Yes, I'll admit it, I saw the name Martini Tower (Martinitoren) and thought of an alcoholic drink but it has nothing to do with that. In fact it's a church tower in Groningen, in the Netherlands, and it contains 62 bells. It was first built in the 13th century but it was struck by lightening. It was rebuilt, higher, in the 15th century but it too was struck by lightening.
The third time it was rebuilt in the 15th century its luck was a little better but it did partially collapse when fires were lit on the third gallery to celebrate the departure of Spanish and Walloon troops in 1577. It was repaired but has continued to suffer damage over the years. One of the bells has a bullet hole caused by fighting during the liberation at the end of WWII.
The stamps on the card were the nearest I could get to a Valentine theme (they do have hearts on them) but the love here is for stamps. I like the idea - one stamp says, "I love stamps" and the other, "Stamps love me". The postmark says, I think, "Writing says more" but if a passing Dutch speaker can correct me, I'd be pleased to know.
This is a post for Sunday Stamps, now hosted by Violet Sky at "See it on a Postcard!"
Those look like holograms. I imagine the scan doesn't really show what they look like.
ReplyDeleteYes, they are holograms. At one angle there is a mass of hearts, and another shows the word LOVE repeated. They're more attractive than the scan.
ReplyDeleteVery good post Sheila and it has always amazed me how buildings that were built hundreds of years ago are still able to house people today. I wish I could visit Europe and actually go into some of these buildings.
ReplyDeleteGronigen brings back many happy memories, we used to spend many weekends enjoying the delights and hospitality of the Dutch people - Happy Days!
ReplyDeleteThat is so interesting about the lightning, fire and bullet holes! I think I'd really like to hear those bels one day.
ReplyDeleteAs far as my understanding goes, it does say that "writing is better" but with specific reference to letter (or in this case postcard) writing.
Holograms, hmm? I wonder how long holograms have been on stamps.
ReplyDeletethanks for participating!
When I looked at this post I was concentrating on the Martini Tower; the stamps caught me by surprise.
ReplyDeleteIn reply to viridian's question I came across this in an article on the internet:
"The United States Postal Service were the first in the world, in 1989, to incorporate holograms as indicia on stamped postal envelopes, but the first regular postage stamp depicting an hologram was produced by Austria in 1988."
It's a beautiful tower but it seems quite unlucky!!
ReplyDelete