It is a postcard exchange; however, it is not a direct swap. This is how it works: I indicate that I would like to send a postcard, and a random address pops up. I send a postcard (of my choice) to that person at the address provided. (I am not given a choice of a country.) When the postcard I have sent is received, the recipient registers it. At that point, my name goes into the queue...and when someone somewhere else in the world indicates that he/she wants to send a postcard, my name and address will pop up. Then, that person will send me a postcard (hopefully!). When I receive a postcard, I register it. At that point, (a) the name of the person who sent me the postcard will go into the queue to receive a postcard from someone else, and (b) I am able to indicate (if I choose to do so) that I would like to send another postcard (and will receive another random address).
I have sent postcards to these countries:
- Belarus (5)
- China (2)
- Finland (3)
- Germany (7)
- Netherlands (5)
- Poland (1)
- Portugal (1)
- Russia (3)
- Spain (1)
- Taiwan (3)
- Ukraine (3)
I have received postcards from these countries:
- Belarus (3)
- Belgium (1)
- China (3)
- Czech Republic (2)
- England (1)
- Finland (1)
- Germany (3)
- Hong Kong (2)
- Japan (1)
- Netherlands (3)
- Poland (2)
- Portugal (1)
- Russia (2)
- Taiwan (2)
- Ukraine (1)
Note: The number in ( ) indicates how many postcards I sent / received.
All of the postcard messages are written in English. :) Sometimes, a sender also will write a few words in their native language. That's always fun...and very interesting!
Quite a few people add their individual flair, such as writing the date sent, the temperature of the day, drawing a little picture, adding a sticker or stamped image, etc. I like to see the many different postage stamps, as well.
When I receive a postcard, I excitedly show it to T. My plan is to pull out the various postcards as we study each country (over the next several years!). Wouldn't these postcards make a terrific addition to continent boxes used while Galloping The Globe??! Ahem―not that I have continent boxes made or anything! That's another project for another day.... :P
I guess it could be considered a somewhat expensive hobby...considering it costs $1.10 to send a postcard internationally (plus the cost of the postcard itself...usually $0.50 or so). The good news is, there is not a minimum number of postcards that must be sent. (In light of that, it even might be considered an inexpensive hobby!)