INTEREUROPEANA 1973

These two stamps on the first day cover were issued by Romania as part of the INTEREUROPEANA 1973 on 28^th April 1973 to commemorate collaboration amongst countries of Europe in the fields of Culture, Economy, and mail distribution (mail delivery and mail coaches). I have posted more information about Intereuropeana not to long ago.

Thank you Dear Merja for this nice FDC.

INTEREUROPEANA 1979

This miniature sheet with the block of four stamps on the first day cover was issued by Romania as part of the INTEREUROPEANA 1979 on 3^rd May 1979 to commemorate collaboration amongst countries of Europe in the fields of Culture, Economy, and mail distribution (mail delivery and mail coaches). This is aptly illustrated on the stamp as well as on the First Day Cover.

Thank you Dear Merja for this lovely FDC.

Cyprus – Joint Issue

The Cypriot and Romanian Postal Services issued a common commemorative series of postage stamps with a common theme "Viticulture". For the uninitiated Viticulture is the study of the science of growing grapes, with the ones used to produce wine being the primary focus. It includes the study of vine selection, irrigation styles, planting techniques, pest and disease management, optimal harvesting and more. Anything that can possibly happen to the grape before the wine making process begins is included in viticulture. Every aspect of growing grapes has a large impact on the quality of the finished wine. People who are involved with viticulture are called viticulturalists, and usually work closely with vineyards and grape growers to ensure the finest grapes, which will in turn create the best possible finished wine. Merja sent me this miniature sheet.

The vine has been known since ancient times. According to ancient Greek mythology, Ambelos was God Dionysus' beloved friend. When Ambelos died, Dionysus asked Zeus to transform him into a beautiful vineyard with sweet fruit, the grapes. Viticulture has flourished in the Mediterranean basin since the dawn of historical times, because in Mediterranean countries, the climate and the soil both provide ideal conditions for vineyards to thrive. In Cyprus, the earliest evidence of the existence of wild grapes came to light during the archaeological excavations at the Neolithic site of Vrisi - Ayios Epiktitos, which dates back to 4500-3900 B.C. According to other archaeological finds, the cultivation of grapevines started during the early 2nd millennium B.C. and viticulture as well as wine making have been the main activities of the Cypriots since immemorial times. The importance of viticulture does not merely lie in the production of the raw material, which is necessary for wine making. Viticulture allows the development of mainly barren, rocky, sloping lands in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas, thus contributing to the conservation of the landscape, preventing soil erosion, guaranteeing at the same time human presence in disadvantages rural areas. In Cyprus, each area cultivates specific types of grapes (mavro, xynisteri, malaga, maratheftiko, etc.) from which local wines are produced. There are also wines produced from particular grape mixtures or wines made from new imported varieties of grapes. Sorry guys no more; I am rushing off to get myself a new bottle of the finest …………

Birds from the Danube Delta

The Voroneţ Monastery card was in a cover which had this beautiful miniature sheet of pretty stamps of birds from the Danube Delta on it. A bird-watchers’ paradise, the Danube Delta offers the opportunity to spot more than 300 species of migratory and resident birds, including eagles, egrets, vultures, geese, cranes, ibises, cormorants, swans and pelicans. Located on the 45th parallel, the Danube Delta makes for a perfect stopping-off point between the Equator and the North Pole for millions of migratory birds. Some of the most important species include: The White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Small Egret, Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, Red-breasted Goose, Glossy Ibis

Romania - Miniature sheets

Some nice miniature sheets from Romania. One shows two basilica's which are on the list Of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This was during a Joint Romania - Russia stamps issue. The other was issued in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Soviet satellite and the 1st artificial satellite around the Earth - Sputnik 1.

Romania - Nicolae Grigorescu

Nicolae Grigorescu, 1838-1907, was one of the founders of modern Romanian painting. He painted the church of the Zamfira monastery, Prahova county, and the church of the Agapia monastery, Neamt county. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts - Paris. In 1877 he was called to accompany the Romanian Army as a "frontline painter" in the Romanian War of Independence. During the battles at the Grivica Strongpoint and Oryahovo, he made drawings and sketches which later used in creating larger-scale works. In 1889 his work was featured in the Universal Exhibition in Paris and at the Romanian Atheneum.

This Miniature sheet shows the painting “Woman on the Beach” by the famous Nicolae Grigorescu, was sent to me by my friend Daniela.

Romania - Small Arms

This Mini sheet shows hand guns in the National Military Museum in Romania. They date from the Eighteenth Century to early 1900's. This MS is kind courtesy Daniela.