany on my recent trip. 

Santa Cruz de la Palma

 Atlantic Ocean-Canary Islands-La Palma-Santa Cruz de la Palma . A bit of a long name, but the main town on the island of La Palma. I would have to say beautiful . Full of charm and well persevered. A very small town and easy to walk around. Loved it. 

The Post office was at the harbour. No selection of stamps. Had these from an earlier purchase. Loved the postmark showing a ship. 

La Palma Volcano

Atlantic Ocean-Canary Islands-La Palma This postcard showing a volcano , which is what La Palma is now famous for. It erupted in September 2021 and finished in December 2021. 

The main Post Office on La Palma is down by the Port. Hence the postmark which is showing a ferry. It was handstamped on the spot. The office itself had no standard stamps only stickers. I had purchased these stamps in advance from a Post office in Gran Canaria. 

Tejeda - Gran Canaria

 

Atlantic Ocean-Canary Islands-Gran Canaria-Tededa This is in the area of the middle of the island. Very green . The weather was like 4 seasons up here all in one day. A good day out. 

Got this stamps from the main Post office in Maspalmomas on the coast. Was not surprised to see it had not been cancelled. More often the case now. Showing the currency previous to the Euro , The Peseta. 

Map of Canary Islands

 Atlantic Ocean-Canary Islands- Gran Canaria This is a map showing the islands in the group. The postcard itself has volcanic sand as the basis for each island. Different. First time back in 3 years. A great time to get away to nice warm weather. 

Loved this stamp showing a high speed train. Though not a reality in Canary Islands. Posted this in a post box and as so often no postmark. This postmark is the one received in Dublin Ireland coming in. 

Munich- Germany

 Europe-Germany-Munich  This is my second visit and have to say love the vibe of this place. Lots to see and the train service is excellent. 

I posted this in a normal post box.  A clear postmark and also with a bar code. It is just so difficult to find special stamps . 

Bamberg - World Heritage Site

Europe-Germany-Bamberg Certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Germany I have every visited. In the old town around every corner it is a sure delight. The buildings are fantastic and so much heritage and feel of an ancient town. Spend one day here , but could have spend a weekend.

 

The previous day I had managed to find the Philatelic office which is not right in the centre of Munich. So at last a choice of stamps. Again a handstamp here . 

Regensburg - World Heritage Site

 Europe-Germany-Regensburg My first stop on a visit that was originally for work , but got changed so free time to explore Romantic Germany , Regensburg is a lovely old town and a World Heritage Site. 

No selection  of stamps. But found out I could get a handstamp cancellation. I think first stamp I have used with a bar code. 

Moorea - French Polynesia

 

Pacific Ocean-French Polynesia-Moorea This is my second visit to Moorea. This was a short visit with 2 days/1 night. Took the ferry over from Tahiti . Its a beautiful island with some great beaches and warm crystal blue waters to swim in. 

I was on the west coast of the island , not next to a Post Office. So there was a yellow Post Box in use where the restaurants and shops were. Used a stamp from a miniature sheet. 

Rairua, Austral Islands

 Pacific Ocean-Austral Islands-Raivavae-Rairua This is a local purchased Postcard . The Post office itself had not cards. This was from one of the few shops on the islands. I always notice how close the clouds are nearer to you when you are in the tropics . 

This postmark has a clear mark showing the village of Rairua where the only Post office is on the island of Raivavae. 

Tubuai - Austral Islands

Pacific Ocean-Austral Islands-Tubuai-Mataura  This is the main island in the group for administration. Unlike Raivavae there is a couple of restaurants here. Again some lovely scenery and is very quite tourist wise. 

The Post office here was much busier then the other island. I had very little time to spend in the Post office as my flight time changed to an earlier time and I only had about 10 minutes time. 

Raivavae - Austal Islands

 

Pacific Ocean -Austral Islands -Raivavae At long last . I had this trip booked in March 2020 , but with covid it got cancelled at the last minute. These islands are sub tropical as they are on the Tropic of Capricon. Raivavae was my first stop en route from Paris , French Polynesia Tahiti and then a few hours flight down here. Not many visitors as only local accommodation . Was here for 3 days and enjoyed it very much. PS unfortunately this postcard is not showing the island of Raivavae 

Always love the clear postmarks of the French Territories. A small but very nice Post office awaited me. A good selection of stamps. No postcards for sale. 

Paris France

 Europe-France-Paris What is not to like about Paris. It is special in so many ways. Delighted to be back and spending a couple of days prior to my departure to French Polynesia 

The Post office near the Bourse is excellent. It is not big, but has a philatelic display and easy to select what stamps you want. Loved this miniature sheet featuring windows of Notre Dame. 

Ios - Greece

 Europe-Greece-Ios This is the beach I spend the afternoon on. It was very nice , but the water was a little too cold for me. 

Posted at the local Post office. 

Chora - Ios Greece

 Europe-Greece-Ios-Chora This is the main town on the island of Ios. It was a 45 mins ferry ride from Santorini . It feels like a completely different world there. Simple and rustic like. 

Found the Post Office in the centre of town. 

Santorini- Oia

 Europe-Greece-Santorini-Oia I have to say this is the most beautiful town on Santorini. It has pure amazing sights and the colours against the sun are spectacular. Did not stay here , but visited twice. Loved it. 

Loved the message on these stamps showing diversity and the way they are drawn. Unfortunately these did not get postmarked. I put these in a post box instead of at the post office. 

Fira Santorini

 Europe-Greece-Santorini-Fira My first holiday outside Ireland in nearly 2 years. It was great to get away. Since there was now direct flights from Dublin, took the opportunity to visit Santorini. A destination with a lot to live up to. I have to say for certain it exceeded my expectation. This area Fira is where I stayed. Loads of nice places to eat and great views day or night. 

This card was posted in the main post office in Fira. They were very helpful and had a good selection of stamps including new issues. Very clear postmark.