Germany - Porta Westfalica

From: Julia - Postcrossing - Just because :) 

Where: Porta Westfalica, Germany 

Built: Not sure

Subject:  The name “Porta Westfalica” is Latin and means “gate to Westphalia”. Coming from the north, the gorge is the entry to the region of Westphalia. Despite the Latin name the term was not coined in Roman times, but by scholars of the 19th century.  The town Porta Westfalica was established in 1973 by merging fifteen villages surrounding the gorge. The centre of the modern town is the former village of Hausberge, which was first mentioned in 1096.

The monument is for Kaiser Wilhelm I also known as Wilhelm the Great (22 March 1797–9 March 1888) of the House of Hohenzollern was the King of Prussia (2 January 1861–9 March 1888) and the first German Emperor (18 January 1871–9 March 1888).

Stamps:  On the right, is of the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin. 

The strawberry stamp is another one that Julia sent me to "scratch-n-stiff". Smells great! :)

I love the colors of the postcard too! :)  Thanks Julia!

France - Paris - Eiffel Tower

From: Robert - Interpals - Just because :)

Where: Paris, France, Eiffel Tower 

Built: 1887 – 1889

Subject: The Eiffel Tower  (French: Tour Eiffel, [tuʀ ɛfɛl]) is a 19th century iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris that has become both a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The Eiffel Tower, which is the tallest building in Paris, is the single most visited paid monument in the world; millions of people ascend it every year. Named after its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch for the 1889 World's Fair. The tower stands at 324 m (1,063 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-story building. It was the tallest structure in the world from its completion until 1930, when it was eclipsed by the Chrysler Building in New York City.

The tower has three levels for visitors. Tickets can be purchased to ascend either on stairs or lifts to the first and second levels. The walk to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the walk from the first to the second level. The third and highest level is accessible only by lift. Both the first and second levels feature restaurants.

Stamp: 2010 Vancouver Olymipcs

Malaysia - Labuan

From: Charlie Dale - Postcrossing - Aerial view tag

Where: Labuan, Malaysia  

Subject: Labuan is strategically located within international shipping and air routes and lies only 1,000 kilometers to Singapore, one of the busiest seaports in the world. 

Stamp: White-rumped Shama. They are native to South and Southeast Asia, but have been introduced to Kaua'i, Hawai'i, in early 1931 from Malaysia (by Alexander Isenberger), and to O'ahu in 1940 (by the Hui Manu Society). Their popularity as a cage bird has led to many escaped birds establishing themselves. In Asia, their habitat is dense undergrowth especially in bamboo forests. In Hawaii, they are common in valley forests or on the ridges of the southern Ko'olaus, and tend to nest in undergrowth or low trees of lowland broadleaf forests.

Netherlands - Heino Church

From: Lucie - Postcrossing - UL-294550

Where: Dalfsen, Netherlands

Built: 1867

Subject: This church is called "Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk". 

Stamp: The stamp is of a sport played in Brazil called Capoeira. It combines elements of martial arts, music, and dance. It was created in Brazil by slaves brought from Africa, especially from present day Angola, sometime after the sixteenth century.

Ukraine - Cave City - Çufut Qale

From: Marianna from Ukraine  - UA-20888

Where: Cave City (Çufut Qale)

Built: 1437

Subject:  This structure is the Mausoleum of Dzhanike-Khanym, daughter of Tokhtamysh. Build in 1437.  Çufut Qale, sometimes spelled as Chufut Kale is a historic fortress in Crimea, located on the northern coast of the Black Sea.  Its name is Crimean Tatar and Turkish for "Jewish Fortress".  Çufut Qale was historically a center for the Crimean Karaite community. In the Middle Ages the fortress was known as Qırq Yer (Place of Forty) and as Karaites to which sect the greater part of its inhabitants belong, Sela' ha-Yehudim (The Rock of the Jews).  

Stamp: I am not sure

USA - South Carolina - Chapel

Another thanks to Teresa & Lori for this beautiful postcard of Fred W. Symmes Memorial Chapel in South Carolina.  Fred W. Symmes Chapel (also known as "Pretty Place" because of its amazing view) is one of the many buildings that make up YMCA Camp Greenville. It was given by Mr. Fred W. Symmes for the enjoyment of the boys (and now girls) who camp here each summer and is the spiritual center of the camp. The current chapel was constructed in 1941 with several additions and improvements made in subsequent years. Camp Greenville has been in existence since 1912 and covers 1600 acres.  I would love to go there for a Sunday sunrise service someday :)

USA - South Carolina - Map

Thanks to Teresa & Lori for this colorful postcard showing the counties of South Carolina.  South Carolina is a southern U.S. state that borders Georgia to the south and North Carolina to the north. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence from the British Crown during the American Revolution. The colony was originally named in honor of King Charles I, as Carolus is Latin for Charles. South Carolina was the first state to vote to secede from the Union and was the founding state of the Confederate States of America. Its capital is Columbia.  Read more about it on wiki:  South Carolina