I thank her for showing me the part of Italy that you can't see in the pictures, the part that comes from the heart.

Get to know new cultures and mindsets and be aware that you can change lives with your words.

I discussed the former Soviet Union and the Orthodox Church with teachers from Russia, post-colonialism and new age architecture with students and artists from Africa...

I always wanted to travel, and Slowly for me was a means of travel.

I was astounded just to read about life in a different country or even continent! So many different customs, so many different ways of thinking...

She helped me learn about Chinese culture and traditions. I told her that hopefully one day I'll get the chance to meet her...

As a journalist, I love getting to know more about people and how they experience life. Slowly, however, allowed me to go beyond what I expected.

Deep down, I think everyone longs to find out what's beyond the confines of their own culture—the huge world at large.

When I started interacting with people again, I noticed that I was able to have better conversations, and connect to people on a deeper level.

I am convinced that letters can have a very special magic for people.

Nothing is off the limits with Slowly. There is a plethora of topics I can discuss here without people judging me.

I will only tell people who are reading this story to never stop sending letters, you never know who is missing you.