WFH due to Coronavirus 2020

Work From Home Checklist

2020 hasn't started on a bright note. With Coronavirus being declared as pandemic by WHO, many steps are taken by various countries to contain the spread. Work from home is one of the steps taken by organisations across the globe. As I entered into Day 3 of WFH, there were a few things that came to my mind and I decided to pen them down. A small checklist, if you may, to prepare organisations to adopt and support work from home or remote work. This is not an exhaustive list but will get one going in the right direction hopefully

As an organization what is it you can do?

• Check hardware - Make sure your employees have access to essential tools like laptops, phones, chargers and other hardware that they can work from home efficiently. 
• Check software - Make sure employees have access to things like email, communication tools like Slack, collaboration tools like Google Suite or Microsoft O365, and other software they may need to get their job done.
• Check telephone - Test call forwarding from office desk phones to mobile phones. Ask your employees to test the ability to access these necessary tools and programs from home so you can troubleshoot or install as needed.
• Check security - When employees are accessing company data through the cloud, ensure they are leveraging two-factor authentication. Ask them to be cautious of clickable links and attachments. Ask them to never give out passwords and to be cautious about sharing personal information on unknown websites.
• Support active communication - Encourage your managers to agree on a regular communication plan and have a cadence for formal meetings, informal check-ins, quick replies, 1:1 reviews, and so on. The plan should include things like expected response times based on urgency, deciding which communication channels are appropriate for a given situation, and the type of work that can be done out of sync from the team versus collaboration on a real-time basis. Also, develop communication plans for your customers, vendors, and other stakeholders. Keep them informed that you are open for business but with modifications to normal operations. 
• Support a culture of productivity and accountability – Remote working does not mean getting less or no work done. In fact, it means being more productive. If your  employees know what is expected of them from a performance metrics and time management perspective, then holding them accountable should be business as usual, no matter where they are.
• Support wellness - One of the best things about remote work is that it allows employees to take better care of themselves. There are opportunities for things like stretch breaks, quick walks around the house, eating healthy home food, avoiding long commutes and overall reduced stress. Utilise this opportunity to help your managers to lead a healthy, happy, and a more productive team.

As a Manager what is it you can do?

• Set clear expectations - Make sure your team know exactly what is expected of them while they are working remotely.
• Set clear communication guidelines - Make sure the team is able to differentiate between things that are urgent and need an immediate response versus things that can wait. Together, decide what communication channels are the right ones to use together. For example, for urgent things you will send an instant message or a place a call as necessary. For things that can wait, just email. Whatever it is, make sure the team agrees on it together and leave in some room for it to evolve and settle naturally.
• Support your team – Every member in the team is different and working at home can throw some unexpected challenges. So ask this question often: “Do you have everything that will help you to work remotely? Is there any other support you will need? Do you have everything you need to be successful and be independent?” This should flush out anything that your team member might be missing from their toolbox that you or the organisation might not have yet considered.
• Be flexible - Things crop up at home that might not crop up when in an office. Make sure your team has some room to be flexible with their schedules. As long as the team knows what they are accountable for, having some flexibility will not matter. In fact, it can help re-enforce accountability and trust in the relationship.

As a Employee what is it you can do?

• Set up a good home office environment - Make sure you have a dedicated space at home to work and you have access to a quiet room with a closed-door to make phone calls. You might also want to consider a comfortable chair to help you stay relaxed while you work.
• Ensure strong internet access - Check to make sure your internet speed is fast enough to have a video call. For example, Zoom, a video conferencing app, recommends you have a connection of 2 Mbps. If you are not sure, you can check www.speedtest.net or www.fast.com  In areas with less internet connectivity, go for  audio conference calls. 
• Avoid distractions - There are distractions at home, even if you are the only one. Make sure you have headphones to stay focused on your tasks. It is tempting to do things like watching Netflix, or checking personal email, Facebook, Whatsapp and so on. It can also mean to clean or do laundry. Try and push these chores to end of your workday.
• Keep them updated – Need to step out for a while? If so, do keep some of the vital team members informed that you’re stepping out for a while with an estimate of when you’ll be back. This is so that they’ll know when to text you or call you for any urgent matters.
• Be a proactive communicator - In the office, it is easy to tap someone on the shoulder by walking over to their desk. Not when you are remote working. So make sure you are proactively reaching out to people if you have questions, ideas, or is facing a roadblock.
• Be accountable - Working from home requires trust. Be someone who is accountable for your own responsibilities. This will build trust with your manager and your employer.
• Hold successful meetings - Remote meetings are different than in-person meetings. Make sure everyone knows what tech they should be using and have them tested before the meeting. It is also a good idea to be the one to lead the meeting with an agenda. Begin meetings with a casual check-in with everyone much like you would in an office setting. This captures the friendliness and makes sure everyone is represented.

Well, these are my two cents of thoughts. Most important thing is that learn to trust your team and as a team member, win the trust of your management. It is a two way communication. This is 2020, not 1920 where remote work is impossible. At this moment, the health of your team members is essential for without them, no organisation can function.

Let me know what you think this article? Is it helpful?

Vinay 

19-Mar-2020

1837 hrs IST

YEAR 2019

YEAR 2019

A year filled with 12 months, 365 days, 8760 hours, 525600 minutes, and 31536000 seconds.

Personally, the year has been a real exciting one so far in my life.

Why?

It was filled with ups and downs like any other year, but what's so special about the year 2019?

Well, these ups and downs have taught me lot, lessons I'll never forget.

***

What were the downs?

I was without a job for close to about 6 months. I'd left my previous one on March 01, 2019. When I left, I was hopeful of getting another job soon as I had a few years of varied experience behind me. I have worked as a field engineer, as a Network Operation Centre engineer, as a Project Manager, as a Governance, and most importantly as a mentor in every role I've played. Also, I was into telecommunications, infrastructure, data centre, storage and backup, banking institutes, service and product based industries. So with this large variety I was hopeful of getting somewhere soon. Alas, NO! I attended several interviews with companies, big and small, applied for all sorts of roles. Anything would do for me then. All I wanted was a job with a decent salary to get me going for a while. Had to pay the monthly EMIs, the credit card bills, and have some decent money to give it to my mother to run the house, get her the required medicines, general housekeeping and so on.

This meant all my sources of entertainment was cut down drastically. Some of you may be aware that I collect stamps, coins, postcards, amongst many other things. So this meant no more buying or just buy in minimalistic ways. For instance, I bought the Indian stamps on a need only basis. Stopped buying the regular Royal Mail issues, the stamps related to postboxes, Elvis Presley, Tintin, Asterix. Also stopped buying the postcard series that I love to collect. It's only because I owed (and still owe) a large amount towards the credits cards that I own.

Also, I stopped going out for food and drinks with friends. Why? Only because I didn't want to be a burden on them by letting them pay for me all the time. But, thankfully, there are a few handful of them who are (still) very supportive and understanding, and called me out for a meal or two regularly. They knew I was holed up in my house, in my room, the whole day. they just wanted me to come out to breathe some fresh air, mix around with people, get some exercise, anything, but just to prevent me from getting depressed. Thank you Som, Anirudh, Vikas, Furqan, Aishwarya, Krupa, Shaistha, Ramya, Roshini for the treats. IOU.

Talking about depression, I was really low this year. I used to attend several interviews. There were cases where I used to get rejected in the first or the second round. That was okay as they used to ask questions where I had no clue about how to answer them. But, there were a couple of them who rejected me in the very last round on silly grounds. I hear they rejected me for my lack of good communication skills. Had it been for technical reasons, I could have understood, but being rejected for communications I found it really absurd. I started feeling even low, started avoiding people, stopped running or exercising as I was really not in the mood to do anything. Also, my moods started swinging a lot and I got really irritable even with silly things. Refused to go out to meet friends even when they pleaded a lot to join them.  I literally stopped smiling or talking to people, even with parents or other family members. Luckily, I did not resort to some habits that others would find comfort in. Anyhow, let me stop here and would not like to talk more as I know it's something not many people like to hear these things coming from me.

Also, in the same year, two people whom I adored a lot passed away, well due to part old age and part sickness.

