One note . . .

. . . that isn’t going anywhere.

In 2016, during our American Adventure, after spending the most wonderful few days in Seattle, much of it in the delightful company of NannaK and Herb - such memories, we boarded the train that would take us on the two/three day journey across to Chicago. We passed through the most amazing scenery but one of the best things about it was meeting fellow travellers. I think we were the only English on board and we had some great conversations with people. 

One guy was very special. He was Mexican by birth, but a US citizen and had lived and worked in the US for a very long time. He was in the architecture business and told us a lot about the architecture in Chicago. He talked with Gordon about Mexico, its geography and history. He was very concerned about the ‘slight chance’ that Trump might become President (as if!!) and what would happen to his family in Mexico. Before we left the train in Chicago he gave me this two dollar bill, saying it was special and I should keep it safe. 

It has been in my purse ever since. Here it is tucked into a page in the scrapbook that I made - with the train and the map Gordon drew showing our journey. I have since found out that, because there have been so few two dollar bills in circulation, they have acquired a kind of mythical status and are often given as gifts. (Maybe someone might know more about this.) 

Why do I keep it? Simple answer - why would I not!


Update on the found currency for those interested

Gordon took the notes to the local post office and the postmaster went through them meticulously - he said he often done this before! He checked them against his reference and in the end handed over £40. As a few people suspected yesterday, some of the notes are no longer in circulation and so - worthless. However, Oxfam are happy to take them (they will know if there is any collector’s value to them), plus all the coins, so that’s where it is all going.