Hunza, Pakistan

Hello from the sunny/cloudy/sunny/cloudy/oh-i-so-much-wanna-rain-but-i-think-i-may-spare-you-the-trouble Skopje. Well, I rather it rains now than later when I wanna go to this music event and among else, see Psychic TV live.

Well, I have some hours to spare till then, so why not post a few cards? :)


First comes this amazing card from  Pakistan that Vera sent me few years ago when we swapped, and this card is just sooo beautiful! I love love love the colours of this, as they call it, amazing spring of Aliabad in the Hunza Valley.

Hunza is located in the northern part of Pakistan, not far from the borders with China and Afghanistan. It's well known for its picturesque beauty and culture, and traditions of the mountain people.

In March, April and May, the Hunza valley is full of flowers and blossoming trees (as you can see here on the card), and in contrast to the distant snowy peaks, it looks amazing, though as Vera points it out, the view from Aliabad remains spectacular throughout the year, even when it's cold and raining. 

The blossom starts with the almond trees, then apricot trees, cherries, apples, peaches and pears. Apricot is a famous legend fruit of the valley and in ancient times used to be the main source of food. 

Hunza is also famous for its gem stones, which are considered to be one of the most valuable in the world.

Hunzakuts (the local people of Hunza) tell a legend of 3 soldiers from the Army of Alexander the Great, which passed through the valley  with their Persian wives and founding the first villages of Altit, Baltit and Ganesh - a nice story but not confirmed. And the old Mir (King) of Hunza had an even better tale, claiming to be a descendant from Alexander's Union with a fairy of the Hindu Kush.

Oh, I love legends and fairy tales! Don't you? :))

Now along with the stamps, I have to again show Vera's amazing work of art and effort she puts on postcards (you can check out the previous one here) I often wish I had at least half the talent and creativity when it comes to the cards I send...

As for the stamps - the one on the left was issued in 2012, showing Muhammad Ali Jinnah who gained independence for Pakistan. He is a founder of Pakistan and beloved national hero. The other stamp is also from 2012, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Visit of King Bhumibol Adulyadej & Queen Sirikit of Thailand to Pakistan.

Vera, thank you very much again for this fantastic card, stamps and design!!