Gupta Nani, or just Nani as I always called her was my mamama's close friend. She has been a family friend who known us since the 1950s or so. She has always been very close to us, especially my mother. She was a second mother to my mother. She was one the first visitors to see me when I was born in Jamshedpur. She was the one who brought me out to the public during the day of my naming and cradle ceremony (per mom). She always has and will have a special place in my heart and life. She was ailing for a while and when she was in the hospital in Pune, mummy and me were specially called to see her in person before the inevitable happens. It was really sad to see her in the hospital being so sick. She was always a very lively and cheerful person and seeing her like this really saddened and shook me. She passed away on 3rd June. I still miss her a lot, along with my mamama.

On August 10, my maternal granduncle, Pandari ajja passed away. A few of you know that I love to read P G Wodehouse or MAD comics or like to watch a few British sitcoms such as Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister. It was because of ajja that I developed a taste towards Wodehouse, MAD, and British sitcoms. It was in 2000 when I finished my 12th/PUC and was waiting for my engineering college to commence. It was then when ajja gave me a Wodehouse book (a Jeeves and Wooster omnibus book) to read to while away the time. After that, it was no turning back as I have read quite a lot of books written by the Master. Every time I spot a book, read a few lines, Ajja you are always remembered. Ajja, you've also contributed in shaping me, in making me, who I am today. Thank you, ajja and I miss you as well.

***

And what were the ups?

Thanks to a lovely dearest friend of mine, who in September 2018, encouraged me, forced me, threatened me to start giving a thought about doing my PMP (Project Management Professional) certification on a very serious note. She would regularly give me a ring to check on my progress of thought, attending a course to gain the 35 PDUs or contact hours, submitting the application form, clearing the application audit process, selecting and booking the exam date, to preparing for the exam. Finally on 27th March, after a tensed four hour exam, I cleared it (after four previous attempts) and is now PMP certified! All I need to do is to keep doing some other courses that will contribute to 60 PDUs to keep this certification alive. After informing my parents about the results of the exam, I made sure she would be the next person to know about the results. After all, she was the reason why I'm now PMP certified. Although it was really early for her, I do really appreciate her effort in talking to me early in her day. In fact, the previous night I did torture and irritate her with my low levels of energy and being scared to approach the exam centre. This certificate, this achievement, is because of her and I owe it to her.

Also, thanks to her once again, I went on to do a CSM certification and finally during our regular small conversation with her, I was inspired to learn German language (for the third time!).

German was a language I have learnt in 2004, 2010 and now in 2019. I always stopped at the very basic level, A1. Couldn't progress beyond A1. In 2004, as I had just started to work with Airtel and it being a field work, meant not being able to attend classes regularly. In 2011, I was on a deputation to Reading, UK for a year just after I finished my course. And now, I am stuck as I was to relocate to another city, which eventually didn't happen. In 2020, I ought to take this further. One thing is that, in this course I met many lovely people. Made friends and I guess out of the whole lot it's just about 3-4 of them I'm in regular touch with. Thank you, Savitha and Krittika for asking me out for dinner and drinks once in a while and for keeping in touch even now. Thank you, Rabiul for working, like a few blocks away from my work place which this means we can catch up a bit more regularly as well.

Hey babe, thanks a lot for everything you've done so far!!! Thank you for being with me always, for being there whenever I needed someone to talk to, to open up to, to cry and vent out my frustration. Though I know we are miles, cities, countries, continents, time zones apart, but you were always there for me. As I always say to you, I'm there with you as well no matter what. We are in this together. And sorry, if I irritated you then and even now. You know how I can get to be at times.

It was during this phase I started attempting meditation at an Osho centre, though I will admit I went to about 2-3 classes and that's it. Couldn't continue further as when I let my mind wander, it would got to places where I was afraid of going. I used to have these flashes of being a failure, of letting down everyone, of being ridiculed by everyone. And hence I stopped meditating. But now as things are a bit better, I guess I should take it up again and learn to control my mind.

Also, in the same year I met Gaur Gopal Das in Pune when I was visiting Chaturshringi temple on that eventful day. I was really blessed to meet him that day, talk to him and have a quick photo taken with him. The warmth, the frequency, the vibes I felt when I was with him for a few minutes, it was marvellous. Later in June/July and September,  I also attended two events where Brahmakumari Shivani ji spoke about inner peace and forgiveness, and Sadhguru who spoke about water conservation and other things. It felt really good and warm inside as I listened to them and is inspired to be a better and warmer person.

Finally in July, there was a breakthrough!!! I received an email from We Work recruitment/talent acquisition team regarding an opening they found my profile suitable for. As I was still looking for employment, I went through the profile, the roles and responsibilities, and I then expressed my interest to proceed further. In no time, I was lined up for interviews with the Technology manager, the Sales manager, and finally the CWeO of the organisation. Finally I was asked to join the organisation in September as a Client Solutions Consultant, Information Technology. This is yet again a different role. Here, I'm learning a lot of new things, meeting a lot of people from different organisations, understanding their requirements and scoping out their IT needs accordingly. This is something different and though I've done something similar in the past, but not in the same scale. Thank you We Work for trusting me that I can do the job and I hope not to let you all down or disappointed.

Talking about We Work, I have again met wonderful people. People who are also helping me to grow through their advices, their critics, their support. Thank you Geetha, Nisha, Priyo, Bijayini, Sakshi for being wonderful team mates. However, one person who really needs to be mentioned here is Zoheb. He is now working with someone and is into something I was always been passionate about, something I have always wanted to do for more than 15 years. He is helping someone who is into making chocolates! It is something I have always wanted to do, get into making them from scratch and give the people a product that different from others. Zoheb, I want to work with you in 2020 and I know that ITI chocolates will happen because of you.

Also, I do need to mention that, there was another organisation who saw the potential I had and offered me to join them as a delivery manager or project manager but as a Contract. Though the stint was a very brief one, Mr. Vijayraj J, I would like to thank you and apologise as well I didn't last long as much as I wanted to. Thank you for the breakthrough and believing in me that I could deliver projects. Thank you for helping me in regaining that confidence that I'd lost in between. You've played an important role during a crucial time of my life and career.

Later when I was back on my two feet, with some money coming in, I finally decided and mustered up the courage to participate in a state level philatelic exhibition, KARNAPEX 2019, held in Mangalore between 12-15 October. I participated in two categories and submitted a single frame on Elvis Presley and a three frame exhibit on postbox (my primary theme). Needless to say, I was chuffed to bits when I heard that my Post box exhibit earned me a bronze and Elvis Presley earned a Diploma. This was my second such participation and the first one on a state level. Lots to learn and need to prepare better I want to be better and get a Silver and later a Gold.

***

Was there lessons I learnt?

Yes, there was.

1. Life is always full of ups and downs. Just embrace these changes and go with the flow (PS: I'm still trying to go with the flow, though)
2. Learn to be calm and don't react unnecessarily (Again, still trying not to react!)
3. Always believe in yourself
4. During this phase, it is only your parents who are by your side. Be patient with them as they matter a lot. Only they love you unconditionally. The others are there when the times are good or happening.
5. During this phase, you know who your friends are. Friends who are really concerned about you, will always be there with you, no matter what. Thank you for being there with me - my best friend who's in the UK and who would like not to be named, Aishwarya, Som, Anirudh, Vikas, Furqan, Krupa, Shaistha, Ramya, for all the treats. Rajat, Shyam, Suhas, Manoj for referring me to everywhere possible, and sorry to disappoint for not clearing the interviews.
6. Life goes on. So don't stop because if something failed. Just keep moving on. Stop if you must, stop if you're tired, stop if you need to rest, but don't stop for ever and give up.
7. One important thing I learnt was there are cases where money plays a crucial role. If you don't have money, then there is nothing much you can do. So save as much as you can whenever you can. Stop buying things that are not just expensive, but something you'll not be using much. Need to start saving now on. Just remember, NO MONEY, NO HONEY! It's a different thing that I never had any honey in the past and not sure of the future, though many say that 2021 will be different and a favourable year for me in a personal way.
8. Try as much as possible to reduce all the loans and debts. This is one of the best way towards savings. 
9. When it comes to learning, try and keep yourself abreast with the latest technologies and be in tune with the demands of the market. That way you are always one step ahead of others. Decided that in 2020, I shall be take up a cloud certification course and learn about Python and a visualisation tool such as Tableau or Power BI. If not in dept as a developer, but at least as someone who knows and has some experience on it. That's an investment on self and this is the best investment ever! Also, have been thinking about doing a Master's in the UK or Europe. Let's see what destiny has in store for me.

