Notranjska area of Slovenia

Among the Slovenian regions, Notranjska was arguably the first to have become more widely known in Europe, thanks to the Slovenian nobleman, castle-owner and polymath Janez Vajkard Valvasor (1641-1693), whose comprehensive opus, The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola describes the special natural and cultural characteristics of this part of Slovenia. His study of the intermittent Cerknica Lake earned him membership of the English academy of sciences – the Royal Society of London. Also to Valvasor’s credit is the first mention of skiing tradition on the Bloke Plateau in Notranjska, which puts Slovenia alongside the Scandinavian countries as one of the cradles of European and world skiing Besides Cerknica Lake, there are other Karst phenomena in Notranjska, such as the Rakov Škocjan Caves, the Postojna and Pivka Caves, and also the settlement of Predjama with Predjama Castle, and the picturesque Križna Cave with its small lakes. The centre of the region is the town of Postojna, which developed on the ancient route towards Trieste and became even more important from the 19th century due the development of tourism at Postojna Cave.

The areas known as Rovtarsko, Idrijsko and Cerkljansko are notable because of the special Idrija-type bobbin lace. Idrija lace is one of the finest expressions of Slovenian handicraft traditions. The lace-making school at Idrija, a town also made famous by its former mercury mine, was founded in 1876 and is the oldest continually working school of its kind in Europe. As for the Idrija mine, now a museum, it should be noted that it gave rise to many technical inventions and machines, which constitute a valuable technical heritage.

The picture on the stamp depicts the typical costumes of the Notranjska area of Slovenia. This stamp is one in the series featuring National Costumes. The haystacks shown on the cover are also a speciality of the Notranjska area. The stamp and FDC were issued on 28.1.2011. My dear friend Maria sent me this lovely FDC.

The Centenary of the Finnish Writers' Union.9.10.1997

The stamp booklet, "The Book in the 20th Century", issued on October 9th, 1997 presents eight Finnish books: classics, each among the best in their respective genre. Raimo Sallinen adapted the front covers to each of the stamps. The booklet is shown here affixed to the First Day Cover commemorating The Centenary of the Finnish Writers' Union.

On October 9th, a stamp booklet comprising eight stamps was issued in honor of the centennial of the Finnish Writers' Association. The subject of the booklet is the book during the 20th century. Simultaneously the booklet is a salute to the Finnish novel as a genre. The covers of eight books adorn as many stamps. The booklet presents the following books: Seven Brothers by Aleksis Kivi), Sinuhe the Egyptian by Mika Waltari, Täällä Pohjantähden alla I by Väinö Linna Hyvasti lijoki by Kalle Päätalo, Haukka, minun rakkaani by Kaari Utrio, Juhannustanssit by Hannu Salama, Manilla Rope by Veijo Meri and Uppo-Nalle ja Kumma by Elina Karjalainen. The face value of each stamp is FIM 2.80, the booklet is thus priced at FIM 22.40. The cover was designed by Raimo Sallinen. The booklet was printed in England by The House of Questa.

It so happens, that at the moment I am reading the English translation of Sinuhe the Egyptian by Mika Waltari, very kindly sent to me by my dear friend Pia who also sent me this wonderful FDC.

Semi Postal Issues & Fund Raisers

I am displaying here two First Day Covers with stamps which were issued soon after the Second World War. These stamps are semi-postal issues. These were also used as Fund Raisers. The first one for the Red Cross and the other for the anti-tuberculosis programme. These two historical FDCs were given to me by Pia.
Red Cross 1946
The stamps on this cover were devoted to Children’s Clinics. The stamps from left to right feature traditional Finnish fishermen at work; a woman peasant churning milk; a hayman sharpening his scythe; and finally Finnish log workers.
Anti tuberculosis 1947

The stamps on this cover were also devoted to Children’s Cinics, and highlighted the need fo Prevention of tuberculosis and Medical examinatin of infants. The stamps depict baby stretching exercise and various infant rxercises. Of interest is also the 12+3mk postage stamp depicting Mrs. Ali Paasikivi, wife of the then Finnish President J.K. Paasikivi, who showed a special interest in children’s tuberculosis.

Church of St. Anthony of Padua - Dolina Soce

As the finest monument to the First World War in the territory of Slovenia, in 2007 the church was classed as a historical monument bearing the European Cultural Heritage sign.

