Connemara ponies | Ireland

This postcard shows two Connemara ponies (Irish: Capaillín Chonamara), a pony breed originating in Ireland. They are known for their athleticism, versatility and good disposition. The breed makes excellent show ponies. The largest display of the finest Connemara ponies in the world takes place at the Clifden Show, Connemara, Ireland, on the third Thursday in August every year.

It was posted on 25 September 1974 from Bideford, Devon, England. It reads: 'The weather so far very mild & we have only managed a few walks along the sand & front. It's nice to have a change od scene though. It's very quiet here. We hope Helen will [...] some warmer still weather with her. We hope you had a safe trip yesterday. I will enjoy some hint of nostalgia in the autumn. Bert's engine is certainly an attraction & the tender will be an added interest. Hope all is well. Love [...]'

36 years ago in Barcelona

These three postcards were sent from my aunt, who was then living in Barcelona, to my mother in the year 1974. At that time she started working at the hospital shown on the third card! She writes that Barcelona is a magnificent city and that she thinks she could spent the rest of her life there!

Gothic Quarter

 On the first postcard you can see the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. El Gòtic ('Gothic Quarter' in Catalan; Spanish: Barrio Gótico), also known as Barri Gòtic, is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. It stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to Ronda de Sant Pere.

Despite several changes undergone in the 19th and early 20th century, many of the buildings date from Medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona. Remains of the squared Roman Wall can be seen around Tapineria and Sots-Tinent Navarro to the north, Avinguda de la Catedral and Plaça Nova to the west and Carrer de la Palla to the south. El Call, the medieval Jewish quarter, is located within this area too.

The Barri Gòtic retains a labyrinthine street plan, with many small streets opening out into squares. Most of the quarter is closed to regular traffic although open to service vehicles and taxis.