Well, that's it for now. Thank you, 2019, for making it an eventful year for me. Initially I thought it was the worst year possibly for me, but later I realised that there is certainly something good in what's happening and something better is bound to come my way if I learn from some of the lessons of this year.

Thank you reading till here. Have a fabulous 2020 and beyond, you all.

I know I write a lot in the same way that I talk. Can't really help it! :P

Cheers! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020!!!!! Let's welcome the start of 2020s with a positive bang and thought and I'm sure the rest of the years to come will be a fabulous one for you, for me, for her, for him, for them, for everyone. Together let's strive to make the place a better one to live and not a bitter one.

Vinay 

2332 hrs
31 DEC 2019

First Solo Personal Trip

*** DRAFT VERSION, WRITING IN PROGRESS, UNDER CONSTRUCTION ***

Prewarning – this will run into pages for you to read. So take your time to read, if have. J

October 2015 – There was an article about Postcrossing in one of the newspapers. I liked the concept of sending postcards around the world and I thought of giving it a try. Sent a few and received a few in return.

Meanwhile I got to know about a few more Postcrossers in Bangalore.

May 2016 – An exhibition on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the postcards received was held at the Rangoli Art centre, MG Road, Bangalore.

This is where I met many wonderful friends such as Som, Prashant, AD, KEshav, Col sir etc. As we met, we got to know more about each other and some of us remained thick friends

Som, who became a very close friend, had then formed a group known as Surprise Swap on facebook. The rule was simple. You need send cards, as many as you like, to people in the group based on their likes and preferences and you would also get too. Simple isn’t it?

November 2017 – Some of the wonderful ladies in the group decided to come up with an idea to meet in Paris on July 21^st, 2018. The event was open to all the members in the group. I too wanted to go, but I was unsure of going for I needed company and expenses were another thing.

March 2018 – Som and myself after our regular catchup at the GPO decided to head out to Hard Rock Cafe, Bangalore.

It is here that Som ignited the Paris trip. He said, let’s go to Paris for the meeting? Won’t it be wonderful?

As I had earlier thoughts of going, I immediately said yes, let’s go! Why not? Let’s plan something?

I had a hunch that Som would back out in no time and as it so happened, in less than 24 hours he said wouldn’t be able tomake it due to personal reasons. But, by then I had decided that I shall now go at any cost. Rain or shine, will go. Even if means going on my own, I shall go. Even if it means going solo, I shall go. Even it means being expensive and taking loans etc, I shall still go.

PS: The thing here is once I have made up my mind, if I want anything strongly I will go for it and get it come what may. One point, the rule doesn’t apply to perhaps homo sapiens. I strongly believe that one should never try and control another person. We are all born with a free mind and we should be allowed to remain so. Perhaps this is my most of the time my relationships have failed, I guess. It may also be that once they know me they prefer not knowing me and later start to distance from me.

April, May, June, July 2018 – In these three months I then started chalking out the travel plans in my head, on paper, spoke with friends, took their advice, experiences etc regarding the Paris trip. As I was getting a Schengen visa, this meant I could travel to at least 19 countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands). So this is where the planning needed to be a bit meticulous. After a lot of talks and trials, I finally laid them out and started making reservations for the fight tickets, the hotels, the train tickets and finally booked the visa interview in June 2018.

So here is the plan I had in my mind

July 18^th – Leave for Paris from Bangalore

July 19^th – July 23^rd – Arrive in Paris, attend the meetup, see a bit of Paris and leave for Nice on 23^rd July.

July 24^th – July 26^th – Be in Nice and visit Monaco, and leave for Paris on 26^th July

July 27^th – Mont Saint Michel from Paris

July 28^th – Normandy from Paris

July 29^th – Aug 1^st – Leave for Brussels on 29^th July and leave for Bangalore on 1^st August.

So this meant nearly 2 weeks of leave. This could be a hassle for two weeks of leave for an international holiday is quite unheard for Indians. Maybe for others in foreign locations its a common thing to do, but for your average Indians, middle class working guys like me is rare. So I had to seek permission from my manager who willing obliged and granted me leaves between July 18^th and 2^nd August, as these were my travel dates. Once this was approved in the systems, I then had to get the required Employment Proof letter from my organisation which was required when submitted the application form for the Schengen  visa.

So after getting all the plans on the papers, and getting the reservations done, I then filled the Schengen Visa application form and got the appointment date for 26^th June, 2018. So I got all the required documentations in order and went to the centre on the appointed date. The following are the documents that needs to be submitted, incase you need any help for a tourist visa.

1.       Valid passport with at least 2-3 blank pages. Passport should have a longer validity period of at least more than 3 months after intended stay.

2.       The VISA application form, obviously. Ensure they are signed in Page 3, Column 37 and at the last section.

3.       2 photographs, passport size, Schengen type. When taking this at a studio, tell them it is for a Schengen visa application and they should know. Also it may help if you state the country you are applying for.

4.       Employment Proof letter that contains the name of the applicant, the travel dates, Details of the sponsor of the trip (in this case it would be self) and the purpose of the visit.

5.       Copies of the hotel reservations made, the train tickets, if travelling to other Schengen countries, get them included.

6.       Past three years of the IT returns. Can be the Form 16 or the ITR-V forms.

7.       At least 6 months of bank statement with company seal and signature. Ensure you have sufficient balance. This is to prove that you are capable of sponsoring the trip as this is a tourist visa application.

PS: If you’re planning to apply for a loan for the trip, please do plan much in advance. I was at the hook here for there was a few technical issues with the HDFC bank and the loan that was to be sanctioned on Friday for sanctioned only on Monday afternoon 1530 hrs and Tuesday early morning, 0800 hrs was my appointment time! So you know what to do?

8.       Three months of payslip

9.       The overseas medical insurance.

10.   Itinerary of the trip, a detailed one

11.   A covering letter stating the intention of the trip and the documents submitted.

12.   Copies of the old passport and also copies of the immigration seals if travelled overseas in the past. The application states only for US, UK,  and Canda visas, but if you have travelled to other countries then do submit the photocopies of it, it doesn’t hurt to provide them.

Heard that if you have travelled a bit and have valid US visas, then the chances of this Schengen visa being rejected is less. Anyway, why take risks? Just submit everything I‘d say.

And so as I submitted all the documents, the chap behind the counter window was super thrilled on seeing them. He remarked, “Sir, you’re the only one till now who has submitted all the documents perfectly, in order and nothing more is required. Wish there were more like you around. It would be so much enjoyable.” I just smiled as I did have some previous experience with these. Anyway, after that I was asked to go to another room for my biometircs where in I got framed for a photo that would eventually go into the visa page, gave my finger prints and verified the details and that’s it, Bob’s our uncle. You can now walkout and keep getting the updates via regular texts from them. One main thing I’d advice is verify the darned photo they would have taken. I didn’t do that and as a result, the one that made to the visa page makes me look like I’m the most wanted person in some heinous crime I may have committed. Or like I was taken to some dark alley and they threatened to blow me up or have this photo taken. Don’t believe me? See this for instance!

Anyway, finally on the 29th of June, towards the end of the day, I got a text stating that I could now collect the passport from the consulate. The VFS Centre is located in Global Tech Park, O’ Shaughnessy Road, Langford Town. Went on Monday, 3rd July 2018 to collect my passport. I was horrified to see my image on the visa page. So like I said before, you need to check the photo taken by them. Anwya, I was thrilled to get a 90 day visa, and this was valid until September end. So it meant, I could travel again if needed, if I could.

Finally the D-Day arrived. July 18^th!!!!