The largest ossuary (ossuary means any receptacle for the burial of human bones) of Italian soldiers killed during World War I in Slovenia is arranged at the Church of St. Anthony of Padua (sv. Anton Padovanski), on a slope below the sanctuary at Grič above Kobarid. On two terraces in individual sections there are niches with the posthumous remains of fallen Italian soldiers. They are sealed by slabs of green marble, engraved with the name, military rank and any medals of each individual fallen soldier.
The ossuary originates from the years of the systematic Italian arrangement of military cemeteries and is the only one in Slovenia; the Italians moved all the other posthumous remains to the ossuary of Sredpolje (Redipuglia) and Oslavje. The ossuary was designed by the architect Giovanni Greppi, and the sculptures were made by the sculptor Giannino Castiglioni. The ceremonious opening on 18th September 1938 was attended by Benito Mussolini. In the ossuary lie the posthumous remains of 7760 (7014 - inscription on the left side of the parking place) soldiers (of those, 2748 unknown). The fallen were transported from military cemeteries in the Posočje area (Drežnica, Drežniške Ravne, Gabrje, Kamno, Smast, Bovec). The remains of unknown soldiers are clustered in groups of 500 and arranged under the arches on both sides under the central staircases. This wonderful FDC was given to me by my dear friend Maria.

Mauno Henrik Koivisto - ninth President of Finland 25.11.1993

Mauno Henrik Koivisto (born November 25, 1923) is a Finnish politician who served as the ninth President of Finland from 1982 to 1994. He also served as Prime Minister 1968–1970 and 1979–1982. He was the first Social Democrat to be elected as President by electoral college in 1982, and re-elected in 1988. He was the First President born in independent Finland. Only veteran President who served in armed forces 1939-1945. My dear friend Pia sent me this FDC.

Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus 3.8.1978

Makarios III), born Michail Christodolou Mouskos (August 13, 1913 – August 3, 1977), was the archbishop and primate of the autocephalous Cypriot Orthodox Church (1950–1977) and the first President of the Republic of Cyprus (1960–1974 and 1974–1977). On September 18, 1950, Makarios was elected Archbishop of Cyprus. In this role he was not only the official head of the Orthodox Church in Cyprus, but became the Ethnarch, de facto national leader of the Greek Cypriot community. This highly influential position put Makarios at the centre of Cypriot politics.

Makarios III died unexpectedly, of a heart attack, on August 3, 1977. It has recently emerged that, in order to confirm the cause of death, Makarios' heart had been removed during an autopsy. The heart has since been preserved in his former bedroom in the Archbishopric. He is buried in a tomb on the mountain of Throni, a site he personally chose. The tomb is near Kykkos Monastery, where he served as a novice in the 1920s and 1930s. To commemorate his life, an imposing bronze statue of Makarios was erected outside the Archbishop's palace in Nicosia; in 2008 the statue was moved to Kykkos monastery and replaced by a life-size marble statue of Makarios. These five lovely stamps on this FDC were issued on 03.08.1978 to commemorate this Great man of Cyprus. Thank you My dear friend Merja for this FDC.

Churchill Centenial 1974

This Wonderful set of four stamps and FDCs were issued in 1974 by the UK to commemorate one of the Greatest Prime Ministers in England.

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, PC, DL, FRS, Hon. RA (30 November 1874 – 24 January 1965) was a British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the great wartime leaders and served as Prime Minister twice (1940–45 and 1951–55). A noted statesman and orator, Churchill was also an officer in the British Army. He served in India too. As a matter of fact, he left behind an unpaid club/mess bill in Bangalore J That bill is a treasured memento in that Club. A noted historian, a writer, and an artist. To date, he is the only British prime minister to have received the Nobel Prize in Literature, and he was the first person to be made an honorary citizen of the United States. Maria sent me this lovely set.

Malaysian Cartoons 1.12.2000

A strip of four stamps of 50 sen each was issued my Malaysia Post to commemorate Malaysian Carttons. A miniature sheet costing RM 5 was also issued. The FDC displayed is with one such minisheet. The minisheet was printed using ’silver colour printing’, and features the scene of a typical Malaysian city life. The characters in this drawing are usually seen in Lat’s cartton’s consisting of children and adults from various races and each of them plays different roles depending on the story.

The younger generation of Malaysian youth will know Lot (Dato’ Mohd Nor Khalid) as the creator of the animation series, Kampung Boy which is shown on the Astro network. The 26 episode series from the cartoon Book Kampung Boy that was published in 1979 and is vey popular ever since it was in 1998. This animation was awarded The Best Animation Award in Annecy Animation Festival, France in 1989. On the other hand, the older generation knows Lat since the 1960’s.

