11.11.11.

A 'mash-up' post next! ;-)  11.11.11... well it happens only once in a century... 

1. So here we go with a souvenir from Mauritius.  The postmark here is not in the format dd/mm/yy, but they made it look nice nevertheless... :)

2. Wei on the other hand sent me the nice postal card below showing the Jiaxiu Pavilion in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, South West China.  Thank you! :D

The postmark indicates that this card was posted at 11 a.m!

3. Lastly, I've got this South Korean mail to share with you.  Thanks Wonsik! :D  He used two stamps issued on October 28, 2011 jointly with Australia to mark the 50th Anniversary of Korea-Australia Diplomatic Ties.  The stamps illustrate 2 musical instruments: the Korean haegeum, a two-stringed vertical instrument, and the Australian didgeridoo, a wind instrument made from an eucalyptus trunk and played by aboriginal people.

Mailing date: 11.11.11.

Delivery date: 28.11.11. (China)

                      10.12.11 (South Korea)

35th Anniversary of the Mauritius Ports Authority

The Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA), formerly known as the Mauritius Marine Authority, is the sole national port authority set up under the Ports Act of 1998, to regulate and control the port sector.  The MPA is a landlord port authority providing the main port infrastructure and superstructure, together with related facilities.  It also provides marine services and navigational aids, while it regulates and controls all port activities and environmental issues within the port area.

The MPA is responsible for the development of the port in accordance with the approved Master Plans.  As a stimulator of the country's economic growth, Port Louis Harbour has a promising future catering for increased trade whilst ensuring that port services and facilities are provided in a reliable, competitive and efficient manner.

The administration and control of the MPA are vested in a Board of Directors, whose members are appointed by the Minister responsible for the portfolio of port matters.

Technical Details:

Event: 35th Anniversary of the Mauritius Ports Authority

Release date: October 28, 2011

Cover illustration: Port Louis Harbour in 1935

Stamp: Rs7 (100 Gun Ship) of the Ship Models issue (2005)

150th Anniversary of Post Office in Rodrigues

The Mauritius Post issued on October 9, 2011, in the context of World Post Day and along with another stamp (HIV & AIDS Awareness), a Rs21 stamp to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Post Office in Rodrigues.

Rodrigues Island, which forms part of the republic of Mauritius, is situated at about 560 km to the North East of the mainland.  It is 109 km² in size and Port Mathurin is its administrative centre.

Prior to the opening of a post office in Rodrigues, the exchange of inter islands mails were carried out by shipmasters, outside any postal control.  In 1861, the administration of Rodrigues wrote the Postmaster General in Mauritius and requested for the establishment of a post office.  As private carrying of mails was illegal, the Postmaster General agreed to set up a post office.

The first post office in Rodrigues was opened on December 11, 1861 in Port Mathurin.  George Messiter, the then-Magistrate and Administrator of Rodrigues, acted as District Postmaster.  The conveyance of mails was effected by ship.  On the arrival of the vessel carrying mails and goods at the harbour, people all around the island converged to Port Mathurin.  This massive movement of people has become a folkloric event in Rodrigues.

The mails were then hand-delivered at "la criée" as depicted on the stamp, whereby an officer simply called the names of the addressees, outside the Port Mathurin Post Office, all day long!

With the advent of air transport between Mauritius and Rodrigues, mails , EMS and small packets are now conveyed by air, while the parcel service which has been re-engineered recently to increase the frequency of dispatch is still done by sea.

Cancelled-to-order block of four

Today there are 5 full fledge  post offices in Rodrigues, namely at Port Mathurin, La Ferme, Rivière Cocos, Mont Lubin and Grande Montagne.  All five post offices are counter automated.

In 2010, the Port Mathurin Post Office was transferred from the old Police Quarters to a modern and spacious building.  Renovation of other post offices and branding are under way.

Technical Details:

Release date: 09 OCT 2011

Design: Nitish Peechen

Illustration: La Criée

Printer: BDT Intl. Security Printing Ltd.

Process: Lithography

Size: 44.45 mm × 29.94 mm]

Number per sheet: 50 stamps set in 2 panes of 25

Perforation gauge: 14 × 2 cm

Gum: PVA

Courtesy: Rodrigues Regional Assembly

Postcard from Venezuela

Thanks Jesùs for this card showing Santa Ana de Coro, the capital of the Falcón State and the oldest city in the west of Venezuela.  The city was appointed as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1993, thus becoming the first site to Venezuela to be vested with this title.