Day 01, July 18 – Worked from home on that day till about 5 PM and then I left for the airport by bus. The flight departure time was 2215, Etihad Airways, with a layover at Abu Dhabi. Decided to take the Airport bus as I wanted to be a bit cheap here! Boarded the bus at around 1730 as I didn’t want  to be late to the airport given that the route to the airport is a busy one and it was peak hours when I was travelling. Miraculously, I reached within 45 mins or so. When I looked for the Etihad counter for the check-in, found that it opens only at 1900 hrs and this meant waiting a bit patiently somewhere for the counters to open, and finish the formalities of getting the tickets.

Meanwhile, to kill time, started calling only the dear and dear ones, only the ones who needed to know (and if you got a call or a text from me, remember you mean a lot to me!) about my travel. Many were surprised to know that I’m travelling and was informing them at the eleventh hour. All were in a shock when I told them I am travelling for personal reason or rather this is a personal or leisure travel and not via company. And all needed smelling salts too when I told them that I was travelling solo. They were expecting to travel with some when it was a personal travel. Well, you know why people backed out. J

Anyway, after a while, the counters finally opened at 1900 hrs and after all the prelimnary checks, I got my tickets to Paris. The airline ground staff was surprised to see the weight of the bad I had checked in as it weighed only 12 kgs. Generally, for such travel people nearly hit or go beyond the permissible weight limit and I was nowhere near even half of the weight limit! Guess they don’t know me well, obviously. A small note, when I returned from UK in 2012, I came back with 3 suitcases each weighing about 25 kilos. In 2015, I came back with 2 suitcases of 23 kilos each, with one of them containing mostly chocolates. Anyway, after the check-in was done, I headed to security and once done I heaved a sigh of relief. Now the waiting game starts for the departure. Luckily, the duty free shops are always there to kill time. Unfortunately, Bangalore is still to grow to that level and hence, they are not much options available. One word of caution, if you have a layover, you may need to check with the staff if you are permitted to carry liquor from here or not. There are some airlines and countries that will not permit this. As I was taking the connecting flight to Paris in Abu Dhabi, I was not permitted, much to my dismay. Anyway, I made a mental note of the bottles I wanted to purchase on my return, pre-ordered them and then went around sniffling as I couldn’t take one now. Later to console, I went to eat something good and spotted a ‘restaurant’ offering biryani and beer. Took to it like a fish to water and attacked it immediately. After finishing the meal, and relaxing for a short while, I proceeded to the gates to board the aeroplane to Abu Dhabi. After what seemed like ages, the aeroplane finally took off for Abu Dhabi and this meant being holed up in the small one for the next 4 hours, enjoy the in flight entertainment system, the meals and pop off to sleep. As I couldn’t sleep much, watched Star Wars : The Last Jedi (again crying like I did on Dec 24^th, 2017 during specific scenes), and The Post. Finally what seemed like again ages, reached Abu Dhabi airport.

Day 02, July 19 – Finally reached Abu Dhabi airport,

A scar that never heals

In 2011, I had made a pact with myself never to yield the pen and write poems out of depression. But looks like I have again gone back to depression now and before I could realise, I penned this down. I hope to never write something silly again.


A scar that never heals

The scars were old and already deep
And I could do nothing but weep
And with this cut, it begins to hurt
As the pain begins to flirt

These scars never seem to heal
And they may have struck a deal
But I'm a fool to fall into the trap
When I know I shall end up in a pile of crap

Sometimes I wonder what it is with me
I know I'm not a pretty sight to see
I guess I'm just a body with a huge lard of fat
But I guess I like to be that.

They say no pain no gain
But I did try and it was in vain
Nothing good came out it ever
When I looked fifteen kilos leaner

Every time this happens I build a wall
So high that I cannot hear anyone call
But when I decide to come out in the open
It's all with a hope against hopen

Time to get back once again into that shell
For I know I'm better off being in hell
As I don't seem to have any such luck
And I can bet you from a dime to a buck!



I do hope to stop penning these stupid lines soon.


VG

Postcrossing Stamps

Postrossing, a postcard exchange project wherein one can send and receive postcards from random places in the world. It's a new hobby that I've picked up since November 2015 and I've been hooked. One hobby or a passion that I think I may have stuck to the longest. Through the Postcrossing hobby, the passion to collect stamps has been re-kindled after seeing so may beautiful stamps sent by others.

As Postcrossing is widely recognised by many countries now, the postal department has issued stamps officially as a part of the project and as a part of their release. My plan is to collect all the philatelic products issued by these countries for my thematic collection - Postcrossing.

1. Slovenia (2015)
I was gifted this set by a Postcrossing friend from Slovenia. She gifted me the First Day Cover (FDC) with the stamp and its cancellation, along with a mint single stamp.

2. Guernsey (2014)
Bought this set from the Guernsey Post site. Bought the mint single stamp and the maxicard.
(Looking for the cancelled FDC)

3. Guernsey (2016)
Bought this set from the Guernsey Post site. Bought the mint double stamps, the cancelled FDC, and the maxicards.

4. the Netherlands (2016)

Bought this set from the WOPA site. Bought the FDCs and the sheetlet.

(Looking for the individual stamps).

5. Austria (2016)

Bought this single issued stamp and the cancelled FDC from the Austria Post site.

6. Belarus (2017)

A postcrossing friend of mine from Russia sent me this FDC and the maxcicard when she was in Belarus.

(Looking for the mint single stamp.)

7. Russia (2015)

A postcrossing friend of mine from Russia sent me this single stamp as a birthday gift..

(Looking for the FDC with the single stamp and the cancellation.)

8. Russia (2016)

A postcrossing friend of mine from Russia sent me this single stamp as a birthday gift..

(Looking for the FDC with the single stamp and the cancellation.)

Although there are very few countries that have issued the stamps, but sometimes it does get to be a challenge to get them all. Looking at the following countries that have issued so far. Looking at the mint stamps, FDC, Maxicards, and sheetlets. Willing to swap for postcards, Indian stamps, Indian MS or name your price. 

Following are the countries that I'm looking for:

1. The Netherlands - 2011
2. Finland - 2013
3. Lithuania - 2013
4. Belarus - 2014
5. Czech Repubic - 2015
6. Ukraine - 2015
7. Kazakhstan - 2015
8. Bulgaria - 2015
9. Poland - 2016
10. Romania - 2017
11. Indonesia - 2017
12. Switzerland - 2017

(Updated on 09-Sept-2017)

Vinay
15-Aug-2017
2225 hrs IST

Stamps : Europa 2017 - Castles

The Europa stamp program is an annual joint issue of stamps with a common design or theme by postal administrations of member countries of the European countries. I recently came across this interesting stamp program and decided to start a collection of this stamp program. Every year they have a specific theme that all countries will have to issue. This year (2017), the theme is castles and following is what I have in my collection.


1. Finland 
A Postcrosser friend from Finland who without any second thoughts agreed to swap this stamp for a couple of postcards from me.

2. Netherlands
Another Postcrosser friend from Netherlands. Was initally hesitating to ask her for this one when she had posted the stamp sheet on facebook. I finally decided to muster up the courage and asked her. She did say that she'll think about it and after that I didn't want to bother her about it. After a few weeks, I saw an envelope from Netherlands and there I was caught by surprise by her wonderful gesture. She actually wanted to surprise me by sending this set and hence her 'will think about it' reply. Bless her as she is a wonderful swapper.

3. Slovakia

This was sent by yet another Postcrosser from Slovenia which was sent as a surprise gift to me from her. She is a wonderful swapper and from what I heard she has a lovely collection of stamps. 

4. Sweden

This was a birthday gift from a friend who I met through Postcrossing project in Bangalore. We initially met as just acquaintances, but through a few meetings, he actually re-ignited my passion for philately when he showed me his awesome collection and encouraged me to do do the same. We meet often and discuss stamps, postcards, common friends, his experiences on stamp collection, etc. He loves to talk about stamps and you should see the sparkle in his eyes when he talks about stamps.

5. Austria

Bought this stamp from the Austrian Post site.

6. Jersey

My friend in Bangalore gave me this set of stamps from Jersey. 

        

7. Turkey

My friend from Turkey gave me this set of stamps in exchange for Indian postcards.

