Card #35, Farming in New Zealand

Agriculture is the main export industry in New Zealand. Dairy accounts for 21% of all exports, and other important exports include meat, wood, fruit, and fish. Wine is also an important export. New Zealand's largest company, Fonterra, controls one-third of the world's dairy trade. I also thought it was interesting that 70% of New Zealand's electricity is produced through renewable resources such as hydropower and geothermal power. This card comes from user Lauren_NZ after 24 days of travel.

Card #34, It's Tough Being Really, Really Good-Looking

The back of this card, which comes from user estrella77, says "Konig Ludwig II. von Bayern (1845-1886) Erbauer der Konigsschlosser Neuschwanstein, Linderhof und Herrenchiemsee," which I believe translates to "King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845-1886) Builder of Royal Castles Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee." I don't know much about King Ludwig II, but I do know that Neuschwanstein is one of the most well-known castles in the world. People speculate that Disney's Cinderella Castle is based on that famous and lovely castle.

Card #33, Just Another Finnish Sunset

I do get quite a few cards from Finland. But that's okay! I just love my postcards, each and every one. Since I hear from the good folks of Finland pretty frequently, let's talk about that great nation a bit.


1. The capital is Helsinki.
2. Official languages are Finnish, Swedish, and regionally, Sami.
3. The form of government is semi-presidential republic. (They have both a president and a prime minister.)
4. Finland became an independent nation in 1917.
5. It joined the EU January 1, 1995.
6. It is 130,558 square miles and home to 5.3 million people.
7. It has the 12th highest per capita income, at $35,349.
8. Its Finnish name, Suomi, means "Our Land."

Card #32, Oregon Trail: You Just Died of Dysentery

My first card from the United States is a magnificent success! This beautiful painting is entitled Emigrants Crossing the Plains by Albert Bierstadt. It is located at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The sender of the card, Thedeb, is currently traveling around the country in an RV. Is that cool or what? The museum where this is located is the home of over 28,000 Western and American Indian art works and artifacts.

Card #31, Krakow Ya Doin?

Krakow, Poland deserves a great deal of recognition as a city of historic importance. It is over one thousand years old. Wikipedia calls it the "spiritual center" of Poland, and the sender of the card, arti, says she loves the city because it "has its own soul." Those are really magnificent claims. Krakow has a population of about 750,000, and its historic city center has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to Wikipedia, there is evidence to suggest that settlements have existed on Wawel Hill (the current site of the historic city center) since the Stone Age. Legend attributes the founding of Krakow to the mythical ruler Krakus, who built the town above a cave which was home to a dragon, Smok Wawelski. Knights attempted to defeat the dragon in battle, but Krakus eventually eradicated the dragon by feeding it a poisoned breakfast. Then Krakus was able to establish his city on the hill. The bones of the dragon are displayed at Wawel Cathedral in the city center.

Card #30, There Are No Words for Beauty Like This

This incredible specimen of a volcano is located on the North Island of New Zealand. Its original Maori name is Mount Taranaki, but it was also called Mount Egmont by Captain Cook. It is a quietly active volcano standing at 8261 feet. According to Maori legend, Taranaki once lived in the middle of the North Island with all the other volcanoes. The beautiful Pihanga was coveted by all the mountains, and a great battle broke out between them. Tongariro eventually won the battle, inflicting wounds on the side of Taranaki. Taranaki fled to the west, towards the sea, until the sun rose and petrified him into his current state. When Taranaki conceals himself with rainclouds, he is said to be crying for his lost love, and during spectacular sunsets, he is said to be displaying himself to her. In turn, Tongariro's eruptions are said to be a warning to Taranaki not to return. Thanks to user cathrs for this gorgeous card.

Card #29, You Spin Me Right Round

This pretty little card comes from, you guessed it, the Netherlands. The town is called Wervershoof, which is apparently such a small village that it doesn't warrant its own article on Wikipedia. Yes, I can confirm this after a visit to the town website - it is home to 5500 people. This card is from user Lindadepinda.