VIPER

Since it was built Viper has been one of the tallest and fastest looping roller coasters in the world. The roller coaster is located in the Baja Ridge area of Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. An enormous structure, made of red and white steel, this metal snake rises to 188 feet and slithers down the track at 70 miles per hour. It features a breathtaking 18-story drop, three vertical loops, a double barrel boomerang, a classic corkscrew, and speeds of 70 mph. Riders turn upside down seven times. 

VIPER - The most Frightening Roller Coaster on Earth

Coiling track, corkscrews and zig zags connect you to the incredible boomerang (or “batwing”) loop, and by this time you should probably be getting comfortable with flying through the sky, upside down, at top speeds, like a giant snake … or maybe not.

Length: 3,830 feet
Introduced: 1990
Manufacturer: Arrow Dynamics, Inc.
Capacity: 28 riders

Received from Diane - California resident

CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge is an extremely compact place. Cambridge University swamps the town. As one of the world's most famous and oldest universities, founded when students were driven out of Oxford by rioting in the early 13th century, its medieval colleges are simply superlative. 
The Backs (i.e. the backs of the colleges), where lawns reach down to the Cam River, is very picturesque and best experienced on a punt. At the front, the handsome facades of these same colleges dominate the layout of the town centre,  lining up along the main streets.

Many of the buildings are extraordinary beautiful, but the most famous is King's College, whose King's College Chapel is one of the great statements of late Gothic architecture. There are 31 university colleges in total, each an independent, self-governing body, proud of its achievements.
Nosing around the colleges' hidden courts and gardens, and searching out ancient libraries, refectories and chapels is the most pleasurable part of a visit.  

Read more:  
Cambridge City Council
University of Cambridge

Postcrossing Postcard: GB-376024

WELLINGTON

New Zealand's capital since 1865, Wellington is situated on the south-west tip of the North Island. Featuring a magnificent harbour and panoramic views from the surrounding hills, Wellington is a city of contrasts, offering a wide variety of commercial, cultural and recreational activities.

Background: Wellington from Northland. Top right: 'The Beehive'. Bottom from left: Cable car, City and Harbour, Carter Fountain.

In some ways it is similar to Naples, though it is only about one quarter the size. It is built on steep hillsides surrounding a large natural harbour and there is a cable car running up to the top of Mount Victoria. It is also close to a volcanic area. Wellington is a major port as well as a major financial and artistic centre, and has a vibrancy not found in any other New Zealand city.

Wellington at Dusk. This beautiful harbour retains New Zealand's seat of government, and is a major port facility for the lower North Island.

Known primarily as the home of New Zealand’s parliament and its public servant population, Wellington transformed itself during the 1980s and 1990s into a vibrant, culture-driven hot spot. Tucked around one of the world’s most picturesque harbours, the capital city is intimate, sophisticated, arty and packed with national treasures.

Aerial View showing Paremata, Mana, Plimmerton, Porirua Harbour and in the background, Kapiti Island, North Island, New Zealand.

Postcards received from Kelly - Wellington resident

COASTAL CAROLINA

 The North Carolina coast comprises 300 miles of barrier-island beaches, each with its own unique vibe and variety of things to do. And quaint coastal towns and endless activities guarantee there’s always something new to explore – a fresh perspective in a familiar setting that brings visitors back year after year. Carolina beaches are beautiful, with creamy-colored sand gentle slopes. Sand fences are used for the purpose of building sand dunes by trapping blowing sand, and also to protect existing dunes and their vegetation. They are placed so as not to entrap sea turtles. Hundreds of sea turtles come ashore to nest on North Carolina’s beaches each summer.

Coastal Carolina

Postcrossing Postcard US-4092303 received from Tanja

MONTREAL

The second largest French speaking city in the world. A jaunty city with a Latin soul, whose three million inhabitants celebrate their joie de vivre every day of the year. A multi-cultural metropolis graced with green and woody parks, colourful turreted houses and flamboyant murals and a climate controlled underground city of 29 kms of shops, cinemas, restaurants and theatres. A mosaic of international neighbourhoods, a 3,500-restaurant gourmet's dream, a nightowl's playground. An historic island in the mighty St. Lawrence. The gateway to outdoor adventure.

THE OLD PORT AND DOWNTOWN AT DAWN 

In summer, Montréal bares its Latin soul in cafe terraces, street happenings and marathon festivals of fireworks, theatre, and comedy. Montrealers are indefatigable night owls. It's one of the most relaxed comfortable, welcoming cities in the world. 

    Montréal: a scintillating city for all seasons and a gateway to adventure.    

