This is a sculpture of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. The sculpture shows the symbol for the Euro - the official currency of 21 of the 27 member states of the European Union.  Euro notes include: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200. Euro coins include: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c,  € 1, €2 Euro notes are different colours and sizes. For example, a €5 note is 120 mm x 62 mm and grey is the main colour. The €200 note is 153 mm x 77 mm and yellow-brown in the main colours. The notes also represent different times periods in Europe. The €5 note represents classical architecture from the 8th century BCE to 4th century CE. The €500 note represent art nouveau architecture from the 19th century.  All circulating coins have a common side showing the denomination value and a map in the background. The other side is the national side showing an image specifically chosen by the country that issued the coin. Euro coins from any m...

This card is part of a series on animals in ancient America. This particular piece, titled Bottle with Fox Figure,  is estimated to have been created between 300 and 600 CE in the northern highlands of Peru . The object is an example of Pre-Columbian art , which refers to the visual arts of Indigenous peoples across the Caribbean, North, Central, and South America before European contact in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Looking at this postcard, it’s fascinating to think about how much of this artistic tradition has been lost over time. Woven textiles, for example, were widely produced but rarely survived because of their perishable nature. What remains—ceramics, metalwork in gold, monumental sculpture, and paintings on walls, pottery, and rock—offers only a glimpse into much larger and richer cultures. Even so, pieces like this small fox-shaped vessel manage to carry a surprising amount of personality across centuries.

Thank you to the sender for painting a bowling ball and pins—wrong bowling, but I appreciate the effort. The sender comes from Neutraubling , a relatively new city founded in 1951. It was established to house displaced ethnic Germans, many of whom had been expelled from the Sudetenland (then part of Czechoslovakia ) or from former eastern territories of Germany that are now part of Poland . Before the city was built, the area had a very different purpose. During the Second World War, it was the site of an airbase and aircraft factory used for the production of Messerschmitt planes. It’s interesting to think how a place shaped by war and displacement has since become a modern town—something you wouldn’t immediately guess just from looking at a simple postcard.

The sender from North Platte sends a state information card. Date of Statehood - 1 March 1867 State Bird - Western Meadowlark State Flower - Goldenrod Nebraska is one of the largest corn producers in the US. Corn production measures more that two times that of any other crop in the country. Nearly 1/3 of the nation's corn crop is exported.

Jyväskylä is home to the Air Force Academy of the Finnish Air Force , making it an important centre for military training in Finland. The Finnish Air Force is organized into three operational Air Wings, along with the Academy. The Lapland Air Wing , based at Rovaniemi Air Base , is responsible for guarding and defending Finland’s northern airspace, as well as supporting land forces. It also trains conscripts for aerial surveillance and support roles. Its main operational unit is Fighter Squadron 11. The Karelia Air Wing , located at Rissala Air Base , is responsible for protecting eastern and southern Finnish airspace. The wing operates F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft as part of Fighter Squadron 31. The Satakunta Air Wing , based at Pirkkala Air Base , focuses on maintaining operational readiness in southern Finland. It also plays a key role in developing air combat procedures and equipment. Looking at this postcard, it’s interesting to think of Jyväskylä not just as a university c...

Riddes was first mentioned in document in 1001 as Ride. It has a population of almost 2200 people. 

The Year of the Tiger is the third of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. The last Year of the Tiger was from 1 February 2022 to 21 January 23. The next will be 19 February 2034 to 7 February 2035.  Tigers best match with Horses, Dogs, and Pigs. They should avoid Monkeys and Snakes. 

The sender is from Gulf, a small unincorporated community of 122 (2020) people. It is located near the Deep River.  The card is of Grandfather Mountain, located at the Grandfather Mountain State Park near Linville. It is the highest peak on the eastern escarpment o the Blue Ridge Mountains, at 1812 meters. 

This card shows a painting of the famous Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt, one of Germany’s most well-known Christmas markets. Held annually during Advent in the Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg , the market transforms the heart of Nuremberg into a festive scene filled with lights, stalls, and seasonal traditions. Around two million visitors come each year, making it one of the largest Christmas markets in the country. The origins of the market date back to at least 1639, based on official records. It was traditionally opened on December 4, the Feast of Saint Barbara, but since 1973 it has begun on the Friday before the First Sunday of Advent. The only time the market was not held was between 1939 and 1948, during and immediately after the Second World War. Looking at this postcard, it’s easy to imagine the glow of lights, the scent of seasonal treats, and the sound of crowds gathering in the square—centuries of tradition captured in a single winter scene.

