THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Though a separate county since 1974, the lozenge-shaped ISLE OF WIGHT still has difficulty shaking off its image as a mere adjunct of rural southern England - comfortably off, scrupulously tidy and desperately unadventurous. Yet the island, which measures less than 23 miles at its widest point, packs a surprising variety of landscapes and coastal scenery within its bounds. 

North of the chalk ridge that runs across its centre, the terrain is low-lying woodland and pasture, deeply cut by meandering rivers, while southwards lies open chalky downland fringed by high cliffs. Two Heritage Coast paths follow the best of the shoreline, and a splendid array of well-preserved Victoriana provides added interest. It is a popular opinion that among the best things on the Isle of Wight are the Downs. They command wonderful views, and the air, which comes straight from the sea, is most invigorating.

Postcrossing Postcard: NL-805107

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Come North, for the experience of a lifetime!

The Northwest Territories encompasses a third of the land mass of Canada, some 3,300,000 square kilometres. It stirs the soul and captures the imagination; vast, unspoiled, diverse, and unforgettable. The Northwest Territories is a land of geographic wonders and infinite naturalist opportunities. It is a remarkable area some 1.3 million square miles in size that can, happily, still boast of clean air and pristine waterways, wide open spaces and an abundance of extraordinary wildlife and unusual plant life. This massive region has come to be recognised as one of the last great refuges left on this planet.

Caribou number in the hundreds of thousands in the Northwest Territories and provide a mainstay in the diet of the local people.

Few memories can compare with your first view of a herd of caribou. A sense of unreality prevails as you realize their sheer numbers. The land itself seems to move, a tide of life flowing across the tundra. And they do flow, moving at a fast walk, occasionally breaking into a trot, grazing briefly here and there, then marching on.

CALIFORNIA

Greetings from California! 

Nickname: The Golden State. 
Area in Square Miles: 158,297. 
Population: 25,000,000. 
Entered the Union:  September 9th, 1850
Endless sunshine, amazing cities, best-in-class theme parks, incredible natural treasures. From beaches and deserts to 14,000-foot mountains, from ultimate cities to its broad heartland, the Golden State invites you to play all year long.

The land of movie stars and make believe, California occupies the imagination of the entire world. Dreams of swaying palm trees lining manicured Beverly Hills boulevards with enormous mansions, sunny beach boardwalks with fun fairs and rollerbladers, scenic highways skirting dramatic coastal drop-offs, and secluded paths meandering through groves of giant redwood trees are all part of the magic of this wildly popular state.

But far from the bustling streets of the big cities, the stunning landscape of California offers scenic photo opportunities ranging from the giant redwoods of Sequoia National Park, to the twisted branches of Joshua Tree. Travellers can ski or swim at Lake Tahoe, and cavort with dolphins on Catalina Island… leading many to wonder if there's anything you can't find in California!

Read more: visitcalifornia.com

MUIZENBERG

At the north-west end of False Bay, cradled between the sea and high mountains, this famous seaside resort boasts a magnificent 35-km stretch of beach and a relatively warm surf. This sea is shallow, and bathing safe. The beach is distinctive with its rows of Victorian bathing boxes. Popular amongst families and young surfers, the pavilion at the beach also offers great fun and entertainment.

Cape Peninsula. A scene of the pavilion at this popular holiday resort.

Places of interest include:

1. De Post Huys. The original garrison building, one of the oldest surviving structures from settlement days. Built as a lookout post and signal station in 1673.
2. Rhodes Cottage. The cottage in which Cecil Rhodes died in 1902, maintained as a memorial museum. Contains many of his possessions and photographs.
3. The Natale Labia Museum contains fine furniture and works of art. 

Received from Lynne, Cape Town

SOUTH DEVON

With its rolling meadows, narrow lanes and remote thatched cottages, Devon has long been idealized as a vision of preindustrial, "authentic" England. But while many of its cosy, gentrified villages are inhabited largely by retired folk and urban refuges, having little common with its county's strong agricultural, mercantile and maritime traditions, at least the stereotyped image has helped to preserve the countryside and coast in the undeveloped condition for which they are famous, and the county offers an abundance of genuine tranquility, from moorland villages to quiet coves on the spectacular coastline. The south coast's traditional resorts are at their liveliest along the English Riviera around Torbay. The coastline is at its prettiest around the Darmouth and Kingsbridge estuaries - both yachting meccas - while the best of the beaches are at Bigbury Bay.

