I know my first pen friend from an organization called International Pen Friends. This organization preserve the tradition of letter writing. Nowadays, I rarely meet new pen pals in this way but through internet. Notwithstanding the tendency of meeting new friends through internet, I do suggest that International Pen Friends is a good platform for people who have no experience to write or receive snail mail letters.

I remember that I looked forward everyday to receiving my pen pals’ letter. Sometimes they sent me little gifts. I had a pen pal from Norway, he loves reading a lot. Once he shared with me a story about a man who was the last survivor from a slaughter in the tribe. That was great.

I find that interesting to have pen pals from exotic areas like Pitairn Island, I believe many people would echo with me. As the most recent inhabitants there are the descendants of the HMAV Bounty, I am fascinated by the history and culture of the there.

In the old days, people would prefer writing letters to each other and the world has undergone changes. People switch their communication mode to emails. Three years ago, there was a Yahoo! group about Pitcairn culture and history and I joined it with excitement. This was an opportunity for me to share my interest with people from other parts of the world.

Every once in a while, I meet some online pen pals who are living on Pitcairn Island. But, they do not show up very often as they are busy with their housework and marking handicrafts.

I have found several pen pals through these Yahoo! groups. Although I do not write to them very often, I discuss with them about our common interests other then the Island via email. Yahoo! groups surely can help you if you want to make new friends who have common interests with you.

You can also try Interpals, a website that helps people get online pen pals. It is free. Three years ago I got a Japanese pen pal through the site. It does help a lot and you should try.

Other choices are Facebook and MySpace. People are now more careful in accepting friends on Facebook and MySpace, but this does not do good as they lose chances to meet good friends from other countries. We could add these new friends to widen our social circle, just to check the profiles of the new requests carefully, then you can meet new friends without fear.

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