I discovered Slowly in late 2019 or early 2020, just before the pandemic hit Indonesia. I was scrolling through the Play Store when I saw the app and thought, “Huh? A digital version of snail mail? Interesting!” Curiosity got the better of me, so I downloaded it.
I don’t remember who my very first letter went to (it’s been too long!), but I do remember the feeling—equal parts nervous and excited. At first, I faced some rejections. Some of my early letters never got a reply. But something about Slowly made me stay. I loved the idea of forming friendships slowly and intentionally, one thoughtful letter at a time.
What do I love most? The anticipation—the joy of waiting for a reply, not knowing what story, emotion, or culture will come wrapped in that digital envelope. And of course… the stamps! I absolutely adore collecting stamps from different countries and celebrating international day collections.
Through Slowly, I’ve met people from all over the world. I’ve learned about their cultures, their daily lives, and even their cuisines. I tried making some of the foods my pen pals shared with me, from Indian Jalebi, Brazilian Goiabada, Japanese sakura jelly, and Korean kimchi—let’s just say my attempts weren’t perfect, but definitely fun. Some of my pen pals have even become lasting friends, and we now stay in touch via social media.
Snail mail might sound old-school, but Slowly gives it a modern twist with the same heartfelt excitement. If you’re looking for a real connection, Slowly is the place to find it—one letter at a time.
