interestingly, I forgot about a much easier route.
check the comment by ph1102, the polygon route, with a bridge that is pretty ok in terms of GAS fees.
too complex and too much to know to get things done.
my learning curve: to think about moving/converting funds a few days earlier and use that time to ask questions to others who may know more than myself. perhaps even write a post and wait for the reactions 🙃
RE: Moving and Converting HBD into UDSC on BASEchain: My Story