Frans Peter von Knorring 2.3.1992

Frans Peter von Knorring, (6 October 1792, Kokemäki - 29 March 1875) was a social reformer on the Åland Islands. He studied at Åbo Akademi University, worked as a teacher of religion at the Cadet School in Hamina and as a vicar from on 1834 in Finström. He suggested that a city should be founded on Åland, gave historical overviews and a meritorious work on public education. He is considered as the father of Åland school system. He was the vicar of Finström from 1834 to 1875 and he organized the educational system in Åland. He started an elementary school at Godby in 1853. The school's syllabus included subjects related to farming. A versatile man who published books on many subjects, such as linguistics, geography, pedagogy and economics, he also founded the first newspaper on Åland in 1868. Two statues have been raised in his honour, one in Mariehamn and one at the church of Finström. My friend Pia sent me this FDC.

4th President of Finland Kyösti Kallio 13.4.1973

Kyösti Kallio, April 10, 1873 – December 19, 1940) was the fourth President of Finland (1937–1940). He was a prominent leader of the Agrarian League, and served as Prime Minister four times and Speaker of the Parliament six times.

Kallio was elected president with the votes of centrist (Agrarian and Progressive) and social democratic coalition, which wanted to ensure that President Svinhufvud would not be re-elected. Kallio took a role of a parliamentarian president and avoided use of his personal power.

On the eve of the Winter War, when Marshal Mannerheim once again threatened to resign from his post as chairman of Finland's Defence Council due to schism with the Cabinet, Kallio convinced him to stay. During the war he resisted the idea of giving up any territory to the Soviet Union, but was forced to agree to sign the Moscow Peace Treaty in 1940. His health begun to fail – his right arm was paralysed – and he was not active in the dealings with Germany leading to the Continuation War. On August 27 he suffered a serious stroke. Prime Minister Risto Ryti took over his duties. Kallio's heart became weak while he knowingly took risks by agreeing to the formal farewell ceremonies. Kallio resigned formally on November 27, 1940. He was going to Nivala to his farm after the farewell ceremonies on the evening of December 19, 1940, when he collapsed and died at the Helsinki Central Railway Station, before a guard of honour and in the arms of Marshal Mannerheim. This FDC was amongst the entire set of FDCs of the Presidents of Finland that my dear friend Pia sent to me.

Tenth President of Finland (1994–2000) and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martti Ahtisaari 10.12.2008

Martti Oiva Kalevi Ahtisaari; born 23 June 1937) is a Finnish politician, the tenth President of Finland (1994–2000), Nobel Peace Prize laureate and United Nations diplomat and mediator, noted for his international peace work. The two First Day covers dated 23.6.1997 and 10.12.2008 were issued to commemorate Maetti Ahtisaari, firstly as the President of Finland, and then for his becoming a Nobel Laureate. These two FDCs were given to me by my dear friend Pia.

Ahtisaari was a UN Special Envoy at the Kosovo status process negotiations, aimed at resolving a long-running dispute in Kosovo, which declared its independence from Serbia in 2008. In October 2008, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for his efforts on several continents and over more than three decades, to resolve international conflicts". The Nobel statement said that Ahtisaari has played a prominent role in resolving many conflicts in Namibia, Indonesia, Kosovo and Iraq, among other areas.

The Cape Horn congress

The stamp was issued for the XXXVIII Cape Horn Congress which was held in Mariehamn, June 8-11, 1992. Society for the sailors who had rounded the southern tip of South America was founded in 1936 in France. It now has 1400 members, of whom 235 live on Åland. The background image on the stamp is the world map on which the routes of the wheat trade are marked, from England around the Cape of Good Hope to Australia and thence westward back via Cape Horn. This was the only route on which sailing ships even after the Second World War could be used. In the foreground is the four-masted Herzogin Cecilic: she belonged to the maritime counsellor Gustaf Erikson's fleet. The ship was seized in New Zealand in 1941 and was returned to her owners in 1948. The following year she made her last circumnavigation under the Finnish flag. In 1950 she was sold for scrapping, but ended up as a school ship in Hamburg. The ship went down in fierce storm near the Azores on April 4th, 1957. - The stamps upper part shows a pennant and in it the Cape Horn association's emblem and the word Åland.

