OK, so I've been on this forum for a little while. Sorry for being rude and participating without saying hello to you all

My aunt gave me my first 'real' fountain pen when I was still at school more years ago than I care to remember. It was a brushed metal Waterman (Hemisphere I think). At some point I lost it and settled for el cheapo ballpoint pens until 2 years ago when I saw a Hemisphere in a Sydney penshop. I bought it and some WM Florida Blue ink and have not looked back since.

A little while ago I decided to lash out on a more upmarket pen and came across this forum. What a revelation! I didn't know there were so many inks to choose from. Well, not here in Australia anyway. Based on reviews and info posted by you knowledgable folk I imported a WM Expert II (Smart Blue), Carene Royal Blue and 7 Noodler's inks for a fraction of the cost here.

In Australia the WM Expert II costs ~$350 Australian dollars and the Carene ~$500 . Thanks to the exchange rate, I now own these pens for a MUCH more reasonable price.

Anyway, hello to you all!

Welcome. The sheer variety of items that are available for our hobby is mind-boggling!

Hello and welcome to FPN.

Welcome to the FPN

Welcome to FPN!!!

Welcome to FPN!

Hello and welcome aboard. I have a Waterman Expert II, and since Richard Binder repaired it, the pen writes like a dream. I am sure that you will love the "Bulletproof" qualities of Noodler's ink.

Hi there and welcome too. Your note about dough is certainly correct. At this time, the USD is about 2/3 of the EUR value... BUT... most pens in the US today cost about the same sum (in numbers) as they do here in Germany...

Mike

Hello Harry and welcome to FPN.
Glad the you've rediscovered the pleasures of the fountain pen and have come to join us here in our ongoing and, at times, rabid pursiut of said pen.

cheers