8. Belgium

A Postcrosser from Belgium forwarded me this Belgian release. I was surprised to find that the stamp was a bit bit rough around the castle and then I realised its a  sand castle and hence it was meant to be a bit rough. Innovative isn't it?

The above are the scans of the stamps that are in my collection so far. Looking for the rest of the countries who have issued the stamps. Looks for swaps or exchange with Indian postcards, stamps. If you do have them in your collection, do let me know and I shall be glad to exchange.

1. Åland
2. Albania - To be issued
3. Andorra (French post)
4. Andorra (Spanish post)
5. Armenia
6. Azerbaijan
7. Azores
8. Belarus
9. Bosnia and Herzegovina
10. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Croat post)
11. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Serb post)
12. Bulgaria
13. Croatia
14. Cyprus
15. Cyprus (Turkish post)
16. Czech Rep.
17. Denmark
18. Estonia
19. Faroe Islands
20. France
21. Georgia  - To be issued
22. Germany
23. Gibraltar
24. Great Britain
25. Greece
26. Greenland
27. Guernsey
28. Hungary
29. Iceland
30. Ireland
31. Isle of Man
32. Italy
33. Kazakhstan - To be issued
34. Kosovo
35. Latvia
36. Liechtenstein
37. Lithuania
38. Luxembourg
39. Macedonia
40. Madeira
41. Malta
42. Moldova
43. Monaco
44. Montenegro
45. Nagorno Karabakh (Armenian post)
46. Norway
47. Poland
48. Portugal
49. Romania
50. Russia
51. San Marino
52. Serbia
53. Spain
54. Switzerland
55. Ukraine
56. Vatican

A long list to collect, not sure if I shall ever achieve them by the end of the year as I plan to do this one on a regular basis and this seems to be Herculean task now.

(Updated on 10-Oct-2017)

Vinay
12-Aug-2016
1153 IST

My Missing UNESCO Postcards

It's been a while since I'm now into Postcrossing. When I joined in October/November 2015, I guess as a newbie I was clueless as was not sure how to go about focusing on certain themes. On May 15, 2016, some of the Postcrossers in Bangalore decided to hold an exhibition on postcards for public display. The theme was UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then I had received only 3 WHS sites through the official forum and they managed to find it's place on the display boards.

After that, I've decided to collect all the sites that are identified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. So here is my missing list. If you happen to have them and would like to send me a card, please do feel free to forward them to me on my address. I prefer them sent as Written and Stamped, not sent in an envelope, from the country of origin.

Contact me for my address and I shall be happy to furnish it.


PS: I also like to collect UNESCO WHS stamps. You can send them to me on the card and also as a mint stamp in an envelope.


So here is the missing list.

Afghanistan

·         Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam

·         Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley

Albania

·         Butrint

·         Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra

Algeria

·         Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad

·         Djémila

·         M'Zab Valley

·         Tassili n'Ajjer

·         Timgad

·         Tipasa

·         Kasbah of Algiers

Andorra

·         Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

Antigua and Barbuda

·         Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites

Argentina

·         Los Glaciares National Park

·         Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) *

·         Iguazu National Park

·         Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas

·         Península Valdés

·         Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks

·         Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba

·         Quebrada de Humahuaca

·         Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System

·         The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement

Armenia

·         Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin

·         Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots

·         Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley

Australia

·         Great Barrier Reef

·         Kakadu National Park

·         Willandra Lakes Region

·         Lord Howe Island Group

·         Tasmanian Wilderness

·         Gondwana Rainforests of Australia 1

·         Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park 2

·         Wet Tropics of Queensland

·         Shark Bay, Western Australia

·         Fraser Island

·         Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte)

·         Heard and McDonald Islands

·         Macquarie Island

·         Greater Blue Mountains Area

·         Purnululu National Park

·         Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

·         Sydney Opera House

·         Australian Convict Sites

·         Ningaloo Coast

Austria

·         Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg

·         Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn

·         Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape

·         Semmering Railway

·         City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg

·         Wachau Cultural Landscape

·         Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape *

·         Historic Centre of Vienna

·         Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps *

Azerbaijan

·         Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower

·         Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

Bahrain

·         Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy

Bangladesh

·         Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat

·         Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur

·         The Sundarbans

Barbados

·         Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison

Belarus

·         Białowieża Forest *

·         Mir Castle Complex

·         Architectural, Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh

·         Struve Geodetic Arc *

Belgium

·         Flemish Béguinages

·         La Grand-Place, Brussels

·         The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvière and Le Roeulx (Hainaut)

·         Belfries of Belgium and France * 3

·         Historic Centre of Brugge

·         Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels)

·         Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons)

·         Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai

·         Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex

·         Stoclet House

·         Major Mining Sites of Wallonia

·         The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement *

Belize

·         Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System

Benin

·         Royal Palaces of Abomey

Bolivia (Plurinational State of)

·         City of Potosí

·         Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos

·         Historic City of Sucre

·         Fuerte de Samaipata

·         Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

·         Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture

·         Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System *

Bosnia and Herzegovina

·         Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar

·         Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad

·         Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards *

Botswana

·         Tsodilo

·         Okavango Delta

Brazil

·         Historic Town of Ouro Preto

·         Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda

·         Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) *

·         Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia

·         Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Congonhas

·         Iguaçu National Park

·         Brasilia

·         Serra da Capivara National Park

·         Historic Centre of São Luís

·         Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves

·         Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves

·         Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina

·         Central Amazon Conservation Complex 4

·         Pantanal Conservation Area

·         Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves

·         Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks

·         Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás

·         São Francisco Square in the Town of São Cristóvão

·         Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea

·         Pampulha Modern Ensemble

Bulgaria

·         Boyana Church

·         Madara Rider

·         Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo

·         Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak

·         Ancient City of Nessebar

·         Pirin National Park

·         Rila Monastery

·         Srebarna Nature Reserve

·         Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari

Burkina Faso

·         Ruins of Loropéni

Cabo Verde

·         Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande

Cambodia

·         Angkor

·         Temple of Preah Vihear

Cameroon

·         Dja Faunal Reserve

·         Sangha Trinational *

Canada

·         L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

·         Nahanni National Park #

·         Dinosaur Provincial Park

·         Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek # * 5

·         Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

·         SGang Gwaay

·         Wood Buffalo National Park

·         Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks # 6

·         Historic District of Old Québec

·         Gros Morne National Park

·         Old Town Lunenburg

·         Waterton Glacier International Peace Park *

·         Miguasha National Park

·         Rideau Canal

·         Joggins Fossil Cliffs

·         Landscape of Grand Pré

·         Red Bay Basque Whaling Station

·         Mistaken Point

Central African Republic

·         Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park

·         Sangha Trinational *

Chad

·         Lakes of Ounianga

·         Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape

Chile

·         Rapa Nui National Park

·         Churches of Chiloé

·         Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso

·         Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works

·         Sewell Mining Town

·         Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System *

China

·         Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang

·         Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

·         Mogao Caves

·         Mount Taishan

·         Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian

·         The Great Wall

·         Mount Huangshan

·         Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area

·         Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area

·         Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area

·         Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains

·         Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa 7

·         Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde

·         Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu

·         Lushan National Park

·         Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area

·         Ancient City of Ping Yao

·         Classical Gardens of Suzhou

·         Old Town of Lijiang

·         Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing

·         Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing

·         Dazu Rock Carvings

·         Mount Wuyi

·         Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun

·         Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties

·         Longmen Grottoes

·         Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System

·         Yungang Grottoes

·         Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas

·         Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom

·         Historic Centre of Macao

·         Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains

·         Yin Xu

·         Kaiping Diaolou and Villages

·         South China Karst

·         Fujian Tulou

·         Mount Sanqingshan National Park

·         Mount Wutai

·         China Danxia

·         Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth”