FOUNDING OF THE AMICALE. In June 1936, a group of French sailing ship Captains who had rounded Cape Horn met at the L’Univers Hotel in Saint Malo, France, accompanied by one of their old professors at the School of Hydrography. It was then that the initiative to create an association for the purpose of keeping in mind the experiences, recollections and traditions of voyaging under sail along oceanic routes was launched. A year later, in June 1937, a group of 35 French deep-sea Captains – most of them from the Brittany region, France – met at the “Aux Ajoncs d’ Or” Hotel at Saint Malo. All were Cape Hornier veterans, happy to meet again and revive their recollections, personal experiences, emotions and unexpected surprises which the sea had challenged them with, on the dangerous Cape Horn route. The Friends of Cape Horn Association was born. The group, presided over by the ‘Grand Mât’ (Main Mast), Captain Louis Allaire, consisted of “Albatrosses” (Captains who had commanded a sailing ship around Cape Horn) and “Mollymawks” (a bird of the same family as the albatross, however smaller), the name given to Officers who had performed these duties on the great sailing ships which defied Cape Horn. This nice FDC was given to me by My Dear Friend Pia.

Jamestown Festival & Int. Naval Review.

On June 10, 1957 on the USS Saratoga at Norfolk, VA; commemorated the International Naval Review that took place during the 350th Anniversary of Jamestown Festival The Naval Review theme was "Freedom of the Seas," and it was the largest representation of nations in an event of this type. The image depicts a US aircraft carrier of the Forrestal class against a background of silhouetted outlines of ships participating in the International Naval Review. The official Jamestown Festival insignia is prominently featured to the left of the carrier, superimposed over a map of the Hampton Roads area.. A Naval Review is an event, where the whole (or a very large part) of the US Navy is paraded to be reviewed by the president or the Secretary of the Navy. It often includes delegates from other national navies. It is more regular and frequent than its British equivalent, the Fleet Review, and often occurs on a Navy Day.

The 3-cent International Naval Review and Jamestown Festival commemorative stamp was issued in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 10, 1957. Jamestown celebrated its 350th anniversary in 1957.
In the right portion of the stamp is a United States aircraft carrier of the Forrestal class against a background of silhouetted outlines of ships participating in the International Naval Review. The official Jamestown Festival insignia is prominently featured to the left of the carrier, superimposed over a map of the Hampton Roads area. Across the top of the stamp in a dark panel is the wording "International Naval Review" in whiteface Gothic. In the lower right corner of the stamp is "US Postage" in whiteface Roman and the denomination "3c" in modified Gothic. The wording in the insignia, "1607-1957 Jamestown Festival," is in dark face Gothic. The wording "Hampton Roads," in script, appears below the insignia. Richard A. Genders designed the stamp.
The stamp is 0.84 by 1.44 inches in dimension, arranged horizontally, printed by the rotary process, electric-eye perforated, and issued in sheets of fifty. The color of the stamp is river aqua. The printing of 120,000,000 of these stamps was authorized. My Dear Friend Maria sent me this card.

MEDEVAC Operation by HMAS Arunta, RAN

HMAS Arunta (FFH 151) is an Anzac class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The ship, named for the Arrernte people, was laid down in 1995 and commissioned in 1998. Since entering service, Arunta has performed a wide range of duties, including border protection patrols in northern Australian waters, and several deployments to the Persian Gulf. HMAS Arunta was involved in a MEDEVAC operation in December 2008. For those not familiar with this acronym, it stands for Medical Evacuation. On 19 December 2008, Arunta was dispatched from Fremantle to rescue injured yachtsman Yann Elies, who was participating in the Vendée Globe, a solo round-the-world yacht race. Elies was stranded 1,480 kilometres (800 nmi; 920 mi) southwest of Perth, when his leg was broken in heavy seas.

The Vendée Globe is a round-the-world single-handed yacht race, sailed non-stop and without assistance. The race was founded by Philippe Jeantot in 1989, and since 1992 has taken place every four years. As the only single-handed non-stop round-the-world race (in contrast to the VELUX 5 Oceans Race, which is sailed in stages), the race is a serious test of individual endurance, and is regarded by many as the ultimate in ocean racing. This FDC was given to me by my Dear Friend Maria.

Centenary Of Organized Philately In Finland FDC 1993

I personally think that the number of stamp collectors in Finland must be more than in all other countries. It is therefore not without reason that Finland Post issued this and a well desined cover to commemorate the Centenary of Organised Philately on 6^th May 1993. The flowers on the stamp are Midsummer roses. My Dear friend Merja gave me this lovely cover.

Greek war of Independence 9.7.1971

The three stamps on this First Day Cover were issued by Cyprus on 9.2.1971 to commemorate the 150^th Anniversary of the Greek war of Independence. My dear friend Merja gave me this cover.

