Often the most simple events in one's own culture can bring frustration when trying to do the same thing in another culture. Mailing a letter is one of them, so I'd like to tell you how the postal service works in many parts of the United States. People should realize, however, that these services may differ from region to region and from city to city, depending upon the area's population, climate, and needs. Specifically, I'd like to discuss how people send and receive mail when living in residential areas. Many people have a mailbox in front of their homes next to the street. In this case, when you want to send a letter, put a stamp or stamps with the correct amount of postage on the envelope, put the letter in the mailbox, and raise the small metal red flag attached to it. This will tell mail carriers that there is a letter inside, and you want them to mail it for you. After picking up your letter, the mail carrier will leave any letters for you inside and will lower the red flag. If you have a small mailbox on the wall next to your front door with no red flag, just stand your letters up, so the mail carrier can see them. Of course, you can always send letters at the post office or drop them in a big mailbox often located on busy street corners. Depending upon your area, some mail carriers may drive a small mail truck, especially when the distances between houses are great. Other times, the mail carrier might carry a special bag and deliver them on foot. Finally, you should remember that mailing items from you home is often limited to letters and very small packages. Go directly to the post office if you have bigger items to mail that need special handling.