Postcrossings: Church and countryside

Here are two Postcrossing postcards that I've received in my mailbox (actually a community wall of mailboxes a half-block from our house) since moving to Arizona.

First up is this postcard from Alina in Ukraine.¹  It shows the ornate interior of the 18th century St Andrew's Church in Kyiv, Ukraine, which was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli of Italy. According to Wikipedia, "The church has no bells as, according to legend, their noise would cause flooding of the left part of the city."

Alina writes: "Hi, Otto! Hope you love the postcard. I've never been inside this church as the entrance is fee based — what a strange idea for a church. Take care and come visit Ukraine."

Next up, is this multi-view postcard from Tiverton, Mid Devon, Devon, South West, England, United Kingdom. As with any proper town in England, there are local ruins of a castle and associated folklore and ghost stories.

Peter, who likes to talk long walks and play guitar in a Tiverton band, writes: "Hi. In the middle of our third lockdown because of COVID. Lucky to live in the countryside. Most of the fields are full of sheep with their new lambs. Missing live music and travel. Hope you are well and safe."

Footnote

1. Keep the citizens of Ukraine in your thoughts. Washington Post headlines from this past week:

• "Putin again threatens war with Ukraine. The West must be ready to respond." [editorial]
• "Ukraine’s president visits conflict area as tensions rise"
• "Kremlin says it fears full-scale fighting in Ukraine’s east"
• "On Ukraine’s doorstep, Russia boosts military and sends message of regional clout to Biden"