This card celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Finnish Postcrossing Friends Association. According to the card: there are almost 900 members; it was the first registered Postcrossing association in the world was founded in Tampere in 2015; there were 80 postcards issued by the association; there are two honourary members - Paulo Magalhaes and Ana Campos; and the first chairman was Marko Kulmala.

The sender of this card hails from Carrollton, a suburb of Dallas. It has been named in Relocated America and Money magazine's best places to live. The card is from Zion National Park (also see Post 3731) and the Zion Angel. I will copy out what the card says about the Zion Angel: As the story goes, a couple and their two children were hiking in Zion National Park in 1972. Young Becky wandered too close to the trail's edge and suddenly fell off a steep ledge. She dropped for 30 feet (about 9 metres) before a tree branch caught hold of her overalls. Becky hung by the branch, suspended high in the air. Her parents and older brother could not reach her. Becky's brother began singing a hymn, beginning with the words, "Come to Zion, come to Zion; Zion's walls shall sing with praise." Shortly after he began singing, an angelic woman appeared next to Becky, lifted her from the tree branch, and then soared the 30 feet back up to Becky's family, placing her safely ...

The sender mentions that Lahti is especially famous for its winter sports culture. One of the city’s most important annual events is the Lahti Ski Games . First held in 1923, the Ski Games take place over three days and bring together athletes competing in cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined. It’s a major highlight of the winter season in Finland and draws both international competitors and visitors. The fireworks during the event are one of the most memorable parts of the celebration, lighting up the winter sky above the city. Visitors who come to Lahti for the games can also experience the city beyond the sporting events, from its lively nightlife to its local Finnish cuisine. In winter, the whole city feels shaped by the season—cold, bright, and full of activity.

This is the information about the photo on this card: Zhaitang Reservoir is on the River Qingshui in Mentougou, completed in September 1974, and the area it covers is 345 square kilometers, and its total capacity is 100 million cubic meters. The scenery here is beautiful. Green mountains, birds singing, and flowers are blooming and giving off their fragrance. Autumn is special when all the mountains are covered in red, which contrasts with the emerald green lakes to give a spectacular view. 

Judith of Poland (c. 1130–c. 1171) was a member of the House of Piast . She married Otto of Brandenburg in the mid-12th century, likely around 1148. The marriage was arranged through negotiations involving Albert the Bear , Otto’s father and a key figure in the expansion of Brandenburg during this period. Judith and Otto had two sons, including Otto II, Margrave of Brandenburg and Henry, who later held regional lands in what is now eastern Germany. Judith is associated with burial at Brandenburg Cathedral , though details from this period are not always fully consistent in surviving records. Looking at this postcard, it feels like a quiet echo of a much larger medieval world—one shaped by dynastic marriages, shifting borders, and families whose influence stretched across regions that a re now modern-day Poland and Germany.

Kirov, Russia was known as Vyatka for much of its history. In 1934, the city was renamed in honour of Sergey Kirov (1886–1934), a prominent Communist Party figure. Kirov was assassinated on 1 December 1934 by Leonid Nikolaev . His death had far-reaching consequences: Joseph Stalin used the event as a pretext to launch widespread political repression, which became known as the Great Purge . There have been occasional efforts to restore the city’s original name, Vyatka, but none have gained lasting momentum. In 2024, Kirov celebrated its 650th anniversary, marking the occasion with a series of events and local initiatives.

The sender writes that this card is one of a series devoted to children’s drawings, which gives it a playful and personal feel. She is from Nizhny Novgorod , an old city in central Russia , located at the confluence of the Oka River and the Volga River . The city was founded in 1221 by George II of Vladimir . The name “Novgorod” translates to “new town,” which makes me smile a bit—especially since my previous post was from a place called Newtown in the United States. Despite the similar meaning, the two places are worlds apart. In 1932, the Soviets renamed the city Gorky in honour of Maxim Gorky (1868–1936), a writer and journalist known for his support of socialist ideas. The original name, Nizhny Novgorod, was restored in 1990. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to foreigners because of its military research and industrial importance. Even within the Soviet Union, access to detailed maps and information about the city was limited, add ing to its sense of secrecy.

I'm not sure where the postcard went. No photo! Newtown is a town of 27 000 and dates back to 1705. During the American War of Independence it was a Tory (pro-English) stronghold. Of course, Newtown is infamous for the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. The shooter, who I will not name, killed his mother and then went to Sandy Hook Elementary School where he killed 20 - grade one students and six adult staff members. He then killed himself when police arrived at the school.  The gun culture is such a baffling part of American culture. In Canada gun ownership is a privilege, like having a driver's license. I have no issues with gun ownership. They are tools for farmers, usually used responsibly by hunters and those in a gun club. However, no one needs automatic or semi-automatic weapons. It should be a difficult process to buy and own a gun. 

