This may be a bit late -- but hey, better late than never. So here goes...

I hope it sounded right. If not, my dear Spanish friends, you are welcome to correct me.

As I mentioned above, this year proves to be a great year for Spanish sports -- at least where football and tennis are concerned. This year, I witnessed how Rafa dominated his opponents in both clay and grass courts,  showing everyone why he is the best defensive and offensive player in tennis! As to the World Cup finals, the Netherlands played a roughshod game but the Spanish squad showed them how it should be done - playing aggressively but staying true to the spirit of sportsmanship. The roughness and toughness of football was terrifying to watch but I bet these professional players each have a disability insurance to fall back on.  I read over a sports site that Rafa, fresh from a quick holiday after winning the Wimbledon, flew to South Africa to watch the finals. With such a show of support from Rafa, he may have indirectly inspired the Spanish team... who knows? 

I'd like to bask in the festive atmosphere as I, too, rooted for Spain. Today, albeit late, I selected a postcard from Spain from among my collection that are waiting to be posted here. The view is not exactly related to sports mentioned above, but it is a greeting card. The message says Happy Festivals... for sure the whole entire country of Spain is in a fiesta-mode and has every reason to celebrate this triumphant feat and to last for as long as they want to!

Sent by Cristina

Postmarked Valladolid

18 - July - 2008

This is the Castillo Palacio de Cuéllar, or the Castle of the Dukes of Albuquerque, the most prominent landmark in the province of Segovia, in the autonomous region of Castilla y León. It is a very impressive castle, built between 13th and 14 century with a mixture of gothic and renaissance architectural styles, that sits on top of hills of Cuéllar. The fortified wall itself is impressive and is currently undergoing rehabilitation.  Categorised as a Cultural through the Spanish  Historical Heritage's Law 16/1985 of 25 June, it is a protected cultural interest owing to its historical and artistic values reflecting traditional heritage and marked value of antiquity. 

The castle was once a military building but in the 16th century it was converted and became a castle-palace owned by the Duke of Albuquerque and their descendants for centuries. In the 19th century, during the War of Independence, the French troops stormed and looted the castle and was used as barracks. At present, the  castle is housing a school facility and a museum that attracts thousands of tourists every year.

The stamps are definitive and shows the same castle, Castillo Palacio de Cuéllar. The stamps are from a 3-stamp series issued in 2003 depicting Castles in Spain under the theme of Architecture.