VPNs using routing to direct certain traffic over the appropriate
interface, in this case most likely a tun interface. What you could try is
adding a static (specific host) route for the smtp server to your ISPs
default gateway. That way, when your machine tries to connect to that IP,
traffic will be sent not out the tun interface but your eth interface.

-Mike

On Tuesday, July 2, 2013, Derek Trotter wrote:

>  Because of issues with my ISP I use a vpn much of the time.  The problem
> is the vpn provider blocks smtp so I can't send email while I'm connected.
> Does anyone have an idea how I can bypass the vpn for smtp so I can send
> email while on the vpn?
>
> I'm running Kubuntu 13.04 and I'm using openvpn.
>
> Thanks to anyone who can help.
> Derek
>
> --
> "I get my copy of the daily paper, look at the obituaries page, and if I’m not there, I carry on as usual."
>
> Patrick Moore
>
>