Theme : EUROPA 2017 - Castles

The Europa stamp program is an annual joint issue of stamps with a common design or theme by postal administrations of member countries of the European countries. I recently came across this interesting stamp program and decided to start a collection of this stamp program. Every year they have a specific theme that all countries will have to issue. This year (2017), the theme is castles and following is what I have in my collection.


1. Finland 
A Postcrosser friend from Finland who without any second thoughts agreed to swap this stamp for a couple of postcards from me.

2. Netherlands
Another Postcrosser friend from Netherlands. Was initally hesitating to ask her for this one when she had posted the stamp sheet on facebook. I finally decided to muster up the courage and asked her. She did say that she'll think about it and after that I didn't want to bother her about it. After a few weeks, I saw an envelope from Netherlands and there I was caught by surprise by her wonderful gesture. She actually wanted to surprise me by sending this set and hence her 'will think about it' reply. Bless her as she is a wonderful swapper.

3. Slovakia

This was sent by yet another Postcrosser from Slovenia which was sent as a surprise gift to me from her. She is a wonderful swapper and from what I heard she has a lovely collection of stamps. 

4. Sweden

This was a birthday gift from a friend who I met through Postcrossing project in Bangalore. We initially met as just acquaintances, but through a few meetings, he actually re-ignited my passion for philately when he showed me his awesome collection and encouraged me to do do the same. We meet often and discuss stamps, postcards, common friends, his experiences on stamp collection, etc. He loves to talk about stamps and you should see the sparkle in his eyes when he talks about stamps.

5. Austria

Bought this stamp from the Austrian Post site.

6. Jersey

My friend in Bangalore gave me this set of stamps from Jersey. 

        

7. Turkey

My friend from Turkey gave me this set of stamps in exchange for Indian postcards.

8. Belgium

A Postcrosser from Belgium forwarded me this Belgian release. I was surprised to find that the stamp was a bit bit rough around the castle and then I realised its a sand castle and hence it was meant to be a bit rough. Innovative isn't it?

9. Poland 

Bought this single stamp from the Polish Postal site.

10. Switzerland

Bought this from Switzerland through a work colleague who was holidaying in Switzerland for a couple of weeks.

11. Great Britain

Bought this set from Royal Mail, Sadly I had to buy the whole set of 6 stamps instead of just this single stamp. I guess, I can use the remaining 5 for swapping with anyone who is interested in Gardens or castles etc.

The above are the scans of the stamps that are in my collection so far. Looking for the rest of the countries who have issued the stamps. Looks for swaps or exchange with Indian postcards, stamps. If you do have them in your collection, do let me know and I shall be glad to exchange.

1. Åland
2. Albania - To be issued
3. Andorra (French post)
4. Andorra (Spanish post)
5. Armenia
6. Azerbaijan
7. Azores
8. Belarus
9. Bosnia and Herzegovina
10. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Croat post)
11. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Serb post)
12. Bulgaria
13. Croatia
14. Cyprus
15. Cyprus (Turkish post)
16. Czech Rep.
17. Denmark
18. Estonia
19. Faroe Islands
20. France
21. Georgia 
22. Germany
23. Gibraltar
24. Greece
25. Greenland
26. Guernsey
27. Hungary
28. Iceland
29. Ireland
30. Isle of Man
31. Italy
32. Kazakhstan 
33. Kosovo
34. Latvia
35. Liechtenstein
36. Lithuania
37. Luxembourg
38. Macedonia
39. Madeira
40. Malta
41. Moldova
42. Monaco
43. Montenegro
44. Nagorno Karabakh (Armenian post)
45. Norway
46. Portugal
47. Romania
48. Russia
49. San Marino
50. Serbia
51. Spain
52. Ukraine
53. Vatican

A long list to collect, not sure if I shall ever achieve them by the end of the year as I plan to do this one on a regular basis and this seems to be Herculean task now.

(Updated on 16-Nov-2017)

Vinay

16-Oct-2016

0950 IST