Seychelles: stamp

R3: A beautiful coastal scene is the subject of this stamp issue, ironically issued to commemorate a conference regarding oil exploration in the Indian Ocean

ST. LUCIA

The rugged coastline of St. Lucia, with its multiples beaches of white sand has become a treasured Caribbean destination. The island's history was tumultuous: Britian and France battled for centuries for control of the island, before Britian asserted dominance after 1814.

SURINAM

Surinam is richly endowed with pristine rainforests, and has an amazingly array of biodiversity: over 4,000 plants species and more than 600 bird species have been documented there. Its riverbanks are particularly sought after by tourists for the huge variety of butterflies that can be observed there.

TANZANIA

This lovely card shows a group of Sable Antelope, one of the tallest species of savannah antelopes noted for its ringed horns, which spiral backward. The Sable ranges in groups of up to 30 in eastern and south-central Africa, and is a scarce species that is being reduced in numbers by habitat conversion for agriculture.

SRI LANKA

This lovely card came to me last month from a friend who visited the highlands of Sri Lanka. It shows flora and butterfly diversity typical of this tropical island, with an inset with the country's national flag.

VIETNAM

This colorful card shows the nightime lights and activity in Ho Chi Minh City (previously known as Saigon), one of the most dynamic urban centers of SE Asia.

Vietnam: stamp

1000d: this intriguing 2005 stamp came with the card above and shows a historical political event with crowds holding flags in a plaza

TUNISIA

This amazing card shows some of the troglodyte homes of Matmata, Tunisia. Some accounts date these homes to ancient times, when the Roman empire sent Egyptian tribes to settle the region. Many myths have attempted to explain the origins of these cavelike dwellings, and some maintain that they allowed residents to hide from invaders, or to desert the shelters at night to attack invaders.

AFGHANISTAN

This amazing card shows an early scene of tribal riders in one of Afghanistan's 33 provinces, showing traditional dress and gear

Afghan stamp

This stamp franked the card above, and shows a military vehicle on parade in Kabul

ARGENTINA

This spectacular sight is one that I have actually visited some years ago, and shows the breathtaking Iguazu falls, set amidst lush forest on the Argentine-Brazil border

Argentina: stamp

75c: this cultural stamp came affixed to the card above and show traditional costumes of two tango dancers