Jesùs franked his card with another stamp from the Historical Evolution of National Symbols set.

Mailing date: August 10, 2011

Delivery date: October 7, 2011

Cover from Churchill College, Cambridge

A short post to share with you for today...  Above is a cover - thx Danny - mailed from Churchill College, one of the thirty-one colleges of the University of Cambridge.  The ATM label evokes the 50th Anniversary of Churchill College, celebrated in 2010...

In 1958, a Trust was established with late Sir Winston Churchill as its Chairman of Trustees, to build and endow a college for 60 fellows and 540 Students as a national and Commonwealth memorial to Winston Churchill; its Royal Charter and Statutes were approved by the Queen, in August, 1960.  The 160,000m² (42 acres) of grounds of Churchill College make it physically the largest of all the colleges.

Many events were organised to mark this milestone, among which the planting of a weeping mulberry tree by Lady Soames, Sir Winston Churchill's only surviving child.  She spoke of her proud in marking the 50th birthday of the science and technology college founded in her father's honour.

Mailing date: 04 October 2011

Delivery date: 13 October 2011

Indigenous Horses of India

Thank you Akhil for the cover above franked with 3 stamps released on November 9, 2009 and depicting indigenous horses of India, namely: the Zanskari, the Kathiawari and the Manipuri.  The fourth stamp of that set illustrates the Marwari.

The last two smaller stamps are from the definitive set on Indian personalities.  Both Indira (1917-1984) and Rajiv Gandhi (1944-1991) were Prime Ministers of India, during 1966-1977 and 1980-84 for Mrs. Gandhi and from 1984 until 1989 for Rajiv Gandhi.  They were also both assassinated. :(

Mailing date: 03.09.2011

Delivery date: 01.10.2011

ICT/ BPO Conference & Networking Forum

The Government of Mauritius through the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology hosted an ICT/ BPO Conference and Networking Forum on 5th and 6th of October last at Le Méridien Resort to promote Mauritius as a safe, cost-competitive, high-quality and knowledge-intensive outsourcing destination.

The event also acted as a showcase to position Mauritius as the next emerging high value-added off-shoring and outsourcing destination and provided the right platform for local operators to connect with outsourcers.

The ICT/ BPO sector in Mauritius consists of some 400 operators and employs more than 14,000 people.  For the year ended 2010, the sector in Mauritius has contributed 6,4% to the Gross Domestic Product, thus making it the 3rd pillar of the economy.  

In the coming years, the sector is promised to grow by at least 20% with new entrants entering the market as well as through the expansion of the activities of existing operators due to new policies measures adopted such as the open access and reduction in tariffs.  Steps are also being taken for the accreditation of the Data Protection Office with EU and for bringing necessary amendments to the Electronic Transaction Act.

The global economic crisis has forced companies in many developed countries to restructure their processes and turn to safe and cost-effective destinations to maintain a competitive edge.  With its political stability, conducive investment climate, bilingual workforce and ideal location in respect of time zone, Mauritius has merged as the preferred destination for ICT/ BPO activities.

Technical Details:

Event: ICT-BPO Conference & Networking Forum

Release date: 05.10.2011

Cover illustration:  ICT Cooperation & the CyberTower (down) at the Cyber City, Ebène

Stamp: Rs50 of the 24th UPU Congress, Nairobi 2008 issue (2007)

Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan

The Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) is located in Yuchi, Nantou, Central Taiwan.  It is the largest body of water in Taiwan as well as a tourist attraction.  The area around the Sun Moon Lake is home to the Thao tribe, one of  the aboriginal tribes in Taiwan.  Sun Moon Lake surrounds a tiny island called Lalu.  The east side of the lake resembles a sun while the west side resembles a moon, hence the name.