·         West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou

·         Chengjiang Fossil Site

·         Site of Xanadu

·         Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces

·         Xinjiang Tianshan

·         Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor *

·         The Grand Canal

·         Tusi Sites

·         Hubei Shennongjia

·         Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

Colombia

·         Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena

·         Los Katíos National Park

·         Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox

·         National Archeological Park of Tierradentro

·         San Agustín Archaeological Park

·         Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary

·         Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia

·         Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System *

Congo

·         Sangha Trinational *

Costa Rica

·         Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park *

·         Cocos Island National Park

·         Area de Conservación Guanacaste

·         Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of the Diquís

Côte d'Ivoire

·         Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve *

·         Taï National Park

·         Comoé National Park

·         Historic Town of Grand-Bassam

Croatia

·         Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian

·         Old City of Dubrovnik

·         Plitvice Lakes National Park #

·         Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč

·         Historic City of Trogir

·         The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik

·         Stari Grad Plain

·         Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards *

Cuba

·         Old Havana and its Fortification System

·         Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios

·         San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba

·         Desembarco del Granma National Park

·         Viñales Valley

·         Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the South-East of Cuba

·         Alejandro de Humboldt National Park

·         Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos

·         Historic Centre of Camagüey

Cyprus

·         Paphos

·         Painted Churches in the Troodos Region

·         Choirokoitia

Czech Republic

·         Historic Centre of Český Krumlov

·         Historic Centre of Prague

·         Historic Centre of Telč

·         Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora

·         Kutná Hora: Historical Town Centre with the Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec

·         Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape

·         Gardens and Castle at Kroměříž

·         Holašovice Historic Village

·         Litomyšl Castle

·         Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc

·         Tugendhat Villa in Brno

·         Jewish Quarter and St Procopius' Basilica in Třebíč

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

·         Complex of Koguryo Tombs

·         Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong

Democratic Republic of the Congo

·         Virunga National Park #

·         Kahuzi-Biega National Park

·         Garamba National Park

·         Salonga National Park

·         Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Denmark

·         Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church

·         Roskilde Cathedral

·         Kronborg Castle

·         Ilulissat Icefjord

·         Wadden Sea *

·         Stevns Klint

·         Christiansfeld, a Moravian Church Settlement

·         The par force hunting landscape in North Zealand

Dominica

·         Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Dominican Republic

·         Colonial City of Santo Domingo

Ecuador

·         City of Quito

·         Galápagos Islands

·         Sangay National Park #

·         Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca

·         Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System *

Egypt

·         Abu Mena

·         Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis

·         Historic Cairo

·         Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur

·         Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae

·         Saint Catherine Area

·         Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)

El Salvador

·         Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site

Estonia

·         Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn

·         Struve Geodetic Arc *

Ethiopia

·         Simien National Park

·         Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela

·         Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region

·         Aksum

·         Lower Valley of the Awash

·         Lower Valley of the Omo

·         Tiya

·         Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town

·         Konso Cultural Landscape

Fiji

·         Levuka Historical Port Town

Finland

·         Fortress of Suomenlinna

·         Old Rauma

·         Petäjävesi Old Church

·         Verla Groundwood and Board Mill

·         Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki

·         High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago *

·         Struve Geodetic Arc *

France

·         Chartres Cathedral

·         Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay

·         Palace and Park of Versailles

·         Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley

·         Vézelay, Church and Hill

·         Amiens Cathedral

·         Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments

·         Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay

·         Palace and Park of Fontainebleau

·         Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the "Triumphal Arch" of Orange

·         From the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, the Production of Open-pan Salt

·         Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe

·         Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve #

·         Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance in Nancy

·         Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)

·         Strasbourg – Grande île

·         Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Rémi and Palace of Tau, Reims

·         Paris, Banks of the Seine

·         Bourges Cathedral

·         Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge

·         Canal du Midi

·         Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne

·         Pyrénées - Mont Perdu *

·         Historic Site of Lyons

·         Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France

·         Belfries of Belgium and France * 8

·         Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion

·         The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes 9

·         Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs

·         Le Havre, the City Rebuilt by Auguste Perret

·         Bordeaux, Port of the Moon

·         Fortifications of Vauban

·         Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems

·         Episcopal City of Albi

·         Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island

·         Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps *

·         The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape

·         Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin

·         Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche

·         Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars

·         Climats, terroirs of Burgundy

·         The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement *

Gabon

·         Ecosystem and Relict Cultural Landscape of Lopé-Okanda

Gambia

·         Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites

·         Stone Circles of Senegambia *

Georgia

·         Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery

·         Historical Monuments of Mtskheta

·         Upper Svaneti

Germany

·         Aachen Cathedral

·         Speyer Cathedral

·         Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square

·         Pilgrimage Church of Wies

·         Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl

·         St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church at Hildesheim

·         Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier

·         Frontiers of the Roman Empire * 10

·         Hanseatic City of Lübeck

·         Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin

·         Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch

·         Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System

·         Maulbronn Monastery Complex

·         Town of Bamberg

·         Collegiate Church, Castle and Old Town of Quedlinburg

·         Völklingen Ironworks

·         Messel Pit Fossil Site

·         Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar and Dessau

·         Cologne Cathedral

·         Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg

·         Classical Weimar

·         Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin

·         Wartburg Castle

·         Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz

·         Monastic Island of Reichenau

·         Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen

·         Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar

·         Upper Middle Rhine Valley

·         Dresden Elbe Valley Delisted 2009

·         Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski *

·         Town Hall and Roland on the Marketplace of Bremen

·         Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof

·         Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany *

·         Berlin Modernism Housing Estates

·         Wadden Sea *

·         Fagus Factory in Alfeld

·         Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps *

·         Margravial Opera House Bayreuth

·         Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

·         Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey

·         Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus

·         The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement

Ghana

·         Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions

·         Asante Traditional Buildings

Greece

·         Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae

·         Acropolis, Athens

·         Archaeological Site of Delphi

·         Medieval City of Rhodes

·         Meteora

·         Mount Athos

·         Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika

·         Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus

·         Archaeological Site of Mystras

·         Archaeological Site of Olympia

·         Delos

·         Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios

·         Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos

·         Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina)

·         Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns

·         The Historic Centre (Chorá) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Island of Pátmos

·         Old Town of Corfu

·         Archaeological Site of Philippi

Guatemala

·         Antigua Guatemala

·         Tikal National Park

·         Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua

Guinea

·         Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve

Haiti

·         National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers

Holy See

·         Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura

·         Vatican City

Honduras

·         Maya Site of Copan

·         Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve

Hungary

·         Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue

·         Old Village of Hollókő and its Surroundings

·         Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst *

·         Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment

·         Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta

·         Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)

·         Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape *

·         Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape

Iceland

·         Þingvellir National Park

·         Surtsey

Indonesia

·         Borobudur Temple Compounds

·         Komodo National Park

·         Prambanan Temple Compounds

·         Ujung Kulon National Park

·         Sangiran Early Man Site

·         Lorentz National Park

·         Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra

·         Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

·         Meidan Emam, Esfahan

·         Persepolis

·         Tchogha Zanbil

·         Takht-e Soleyman

·         Bam and its Cultural Landscape

·         Pasargadae

·         Soltaniyeh

·         Bisotun

·         Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran

·         Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

·         Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil

·         Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex

·         The Persian Garden

·         Gonbad-e Qābus

·         Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan

·         Golestan Palace

·         Shahr-i Sokhta

·         Cultural Landscape of Maymand

·         Susa

·         Lut Desert

·         The Persian Qanat

Iraq

·         Hatra

·         Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)

·         Samarra Archaeological City

·         Erbil Citadel

·         The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities

Ireland

·         Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne

·         Sceilg Mhichíl

Israel

·         Masada

·         Old City of Acre

·         White City of Tel-Aviv -- the Modern Movement

·         Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba

·         Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev

·         Bahá’i Holy Places in Haifa and the Western Galilee

·         Sites of Human Evolution at Mount Carmel: The Nahal Me’arot / Wadi el-Mughara Caves

·         Caves of Maresha and Bet-Guvrin in the Judean Lowlands as a Microcosm of the Land of the Caves

·         Necropolis of Bet She’arim: A Landmark of Jewish Renewal

Italy

·         Rock Drawings in Valcamonica

·         Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci

·         Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura * 13

·         Historic Centre of Florence

·         Piazza del Duomo, Pisa

·         Venice and its Lagoon

·         Historic Centre of San Gimignano

·         The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera

·         City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto

·         Crespi d'Adda

·         Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta 14

·         Historic Centre of Naples

·         Historic Centre of Siena

·         Castel del Monte

·         Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna

·         Historic Centre of the City of Pienza

·         The Trulli of Alberobello

·         18th-Century Royal Palace at Caserta with the Park, the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli, and the San Leucio Complex

·         Archaeological Area of Agrigento

·         Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata

·         Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua

·         Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena

·         Costiera Amalfitana

·         Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)

·         Residences of the Royal House of Savoy

·         Su Nuraxi di Barumini

·         Villa Romana del Casale

·         Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia

·         Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula

·         Historic Centre of Urbino

·         Villa Adriana (Tivoli)

·         Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites

·         City of Verona

·         Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)

·         Villa d'Este, Tivoli

·         Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily)

·         Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy

·         Monte San Giorgio *

·         Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia

·         Val d'Orcia

·         Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica

·         Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli

·         Mantua and Sabbioneta

·         Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes *

·         The Dolomites

·         Longobards in Italy. Places of the Power (568-774 A.D.)

