Tanzania and Zanzibar

Not only did I manage to send some pretty cool postcards from Zanzibar, I also got an overdue lesson in geography.

Unusual Africa cards and countries: Benin

Benin map card

stamps: (top) 2011 papal visit, (bot.) Benin coat of arms

Angola: rising from the ashes

Angola, a southern African nation, was a Portuguese colony from 1483. It gained independence in 1975 after a brutal civil war followed. The country is rich in oil, diamonds, and natural resources. Angola's capital, Luanda, was a major slave trade hub. The country has made progress since civil war ended in 2002, but faces challenges like poverty and corruption. Angola's diverse culture blends Portuguese and indigenous influences. 

This card from tour operator Paul Wesson of www.eco-tur.com



stamp: from 1995 set of traditional ceramics

Madagascar

Malagasy girl

I sent this card to my daughter back in 2003 during my last (and only) visit to Madagascar. It is a fascinating country to visit, but also sad in so many ways.

Botswana: the new regiment

I certainly don't get too many cards from Botswana - and my travel pal, Philip Game, is the only one I know who's ever been there. And what a set of stamps!