The Joys of Pen-Palling

       I was introduced to the wonderful world of pen-palling when I was 12 years old and in my second year of high school.  A classmate informed me of a pen-pal club and immediately I was fascinated with the idea of corresponding with young persons like myself who live in foreign countries.

        When I got the names of my new pals I quickly wrote a letter to them about myself, family, hobbies, interests and collections.  Eagerly I looked forward to checking the post office to get their replies.

        Over the years I have had many plas from North America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.  I got their names form pen-pal clubs, magazines, newspapers and small friendship books.

        Corresponding with pen-pals has opened a whole new world for me as it has given me the opportunity to learn about people, places, customs and wildlife in other countries.  It has also opened my eyes as to how persons in foreign countries look at various issues.  What struck me were the similarities.

         Many persons are not able to visit the places in the world that they are keen to see.  However pen-pals share pictures, postcards, brochures, books and other publications with each other and as a result one can see breathtaking sights and scenes from all corners of the globe.

         I live on a tropical island and I have never had the chance to experience snow.  Yet I have seen numerous pictures displaying this white blanket that looks so beautiful caressing homes, buildings and trees.

         Receiving a letter from the postman or at the post office is now on the decline.  Nevertheless they are many who still treasure the handwritten letter that comes through the post.  Anyway one has to concede that the internet now enables easy and quick communication between people around the world.

          After many years of corresponding with someone you have shared so much – joys, sorrows, successes, failures and much more. In addition you build a friendship that it seems as if you have known this person all your life.