BOURTON

The Venice of the Cotswolds 

Bourton-on-the-Water is a village in Gloucestershire, England that lies on a wide flat vale within the Cotswolds Area. This popular village is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ because of the attractive little bridges that cross the gently flowing River Windrush, which runs through the centre of the village. Bourton is renowned for its pretty waterside views and quaint limestone buildings. Packed with visitor attraction, including a 1937 scale model of the village. It is best visited either very early or very late in the day. It has a charm all of its own at any time of the year. Regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. 

Flowing through the main street and passing under low stone bridges, the River Windrush enhances the beauty of this Cotswold village

Bourton-on -the-Water has a unique appeal to visitors and residents alike. Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, this one village offers a wealth of attractions and shops, restaurants and tea rooms, or simply the space for you to enjoy some tranquil time by the River Windrush, spanned by its five arched bridges.

The Bourton-on-the-Water Visitor Information 

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria and one of the southern hemisphere’s largest business, cultural, sporting and recreational cities. Today Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia and it is built on a coastal plain at the top of the giant horseshoe shaped Port Phillip Bay. Located on the southern coast of Australia’s eastern seaboard, Melbourne is perhaps Australia’s most cultured and politically conservative city. Melbourne features include Victorian-era architecture, bounteous cultural institutions museums, art galleries, theatres and spaciously landscaped parks and gardens. Melbourne’s best attractions and landmarks including beautiful gardens, impressive buildings, sporting arenas, markets and famous laneways. Melbourne was the capital city of Australia for 26 years between 1901 and 1927.

BEAUTY SPOTS OF SUSSEX

Sussex  is a historic county in South East England. It is bounded to the west by Hampshire, north by Surrey, northeast by Kent, south by the English Channel. The emblem of Sussex consists of six gold martlets, on a blue field, blazoned as azure.  

Situated in Sussex on the south coast of England between Brighton and Eastbourne, Rottingdean is a few minutes from Brighton and 90 minutes from London by road. There is plenty to do and see in Rottingdean with its beach and seafront, picturesque village green, gardens and pond as well as the famous windmill. The village has a rich and fascinating story. Rottingdean offers a blend of traditional village life, contrasting coastline and rolling countryside – a rich and diverse experience.

The village of Alfriston bustles with visitors: it has medieval medieval-framed inns, flint cottages, tea and antique shops. A trip to Alfriston makes for a relaxing break to explore the historic heritage of the village as well as the surrounding countryside. Nearby, carved into the chalk of the Downs, is the Long Man of Wilmington, a 227-foot figure, probably of Anglo-Saxon origin.

Rye today is much-visited, classic medieval town with a stone gateway. Timber-framed and tile-hung houses stand along cobbled streets, of which Mermaid Street is the prettiest. From a picturesque cobbled street, step back in time into one of England’s oldest & loveliest inns. The Mermaid's quiet, unassuming facade looks down on famous cobbled Mermaid Street and although the sign outside the olde worlde black and white timbered hotel says ''rebuilt in 1420'' the cellars are some 300 years older, dating back to 1156.

Eastbourne is a world-famous tourist destination with five miles of unspoilt beaches, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene and is gateway to the beautiful South Downs National Park. Located on the South East coast of the UK Eastbourne has won awards such as “Best UK Resort” and “Most Welcoming Town in Britain”. There are plenty of attractions and fun things to do from theme parks and zoos to exploring the area's history, discover 1066 castles, museums and art galleries.

LEEDS

Situated in the middle of the United Kingdom, with a diverse population of 751,500, Leeds is the third largest and one of the fastest growing, greenest cities in the UK. Metropolitan district’s current population actually makes it the second biggest in England after Birmingham. The city center holds a flamboyant variety of Victorian architecture, in ornate shopping malls and proud  public buildings such as the Corn Exchange and Town Hall. The City Art Gallery excels in its Victorian and 20th-century British art (notably sculpture by Henry Moore). while Armley Mills Museum and Thwaite Mills recall the city's industrial heritage.

Roundhay Park * Civic Hall * Merrion Centre * Boar Lane

The city’s coat of arms has three stars taken from the coat of arms of Sir Thomas Danby, its first mayor; fleece to symbolise the wool industry and three owls taken from the coat of arms of Sir John Saville, who was the first Alderman of Leeds. Leeds’ motto of ‘Pro rege et lege’ is latin and means ‘For king and the law’.

YELLOWSTONE

One of the marvels of the world, and the country’s oldest national park, this wild wonderland spreads across the three states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho (96 percent is located within Wyoming). Yellowstone National Park's 2 million acres are home to an incomparable combination of natural beauty, rugged wilderness, majestic peaks and abundant wildlife, as well as the world’s largest concentration of geysers and thermal features. Alongside the spectacular shows of geothermal activity, it has dense forests, towering peaks, deep river canyons, and enough outdoor recreation to last a lifetime.