James franked his card with a 'Year of the Rabbit' stamp which I've already talked about in a previous post. Thank you! :)

Mailing date: 22 September 2011

Delivery date: 29 September 2011

Nocturnal Summer Birds from Finland

Finland Post issued on May 18, 1999 the splendid miniature sheet above.  It consists of  five 3mk stamps each depicting a nocturnal summer bird, namely the:

- Thrush Nightingale, Luscinia luscinia (upper left)
- European Nightjar, Caprimulgus europaeus (lower left)
- Common Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus (upper middle)
- Corncrake, Crex crex (lower middle)
- Eurasian Bittern, Botaurus stellaris (upper right)

Thanks a lot Seppo for this very nice cover from Raahe! :P

Mailing date: 16 September 2011

Delivery date: 28 September 2011

Dinosaurs from South Korea

After the Triassic dinosaurs in August 2010, Korea Post released on August 11, 2011 another set of 4 stamps of denomination 340 won each, this time on Jurassic dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era.

Jurassic Period of the Mesozoic Era, which spanned about 50 million years from about 199.6 million years ago to 145.5 million years ago, refers to the period that followed the Triassic Period.  In this period, giant reptiles such as dinosaurs thrived on the land, and ammonites, in the sea.  In the later part of the Jurassic Period, birds appeared for the first time.

The Scelidosaurus was an herbivorous dinosaur, it had a rather small head and small body, being 250 kg in weight and about 4m in height.  It walked on four legs.  With its hind legs being longer than the front legs, it is thought to have run with its hind legs and to have walked with its hind legs to reach and feed on the leaves of tall trees.  Its most prominent body feature is the oval-shaped dermal scutes on both its back and tail.  It was discovered both in the U.K. and U.S.A.

The Stegosaurus was an herbivorous dinosaur too, living during the Late Jurassic Period and with spikes on its tails.  Compared to its large body, its head was relatively very small, with its long hind legs and short, crooked front legs making its back crook forward.  With its large body, it moved very sluggishly.  It is 9 m in height and 2 tons in weight.  It was discovered in the western part of the U.S.A.

The Allosaurus (left) and the Dilophosaurus (right)

The Allosaurus (left), on the other hand, was a carnivorous dinosaur flourishing in the later part of the Jurassic Period, it is known to be the fiercest predator in the North American continent.  Its feature is the crests just in front of its eyes.  It also had a sturdy jaw and teeth made for killing herbivorous or other carnivorous dinosaurs, as well as the hand which had sharp claws.  It was 3.6 tons in weight and 14m in height and it was discovered in the western part of the U.S., Portugal and Australia.

The Dilophosaurus (right) was also a carnivorous dinosaur during the Early Jurassic Period, it had two crests split in the shape of a V on top of its head.  Its razor-sharp teeth, long and strong legs, and long claws were perfect for hunting.  Its first toe on its hand was shaped in the way to hold a prey, functioning like a thumb.  It was 330~450 kg in weight, and 6~7 m in height.  It was first reported in the U.S., with the possibility of having been discovered in the southern part of China being raised.

Wonsik also enclosed the 2010 issue.  The 250 won stamps depict the Herrerasaurus and the Coelophysis (carnivorous), while the 340 won ones illustrate the Plateosaurus and the Riojasaurus (herbivorous).  Note the very interesting dinosaur-shaped  notches associated with these issues.

A big thank you, Wonsik! (=  It's my first cover from South Korea... :D

Mailing date: 17 August 2011

Delivery date: 23 September 2011

Lighthouses in Germany

Deutsche Post issued on June 7, 2011 a set - the second for 2011 - of two special postage stamps depicting Arngast and Dahmeshöved lighthouses.  This issue is part of the "Bacon" series which aims to raise awareness of the diversity of German lighthouses.

55c - The Arngast lighthouse is located about 4.5 km away from South Beach.  Since its commissioning in 1910, this maritime signpost is in continuous operation.  The 36-meter-high lighthouse is part of the traffic safety system at the Jade.  Its white light has a range of 21.0 nautical miles (approximately 40 km).  In 2003 the Arngast lighthouse entered the list of Germany's cultural monuments.

90c - The Dahmeshöved lighthouse was built in the years 1878-1879 at the Bay of Lubeck in Schleswig-Holstein and was put into operation in February 1880.  The octagonal lighthouse is built of red brick and has a round iron lantern.  The building is approximately 29 m high.  Due to its location, a few metres above sea level, this lighthouse has the mounting height with 34 m above sea level.  Its white light has a range of 23 nautical miles (approx. 43 km).  The lighthouse is open for public since January 1, 2003. 

