Hi all

I haven't been on here for a while, had the sad loss of a family member and been really busy.

Well I received a package from my pp, it was for my birthday, I regularly email his family and friends and so a family member sent it on his behalf. Well I have been waiting and waiting and then got a letter from Royal Mail that my parcel had a charge for VAT and customs charge. So I had to pay £16 for my own prezzie which I rang and was rudely told if any package including gifts are over a value of £36 they are subject to charges. I think this is ridiculous it cost his family member nearly $60 to send package and then to have to pay a charge on it, it's stupid.

I now have to put it in writing to complain.

Also for anyone who might remember, I received a letter from a guy I originally wrote to, he passed my details on to another inmate at christmas as he was getting married and couldn't write, well this week I received a letter, a bit nervous saying I didn't have to write back and he hoped i didn't mind him writing, but he doesn't have a lot of people to write too. He told me fully why he is there and sounds sweet and sent a photo, a bit of a scary one as its a mug shot but he sounds geniune and honest so I have just sent a letter back. Oh and also he loves to draw fairies and fantasy art, I am fairy mad so I am looking forward to receiving some fairy art.

Also got my first valentines day card, so sweet.

Well just a moan and an update, hope everyone is well.

Happy Valentines Day to you all for tomorrow.

Best wishes, Fairy xx

I have just sent a letter back. Oh and also he loves to draw fairies and fantasy art, I am fairy mad so I am looking forward to receiving some fairy art.

Looks like you both have something in common already

Sorry to hear about the lost of your family. We recently lost a family member. we know how you feel. Your in our thoughts and prayers.

Good to see you back

Customs fees apply to every country. The government charges a "Duties and Taxes" fee if the item or package is over a certain dollar amount.

There is a way to limit the cost of this. If a customs form is filled out (commonly called commercial invoice) and the sender lists the item and value, and directly under the description lists (GIFT), Some countries will lessen the duties and taxes, or not charge this fee if it is a gift. It really varies by destination.

Sadly, there is no way around the 'duties and taxes' fee. As I have learned, each country is in the business of making money.