Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are an archipelago between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately halfway between Norway and Iceland, 320 kilometres (200 mi) north-northwest of Great Britain. The area is approximately 1,400 km2 (540 sq mi) with a 2015 population of 48,700. The islands are an autonomous country within the Danish kingdom

Between 1035 and 1814, the Faroe Islands were part of the Kingdom of Norway. The 1814 Treaty of Kiel granted Denmark control over the islands, along with two other Norwegian regions: Greenland and Iceland. The Faroe Islands have been a self-governing country within the Danish Realm since 1948. The Faroese have control of most domestic matters; areas that remain the responsibility of Denmark include military defence, police, justice, currency and foreign affairs. The Faroe Islands have representation in the Nordic Council as members of the Danish delegation.

In Danish, the name Færøerne may reflect an Old Norse word fær (sheep). The morpheme øerne represents a plural (with definite article) of ø (island) in Danish. The Danish name thus translates as "the islands of sheep".

Thanks to my crazy Russian friend for this precious card from her travels!

The Puffin bird is a happy coincidence for my small Puffin collection :D

In case you wonder what made her pop by the Faroe islands, here's some astounding 

pictures from Buzzfeed. Faroe Islands are in the news recently for whale killing :(

Thank you my Curly Sheep friend for taking time out to send me a card from your sheep paradise!!

Sent: 11 August 2015   Received: 21 August 2015   Travelled: 10 days

Lundy Island

The name Lundy is believed to come from the old Norse word for "puffin island" (Lundey), lundi being the Norse word for a puffin and ey, an island, although an alternative explanation has been suggested with Lund referring to a copse, or wooded area. According to genealogist Edward MacLysaght the surname Lundy is from Norman de la Lounde, a name recorded in medieval documents in counties Tipperary and Kilkenny in Ireland.

Wow! a great Puffin card from Lundy Island. I seem to also have quite a Puffin flock 

growing in my postal collection! Also very interesting to note the private stamps of Lundy Island which features its namesake. A little disappointed that this postcard seems to have missed

getting a postmark but on another note, I have mint Lundy and Puffin stamps ;)  Thanks Tom!

Sent: 14 January 2015   Received: 23 January 2015   Travelled: 9 days

Puffins, Norway

Gunnar Wangen

Puffins are any of three small species of alcids (auks) in the bird genus Fratercula with a brightly coloured beak during the breeding season. These are pelagic seabirds that feed primarily by diving in the water. They breed in large colonies on coastal cliffs or offshore islands, nesting in crevices among rocks or in burrows in the soil. Two species, the Tufted Puffin and Horned Puffin, are found in the North Pacific Ocean, while the Atlantic Puffin is found in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Thanks Jo for another great addition to my bird and Norway album :)

Check out Gunnar's photography at www.naturfotografen.no

Sent: 15 November 2013

Received: 27 November 2013

Travelled: 12 days