Die Moselschleife

Postcard DE-3315959 came from Germany today with a view of the Moselle River from Calmont near Bremm, Germany. As a left tributary of the Rhine, the Moselle River flows through France, Luxembourg, and Germany. Its watershed also contains a small portion of Belgium through its tributary the Sauer and the Sauer's tributary the Our.

The Moselle River valley is well known for its beautiful scenery and the excellent grape and wine production. Moselradweg, the 311-km or 193-mi long cycleway that connects Metz, France to Koblenz, Germany, runs through Bremm.

In the news today, Germany will issue a World Cup victory postage stamp, in 0.60 euros, on Thursday July 17, 2014. Five million stamps, marked “Germany Football World Champion 2014”, were printed before the 2014 FIFA World Cup final game.

Asked what would have happened to the stamps if Germany had lost, a finance ministry spokeswoman replied: “We always firmly believed the German team would win.” I love the conviction.

Kieler Woche

Postcard DE-2971447 from Germany shows nightglow of the hot-air balloons at the Kiel Week, a week-long annual sailing festival and Volksfest  in Kiel, Germany. The sailing event is the largest in the world; and the Volksfest (People's Festival), a beer/wine festival with a traveling carnival that features amusement rides and food and merchandise vendors, is one of the largest in Germany.

Kiel Week in 2014 will be from June 21 to June 29.

The Angus Barn

Postcard US-2640210 from North Carolina shows the Angus Barn at Raleigh, NC, just minutes from the RDU airport. The restaurant prides itself on rustic elegance, featuring certified Angus beef aged in-house, fresh seafood delivered daily, and more than 1,500 selections of wine from around the world. Showcased on both sides of the wine cellar, customers may choose to dine in one of the two Renaissance style gourmet dining rooms. It also has a lakeside Pavilion for weddings and other private events.