Odd World - Malta

 Malta Odd and Unusual Stamp Collection

1968 Christmas
Pentagonal shaped stamps

World's Highest Post Office - India

World's Highest Post Office

The World's Highest post office is situated at Hikkim in the Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The world's highest post office began its operations in 1983 and is located at 14,567 feet above sea level. It is built in the shape of a letterbox to attract tourists. Since its inception, Mr. Richen Chhering is the postmaster of this Hikkim post office.

Munnar PPC

 Munnar Permanent Pictorial Cancellation

Discover the picturesque town and captivating hill station of Munnar, nestled in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Its name, "Munnar," holds a beautiful meaning in the local Malayalam language – "Three Rivers." Indeed, Munnar owes its charm to the convergence of three serene rivers: Muthirapuzha, Kundala, and Nallathanni. Perched at an impressive altitude of approximately 1600 meters above sea level, this enchanting destination has earned the endearing nickname, "Southern Kashmir."

One of the primary draws for tourists is the renowned Eravikulam National Park, where visitors can marvel at the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species that finds sanctuary in this scenic expanse. The park's conservation efforts have contributed to preserving this majestic creature.

Another notable highlight of Munnar is the Neelakurinji flower, an exquisite marvel endemic to this region of the western ghats. This floral wonder blooms only once every twelve years, painting the hills with a mesmerizing blue hue. Having last blossomed in 2018, the Neelakurinji is anticipated to grace Munnar's landscapes once again in the year 2030, a sight that locals and tourists alike eagerly await.

Adding to Munnar's allure, it received a remarkable honor on 9th November 1998, when it was bestowed with a Permanent Pictorial Cancellation. This special stamp features the picturesque Nilgiri Tahr alongside the enchanting Kurinji flower, symbolizing the rich biodiversity and natural splendor of this captivating hill station.

The smallest Post Office in the USA

 The smallest Post Office in the USA

In the USA, there is a tiny, unassuming shed, which is, in fact, a post office! Yes, it is a result of a story that started on a seemingly unlucky note.  

In 1953, a fire destroyed Ochopee's post office.  So it was temporarily shifted to a nearby storage facility used for irrigation pipes. But it since became a permanent, fully functional post office, serving 3 county areas, namely Collier, Seminole, and Miccosukee. The total area of the post office is just 61 square feet!  It is located on U.S. Route 41 in Collier County near Ochopee, Florida.  Its ZIP code is 34141.  Because of the fire relocation, this post office got into records, coming to be known as the smallest post office in all of America.

I'm lucky to get this post office cancellation on a card.

Liechtenstein's First Embroidery Stamp

Liechtenstein's First Embroidery Stamp

Although Liechtenstein has been inhabited for approximately 7,000 years, it wasn’t known as Liechtenstein until the 18th century.  The name can be traced back to a 12th-century castle in the town of Maria Enzensdorf in Upper Austria.  This castle is said to stand on a rock known as the light (German -‘Licht’) stone (German-‘Stein’).

To celebrate the 300th anniversary of the principality, on Jan. 23, 2020, Liechtenstein issued its first embroidered souvenir sheet.  The 6.30-franc self-adhesive souvenir sheet is shaped like a crown, known as a princely hat. 

Hammerle & Vogl from Lustenau, Austria designed this embroidery stamp.  Earlier they designed Austria's embroidery stamps.

Switzerland was the first country to issue an embroidered stamp, on 21st June 2000.

Some other embroidery stamp issues...

Edelweiss stamp was issued by Austria in 2005

Clusius Gentian issued by Austria in 2008

world's first embroidered "silhouette" stamp issued by Austria Post in 2016

Austrian Post issued Petit Point in the year 2010

More recently, in September 2018, Austria issued the Styrian Hat stamp.  I'm looking for it to add to my embroidery collection.

Brazil, Italy, Micronesia,  and Singapore also issued embroidery stamps.  I'm looking for them too.

Unique Post offices

 Unique Post offices

World's Largest Mailbox

World's Oldest Postoffice

World's first floating Postoffice

The smallest Post Office in the USA

Puzzle Stamps Collection

 Puzzle Stamps Collection

Butterfly Stamps collection

 Butterfly Stamps collection

Gold Foil Stamps

 Gold Foil Stamps