Liechtenstein 09/01/05

Cover from Liechtenstein, posted in Vaduz on January 5, 2009.

It has attached two stamps of 1996 and 1997 depicting painted views from Eschen and Planken. The right stamp was issued on November 19, 2007; it is part of the set “Natural Phenomena” and is entitled “Lightning over Bendern”.

This nice cover was sent to me by Vural Oguz, thank you!

Japan 08/10/29

Nice airmail cover from Japan, posted in Tokyo on October 29, 2008.

The attached stamp commemorates the International Letter-Writing Week 2008.

Algeria 08/12

Registered cover from Algeria, posted in Setif on December 2008. This nice cover has attached the “bridges” mini-sheet, which was issued on November 26, 2008. The stamps depict the bridges in Sidi Rached, Sidi M’Cid, La Medersa, and El Kantara. Additionally, there is a 2004 stamp depicting a yellow rose.

Thank you, Ouari, for this nice cover!

Switzerland 08/12/16

Cover from Switzerland, posted in Geuensee on December 16, 2008.

This nice cover has attached one older stamp depicting a breakdown triangle and a pipe tong. It commemorates the  Touring Club Suisse (TCS) and the Automobil Club (ACS). The middle stamp is part of the Christmas set issued on November 21, 2008. The right surcharge stamp was issued in 1989 and commemorates  and supports the Pro Juventute foundation.

Russia 08/11/28

Alexander sent me this beautiful FDC from his hometown St. Petersburg on November 28, 2008.

The stamp set depicts four Russian bridges: The 6.00 ruble value shows the Zhivopisny Bridge (Живописный Мост) in Moscow, the 7.00 ruble value depicts the Volga bridge in Kimry, the 8.00 ruble stamp shows the Surgut Bridge across the Ob River, and the 9.00 ruble value depicts the Big Obukhovsky Bridge (Большо́й Обу́ховский мост) in St. Petersburg.

Thank you for this beautiful FDC!

Ecuador 08/12/08

Cover from Ecuador, posted in Guayaquil on December 8, 2008.

This nice cover has attached three stamps of 2008. The left one is of the set “Galápagos 2008″ (issued on March 18) and commemorates the wind energy on the Galápagos Islands. The right two stamps commemorate the 100th anniversary of the International Swimming Federation (FINA).

On the back side of the cover there is the stamp issued on April 8, 2008, commemorating “50 Years of Guayaquil Harbour Authority”.

Thank You, John, for this nice cover from your country!

Belgium 08/12/29

Cover from Belgium, posted in Ieper on December 29, 2008.

Thomas sent me this nice cover with a stamp of the 2008 minisheet (issued on November 29), which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Smurfs, and a stamp (“Youth Philately”, issued on November 19, 2006) of the unusual face value of € 0.46. The Smurfs stamp has no face value, what is the value of this stamp?

Thank you for this nice cover!

Spain 08/12/29

Cover from Spain, posted on December 29, 2008.

This nice cover was posted at the “Exposición Filatélica de Navidad” (Philatelic Exhibition of Christmas) in Pola de Siero. The left stamp depicts the painting “Adoración de los Reyes” (Adoration of the Kings) of Francisco Ribalta (1565-1628). The stamp frame shows the phrase “Merry Christmas” in the four languages Spanish, Basque, Catalan, and Galician. The right stamp depicts the three kings.

The stamps have face values of 0.28 and 0.53 euros and were issued on October 31, 2005.

José Luis, thank you for this nice cover!

Turkey 08/12/23

Cover from Turkey, posted in Pasaport/Izmir on December 23, 2008.

Ahmet sent me this nice cover with the 2008 Turkish EUROPA stamps, thank you!

Germany 08/12/03

Cover from Germany , posted in Merseburg on December 3, 2008. The stamp commemorates the Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940), who created the famous character Nils Holgersson (depicted on the stamp).