This is a beautiful winter view of the Katun ( Катунь)   River , its icy waters cutting through a snow-covered landscape. The river flows through the Altai Republic and Altai Krai in southern Russia . It eventually joins the Biya River to form the mighty Ob River , one of the great rivers of Siberia. The Katun stretches for about 688 kilometres, and its drainage basin covers nearly 61,000 square kilometres. Its source lies high in the Altai Mountains at the Katun Glacier . Looking at this postcard, it’s easy to imagine how remote and quiet this region must feel in winter, with the river winding through vast stretches of snow and mountain scenery.

The sender is from Bellevue, Washington , located just across Lake Washington from Seattle . This postcard comes from a recent trip she took with her husband to Jordan , Turkey , and Ireland —a journey that spans quite a range of landscapes and cultures. I’ve actually written about Cappadocia before in Post 4013. Bellevue is the fifth-largest city in Washington , with a population of nearly 152,000 people. It has grown into a major technology hub and is home to the headquarters of T-Mobile US . Many other global tech companies—including eBay , Meta Platforms , ByteDance , Oracle , Salesforce , Google , and Microsoft —also have major offices there. The city is also closely tied to the video game industry. Companies such as Valve Corporation , Bungie , Sucker Punch Productions , and The Pokémon Company International are based in or around Bellevue. Looking at this postcard, it’s interesting to connect a place known for cutting-edge technology with a journey that spans ancient landsca...

The sender used this card as her Christmas card a few years ago, which makes it feel a bit more personal—like a small glimpse into her hometown. She’s from Portland, Tennessee , a small city in north-central Tennessee with a population of around 13 000people. It’s part of the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area, so while it has a small-town feel, it’s closely connected to a much larger city. Portland’s early settlers were drawn to the area for the production of dark tobacco. The climate and soil conditions made it especially well suited for growing this crop, and tobacco farming played an important role in the town’s early economy. Today, Portland is growing quickly, helped by the expansion of nearby Nashville . Many residents commute there for work, making Portland part of the wider rhythm of the Nashville area while still mai ntaining its quieter character.

Lychen, a small town in north-east Germany , is known for an unexpected claim to fame—the invention of the flat-headed thumbtack. According to local history, Johann Kirsten developed the flat-headed thumbtack to make it easier to secure drawings and papers. However, the story isn’t entirely settled. Some sources instead credit Heinrich Sachs , who is said to have invented a similar design in 1888. The town still embraces this part of its history, and flat-headed thumbtacks continue to be produced by small local factories today.

Westminster Abbey, formerly known as the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is one of London’s most iconic landmarks—and one that somehow feels even more impressive when you see it on a postcard. The site has been a place of worship for over a thousand years. Around 959, Benedictine monks established an abbey here, and its first large church was built in the 1040s under Edward the Confessor , who was later buried inside. The building we recognize today began taking shape in 1245, when Henry III ordered a grand new church. As I look at the image on the card, it’s hard not to imagine how many moments of history these walls have witnessed. The monastery itself was dissolved in 1540 under Henry VIII , and later re-established as a royal peculiar—answering directly to the monarch—by Elizabeth I . Inside, the Abbey is as much a resting place as it is a church. Sixteen monarchs are buried here, including Elizabeth I and her rival Mary, Queen of Scots . George II was the la...

This card shows scenes from the Cotswold District , a region in south-west England known for its rolling hills and honey-coloured stone villages. The sender is from Avening , a small village of about 1,100 people tucked into this historic landscape. They mention their local church, the Church of the Holy Cross, Avening , which dates back nearly 1,000 years. Built in the late 11th century, it is a Grade I listed building, marking it as one of exceptional historic interest. The church is traditionally said to have been commissioned by Matilda of Flanders , the wife of William the Conqueror, linking it to the period just after the Norman Conquest of England. Like many ancient buildings, the church grew over time. The tower, part of the chancel, the north aisle, and the north doorway were added in the 12th century. The transepts followed in the late 13th century, and the top storey of the tower was added in the 14th century, creating a structure that reflects centuries of change and crafts...