Postcrossing postcard: GB-174366

ADELAIDE

 The South Australian capital of Adelaide is a most attractive city, and unusual in that it was carefully planned from its beginning in 1836. Surrounded by parkland, bisected by the River Torrens, and with an orderly grid of central city streets, Adelaide was the vision of surveyor Colonel William Light. The city's one million residents enjoy a Mediterranean-style climate and a relatively peaceful lifestyle. The inner city of Adelaide is best explored on foot; it is compact, well laid out and flat. The balmy climate and excellent local food and wine have given rise to an abundance of streetside restaurants and cafés.

 

 Adelaide O'bahn. This card shows 'O'Bahn' track that buses go on and off of to travel faster

 

The South Australian capital was founded by free settlers and Adelaide prides  itself on its convict-less history. Surrounded by the gentle Adelaide Hills and the gulf, this is perhaps the nation's most attractive capital. Adelaide has a multicultural population of of just over a million and the city has gained a reputation as an important centre for the arts.

Read more: City of Adelaide

 

 

Received from Rosemaree

 

SLEA HEAD

 The Dingle Peninsula, stretching westwards for 30 miles from the low-lying country near Tralee, is the most northerly of the hilly promontories of County Kerry. It offers some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery. Some parts of the peninsula – especially the more remote areas – are still Gaelic speaking, so many road signs are written only in Irish.

SLEA HEAD, DINGLE, CO. KERRY

 

At Slea Head the visitor reaches one of the cornerstones of the Dingle Peninsula. Off the shore are the group of seven islands and numerous rocks known as the Blaskets. The Great Blasket is the largest and the old village settlement was at the northeast end of the island. The inhabitants were moved to the mainland in 1953. Many of the islanders were adept at recounting folk-tales, and Blasket islanders have produced such well-known books as 'Twenty Years A-growing' (M. O'Sullivan) and 'The Islander' (T. Ó Crohan).

NEWFOUNDLAND

A World of Difference

Off in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, Newfoundland is both geographically and culturally a place between the Old and New Worlds. Here you'll find a fantastic natural environment. More than a dozen species of whales, millions of nesting seabirds and the wild ocean itself beckon. On land are scores of parks, the world's largest caribou herd and friendly, open people who speak a dialect that not's quite Devon, not quite Cork, but definitely familiar. 

Original art by Jim Lemieux

The province is fast becoming known for its winter activities, especially skiing. For campers there are scores of provincial parks and two national parks. This is also the land of fjords. There are trails galore and even sand beaches!

There's one constant in Newfoundland: friendly people who love to see a new face and have a good time. Come on over and discover North America's natural adventures destination - A World of Difference. 

For further information:  Welcome to Newfoundland and Labrador 

Postcrossing Postcard: CA-434611 

DRAKENSBERG

Natal's western border is a rugged chain of basalt peaks - the Drakensberg. It is the country's grandest mountain range. The slopes are alive with clear ountain streams, waterfalls, wild flowers, ferns and ancient yellowwood trees. In winter, the summits are capped with snow. The splendid panoramas of Drakensberg attract visitors throughout the year.

Giant's Castle, Drakensberge (Natal)

Giant's Castle Game Reserve. One of the major reserves in the southern Drakensberg dominated by a 3,000 m wall of basalt incorporating the peaks Giant's Castle (3,314 m) and Injasuti (3,459 m). The Bushman's and Little Tugela Rivers flow through the reserve. Vegetation encompasses grasslands, woodlands, scrub and forest. The reserve serves as a sanctuary for the eland, other antelope and a variety of birds. 
Giant's Castle has one of of southern Africa's richest stores of Bushman rock art and Main Caves boasts more than 500 paintings in a single, large shelter.

WASHINGTON D.C.

With its impressive monuments and museums, its stately government buildings and mansions, Washington D.C. is easily recognizable as the United State's capital city. The city is mainly based on government and everything from museums to mansions bring millions of tourists each year. Washington D.C. is the second most visited city in the United States (after New York) and is among the top travel destinations in the world. Most Walkable City in the U.S.

Points of interest in Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C. has dozens of world-class museums and galleries to visit, and many of them are free. The permanent collections of the Smithsonian Museums are second to none, and the temporary exhibits there and elsewhere around Washington bring in spectacular art and artifacts.Many of the architectural landmarks in Washington, D.C. commemorate important chapters in American history. Monuments and memorials like the breathtaking Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, the unprecedented Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the inspiring Marine Corps War Memorial.  

Official Visitors Guide: Washington DC

Postcrossing Postcard: US-1326343