A bouquet for the French Embassy

EXPERIENCES with institutions, embassies included, are either average, pleasant, or unpleasant. In general we are satisfied if the service is efficient, questions are answered, and there are no unwarranted delays, even if it’s all delivered without a smile. We don’t talk about it. If it’s unpleasant we not only take umbrage, we protest, complain, and rant about it to anyone who would listen. If, on the other hand, we encounter pleasantness beyond the call of duty, we are pleased but rarely talk about it. Not immediately, anyway. I write this by way of making amends.

My family and I recently applied for visas to visit France and we were amazed by how smooth and pleasant the entire process was, from start to finish. Every encounter from the moment we arrived and interacted with all the staff was marked by professionalism and unexpected kindness. I say “unexpected” because, sadly, we have experienced far too many grim, smileless faces and even uncalled for rudeness in so many institutions.