Rose Blossom 18.3.2009

A rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species. They form a group of erect shrubs, and climbing or trailing plants, with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles. Flowers are large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows and reds. Most species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America, and northwest Africa. Species, cultivars and hybrids are all widely grown for their beauty and fragrance. Rose plants range in size from compact, miniature roses, to climbers that can reach 7 meters in height. Different species hybridize easily, and this has been used in the development of the wide range of garden roses. The name rose comes from French, itself from Latin rosa, which was perhaps borrowed from Oscan, from Greek), related to Old Persian, Avestan , Sogdian , Parthian , Armenian.

This lovely stamp and cover issued by Finland was given to me by Merja.

Joel Pettersson

Joel Pettersson (June 8, 1892 - January 5, 1937) Pettersson was born into poverty in Lemland, Åland. His parents were elderly peasants, Joel's father being well over 50 at the time of Joel's birth. Joel had a younger brother Karl, who died at sea in 1916. Joel was a painter and writer on the Åland Islands, Finland. He remained an obscure figure during his lifetime; most of his works were unpublished for decades after his death. Today, Joel Pettersson is considered to be one of the most important Åland writers.

In 1913, he had the opportunity to study at a drawing school in Turku. He stayed in Turku until 1915, when he decided to abort his studies and return to Åland. He painted for a few years, but he eventually tired of it and did not paint for many years. Upon his return, Pettersson became active in the local youth organisation, for which he wrote plays and monologues. He also wrote prose which he read out loud during organisation meetings. Pettersson was most active as a writer following his return from Turku until 1921. During the 1920s, Pettersson worked mostly on his parents' farm, only sporadically participating in the youth organisation's activities. His parents both died in 1928, leaving Pettersson to care for the farm. He sold all the animals and most of the property. He tried earning a living on his artistry, but was unsuccessful. He then tried raising hens, but this also proved to be an unsuccessful venture. He resumed painting in 1935, and some of his paintings were displayed during an exhibition the following year. His constant economic difficulties and work load took their toll. In 1936, he suffered a nervous breakdown and was committed to Grelsby Asylum, where he remained until his death in early 1937.
Pettersson never married (sensible chap), although he was engaged for a brief period; his fiancée left for America. There is some speculation that Pettersson may have been bisexual. Pia sent me this FDC.

Wine Festival in Limassol 9.9.1970

Yo Ho and a bottle of Rum. That’s what one is reminded of when visiting The Wine festival which has been one of the featured events in Limassol, Cyprus’s wine capital, since 1961. It takes place at the Municipal Gardens, just across the Olympion promenade, in the beginning of September and lasts for 12 days. The wine festival takes place for about ten days usually starting around 1st September each year. It is held in the Municipal Gardens on the sea front just past the Makarios Avenue Traffic Lights. The entrance fee is minimal, and then you buy either a souvenir glass, or empty bottle. Having your container you then have the choice of wine from all the major wineries - drink your favourite but try the others as well. The Limassol Wine Festival was inspired by the ancient festivals dedicated to the God of wine Dionysus and honors the long island’s tradition of winemaking. The giant statue of a Cypriot wine-maker welcomes visitors at the entrance. At the festival, guests, both locals and foreigners, get the chance to try different local wines and traditional Cypriot food. Although there is a small entrance fee, the wines produced by the island’s wineries are offered free of charge in unlimited quantities. As you enter the park one of the first things you are likely to see is the huge King of the Wine. I am told that Red Wine is good for health. But, I saw no notices anywhere that said “how much” ;-))

Another popular feature of the Wine Festival is a traditional wine press. Folkloric dances, songs, theatrical performances from local and international artistic groups are also included in the program of the festival. Thank you Merja for this nice card. The only point to make is that this is definitely a place to visit by bus or taxi and definitely return to your home or hotel by taxi.

Farm Animals 17.3.2010

Wow! Aren’t those farm animals looking smart and clean. Only the rabbit looks a bit scared. This reminds me of the times I used to spend in a small town where I was born. We called it a town, but, it was actually no bigger than an average sized village. Now don’t ask me what an average sized village is – I don’t know! But, I am digressing. There were lots of farm animals where we stayed, and if we children behaved ourselves we were even allowed to tend them. My favourite was the Fat Pig. Later on when I grew up and started reading Wodehouse, I realized that my pig was no less gifted than Lord Emsworth’s. He didn’t have a name. We just called him Fat Pig. I can now understand why I like sausages, ham and bacon so much ;-)) The animals shown on the Cypriot stamps all look squeaky clean. Our farm animals were very dirty most of the time. And we were happy about that, because it gave us the chance to take them to the village pond to scrub them down or, alternately to hose them down, and any passer’s by as well. And the animals loved it, or so it seemed. But, as they say, if something has to be clean, then something else has got to get dirty. And, that something else was us children.

