Ljublana Dragon

The symbol of the city is the Ljubljana Dragon. It is depicted on the top of the tower of the Ljubljana Castle in the Ljubljana coat-of-arms and on the Ljubljanica-crossing Dragon Bridge. It symbolizes power, courage, and greatness.
There are several explanations on the origin of the Ljubljana Dragon. According to the Slavic myth the slaying of dragon releases the waters and ensures the fertility of the earth, and it is thought the myth in this area is tied to the Ljubljana Marshes, the expansive area that has been threatening because of frequent flooding that reached Ljubljana. According to the celebrated Greek legend, the Argonauts on their return home after having taken the Golden Fleece found a large lake surrounded by a marsh between the present-day towns of Vrhnika and Ljubljana. It is there that Jason struck down a monster. This monster has become the dragon that today is present on the city coat of arms and flag.It is historically more believable that the dragon was adopted from Saint George, the patron of the Ljubljana Castle chapel built in the 15th century. In the legend of Saint George, the dragon represents the old ancestral paganism overcome by Christianity. According to another explanation, related to the second, the dragon was at first only a decoration above the city coat of arms. In Baroque, it became part of the coat of arms and in the 19th and especially the 20th century, it outstripped the tower and other elements.

Thanks to Robert for this beautiful dragon card from the country of love, Slovenia

and the Europa Cept Postval Van stamp!

Sent: 17 June 2015   Received: 30 June 2015   Travelled: 13 days

Moldova

The female's traditional garment consists of a white embroidered blouse, an embroidered vest trimmed with sheep fleece, and a white skirt with lace on the hem, usually covered by a black embroidered overskirt. The male costume consists of a white embroidered shirt, a vest similar to the women's, white pants, a hat decorated with peacock feathers or flowers, or a sheep fleece cap, and a wide belt. Both men and women wear opinci, leather shoes with leather laces that tie around the ankles.

Fantastic card showing the traditional aspects of Moldova in the clothes,

food, the country's name on it and the Europa 2013 CEPT "Postal Van" series

But to have the stamp survive the journey without being stolen is a great relief

thank you Olga for this special card and my pets (missing one more dog though :p )

Sent: 30 April 2014   Received: 7 May 2014   Travelled: 7days

Syvato-Voznesensk Cathedral

 Oooh such a surprise to received this card from Kazakhstan!

The other highlight is the 2013 "The Postal Van" stamp series.

I know have 3 different Europa Postal Van stamps :D

Thank you Oxana!!

Sent: 22 February 2014,   Received: 18 March 2014,   Travelled: 24 days

Bucovina, Romania

Thank you Simona for this lovely black and white card!

Sent: 21 January 2014,    Received: 24 February 2014,   Travelled: 34 days

Phonebook

 Thank you Kathi for the phonebooth library postcard. I read recently that they are repurposing the phonebooths to become a library in Czech Republic. I wonder if children are curious about this little standing cubicles that are now obsolete as everyone has a personal phone.

 Sent: April 2013

Russia's meetup

Wow! What an amazingly beautiful tree with day and night scene.

A surprise meetup card that came into my mailbox today. Awesme and thank you postcrossers from St Petersburg and Leningrad region!

Sent: 30 September 2013

Received: 24 October 2013

Travelled: 24 days