Like most, I too have been in love with places I haven't been to and people I haven't met, which is why books and post-crossing fascinate me.
The whole world of snail-mailing opened up to me when I couldn't go home for Raksha Bandhan, and so had to mail the rakhis to my brothers. I had never been to a post-office before that day, although it was right next to the bus stop from where I've been catching buses for the past two years. I was under the pre-conceived notion that snail-mailing has turned extinct and nobody really goes to the post offices anymore. So, imagine my surprise when I enter the post office for the first time and find it full of people and stamps and glue and envelopes and packages and a sign that said "Speedpost Welcomes you" it was like I'd discovered a magical realm or something.
Also, it was cheap. Oh so so cheap.
Thus, started my obsession with snail-mailing.
Initially, I sent cards and letters to friends who I'd lost touch with. I sent letters back home. Scribbling pieces of advice for my younger sibling to treasure. (Yes, I'm filmy like that)
One fine day, thanks to Bookstagram I found myself exchanging addresses with my very first penpal.
Over the course of the past few months, I've made some real friends, exchanged some funny and wise anecdotes from our lives and teas!
I'm a sucker for teas and coffees and my penpals have spoilt me by sending some of the exotic ones.
Oh, the excitement of coming home to a letter that was written just for you, that travelled thousands of kilometers just so you could read it.The excitement of meeting new people from faraway lands, learning about their cultures, customs, ideologies. Talking about books, life, music, deepest secrets, regrets, disappointments, hopes. It's nothing if not beautiful.
The whole world of snail-mailing opened up to me when I couldn't go home for Raksha Bandhan, and so had to mail the rakhis to my brothers. I had never been to a post-office before that day, although it was right next to the bus stop from where I've been catching buses for the past two years. I was under the pre-conceived notion that snail-mailing has turned extinct and nobody really goes to the post offices anymore. So, imagine my surprise when I enter the post office for the first time and find it full of people and stamps and glue and envelopes and packages and a sign that said "Speedpost Welcomes you" it was like I'd discovered a magical realm or something.
Also, it was cheap. Oh so so cheap.
Thus, started my obsession with snail-mailing.
Initially, I sent cards and letters to friends who I'd lost touch with. I sent letters back home. Scribbling pieces of advice for my younger sibling to treasure. (Yes, I'm filmy like that)
One fine day, thanks to Bookstagram I found myself exchanging addresses with my very first penpal.
Over the course of the past few months, I've made some real friends, exchanged some funny and wise anecdotes from our lives and teas!
I'm a sucker for teas and coffees and my penpals have spoilt me by sending some of the exotic ones.
Oh, the excitement of coming home to a letter that was written just for you, that travelled thousands of kilometers just so you could read it.The excitement of meeting new people from faraway lands, learning about their cultures, customs, ideologies. Talking about books, life, music, deepest secrets, regrets, disappointments, hopes. It's nothing if not beautiful.
Do you write letters? Do you wish to?
I love writing letters! I used to send letters to my best friend when she changed school. :')
ReplyDeletei really need to write another one to her.
You should! I'm sure it will make her happy! :D
DeleteHell yeah I wish to write letters. When I was a kid i had a few penpals but we kept moving and as I grew older I lost touch. I've been seeing this penpal thing doing the rounds and hopefully, I'll be able to join soon.
ReplyDeleteYou should jump back into the bandwagon soon! I'll be doing another post on snail-mail tips, hopefully that'll help :)
DeleteLove this post. <3 Having a pen pal is so fun. I love how the Bookstagram community is keeping the art of letter writing alive. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Nicole!
DeleteIt indeed is. I'm so glad to have found such wonderful people there. It's blissful, talking and writing to people, about life & books!
What a lovely post. Letter writing is a lost art and I am glad you still take joy in it
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Resh!
DeleteI'm really glad to have discovered it. I cannot imagine dry mail days anymore. Everyday I come home in hopes of finding a letter or a postcard addressed to me, it's become quite an addiction haha