·         Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps *

·         Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany

·         Mount Etna

·         Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato

·         Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale

Jamaica

·         Blue and John Crow Mountains

Japan

·         Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area

·         Himeji-jo

·         Shirakami-Sanchi

·         Yakushima

·         Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)

·         Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

·         Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)

·         Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

·         Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

·         Shrines and Temples of Nikko

·         Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu

·         Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

·         Shiretoko

·         Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape

·         Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land

·         Ogasawara Islands

·         Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration

·         Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites

·         Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining

·         The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement *

Jerusalem (Site proposed by Jordan)

·         Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls

Jordan

·         Petra

·         Quseir Amra

·         Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)

·         Wadi Rum Protected Area

·         Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas)

Kazakhstan

·         Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

·         Petroglyphs within the Archaeological Landscape of Tamgaly

·         Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan

·         Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor *

·         Western Tien-Shan

Kenya

·         Lake Turkana National Parks

·         Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest

·         Lamu Old Town

·         Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests

·         Fort Jesus, Mombasa

·         Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley

Kiribati

·         Phoenix Islands Protected Area

Kyrgyzstan

·         Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain

·         Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor *

·         Western Tien-Shan

Lao People's Democratic Republic

·         Town of Luang Prabang

·         Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape

Latvia

·         Historic Centre of Riga

·         Struve Geodetic Arc

Lebanon

·         Anjar

·         Baalbek

·         Byblos

·         Tyre

·         Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab)

Lesotho

·         Maloti-Drakensberg Park *

Libya

·         Archaeological Site of Cyrene

·         Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna

·         Archaeological Site of Sabratha

·         Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus

·         Old Town of Ghadamès

Lithuania

·         Vilnius Historic Centre

·         Curonian Spit *

·         Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė)

·         Struve Geodetic Arc

Luxembourg

·         City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications

Madagascar

·         Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve

·         Royal Hill of Ambohimanga

·         Rainforests of the Atsinanana

Malawi

·         Lake Malawi National Park

·         Chongoni Rock-Art Area

Malaysia

·         Gunung Mulu National Park

·         Kinabalu Park

·         Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca

·         Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley

Mali

·         Old Towns of Djenné

·         Timbuktu

·         Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)

·         Tomb of Askia

Malta

·         City of Valletta

·         Megalithic Temples of Malta 15

·         Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

Marshall Islands

·         Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site

Mauritania

·         Banc d'Arguin National Park

·         Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata

Mauritius

·         Aapravasi Ghat

·         Le Morne Cultural Landscape

Mexico

·         Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco

·         Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán

·         Historic Centre of Puebla

·         Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque

·         Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan

·         Sian Ka'an

·         Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines

·         Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza

·         Historic Centre of Morelia

·         El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City

·         Historic Centre of Zacatecas

·         Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco

·         Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino

·         Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl

·         Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro

·         Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal

·         Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara

·         Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes

·         Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan

·         Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco

·         Historic Fortified Town of Campeche

·         Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche

·         Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro

·         Luis Barragán House and Studio

·         Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California

·         Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila

·         Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

·         Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

·         Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco

·         Camino Real de Tierra Adentro

·         Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca

·         El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve

·         Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System

·         Archipiélago de Revillagigedo

Micronesia (Federated States of)

·         Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia

Mongolia

·         Uvs Nuur Basin *

·         Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape

·         Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai

·         Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain and its surrounding sacred landscape

Montenegro

·         Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor

·         Durmitor National Park

·         Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards

Morocco

·         Medina of Fez

·         Medina of Marrakesh

·         Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou

·         Historic City of Meknes

·         Archaeological Site of Volubilis

·         Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin)

·         Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)

·         Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)

·         Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage

Mozambique

·         Island of Mozambique

Myanmar

·         Pyu Ancient Cities

Namibia

·         Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes

·         Namib Sand Sea

Nepal

·         Kathmandu Valley

·         Sagarmatha National Park

·         Chitwan National Park

·         Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

Netherlands

·         Schokland and Surroundings

·         Defence Line of Amsterdam

·         Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao

·         Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout

·         Ir.D.F. Woudagemaal (D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station)

·         Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder)

·         Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)

·         Wadden Sea *

·         Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht

·         Van Nellefabriek

New Zealand

·         Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand 16

·         Tongariro National Park #

·         New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands

Nicaragua

·         Ruins of León Viejo

·         León Cathedral

Niger

·         Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves

·         W National Park of Niger

·         Historic Centre of Agadez

Nigeria

·         Sukur Cultural Landscape

·         Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

Norway

·         Bryggen

·         Urnes Stave Church

·         Røros Mining Town and the Circumference

·         Rock Art of Alta

·         Vegaøyan -- The Vega Archipelago

·         Struve Geodetic Arc *

·         West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord

·         Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site

Oman

·         Bahla Fort

·         Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn

·         Arabian Oryx Sanctuary Delisted 2007

·         Land of Frankincense

·         Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman

Pakistan

·         Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro

·         Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol

·         Taxila

·         Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore

·         Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta

·         Rohtas Fort

Palau

·         Rock Islands Southern Lagoon

Palestine

·         Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem

·         Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir

Panama

·         Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo

·         Darien National Park

·         Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park *

·         Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá

·         Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection

Papua New Guinea

·         Kuk Early Agricultural Site

Paraguay

·         Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue

Peru

·         City of Cuzco

·         Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

·         Chavin (Archaeological Site)

·         Huascarán National Park #

·         Chan Chan Archaeological Zone

·         Manú National Park

·         Historic Centre of Lima 17

·         Río Abiseo National Park

·         Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Pampas de Jumana

·         Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa

·         Sacred City of Caral-Supe

·         Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System

Philippines

·         Baroque Churches of the Philippines

·         Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

·         Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

·         Historic Town of Vigan

·         Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park

·         Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

Poland

·         Historic Centre of Kraków

·         Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines

·         "Auschwitz Birkenau 

·         German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)"

·         Białowieża Forest

·         Historic Centre of Warsaw

·         Old City of Zamość

·         Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork

·         Medieval Town of Toruń

·         Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park

·         Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica

·         Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska

·         Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski *

·         Centennial Hall in Wrocław

·         Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine *

Portugal

·         Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores

·         Convent of Christ in Tomar

·         Monastery of Batalha

·         Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon

·         Historic Centre of Évora

·         Monastery of Alcobaça

·         Cultural Landscape of Sintra

·         Historic Centre of Oporto

·         Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde * 18

·         Laurisilva of Madeira

·         Alto Douro Wine Region

·         Historic Centre of Guimarães

·         Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture

·         Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications

·         University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia

Qatar

·         Al Zubarah Archaeological Site

Republic of Korea

·         Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks

·         Jongmyo Shrine

·         Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

·         Changdeokgung Palace Complex

·         Hwaseong Fortress

·         Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites

·         Gyeongju Historic Areas

·         Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes

·         Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

·         Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong

·         Namhansanseong

·         Baekje Historic Areas

Republic of Moldova

·         Struve Geodetic Arc

Romania

·         Danube Delta

·         Churches of Moldavia

·         Monastery of Horezu

·         Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania 19

·         Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains

·         Historic Centre of Sighişoara

·         Wooden Churches of Maramureş

Russian Federation

·         Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments

·         Kizhi Pogost

·         Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow

·         Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands

·         Historic Monuments of Novgorod and Surroundings

·         White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal

·         Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad

·         Church of the Ascension, Kolomenskoye

·         Virgin Komi Forests

·         Lake Baikal

·         Volcanoes of Kamchatka 20

·         Golden Mountains of Altai

·         Western Caucasus

·         Curonian Spit *

·         Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery

·         Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin

·         Central Sikhote-Alin

·         Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings of Derbent

·         Uvs Nuur Basin *

·         Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent

·         Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve

·         Historical Centre of the City of Yaroslavl

·         Struve Geodetic Arc *

·         Putorana Plateau

·         Lena Pillars Nature Park

·         Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex

Saint Kitts and Nevis

·         Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Saint Lucia

·         Pitons Management Area

San Marino

·         San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano

Saudi Arabia

·         Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madâin Sâlih)

