United Kingdom - Mount Stewart, Northern Ireland

"Mount Stewart is one of the most spectacular and idiosyncratic gardens of Western Europe and universally renowned for the'extraordinary scope of its plant collections and the originality of its features, which give it world-class status'. It was created within an old demesne on the shores of Strangtord Lough, whose fine parkland trees and shelter belts were established for the 1782-83 house. A celebrated garden building, the Temple of the Winds, was added to the parkland in 1782-83 and the house was enlarged to designs of Dance in 1804, and by Morrison in the 1830S. The main focus of the nominated area, the gardens, occupies about 80 acres to the north and west of the house. They were begun in 1921 by Edith, Lady Londonderry, and work was greatly aided by the ample labour force available after World War I. Much advice was forthcoming from such eminent plantmen as Sir John Ross and Gertrude Jekyll. The staggering range of plants she used came from nurseries throughout the British Empire and an olive was brought from the Garden of Gethsemene. Taking advantage of Mount Stewart's equable climate, Lady Londonderry sought to acquire as many rare and tender plants as possible, especially southern hemisphere species, to create a garden of extraordinary diverse design, held together by a web of family and historical imagery. The gardens comprise both formal and informal areas, each with its own style and atmosphere..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Aerial view of Mount Stewart, Co. Down. Thanks to Dave of Northern Ireland, UK. This site was in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage nomination but no longer so.

United Kingdom - William Shakespeare's Birthplace - Stratford-upon-Avon

"Shakespeare's fame subsequently helped to shape the character of his town. The house where he was born became the earliest literary shrine of its kind in England, and together with the other local buildings associated with him, especially the church where he is buried, made Stratford an incipient international tourist centre before the end of the 18th century. Thanks partly to Shakespeare's reputation, which was well established in England and other European countries over 200 years ago, Stratford witnessed early efforts to safeguard its heritage and was one of the first historic towns to attract conservation initiatives, including the purchase of Shakespeare's Birthplace by public subscription in 1847. Today Stratford's significance as a major destination is undisputed. The proposed World Heritage Site contains evidence both of the Stratford of Shakespeare's day (and the bnildings associated with him) and also of Shakespeare's influence on the town through the development of the area as a focus of literary tourism from the 1 8th century..." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. Thanks to Dawn of UK. This site was once in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage nomination but is no longer so.





Postcard 2
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. Thanks again to Dawn of United Kingdom.

United Kingdom - New Forest

"The New Forest is an area of outstanding wildlife and landscape interest fashioned by human intervention and use over thousands of years. It extends to about 580 square kilometres, based on the New Forest Heritage Area boundary. The human processes that have shaped the landscape over time are well demonstrated by the rich archaeological heritage, particularly from the Bronze Age and Roman period, and a documented history going back to the 11th century." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Postcard 1
Cottages of New Forest, Hampshire. Thanks to Grete of UK. This site was once placed in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage nomination but is no longer so listed.





Postcard 2
Picturesque cottages and wild ponies make the New Forest of Hampshire a charming place. Thanks to Adrienne of New Zealand.

Penang Island - Chew Jetty

During the Chinese New Year in February 2011, I visited the celebration at the Chew Jetty, at Weld Quay in Penang Island and bought these nice postcards. The Chew Jetty lies in the UNESCO World Heritage core zone of George Town.

Postcard 1- Chew Jetty - since 1882


Postcard 2 - 9th Day of Chinese New Year celebration


Postcard 3 - Dragon dance to welcome the new year



Postcard 4 - Down memory lane


Postcard 5 - Beautiful sunrise

Butterworth - Tow Boo Kong Temple

During the Chinese New Year in February 2011, I visited this million dollars temple, Tow Boo Kong Temple, first established in 1980, at Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang Island and bought these beautiful postcards.

Postcard 1 - Gate to Temple with rainbow in the sky.

Postcard 2 - Medium in trance.

Postcard 3 - Opera troupe

Postcard 4 - Walking on fire

Postcard 5 - Dragon float street procession

Naples - Italy

Panaroma of the gulf, Naples, Italy. Written on January 29, 2011, the postcard was missent to Jakarta and arrived in Penang on February 18, 2011. Thanks to Michael of Luxembourg.