Thank you very much Martin! :)

Mailing date: September 3, 2011

Delivery date: September 14, 2011

World Telugu Conference

The Mauritius Telugu Cultural Centre Trust along with the Mauritius Andhra Maha Sabha and the Telugu Speaking Union are hosting a World Telugu Conference in Mauritius from 8 to 10 December 2011.

Telugu as a language is of Dravidian origin, borrowing heavily on Sanskrit.  During the middle ages the word Andhra became synonym with Telugu and Tenugu.

Telugu is the second largest spoken language in India after the Hindi.  It is also the mother tongue for several Telugus living outside Andhra Pradesh and India.

The last World Conference organised in Mauritius was in December 1990.  Since the first World Telugu Conference in April 1975, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has not organised any conference either in Andhra Pradesh or outside except for the one in Malaysia in 1981.

The 2011 conference is being held at the Srimathi Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture located at Phoenix.  The subject for discussions will be on language, culture, traditions, arts and music.  Eminent personalities have been invited to make presentations.

Technical details:

Event: World Telugu Conference

Release date: 8 December 2011

Cover illustration: 2011 Conference Logo

Stamp: Rs7 (Aapravasi Ghat) of the Mauritius in World Heritage issue (2011)

150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy II

I've already talked about the 150th anniversary of the Italian Unification and the issue of 9 miniature sheets by Poste Italiane here.  Today, I show you the sheet issued jointly by Italy and San Marino.  It shows, on the right of the stamp, the portraits of Anita and Giuseppe Garibaldi, and on the left, the Towers atop Mount Titano that symbolise the Republic of San Marino.

Thanks Ivan for your nice cover and the maxicard above.  This 60c stamp was issued on 13 January 1983 by Deutsche Bundespost Berlin (German Federal Mail of Berlin), the former governmental agency providing mail and telecommunication services for West Berlin from 1949 until 1990.

Mailing date: 18 August 2011

Delivery date: 30 August 2011

60th Anniversary of Petrusmok

Petrusmok is the most revolutionary book ever written by Mauritian author Malcolm de Chazal.  This masterpiece of 580 pages was penned in 170 days between July 11 and December 28, 1950!

In Petrusmok, Malcolm de Chazal reads through the strange sculpture of the mountains of Mauritius the signs of a mythical past, that of the lost continent of Lemuria.  According to legend, these mountains of Lemuria have been carved by a race of giants whose descendants still inhabit the island and have a language based on the analogy and correspondence.  The carcasses of giant trees and fossils constituting, for the inspired Petrusmok, the obvious remains of this civilisation.  That is what gives the Mauritian collective memory enough to feed his imagination for years to come, the myth giving up the fable to become the collective thought of an ancient people.

An extract from Petrusmok...

Sixty years later, this book still keeps its strength and is still a source of poetry giving another glimpse of the insular reality of Mauritius.

Technical Details:

Event: 60th Anniversary of Petrusmok (1951-2011)

Release date: September 12, 2011

Cover illustration:  Portray of Malcolm de Chazal (1902-1981) + Quote: "Jamais le poète n'est plus vivant que  quand il est mort."

Stamp: Rs7 (Corps de Garde) of Mountains issue (2004)

Modern Art from Taiwan

ChungHwa Post issued on August 9, 2010 a set of 2 se-tenant gutter pair stamps portraying contemporary Taiwanese paintings.  James kindly affixed the stamps on the cover above posted from Taipei... thank you by the way! ><

The NT$5 stamp depicts Tsai Yun-yan (1908-1977) Bamboo Grove in Early Summer.  Bamboo Grove in Early Summer depicts the lush scenery of a bamboo grove with layers of bamboo overlaid with the foliage of a giant elephant’s ear and a loquat tree.  A bird perches on a branch of tree bringing a greater sense of vivacity to the painting.

Pear Espalier (NT$25) by Lu Yun-sheng (1913-1968) depicts the scene of a pear tree in full bloom and laden with fruits.

Mailing date: 16.08.2011

Delivery date: 25.08.2011

Postcard from Alberta, Canada

Another card from Glenn!  This time it shows the Alberta Badlands.  Badlands are a type of dry and barren terrain where softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils have been extensively eroded by wind and water.  Canyons, ravines, gullies, hoodoos and other such geological forms are common in badlands.  They are often difficult to navigate by foot and often have a spectacular colour display that alternates from dark black/blue coal stria to bright clays to red scoria.

