In my first blog I explained I started playing Splinterlands as a way to learn about crypto and NFTs. In my post earlier this week, I discussed my first try at purchasing Hive tokens with US Dollars. I almost succeeded, but Bittrex exchange is still unable to release Hive tokens due to **AUTOMATED MAINTENANCE**. 
**Not to be foiled**, I continued my journey to turn my US greenbacks to Hive golden honey. My second attempt, drum roll, was successful! And I completed the trifecta by converting the Hive to DEC and SPS. Now I can start bidding on those sweet NFT cards on PeakMonsters!
The second attempt for Hive followed this route. I had US Dollars, but I needed some Bitcoin. I opened a wallet with Bitpay. Just a note, there doesn't seem to be a desktop version of Bitpay, so I had to use my phone to install the app. Bitpay can be funded with a debit card. I entered the debit card info. 
Bitpay sent the debit card info through a third party processor called Wyre. Wyre sent me a message to check my bank account for the transaction authorization. I found it and entered the number.
Wyre released the funds to Bitpay. I bought some Bitcoin. Getting closer!
Bitpay doesn't have Hive, but that's okay. Because SimpleSwap will exchange Bitcoin to Hive. I sent my Bitcoin from Bitpay to SimpleSwap who then sent it to my Hive wallet. **That's the first win!**
Then I moved the Hive tokens to Tribaldex by converting to SWAP.Hive for conversion to SPS and DEC. **That's my second win!** Finally, I went to Splinterlands and moved the SPS and DEC into the game. **That's my third win!** I staked the SPS, and the DEC is available in PeakMonsters. I am reviewing cards now and I will have some NFTs by the end of today.
What I learned is that the journey is not a straight path. I had some cash. I went to the bank. I opened an account. I opened a Bitpay account. I sent some money via debit card with Wyre as the processor to Bitpay. I bought some Bitcoin. I sent the Bitcoin to SimpleSwap to convert to Hive. I sent the Hive to Tribaldex to convert to DEC and SPS. I moved the DEC and SPS into Splinterlands which links to Peakmonsters and I am ready for next week! 
There's probably a better way. The comments from earlier this week helped me a good bit. Feel free to share your process in comments. Let me know how I can do this simpler and easier. I didn't mention transaction fees, but there were quite a few along the way.
Splinterlands is a fun game to play and a good way to learn more about crpyto and NFTs. If you would like to get started, use our [referral code](https://splinterlands.com/?ref=methodofmad) and we will send you a free card.