No farm is complete without its quota of animals. Thank you Merja for bringing back my childhood memories. Cyprus did a wonderful thing in issuing these five stamps on 17.3.2010. And I really like the postmark too. It is a combination of most of the farm animals, including My Fat Pig.

Provincial Flowers - Marsh Labrador tea 14.6.1993

Rhododendron tomentosum commonly known as Marsh Labrador tea, northern Labrador tea or wild rosemary, is a flowering plant in the subsection Ledum of the large genus Rhododendron in the family Ericaceae.
It is a low shrub growing to 50 cm (rarely up to 120 cm) tall with evergreen leaves 12-50 mm long and 2-12 mm broad. The flowers are small, with a five-lobed white corolla, and produced several together in a corymb 3-5 cm diameter. They emit strong smell to attract bees and other pollinating insects.
In North America it is found growing in northern latitudes in Greenland, Canada, and Alaska, in Europe in the northern and central parts, and in Asia south to northern China, Korea and Japan. It grows in peaty soils, shrubby areas, moss and lichen tundra. Pia gave me this pretty FDC.

1st International Congress of Cypriot Studies 7.4.1969

One of the oldest active non-governmental associations in the wider Hellenic world, was founded during British rule in Cyprus by a small group of Cypriot scientists. Its formation may be considered the Cypriots’ scientific riposte to the callous period of Palmer’s rule as Governor (1933-1939) that followed the uprising of 1931; as a reaction to the policy of de-hellenisation that the British instituted at that time. The 24 founding members gathered at a General Meeting on 17 April 1936 in the Nicosia Pancyprian Gymnasium. They approved its constitution and elected the first board of management, consisting of Constantinos Spyridakis as president, Savva Christi vice-president, Achilleas Emilianides secretary, Antonis Indianos treasurer and as members Nearchos Clerides, George Papacharalambous and Costas Prousis. Presidents of the Society have been: Constantinos Spyridakis (1936-1976); George Papacharalambous (1976-1986); Kypros Chrysanthis (1986-1998); George Ioannides (1998-1999) and Andreas Mitsides (1999-2006).

This cover was issued to commemorate the 1^st International Congress of Cypriot Studies on 7^th April 1969. The emblem of the Society is an eagle with outspread wings (as shown in the postmark) taken from depictions on ancient Cypriot coins. Around it is inscribed: “Society of Cypriot Studies”. This wonderful FDC was given to me by Merja.

President Juho Kusti Paasikivi

Juho Kusti Paasikivi (November 27, 1870 – December 14, 1956) was the seventh President of Finland. Representing the Finnish Party and the National Coalition Party, he also served as Prime Minister of Finland (1918 and 1944–1946), and was generally an influential figure in Finnish economics and politics for over fifty years. He is particularly remembered as the main architect of Finland's foreign policy after the Second World War. He was born as Johan Gustaf Hellsten in 1870 at Hämeenkoski in Päijänn, Tavastia in Southern Finland, the son of August Hellsten, a merchant, and Karolina Wilhelmina Selin. He Finnicized his name to Juho Kusti Paasikivi in 1885. Pia sent me this FDC. (1946–1956).

Palaces

Pos Malaysia will issued a special collection of stamps featuring 10 of the most beautiful and majestic royal palaces of Malaysia on 18^th July 2011. “The stamp collection is issued to honour the royal heritage of Malaysia. We are privileged for this opportunity to issue this royal collection and we hope our effort would increase the Malaysian public’s appreciation towards our royal history and heritage,” said Pos Malaysia Berhad group managing director/chief executive officer Datuk Syed Faisal Albar. The Royal Palaces stamp collection features the official palace of the sultan of each state. The palace is the official venue for important ceremonies and functions such as the proclamation, coronation ceremony and royal birthdays, weddings, conferment of titles and receptions for local and foreign dignitaries. The stamps, 32mmX27mm in size are printed in sheets of 10 on SPM watermark, phosphor coated paper (14 perforations for each stamp) in 10 designs of the royal palaces. Each palace featured in a stamp valued at RM1 has different and unique architectural features and designs that reflect the uniqueness of the royal lineages in Malaysia. Budin sent this interesting FDC with the 10 nice stamps.