Cards depicting athletes are always among my favourites. This one is an advertising card for Nike shoes, the Air Flipper II. The athlete is Shane Warne , an Australian cricket leg-spin bowler. Shane Warne (1969–2022) played for Australia internationally from 1992 to 2007. He is considered by many to be one of the greatest bowlers in the history of cricket. He made 145 Test appearances and took 708 wickets, a world record at the time of his retirement. He was also part of the Australian team that won the 1999 Cricket World Cup. He was known for off-field controversies, including a ban from cricket after testing positive for a prohibited substance, as well as a colourful personal life, and associations with gambling figures. Warne died of a heart attack in 2022 while on holiday in Thailand.

The sender had travelled to Orlando to visit Universal Studios Resort. The card is from one of the theme areas of the resort, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In this area of the resort visitors can visit Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley (which this card depicts), and the Ministry of Magic and Place  Cachée.  There are eight rides at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, along with 12 different shows, seven dining spots, and a variety of shopping venues. 

The card is entitled The Legend of the Sea Horse  and says: Even among the many strange creatures of the ocean, the Sea Horse is one of nature's more unusual fish. It had a head shaped like a tiny horse, a body covered in rigid bony plates, and snake-like tail that is used to grasp seaweed and coral. The Sea Horse might also be mistaken for a small dragon from a child's fairy tale. Sea Horses are commonly seen on coral reefs in the warm coastal waters of Florida, where they eat plankton and the eggs of other fish. They range in size from 6 to 12 inches, swim upright with the aid of a single dorsal fin and come in a wife variety of colours.  The female Sea Horse places her eggs in the male's kangaroo-like chest pouch, where they are fertilized and are born after a gestation period of 4-6 weeks. These wondrous tiny creatures live for about four years. 

The EC Kassel Huskies play in DEL2, the second level of ice hockey in Germany. They were founded in 1977 and have competed in the top five levels of hockey during that time. They have won the 2.Bundesliga in 2007-08, the DEL2 in 2015-16, and the Hessenliga in 2010-11. Their current roster includes five Canadians: Tyler Gron from Spruce Grove, Alberta Jace Hennig from Port Moody, British Columbia Jens Meiller from Marquette, Manitoba Sébastien Sylvestre from Boucherville, Quebec Corey Trivino from Toronto, Ontario. The general manager is also Canadian, Joe Gibbs .

This card comes from Beverly , which is located in northeastern Massachusetts. It was first settled in 1626 by English colonists, though the Naumkeag had lived in the area for centuries prior. This card features The Goonies , the 1985 film directed by Richard Donner and written by Chris Columbus , based on a story by Steven Spielberg . When I first received the card, I thought the movie was based on a book; however, the image shown is actually a made-up book cover created for the design. The Goonies starred Sean Astin , Josh Brolin , Jeff Cohen , Corey Feldman , Kerri Green , Martha Plimpton , and Ke Huy Quan . It follows a group of kids who live in the “Goon Docks” neighborhood of Astoria and call themselves the Goonies. When they discover a treasure map, they set out to find the treasure in hopes of saving their homes from foreclosure due to the expansion of a golf course. I remember this movie from when I was growing up, and I think I may have seen it in a movie theatre. It beca...

Yilan City is a city of almost 100 000 people located in north-east Taiwan. I want to share what the sender wrote on the card: Right now, my town is experiencing record breaking rain from Typhoon Phoenix - more than 1000 mm in 24 hours! Some areas were flooded, but the good news is that the drainage system worked wonderfully, and the water quickly went down once the rain ended. 

If your postcard happens to come from Macungie , you can frame it as more than just a dot on the map. Macungie is a small borough in eastern Pennsylvania, part of the Lehigh Valley region, and despite its modest size, it has a surprisingly strong connection to manufacturing and music. It’s the kind of town where local industry quietly shapes global influence—something you might not expect at first glance. One of its most notable claims to fame is that it serves as the headquarters of the Allen Organ Company , a world leader in the design and production of church and theatre organs. Founded in 1937 by Jerome Markowitz, the company started with a mission to make organ music more accessible through technology. Over time, it became a pioneer in electronic and digital sound. In fact, in 1971, Allen introduced what is widely considered the world’s first commercially available digital musical instrument—an innovation that helped shape how modern electronic music is produced and experienced. ...

During the Joseon dynasty , the Five Grand Palaces were built in Seoul , serving as the royal residences of Korea’s kings. Changdeokgung (창덕궁) is among the best-preserved of all Korean palaces and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was established in 1405. During the Imjin War , all the palaces in Seoul, including Changdeokgung, were destroyed. It was rebuilt afterward and served as the main royal palace for several centuries. Changgyeonggung (창경궁) was built in the mid-15th century by King Sejong for his father, King Taejong . Like the other palaces, it was destroyed during the Imjin War and later rebuilt. In the early 20th century, during the Japanese colonial period in Korea , much of the palace was dismantled to make way for a modern park intended to showcase Japanese authority. The site was later used for a zoo, botanical garden, and museum. The zoo and botanical garden were relocated to Seoul Grand Park in 1983, and the palace has since been restored and is now ...

