Quokka

You can see quokkas in the wild on Rottnest Island, located just off the coast of Perth, or up-close at the Perth Zoo. Rottnest Island has the largest wild quokka population in the world and is the most famous place to see them.

Tag: Offer tag
Date: August 2

Notre-Dame

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is a medieval Catholic cathedral located on the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. Following a devastating fire in April 2019, the cathedral underwent a massive restoration and officially reopened to the public in December 2024. It is renowned for its stunning French Gothic architecture, its breathtaking stained glass windows, elaborate stone carvings, and soaring spires, which reach heights of over 100 meters.

Unesco: Paris, Banks of the Seine

A souvenir from a day in Paris
Date: Sept 14

Elephant

A gorgeous elephant card. Thank you Herwig!
Date: Sept 12

Saint Michael’s Church

The Saint Michael’s Church is a 14th-century Byzantine Orthodox church built on a steep rock below the southern side of Berat Castle. Rising above the houses of Mangalem, the small domed chapel is one of the most strikingly situated medieval buildings in Berat. Constructed during the first half of the 14th century, the church follows a cross-in-square plan without internal supporting columns. A dome on an octagonal drum rises above the center, while a narthex occupies the western end. Its walls use the Byzantine cloisonné technique, with carefully arranged rows of stone separated by red brick. This patterned masonry gives the exterior much of its character. Only limited traces remain of the wall paintings that once covered the interior. The architecture is therefore the principal feature, particularly the balanced proportions of the dome, drum, apses, and small arched openings. Its compact design shows how a complete Byzantine church was adapted to an exceptionally restricted rocky site.

Unesco: Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
Thank you Lara!
Date: Sept 10

Gorica Quarter

The Gorica Quarter is one of the three core historic neighborhoods that make up the UNESCO World Heritage city of Berat, Albania. Located on the left bank of the Osum River, directly across from the busy Mangalem quarter and the hilltop Berat Castle, Gorica was traditionally the city's early Christian and Orthodox community hub. It is widely celebrated for its remarkably preserved Ottoman-era stone houses, steep cobblestone labyrinth alleys, and quiet, deeply authentic atmosphere.

Unesco: Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
Thank you Jo & Lara!
Date: Sept 9

Le Pal

A souvenir from my September trip to Le Pal, home to 2 beautiful Sumatran tigers, mother and daughter, Kinabalu and Sankha.

Date: Sept 14

Zoo Antwerpen

A souvenir from Antwerp Zoo with the African lions Whisker and Xira.
Date: August 22

Kaohsiung Confucius Temple

The Kaohsiung City Temple of Confucius is the largest Confucian temple complex in Taiwan, spanning over 6,000 square meters. Located on the quiet northwestern shore of the famous Lotus Pond in the Zuoying District, it offers a majestic, solemn atmosphere that stands in peaceful contrast to the nearby colorful and crowded pagodas.

RR: 10 Countries RR (20)
Date: August 13

Birch Memorial Clock Tower

The Birch Memorial Clock Tower in Ipoh, was built in 1909 to honor James Wheeler Woodford Birch, the first British Resident of Perak. Standing over 20 meters tall, the square Renaissance-style tower features clocks on all four sides. Four terracotta statues stand at the top corners, representing the supposed virtues of British administration: Loyalty, Justice, Patience, and Fortitude.

RR: 10 Countries RR
Date: August 26

Vyborg

Vyborg is located in Leningrad Region on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Finland, some 120 kilometers from St. Petersburg. Vyborg is famous for being Russia's most European city, renowned for its remarkably preserved 13th-century Swedish medieval castle and its multi-layered history as a territory that has belonged to Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Located right on the Gulf of Finland near the Finnish border, its unique aesthetic blends Nordic cobblestone charm, Finnish functionalist architecture, and Russian culture. Vyborg Castle is the town's ultimate symbol. Sitting on its own small island, it is the only fully preserved medieval fortress in Russia. Its defining feature is the 75-meter-tall St. Olaf's Tower, which offers panoramic views across Vyborg Bay and the historic center.

RR: Weekly RR
Date: July 6

Rijeka

Rijeka is a Croatian port city on Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic Sea. It’s known as a gateway to Croatia’s islands. The Port of Rijeka is the largest seaport in Croatia, serving as a vital deepwater maritime gateway between Central Europe and the Mediterranean. Korzo, the main promenade, is lined with Habsburg-era buildings. Nearby, the 19th-century Ivan pl. Zajc Croatian National Theatre has ceiling paintings by Gustav Klimt. The hilltop Trsat Castle complex, which includes a religious shrine, has sweeping views of the islands of Kvarner Bay.

RR: Slavic Countries x World RR
Date: Sept 9

Brabo Fountain

The Brabo Fountain is a bronze fountain-sculpture located in the heart of the Grote Markt in Antwerp, right in front of the Antwerp City Hall and the guildhouses. Unveiled in 1887 by sculptor Jef Lambeaux, this magnificent monument captures the vivid legendary origin story of the city's founding.

Sent by my mom.
Date: August 28