I'm told that the Alberta Badlands are 130km and 2½ hours drive northeast of Calgary.

Glenn used, from left to right, stamps depicting the Monarch butterfly's caterpillar (Danaus plexippus) and 3 of the 4 Mohawk Kings, namely: Sa Ga Yeath Qua Pieth Tow, Ho Nee Yeath Taw No Row and Etow Oh Koam. The fourth King is Tee Yee Ho Ga Row.  Thank you again Glenn! ><

Mailing date: August 8, 2011 (?)

Delivery date: August 24, 2011

1988 Winter Olympics Souvenir from Canada

The 1988 Winter Olympics were held in and around Calgary, Alberta, Canada from 13 to 28 February 1988.  57 nations and 1,423 athletes participated in those XV Winter Olympics, with 5 countries making their debut in the Winter Olympics.  The Soviet Union topped the medal table with 11 gold medals, 9 silver ones and 9 bronze medals, followed by East Germany and Switzerland.

Glenn sent me an amazing postcard from Creekside, Airdrie, Alberta showing the Canada Olympic Park lit at night.  During the 1988 Games, it was the main venue for bobsledding, luge, ski jumping and free style events.  Canada Olympic Park nowadays serves as a world class training centre, recreational ski hill and year-round tourist attraction.

Glenn franked his mail with, from left to right, a Royal Wedding stamp, another one dedicated to Canadian singer-songwriters Kate and Anna McGarrigle, and a 59c stamp celebrating the centennial of Canadian Parks.  Thx Glenn! -_-

Mailing date: August 8, 2011 (?)

Delivery date: August 24, 2011

Birth Centenary of Seewa Bappoo

The Mauritius Post is issuing a Special Commemorative Cover to commemorate the birth centenary of Hon. Seewa Bappoo.

Mr. Bappoo was born on November 10, 1911 in Vacoas, the eldest of 8 children to Mr. and Mrs. Ramchandar Bappoo.  His grandparents were both from Ratnagiri, in Maharashtra, India.

He was educated at the Church of England School in Phoenix and at the Curepipe Boys' School, and then completed his secondary education at the Royal College of Curepipe.

Mr. Bappoo was a keen philatelist and a lover of nature, mostly of the sea world.  He was also passionate about roses, especially blue ones.

From November 1963 to November 1976 he was a Member of the Legislative Assembly, and from 1974 to 1976 was appointed Parliamentary Secretary until he retired from politics.

In 1965, Bappoo attended the London Constitutional Conference at Lancaster House, which paved the way for independent Mauritius.

In his maiden speech in December 1963, he said "that independence will come as a natural step in the development of any upsurge country.  To get our independence we must show ourselves up to standard, as we are far from facts that everyday proved our political maturity.  We must be determined to goive every citizen his freedom and employment, by helping the enlargement of various industries, helping the creation of new ones, facilitating the industrial, agricultural and economic development of Mauritius and eventually a real industrialisation of Mauritius.  We sincerely hope that we will help towards the progress and prosperity of this country, the pearl of the Indian Ocean."

In 1981, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Queen Elizabeth II for his cultural involvement in the Marathi community in Mauritius and his political contributions from 1963 to 1976.

The late Honourable Seewa Bappoo passed away on March 3, 1992 at the age of 80.

Technical details:

Event: Birth Centenary of Honourable Seewa Bappoo, O.B.E.

Release date: December 3, 2011

Cover illustration: Portray of Seewa Bappoo, Underwater View & the 4 Colours of the Mauritian Flag

Stamp: Rs8 (fish repopulation) of the Ecology issue (2006)

The Singapore Spirit!

SingPost issued on August 8, 2011 a beautiful set of 4 stamps and a miniature sheet to celebrate Singapore's National Day.  This year's topic was Areas of Historic Significance in Singapore.  Besides, a postcard showing a wonderful night view of the Marina Bay where the National Day Parade (NDP) takes place was also released.  I received this card a few months ago from Terence.  Thank you! :-)

The 50c stamp illustrates Taman Jurong, one of the oldest inhabited areas of Singapore, as it is nowadays, i.e. a business and leisure destination in western Singapore.  The term 'Majulah!', inscribed in the first day cachet, is a famous one in Singapore which refers to the dynamism of the country and to its national anthem.

