[paypaltoegold1]

Well if you are going to do that, why don't you just put it in my US bank acct. your friend will never see the money but at least you will know who got it, as your friend will never see it anyway if you mail it.
The letter will not make it past the first ground stop in country.
I did a money transfer today and got a tad over 41 baht=$1 at SCB., so at 36 you are kinda getting it in the shorts anyway.

*************

Damn how depressing. I have sent her US money and I know she has gotten that. I just thought it would be easier for her to get baht in the mail. I only sent a 500 baht bill. I hid it very well. I try to just be at peace with it. If someone else gets it, I try to think they must need it themselves.

I am just trying to do something nice to help someone. She is 13 or 14. I am not ready to set up bank accounts and make trips to deposit and transfer funds.

I just want to have fun....have a penpal I buy postcards for and send photos to and a little money now and then.

I am encouraging her to learn English and through her school teacher (who translates our letters) I believe she is. I have ordered some books on writing in Thai.

I just try to be positive and it sucks that loosing 5 baht per dollar is equated with getting screwed. She is a penpal and a child. My letters are full of stickers and colorful photos and cards.

I guess I am rambling because I am just down. It was so exciting to get the baht and see what it looked like. I knew 36 wasn't the best rate. But I didn't think I was getting that screwed. I basically live in the airport and felt it was a small price to pay to go up to the counter and get it between flights.

I am sorry I am going on about this. I was just soooo happy today. Sending it off at the post office. I have tried to just enjoy this - not be perfect. I have turned so many things in my life into stressful things trying to make them perfect. The perfect exchange rate, geting stressed trying to explain to a penpal that i am setting up a bank account for her. Sending ATM cards and pin numbers.

I just wanted to do something nice for someone. There is always somebody in this world who will rain on your parade. Bring you down. thanks. Maybe I am too sensitive. But being sensitive is the whole reason I have a penpal in Southern Thailand who I am trying to help.

I am learning alot about Thailand and have had so much fun. I thought I had found a good COMPROMISE - not the most perfect way to send money. But a way that would work for me.

Maybe I should just delete this response. I am tired and I guess I shouldn't let others bring me down.

THANKS DAVID FOR YOUR POSITIVENESS!