·         At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah

·         Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah

·         Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia

Senegal

·         Island of Gorée

·         Niokolo-Koba National Park

·         Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

·         Island of Saint-Louis

·         Stone Circles of Senegambia *

·         Saloum Delta

·         Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes

Serbia

·         Stari Ras and Sopoćani

·         Studenica Monastery

·         Medieval Monuments in Kosovo

·         Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius

·         Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards

Seychelles

·         Aldabra Atoll

·         Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Singapore

·         Singapore Botanical Gardens

Slovakia

·         Historic Town of Banská Štiavnica and the Technical Monuments in its Vicinity

·         Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments

·         Vlkolínec

·         Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst *

·         Bardejov Town Conservation Reserve

·         Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany *

·         Wooden Churches of the Slovak part of the Carpathian Mountain Area

Slovenia

·         Škocjan Caves

·         Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps

·         Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija

Solomon Islands

·         East Rennell

South Africa

·         Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa

·         iSimangaliso Wetland Park

·         Robben Island

·         Maloti-Drakensberg Park *

·         Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape

·         Cape Floral Region Protected Areas

·         Vredefort Dome

·         Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape

Spain

·         Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada 21

·         Burgos Cathedral

·         Historic Centre of Cordoba 22

·         Monastery and Site of the Escurial, Madrid

·         Works of Antoni Gaudí 23

·         Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain

·         Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias 24

·         Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches

·         Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct

·         Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)

·         Garajonay National Park

·         Historic City of Toledo

·         Mudejar Architecture of Aragon 25

·         Old Town of Cáceres

·         Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville

·         Old City of Salamanca

·         Poblet Monastery

·         Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida

·         Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain

·         Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe

·         Doñana National Park

·         Historic Walled Town of Cuenca

·         La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia

·         Las Médulas

·         Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona

·         Pyrénées - Mont Perdu *

·         San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries

·         Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde * 26

·         Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula

·         University and Historic Precinct of Alcalá de Henares

·         Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture

·         San Cristóbal de La Laguna

·         Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco

·         Archaeological Site of Atapuerca

·         Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí

·         Palmeral of Elche

·         Roman Walls of Lugo 27

·         Aranjuez Cultural Landscape

·         Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Úbeda and Baeza

·         Vizcaya Bridge

·         Teide National Park

·         Tower of Hercules

·         Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana

·         Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija *

·         Antequera Dolmens Site

Sri Lanka

·         Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

·         Ancient City of Sigiriya

·         Sacred City of Anuradhapura

·         Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications

·         Sacred City of Kandy

·         Sinharaja Forest Reserve 28

·         Golden Temple of Dambulla

·         Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Sudan

·         Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region

·         Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe

·         Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park

Suriname

·         Central Suriname Nature Reserve

·         Historic Inner City of Paramaribo

Sweden

·         Royal Domain of Drottningholm

·         Birka and Hovgården

·         Engelsberg Ironworks

·         Rock Carvings in Tanum

·         Skogskyrkogården

·         Hanseatic Town of Visby

·         Church Town of Gammelstad, Luleå

·         Laponian Area

·         Naval Port of Karlskrona

·         Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland

·         High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago *

·         Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun

·         Grimeton Radio Station, Varberg

·         Struve Geodetic Arc *

·         Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland

Switzerland

·         Abbey of St Gall

·         Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair

·         Old City of Berne

·         Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona

·         Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch

·         Monte San Giorgio *

·         Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces

·         Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes *

·         Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona

·         La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning

·         Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps *

·         The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement

Syrian Arab Republic

·         Ancient City of Damascus

·         Ancient City of Bosra

·         Site of Palmyra

·         Ancient City of Aleppo

·         Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din

·         Ancient Villages of Northern Syria

Tajikistan

·         Proto-urban Site of Sarazm

·         Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)

Thailand

·         Historic City of Ayutthaya

·         Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns

·         Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries

·         Ban Chiang Archaeological Site

·         Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex

the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

·         Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region

Togo

·         Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba

Tunisia

·         Amphitheatre of El Jem

·         Archaeological Site of Carthage

·         Medina of Tunis

·         Ichkeul National Park

·         Punic Town of Kerkuane and its Necropolis

·         Kairouan

·         Medina of Sousse

·         Dougga / Thugga

Turkey

·         Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia

·         Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği

·         Historic Areas of Istanbul

·         Hattusha: the Hittite Capital

·         Nemrut Dağ

·         Hierapolis-Pamukkale

·         Xanthos-Letoon

·         City of Safranbolu

·         Archaeological Site of Troy

·         Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex

·         Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük

·         Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire

·         Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape

·         Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape

·         Ephesus

·         Archaeological Site of Ani

Turkmenistan

·         State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv”

·         Kunya-Urgench

·         Parthian Fortresses of Nisa

Uganda

·         Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

·         Rwenzori Mountains National Park

·         Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi

Ukraine

·         Kiev: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

·         L'viv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre

·         Struve Geodetic Arc *

·         Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany *

·         Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans

·         Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora

·         Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine *

United Arab Emirates

·         Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas)

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

·         Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd

·         Durham Castle and Cathedral

·         Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast

·         Ironbridge Gorge

·         St Kilda

·         Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites

·         Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey

·         Blenheim Palace

·         City of Bath

·         Frontiers of the Roman Empire * 30

·         Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church

·         Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church

·         Henderson Island

·         Tower of London

·         Gough and Inaccessible Islands 31

·         Old and New Towns of Edinburgh

·         Maritime Greenwich

·         Heart of Neolithic Orkney

·         Blaenavon Industrial Landscape

·         Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications, Bermuda

·         Derwent Valley Mills

·         Dorset and East Devon Coast

·         New Lanark

·         Saltaire

·         Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

·         Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City

·         Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape

·         Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal

·         The Forth Bridge

·         Gorham's Cave Complex

United Republic of Tanzania

·         Ngorongoro Conservation Area 32

·         Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara

·         Serengeti National Park

·         Selous Game Reserve

·         Kilimanjaro National Park

·         Stone Town of Zanzibar

·         Kondoa Rock-Art Sites

United States of America

·         Mesa Verde National Park

·         Yellowstone National Park

·         Everglades National Park

·         Grand Canyon National Park

·         Independence Hall

·         Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek # * 33

·         Redwood National and State Parks

·         Mammoth Cave National Park

·         Olympic National Park

·         Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

·         Great Smoky Mountains National Park

·         La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico

·         Statue of Liberty

·         Yosemite National Park #

·         Chaco Culture

·         Hawaii Volcanoes National Park #

·         Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville

·         Taos Pueblo

·         Carlsbad Caverns National Park

·         Waterton Glacier International Peace Park *

·         Papahānaumokuākea

·         Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point

·         San Antonio Missions

Uruguay

·         Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento

·         Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape

Uzbekistan

·         Itchan Kala

·         Historic Centre of Bukhara

·         Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz

·         Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures

·         Western Tien-Shan

Vanuatu

·         Chief Roi Mata’s Domain

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

·         Coro and its Port

·         Canaima National Park

·         Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas

Viet Nam

·         Complex of Hué Monuments

·         Ha Long Bay

·         Hoi An Ancient Town

·         My Son Sanctuary

·         Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

·         Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi

·         Citadel of the Ho Dynasty

·         Trang An Landscape Complex

Yemen

·         Old Walled City of Shibam

·         Old City of Sana'a

·         Historic Town of Zabid

·         Socotra Archipelago

Zambia

·         Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe

·         Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas

·         Great Zimbabwe National Monument

·         Khami Ruins National Monument

·         Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls # *

·         Matobo Hills