Futuristic National Symbols - United Kingdom

National Animal: The proud lion
National Bird: European robin
National Tree: old English oak

Distance: 523 km
Travel time: 6 days

From Germany

Postcard series for the annual calendar "Small Gallery 2017" by BSK's project.

Distance: 488 km

Travel time: 6 days

Koala

A gorgeous koala, I'm in love 😍 Thanks a lot Marnie!
Date: Oct 5

Sossusvlei

Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa, the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. Characterised by the large red dunes that surround it, Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400 meters, and provide photographic enthusiasts with wonderful images in the beautiful morning and evening light. Sossusvlei literally translates to 'dead-end marsh', as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River to flow any further, some 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean. However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the river seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years. During an exceptional rainy season the Tsauchab fills the pan, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this spectacular site. Photographic enthusiasts are spoilt with a glassy 'lake' holding reflections of the surrounding dunes. When the pan fills it can hold water for as long as a year. Despite the harsh desert conditions in the area, one can find a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to survive.£

RR: Vacation RR
Date: Oct 10

From Bhutan

My first card from Bhutan, a beautiful red panda. From becoming endangered to having a beer named after them, the red pandas are an icon of Bhutan. The red pandas live in rainy, high-altitude forests. They can be found in the mountains of Nepal, northern Myanmar (Burma), central China, and Bhutan. In Bhutan, red pandas have been spotted in seventeen districts, including seven of the ten protected areas. There have been sightings in all the eight biological corridors too. Sighting a red panda in the wild is rare. The Bhutanese consider it good luck.

Many thanks Patrik!
Date: Sept 15

Kegon Falls

Lokated in Nikko National park and 97 Metres high, Kegon falls has been designated one of Japan’s 3 most beautiful waterfalls. Kegon Falls is the most famous of Nikko’s 48 waterfalls. Water from Lake Chuzenji falls 97 metres straight down to the rocks below creating a dynamic and artistic work of nature. A special lift takes visitors to the basin where the force and roar of the water can be witnessed close up. Kegon Falls offers stunning views every season. Deep green in early summer, red and yellow leaves in autumn. In winter, the water freezes as it drops creating beautiful ice shapes almost like beautiful pieces of art.

Tag: Favourites tag
Date: Oct 7

Big Komodo Dragon

Komodo National Park, located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, is composed of three major islands (Rinca, Komodo, and Padar) and numerous smaller ones, all of them of volcanic origin. Komodo National Park is a landscape of contrasts between starkly rugged hillsides of dry savanna, pockets of thorny green vegetation, brilliant white sandy beaches and blue waters surging over coral, unquestionably one of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Indonesia. 

The most remarkable inhabitant of Komodo National Park is the Komodo Lizard. These giant lizards, existing no-where else in the world, are of great scientific interest, especially for their evolutionary implications. Most commonly known as Komodo Dragons, due to its appearance and aggressive behavior, the Komodo Lizard, is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 meters.

Unesco: Komodo National Park
Many thanks Gian Luca and Raffaella!
Date: June 20

Lake Bratan

Set within the highlands of the mountainous Bedugul Regency in Bali, atop a plateau that sits on Lake Beratan, stands the majestic Ulun Danu Temple. In the mild, mountain weather, approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, the air is crisp and cool. Lake Beratan is the second largest lake in Bali, and is the source of irrigation for rice fields and plantations across the entire Bedugul Village. The mountain on which it sits is often referred to as the holy mountain as the weather is cool and the soil rich and fertile. Built in the 17th century in honor of the Hindu gods Brajma, Vishnu, Shiva, and the lake goddess Dew Danu, the temple’s name means 'the power or source temple of Lake Bratan'. It is one of the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites in Indonesia, as well as a social and religious symbol for the Balinese. The temple complex is comprised of five temples and one Buddhist Stupa.

Unesco: Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
Many thanks Gian Luca and Raffaella!
Date: June 20

Flags of the World - DR Congo

The national flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was adopted in 2006. Blue represents peace. Red stands for the blood of the country's martyrs, yellow the country's wealth and the star symbol the future for the country.

Thank you Alena!
Date: Oct 17

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj, covering 318 hectares, is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia. It is located within the Bohinj Valley of the Julian Alps, in the northwestern Upper Carniola region, and part of Triglav National Park. Lake Bohinj is located in a glacially formed lake basin and holds almost 100 million cubic metres of water. The lake basin, which descends steeply, is not indented and is almost without shallows. The lake warms up to 24°C at the surface in summer and often freezes in winter.

RR: 10 Countries RR (20)
Date: Oct 4