Tourisme Montréal

Postcrossing Postcard CA-642758 received from Tristina

STELLENBOSCH

Stellenbosch is only 41 km from Cape Town and 18 km from False Bay coast. The second oldest town in South Africa was founded by Commander Simon van der Stel in 1679 and is situated on the banks of the Eerste River. It is also known as the "town of oaks" and many oak trees were planted by the first settlers. The town is renowned for its university, which was established in 1918. Many beautiful buildings have been restored to their original charm and the town has fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture.

STELLENBOSCH, well-known educational centre of Western Cape

Stellenbosch has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and cool, wet winters. A walk along its leafy lanes and avenues begins to tell of its proud heritage.
Lying in a fertile valley, it is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and mountains. Stellenbosch is synonymous with high quality table wines.

EDMONTON

Alberta's capital city has become widely known as  Canada's festival city. Every summer an array of colourful, exciting festivals fill the streets and parks. It is a vibrant urban centre in the heart of the wilderness, the largest northernmost metropolis.
West Edmonton Mall is the world's largest shopping complex with over 800 shops, eleven major department stores, 110 restaurants and 14 movie theatres. Of course, you can enjoy eating well anytime of the year in one of Edmonton's 400 restaurants specializing in over 25 different types of cuisine!

Edmonton skyline with Muttart Conservatory with Canada Place in the background

Edmonton offers many more attractions which are a "must see" while visiting. A laser light show and planetarium at the Space Science Centre. The historical exhibits at the Provincial Museum. And don't miss the Muttart Conservatory, futuristic glass pyramids which house flora and fauna of the world's four climatic regions! 

Edmonton has more green space per capita of any city in North America with biking, cycling and walking trails winding through its massive river valley.

EXPLORE EDMONTON

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Located in central California, Yosemite National Park was established in 1890. Almost 95 percent of the park’s 747,956 acres is classified as wilderness. The Valley is a 7 mile wide canyon with incredible rock formations, including El Capitan, the world's tallest granite monolith and one of the world's top rock climbing destinations. It attracts rockclimbers, who spend days on its sheer face to reach the top. Yosemite Falls is the largest waterfall in North America with breathtaking views. Peak visitation at the   is in the spring as it is comprised entirely of melting snow. The park is also known for its Giant Sequoia trees, which are estimated to be over 3,000 years old.

On the left Elt Captain, the world's largest monolith of exposed granite, rises over 3,600 feet above the valley floor. To the right Bridalveil fall drops over 600 feet into Yosemite Valley's Merced River

Soaring cliffs, rugged canyons, valleys, gigantic trees, and waterfalls all combine to lend Yosemite its incomparable beauty. Each season offers a different experience, from the swelling waterfalls of spring to the russet colors of fall.

OXFORD

Oxford is ninety kilometres from London and only sixty kilometres from Heathrow Airport. The River Thames runs through Oxford, and the River Cherwell joins it there. The land is low, but there are hills to the west. One of the most peaceful ways to enjoy Oxford is by walking along the riverbanks, watching the rowing eights at practice and occasionally glancing up at the "dreaming spires" on the skyline. 

Oxford spires from South Park

The city is an important centre for work, shopping and nighlife. But people from all over the world, come to Oxford to see the fine buildings, the museums, and the parks and gardens. Much of the city is old and very beautiful. Oxford is a very interesting city, and many visitors fall in love with it.

Radcliffe Camera

More than 110,000 people have their homes in Oxford. But in some months of the year there are a lot more people in the city; thousands of students come from other towns for parts of the year.

The Sheldonian Theatre (1664)

Designed by St Christopher Wren, where degree ceremonies are  held

The College of St Mary Magdalen 

The college was founded on St Swithun's Day in 1458 by William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor of England under King Henry VI. Today, Magdalen is one of the largest Colleges in Oxford both in student numbers and also ground area. From  the top of the building  there is singing  at dawn (six o'clock ) on May Morning each year.  A few students make the dangerous jump from Magdalen Bridge into the river below.

Magdalen College Tower from the Botanic Garden

PORT VILA

Located in the Pacific Ocean, Vanuatu is made up of more than 80 islands and islets. Pacific islands of extraordinary beauty and fascination. Fragrant blooms of the tropic abound. Fringed by tall palms, white sand beaches remain unspoilt and uncrowded. The tourquoise waters of lagoons sparkle under a warm sun. This is the home of a proud people who still honour and nurture culture rich in age-old traditions and ceremonies. 

Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu, projects the image of a very cosmopolitan town with its mixture of European, Vietnamese, Chinese and Melanesian cultures. Alongside the modern two or three-storey buildings, the large colonial houses are reminders of a none too distant past. Not to be missed, the big market on mornings. 

 

Another heritage of those times, the bustling Chinese district, where you can find everything you could imagine "made in Hongkong" at very reasonable prices. Most of the commercial life is in the main street (Kumul Highway), with duty-free shops, coffee shops, restaurants, fashion boutiques, travel agencies, but also the banks and many other establishments.