Ok, I took letter to local post office and I told the lady behind the desk, "This is going to America" to which she replied, "Ok, can you place it on the scales, please" which I did and she told me, "That will be £3.50" - she took the envelope off me and then asked me to pay the £3.50 which I did (by card) and I watched her put (if I remember correctly) two stamps on it - a little blue one more like just a sticker and then a very large brown stamp. I did not have my own stamp put on it - either first or second class or anything, I did not put any stamp on the envelope myself.
She asked me, "Is it just documents inside?" to which I said, "It's just paper; just a standard letter".
That was it, I paid and then after putting my card and recepit into my wallet, I looked up at her, the envelope was gone and she was looking at me puzzled as to why I was still there. "Thank you" she said. "Erm...thank you" I said walking away very worried that there has been a mistake that she has not given it back to me to post !
Ok so I am worried and need to know:
1) I didn't put ANY stamp on envelope - were the things she put on correct and enough or was I meant to put one on too?
2) She kept the envelope - was I meant to have it back in order to send it off?
3) This was I believe just bog standard basic airmail - on my receipt it says "Airmail pr paper, £3.50" - what is average expected delivery to reach my friend in America?
4) I am just worried generally if all is ok - it's my first time doing this.