CHINA - CaoChangHeng Hutongs, Beijing

"Hutongs  are a type of narrow streets or alleys, commonly associated with northern Chinese cities, most prominently Beijing. In Beijing, hutongs are alleys formed by lines of siheyuan, traditional courtyard residences. Many neighbourhoods were formed by joining one siheyuan to another to form a hutong, and then joining one hutong to another. The word hutong is also used to refer to such neighbourhoods. Since the mid-20th century, the number of Beijing hutongs has dropped dramatically as they are demolished to make way for new roads and buildings. More recently, some hutongs have been designated as protected areas in an attempt to preserve this aspect of Chinese cultural history."

FINLAND - Lapi Lapland

Thanks to Stig for the card and enclosed used stamps!

"Lapland is Finland’s northernmost region, a sparsely populated area bordering Sweden, Norway, Russia and the Baltic Sea. It’s known for its vast subarctic wilderness, ski resorts and natural phenomena including the midnight sun and the Northern Lights. Capital Rovaniemi is the gateway to the region. The homeland of the indigenous Sami people, which extends into neighboring countries, centers on the far north."

GERMANY - Snowy Landscape

 Thanks to Daniela for the card.

RUSSIA - The Church of the Resurrection of Christ

The Church of the Resurrection of Christ ("Our Saviour on the Split Blood). 1883 - 1907. A Parland. Railing.

"The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is one of the main sights of St. Petersburg, Russia. It is also variously called the Church on Spilt Blood (Russian: Церковь на Крови, Tserkov’ na Krovi) and the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ , its official name."

AUSTRALIA - Locals children enjoying Australia pristine beaches

 Locals children enjoying Australia pristine beaches.

Thank you for the nice Christmas Island stamp.

THAILAND - Hong Island, Krabi

"Belonging to the National Marine Park, the four superb islands of the Koh Hong group can be reached within twenty minutes from Ao Nang by speedboat, or 45 mins by longtail. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Phang Nga Bay, with its countless rocky outcrops, the islands are rightly considered to be among the most beautiful in Krabi province.

The main island, Koh Hong is uninhabited, except for the birds, white-faced gibbons and giant monitor lizards that can be often spotted on the main white sand beach (at quiet times, at least). Its interior is home to a large lagoon (the “chamber” to which its Thai name “Hong” refers). This is best accessed at low tide by kayak, as the diminishing water level makes its colour change drastically from a deep emerald green to a clear turquoise; motor boats (either longtail or speedboats) will go around mid-tide. The entrance to the lagoon is through a dramatic cliff passage that should be photographed on your way out."

TAIWAN - American Weekly

Thanks to Iris for the card.