The sender is from Münster , but the postcard is from Bad Essen , where she spent time relaxing at a spa. In German, the prefix “Bad” indicates a spa town or health resort—places known for their therapeutic waters and wellness traditions. Bad Essen is particularly known for its natural salt springs, which have attracted visitors seeking rest and healing for generations. Like many German spa towns, it combines health treatments with a beautiful, scenic atmosphere that encourages relaxation. Bad Essen is a small municipality with a population of around 16 250 people. Despite its modest size, it has a long-standing reputation as a wellness destination, blending traditional spa culture with the charm of a historic town .

Bigfork, Montana is a small town of about 4,300 people located just south of Kalispell, Montana , near the northeastern shore of Flathead Lake. Despite its size, Bigfork attracts visitors year-round thanks to its mix of outdoor recreation and vibrant arts scene. Tourists can enjoy golfing, boating, hiking, browsing local art galleries, and attending live theatre performances—especially at the well-known Bigfork Summer Playhouse . In the autumn, the town hosts the Bigfork Independent Film Festival (BIFF), which celebrates independent cinema with a focus on Montana-made films and filmmakers, recognizing and awarding local talent. The postcard itself comes from Jackson Hole, Wyoming . This scenic valley lies between the Gros Ventre Range and the Teton Range . The name “Hole” comes from early trappers, who used it to describe a valley surrounded by mountains. Rich in wildlife, the area was an ideal habitat for beavers and other fur-bearing animals, attracting fur trappers in the early ...

Valencia was the host city for the thirty-second edition of the America’s Cup, one of the most prestigious events in sailing. The America’s Cup is the oldest international sporting competition still in existence, dating back to the mid-19th century. The event consists of match races between two sailing yachts: one representing the yacht club that currently holds the trophy (the “defender”) and the other representing the challenging yacht club (the “challenger”). The winner is awarded the famous trophy known as the “Auld Mug.” The first race for the Cup took place on August 22, 1851, around the Isle of Wight. It featured the schooner America , representing the New York Yacht Club, competing against a fleet of 15 yachts from Britain’s Royal Yacht Squadron. The race was witnessed by Queen Victoria and the future King Edward VII, and America emerged victorious—giving the trophy its name. The New York Yacht Club went on to dominate the competition, winning the Auld Mug 25 times and holding...

I was super excited to get a card from Fiji. It is one of the rare countries in Postcrossing with only 16 members.  Suva is the capital city of Fuji and is home to 100 000 people. It is an important commercial and port city. It is also the cultural and entertainment capital of Oceania as it hosts many regional, national, and local events. Suva has a very developed and advanced entertainment and event infrastructure and host a busy colander of events every year.  This card shows The Lovers  by Marc Chagall (1887-1985). It is an oil painting on canvas created in 1913-14. It is part of the permenent collection at The Metropolitan Musuem of Art in New York City. 

Thiis is an art card for a showcase at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center in August-September 2024. This is the information found on the back: R. G. Miller Tsi Non:we Entewaha'hara'ne (Our Path Forward) Tsi NonEntewaha'hara'ne showcases the art of R. G. Miller, a Mohawk artist and survivor of the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School. The exhibit features large oil paintings and mixed-media artworks create by Miller from 2003-2008, vividly portraying his harrowing experiences and the ongoing impact of his trauma. This powerful display repudiates the genocidal practices of settler-colonialism and affirms Indigenous sovereignty through art. The exhibit is an important contribution to the national truth and reconciliation process in Canada, a process that has not yet begun in the U.S. This exhibition may be emotionally intense for some viewers, support will be available on-site during events. Presented along with the film R. G. Miller: Truth in Painting (An Afterno...

The sender writes that this postcard comes from her favourite tea spot in Tyumen (Тюмень). The city lies along the Tura River and has a population of roughly 850 000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the Ural region of Russia . Tyumen was founded in 1586 and is considered the first Russian settlement in Siberia, established to support the country’s eastward expansion. Over the centuries, it has grown into an important industrial and economic centre east of the Ural Mountains. Today, Tyumen serves as a key transportation hub and plays a significant role in Russia’s energy sector, with many oil and gas companies operating in the region. Its development is closely tied to the vast natural resources of western Siberia. It’s nice to imagine this postcard being written in a quiet tea shop along the river—one small, personal moment set against the backdrop of a city with such a long and important history.