Upper Falls of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, which drops 109 feet, is reached by a short path from the road. The view from the brink is thrilling, and one's effort in getting there well worthwhile. The falls are most impressive in the spring when the Yellowstone River is higher from all of the snow melt in late May and early June. This is a very impressive waterfall.

AGAWA CANYON

"TRESTLE AND DAM ON THE MONTREAL RIVER"

The Algoma District spreading north out of Sault Ste. Marie (pronounced soo-saint-marie), Ontario, is 16,000 square miles of vacationland. One of the more exciting trips awaiting the visitor is Agawa Canyon tour out of "The Soo" on the Algoma Central Railway. The Canyon lies in the heart of the wilderness and is accessible only by rail. En route, the train passes over the trestle, which straddles  the rushing Montreal River and an Ontario Hydro damsite.

The Algoma Central Railway is the only way in to this scenic wilderness area, with its waterfalls, mountains, ravines and forests. Special excursion trains make a day trip. There's a two-hour stop within the canyon for exploring, hill-climbing, rock-hounding, picnicking, fishing or just admiring the scenery. It's a trek that will appeal to walkers, hikers, backpackers and anyone who appreciates nature's beauty.



Algoma Country

MAINE

The largest state in New England, Maine is truly the Great Outdoors. Its most popular attractions are found along the spectacular coastline, beginning in the southeast with its largest and liveliest city, Portland, and the resort towns of the Kennebunks. Farther north, yachts and windjammers ply the waters of Penobscot Bay, while Acadia National Park stands as Maine’s coastal jewel. World-class skiing, hiking, and mountain-biking opportunities are found inland, at Bethel and Sugarloaf.

Maine Facts

Maine - "Pine Tree State"

CAPITAL - Augusta

AREA - 33,125 sq.miles

POPULATION -  "2015" 1,329,358

MOTTO - "Dirigo" I Direct"

FLOWER - Pine Cone

ANIMAL - Moose

CAT - Maine Coon

BIRD - Chickadee

TREE - Eastern White Pine

INSECT - Honeybee

23 rd. State admitted to the Union

Received from postcrosser Dick

CAERNARFON

 Royal fortress-palace built on legends and bitter medieval conflict. Caernarvon is architecturally one of the most impressive of all of the castles in Wales. It was modeled on fortress at Constantinople. Standing at the mouth of the Seiont river, the fortress (with its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and colour banded masonry) dominates the walled town also founded by Edward I. Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. The castle also houses the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Wales's oldest regiment. Welsh naturalist Thomas Pennant (1726–98) called Caernarfon Castle “that most magnificent badge of our subjection.”

Caernarfon Castle, North Wales
Eagle Tower

Received from Polish blogger and postcrosser Joanna

KILLARNEY

Located in the County of Kerry, Killarney is at the heart of the very beautiful and spectacular Southwest of Ireland. Also known as ‘The Town in the Park’, Killarney town is surrounded by 26,000 acres of National Parkland, including three stunning lakes. Killarney, one of Ireland's jewels and busiest tourist towns has many beautiful sites including Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and the Killarney National Park and is often referred to as the gateway to the Ring of Kerry.

Ross Castle is situated on the edge of Lough Leane one the lower lakes of Killarney National Park, 1.5 miles south of Killarney within the Kenmare Estate. It is a square tower house with bartizans, or overhanging turrets, on two of the tower's corners and two (of the original four) round towers. The castle is surrounded by parts of a square bawn or defensive wall. The most important room of the castle is the Great Hall situated on the top floor with large windows, fireplace, kitchen and minstrels' gallery. Ross Castle Killarney was probably built in the late 15thcentury.

Postcrossing postcard received from Brian

VICTORIA

Victoria is the provincial capital of British Columbia - Canada's most westerly province. It is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. In the city centre, the narrow streets are lined with handsome 19th century stone buildings, and great baskets overflowing with flowers grace and lampposts. It will charm you with its colonial heritage, beautiful world famous gardens, and its inner city harbour which is the focal point of the city. The Parliament buildings themselves overlook the harbour which is  a bustle of activity year-round. Every year the city of Victoria is adorned with millions of flowers, enhancing its reputation as Canada's "City of Gardens".

PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS, VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
 

Construction of the current Parliament Buildings started in 1893 and they were officially opened on February 10, 1898. The style of the Parliament Buildings has been described as ‘free classical’ and ‘Romanesque.’ The roof is capped by 33 copper domes of different sizes. On top of the central dome, stands a gold plated, two-metre tall statue of Captain George Vancouver. Each night, the buildings are illuminated by more than 3500 energy-efficient light bulbs.

To visit the Parliament Buildings, go to Parliamentary Tour Office

Postcrossing postcard received from Katie