
For my latest project, I will be attempting something unusual. I plan on writing to a Costa in every state in the USA. Though communication is easier than ever with e-mail, Skype, and social networking, nothing is quite so personal and meaningful as some snail mail...the time it takes to put thoughts on paper, purchase stamps and envelopes, and drive to the post office carry meaning that can't be reproduced by bits of information that can be sent by the push of a button. Let's face it: Holding paper in your hand--having something tangible that can be passed generation to generation--is preferable over the ephemeral e-mails we keep in our inbox.
The purpose of my little project is rather simple: I want to learn about people throughout the country, since it is unlikely I will ever be able to travel throughout the USA in my lifetime. I want to learn of similarities, differences, gain new ways of thinking of this world, make new friends...and just have some fun! Even more exciting will be if I find that I am a related to any of these Costas, admittedly unlikely since it is such a common surname for the Portuguese and Spanish. My methods of achieving my goal have been easy enough: I go on the Internet White Pages on my ThinkPad, search for Costas, and type up a letter (often on a typewriter...just because), all of which are personalized.