Penfriends

[vamo48]

A couple of you mentioned penfriends in the Christmas thread, and it made me wonder how many of us have penfriends.  If you have one/some, where are they, how did you find them, and how long have you been writing?

[tintinthegingertomcat]

I had a German penfriend for many years and we did actually meet when we were about 16. However, once I got married and moved away I lost her address which is such a shame. If I could remember her name I would probably look for her on Facebook, but after 30 odd years her name completely escapes me. I think we became penfriends after either her primary school (or my primary school) got in touch with each other.

[captainbovine]

I used to collect cow creamers and bought one from USA. I got a message asking me if I knew anything about the creamer I'd bought, as she had one, too. I replied and the rest is history!! We've been writing to each other now for about 8yrs or more. We email each other at least 5 times a week. She lives in Maine and when we retire, we intend to go and visit her. I'd love to just turn up and suprise her!!

We seem to be like two peas in a pod, it's quite extroadinary.

[vamo48]

What a shame, Tintin! My first penfriend was French and our schools had got in touch with each other, we were about 14.  We wrote for many years, until her English and my French could no longer cope! We now just exchange news and family photos at Christmas.

That's a nice story, Captain! I hope you do get to meet your friend in Maine. 

I have 9 penfriends in England and Scotland, 5 in the USA, and 4 in Australia.  I found some of the British ones 13 years ago when I put my name in the penpal column of a dog magazine; the American pals I found through an organisation called TransAtlantic Penpals (no longer going).

[chickengrandma-2008]

I had one in France that was organised through school when I was about 14.  Apparently I insisted on talking about my French letters to all and sundry.  We were very innocent at 14 in those days.

Then I had three that I got through a magazine.  One in Germany, one in Rhode Island and one in Canada.  They all fizzled out after a time.

I wouldn't mind having one again although I'd want to email rather than write, it's too much hassle! 

[hansrey64]

I have a penfriend from the USA, we first wrote to each other when I was 11 and she was 12. MAny things have happened in our lives and they are virtually the same, we both married Turks, both had 2 boys born almost identical times, both got divorced, met new partners and remarried, too many to list. We even look alike in some ways.

Its been now 41 years and we have met a few times, the first time was a few years ago, she turned up on my doorstep as a surprise visit. She works for the US government and travels all over as she works in the Embassies. Currently in Fort Landerdale now for 2 years, and hoping to go back to Florida before she leaves.

[carolyorkie2010]

I have about 10 penpals, all based in this country; have met 2 of them. I love writing letters, but as the cost of stamps has gone up, some of the penpals have  turned into email pals instead; great to hear from them, but not the same as having a letter to open.

[*pixachu*]

I had a Finnish penpal for years but we lost touch about 10 years ago - it seemed pointless to continue as it had become just a Xmas card by then. We found each other aged around 12 via teletext!! Does anyone remember them having a penpal section??

I also had a Japanese one and we lost touch when we were around 20 - I don't recall how we started writing to each other (maybe teletext again!) but she lived such a different life. She sent me beautiful silk cards on my Birthday and photos of her in her lovely school uniform. 

But there is one that I have kept in touch with, who Lives in Perth, Australia. She is half Norwegian, and so we got in touch when I went to live there and she was planning a trip to Europe. We were both massive a-ha fans 🙂

I met her a couple of times when she was finally in Oslo, and somehow we have kept in touch all these years. It was very sporadic for a while, but now there is facebook and we are in touch more. I like her, I remember that she was fun... but we barely know each other....  however, it is nice to have a link from the past. 

As I have mentioned on here before, I struggle with friendships 😞 I am just not very good at them! 

[dazypichu]

My mum had lots of penfriends and when she passed away this summer. I ended up 'adopting' them. I enjoy writing to them tho, have found I have a lot in common with some of them ( all in this country ) She'd been writing to some of them for over 20 years, so I kinda 'knew' them anyway.

Quite look forward to a nice, chatty letter behind the door

[rose2008-2008]

i thought that sounded nice Captain when you talked about Maine. I thought you meant you had family there. I think it would be a lovely place to visit!!. I have had penfriends in the past but have not got any at the moment. Its a good idea though!!.

[fishpieface]

I have a penfriend in North Devon who I met whilst on holiday when I was

about 8.  I'm 52 next week and we still write and meet up every year or two.

I had German penfriends when I was at school and we continued writing for

some years after I left but then it kind of fizzled out.  It would be nice to know

what they are doing now, if they've got families etc.  One was called Claudia

and the other Maria and we were introduced with the penfriend scheme at

school.

I also have friends in Norway from a Norweigan choir who visited our church

about 20 years ago.  They came back a couple of times and I've driven them

about on a tour and locally in coach.

[captainbovine]

I had a couple of penfriends in canada but they fizzled out, they're not very good at replying.

I also have a male penfriend in the USA in Texas, but he's gone quiet on me at the moment.

[carolyorkie2010]

I dont like it where you answer an ad for a penpal and they put "All replies will be answered" and they don't bother. It's ignorant.

[rose2008-2008]

Are there sites you can apply for penpals??. It would be nice to have some.

[carolyorkie2010]

I'm sure there are, Rose; not sure how safe they are. My penpals are from my Crohns newsletters, dog magazines and also just started replying to some in "Yo*rs" magazine, as they are ladies of a similar age to me, so have trhings in common. 

[vamo48]

If I hear of any, Rose, I will let you know!  You might be lucky with dog/cat/sewing etc magazines, I got several through "Your Dog", but I don't think they have a column any more.

[rose2008-2008]

yes Carol you have to be careful now a bit like online too i suppose!. I will have a look in the Womens magazines. Thanks. 

Vamo ooohh i used to get Your cat so i might look in there too, but yes give me a shout if you do here of any.

Thanks.