I got REAL mail today!

Tavira, Algarve, Portugal.
Originally uploaded by Katherine H.

Recently, my friend Gail introduced me to what was sure to become a new addiction for me -- postcrossing.

For a lover of words and photography and travel, how could I not love the concept of exchanging postcards with people from around the world?

So far, I've sent postcards to Finland, Missouri, Japan, and California. And today, my first postcard was waiting for me in my mailbox all the way from Portugal.

I think the allure of the exchange hearkens back to my childhood. I had several pen pals when I was young: Sabine in Austria, Autumn in Pennsylvania, and Laura in Salt Lake City. I still have a box in my basement that has some of their letters. Of course, you know what all this means, right? I just want to travel even more!