Romania - Russia Joint Issue: Churches

After the proclamation of the Independence of Romania on May 9, 1877 and following its official recognition as one of the important powers of the time – events that propelled the Romanian nation among the modern European nations – on October 15, 1878 were established diplomatic relations with Russia. Occasioned by the celebration of 130 years since the enforcement of the diplomatic relations between Romania and the Russian Federation, Romfilatelia released a joint stamp issue in 2008, illustrating monuments included in the UNESCO’s world heritage list.

This sheet I have bought myself some time ago, and recently I have received it´s pair, thanks to Irina.

The stamp with the face value of RON 3.00 presents the image of the Sf. Gheorghe church of the Voronet Monastery.
Built in only 4 and a half months, starting from the spring to the autumn of 1488, the Sf. Gheorghe church of the Voronet Monastery is one of the most valuable establishments built by Stefan cel Mare.The architecture of the monument is a twinship of aboriginal, Gothic, and Byzantine elements. In 1547, the exterior of the church was painted under the close supervision of the Metropolitan Bishop Grigorie Rosca. Grace to the great fresco adornishing the Western façade (Final Judgment), the Voronet Monastery is considered to be the „Sixtin Chapel of the Orient“ whereas the „Voronet Blue“ knows no counterpart anywhere in the world.

See more pictures about it here.

The stamp with the face value of RON 4.30 shows the Sf. Demetrius Cathedral in Vladimir.
Rightfully considered as one of the splendors of the city of Vladimir, the Sf. Dimitrie church was built by Prince Vsevolod III.
The exotic ornaments, the bas reliefs representing lions, centaurs, and white leopards cover the white walls of the church. The sculpted interior decorations cover biblical themes and equally Greek mythology. The central part of the church façade envisages the repeated image of King David associated, during the Middle Ages, with the celebration of beauty and harmony of the world.
More information and pictures here.

Title: Romania-Russia Joint issue: UNESCO Churches
Date of Issue: 23 June 2008

Country: Romania and Russia
Source: http://www.romfilatelia.ro
Denominations: 3, 4L30 and 6x12p sheets

INDIA - MEXICO 2010

After over a month travel, finally received a letter from Som with nice MS and stamps. Thank you very much. They are all lovely. Here is one of them.
India Post released a set of 2 stamp and a Miniature sheet on 15th December 2010 to commemorate 60 years of India - Mexico diplomatic relations. The stamps  depicts the Kalbelia dance of Rajasthan, India and Jarabe Tapatio, the national dance of Mexico.

India 2010 (have this)

Mexico 2010 (want this)

Kalbelia Dance of Rajasthan is a famous dance in Rajasthan, India. 
Kalbelia dance is of the kalbelia tribe of Rajasthan, the snake charmers. Kalbelia community’s occupation being catching snakes and trading snake venom in Rajasthan. Dancers dress traditional black swirling skirts during this dance. Women and girls dance on the rajasthani folk music during this dance.  This is a unique dance of kalbelias. Two or three women sing traditional rajasthani songs and others play musical instruments.

Here is a kind of documentary movie about this dance.

Jarabe Tapatio, The National Dance of Mexico

The Jarabe Tapatío, known in English as the Mexican Hat Dance, is the title of the musical piece and the dance that accompanies known as the “national dance of Mexico”. The musical piece, a medley of Mexican folk music, was composed in the 19th century by a professor of music in Guadalajara, Jesús González Rubio.

It serves as a symbol of the national pride and honor of the Mexican people. I did not find yet a good quality video for it, but it´s nice: 

The dance tells the story of love and courtship. It can be performed either by a couple or a group of couples. A charro, dressed in the traditional charro suit, a three-piece suit composed of a vest, jacket, and pants bearing silver buttons down the seam, makes initial courtship gestures to la china (wearing the traditional China Poblana outfit). They flirt throughout the beginning of the dance, during which time the man attempts to woo the woman with his zapateado (stamping and tapping) and his machismo.

Just as he has impressed the woman, he becomes drunk with glory, and is shooed away as a borracho (an inebriate), but ultimately, he succeeds in conquering the china, throwing his hat to the ground and kicking his leg over his partner’s head as she bends down to pick it up. The two do a triumphant march to a military tune called a diana, and the dance ends with a romantic turn or the couple hiding their faces behind the man’s sombrero in a feigned kiss.

Title: INDIA-MEXICO: JOINT ISSUE 2010
Date of Issue: 15 December 2010
Country: India
Denominations: 2000p, 500p

Source: http://www.stampsofindia.com

Country: Mexico
Denominations: $ 7.00 x 2