Catherine Palace

This card, sent by nikita, from Russia, shows the beautiful Catherine Palace, located in the town of Tsarksoye Selo, close to St. Petersburg.

It was initially built in 1717, by orders of Catherine I of Russia and was projected by Johann-Friedrich Braunstein, as a summer palace. In 1752, Empress Elizabeth had it demolished and replaced with a much grander edifice. It was finished in 1756, by architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.

Gold was used in the façade and there were rumors that the palace's roof was made of gold.

It was once again renovated by Catherine the Great.

On the retreat after the siege of Leningrad, the German forces had the palace intentionally destroyed. It's reconstruction was completed in 2003, but there is still work going on.

It looks so wonderful. I would love to visit it one day.

Sweet Sunset

Such a beautiful sunset sent by angor54, from Finland. I like the whole feeling of it. It makes me happy...

Rotterdam Rail Road Bridge

This card, sent by maick, shows a bridge called Dehef which means "The lift". According to maick, the middle part can go up and down to let ships pass. It's not in use anymore.

I loved the look of this card: the traditional looking houses against the metalic structure of the bridge.

The Netherlands are a dream tourist destiny for me, so hopefully I'll get to see it live soon. Let's just all hope so :)

Pretty Girls in Saigon

This beautiful card sent to me by chauchyd, from Vietnam, shows two girls in the Imperial City. They are wearing traditional vietnamese dresses and they look simply beautiful. This one has become quickly one of my favorite cards. After all, tradition and beauty is a powerful combination. Just love it.
By the way, this was oficially sent through postcrossing. Lucky me :)

Chicago Harbor lighthouse

I love this card. The classic beauty of the lighthouse, set against the city’s skyline makes a wonderful picture.

It shows the Chicago Harbor lighthouse, located in Michigan Lake, USA. It was sent by truptipostcards.

The lighthouse is fully automated and it was built in 1893 and moved to its present location in 1919. It was designated a Chicago landmark in 2003.
It has an unusual design for a lighthouse, looking almost like a house in the middle of the lake.
Unfortunately (or fortunately), because it’s still fully operational, it is no allowed for tourists to visit.

Source: wikipedia and google.

New postcards - new life.

It's been quite a while since I posted here, but now I am back, ever so softly, retorning to postcard collecting. My absence was due to the load of work, health issues and personal matters. It's been a crazy couple of months, I must add.

Anyway, to start it off, I thought this postcard would be perfect. A great adiction to my "nouvelles images" collection. It was sent by ylse, from Belgium.
Such a cute picture!...