Mailing date: 08.08.2011

Delivery date: 25.08.2011

Royal Wedding in Monaco

Prince Albert II of Monaco married former South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock on 1 July last.  The wedding took place over two days: the civil marriage ceremony on 1 July 2011, followed by the religious ceremony on 2 July 2011  at the Royal Palace by the Mediterranean sea.  Up to 3,500 guests, from French President Nicolas Sarkozy to the heir to the Spanish throne, as well as fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld and supermodel Naomi Campbell, attended the lavish celebrations in Monaco afterwards.

Prince Albert II, 53, has been the ruler of Monaco since the death of his father, Prince Rainier III, in 2005.   Charlene Wittstock represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Games before competing in Sydney as part of the women's medley relay team that finished fifth in the final.

Panoramic view of Monaco

To commemorate this memorable event, the 'Office des Emissions de Timbres-Poste de Monaco' (OETP) issued a splendid set of 5 stamps and a souvenir sheet on the same day as the wedding.  The 0,89 stamp is featured on the nice souvenir envelope above sent from Monte Carlo.  Un très grand merci à David de France! 8-)

The slogan postmark reads: Centenaire de l'Institut Océanographique de Paris.  Comprendre, aimer, protéger les océans.  1911-2011.

Mailing date: September 6, 2011

Delivery date: September 12, 2011

HIV & AIDS Awareness

Today being World AIDS Day, I take this opportunity to share with you this FDC released by the Mauritius Post on October 9, 2011 in the context of World Post Day and to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Discovery of the Virus of AIDS.

Mauritius has an estimated HIV prevalence of 0,97% among the adult population, of which 5030 cases are known according to July 2011 statistics.  An average of 35 new cases of HIV are being registered every month.  20% of the affected population are women.

First Day Cachet...

The epidemic in Mauritius is driven by injecting drugs and is of a concentrated nature with prevalence as high as 47.4% among injecting drug users, 28.9% in commercial sex workers and 8.1% in men having sex with men.

To address the epidemic, the National HIV and AIDS Stategic Framework 2007-2011 is being implemented.  It is geared towards universal access to prevention, care & support, with a particular attention to the prevention of new infection amongst our Most At Risk Populations.

Unofficial FDC...

Harm Reduction Programmes, namely the Needle Exchange Programme and the Methadone Substitution Programme for injecting drugs users have been put in place to contain the epodemic among people who inject drugs.  Treatment facilities are decentralised in regional hospitals and anti retroviral therapy is provided free of charge to people living with HIV.

Special World Post Day handstamp...

Prevention being the only vaccine against HIV, information, education and communication campaigns are ongoing at community level and in the media.  An HIV and AIDS Act was passed in 2006 in order to provide a legal framework for the prevention and treatment of HIV, to protect the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS, and to eliminate all forms of discrimination against them.

... and World Post Day date stamp.

A multi-sectoral approach has been adopted to fight HIV in the country.  The response engages in Government, NGOs, civil society and the private sector, and is led by the National AIDS Secretariat based in the Prime Minister's Office.

Cancelled-to-order block of four

"Let us fight HIV,

not people living with HIV."

Technical Details:

Release date:  09 OCT 2011

Designer: Nitish Peechen

Illustration: National HIV/ AIDS Logo

Printer: BDT Intl. Security Printing Ltd.

Process: Lithography

Size: 29.94 mm ×44.45 mm

Number per sheet: 50 stamps set in two panes of 25

Perforation gauge: 14 × 2 cm

Gum: PVA

Courtesy: National AIDS Secretariat (Prime Minister's Office)

                Prévention Information Lutte contre le Sida (PILS)

2010 World Expo Souvenir from China

Thank you Danny for the postal stationery above sent from the City of Shanghai.  The imprinted stamp illustrates the 2010 World Expo logo featuring the Chinese character 世, which means 'World' in Chinese, on a green background and a world map.  The mascot of the Expo 2010, Haibao, is also present on this stamped envelope.

The postage was completed with the 4,20元 stamp from the Birds definitive series and with the 10分 stamp from the Protection of Our Planet definitive set.

Mailing date - August 2, 2011

Delivery date - August 23. 2011