This morning I girded my loins and headed into the breach of bureaucracy ... to renew my driver's licence, which expires tomorrow. The process is forms, photos, finger prints, eye tests, data capture, checking print-outs and payment... and based on experience and dinner party conversations I knew I was in for at least a half-day affair.
Thirty-four MINUTES later (yes, 34 minutes) everything was done. I had dealt with five people, each of whom was efficient, friendly and had the skills and equipment to do their job. Real life being what it is, I'm quite sure it's not always this smooth. But it was clear that this is the norm now.
I remember the "good old days" of local bureaucracy and it was nothing like this. Hillstar Traffic Department have come a long way and are a pleasure to do business with now. A sticker on the door proclaimed the City Council motto "This City Works For You". Yes it does.
Originally started the project to improve my photography skills. Over a 2500 photos later it's become a personal diary. I post pictures that mark my...
34 minutes is amazing in any country! Was surprised to hear they take your fingerprints too. So far, in the USA, they don't do this....but I fear it is only a matter of time.
I had to renew my German passport in the US. That involved a trip to the consulate in New York City three weeks ago - 6 hours each way. Do I complain? It was wonderful, I hadn't been in NYC for 2 years. The people at the consulate were friendly and helpful, everything was over within 1/2 hour including waiting. And then 2 days NYC!
Wow! Last time I had to go to the DMV here in NY, they looked at me like I had 20 heads for *gasp* wanting to change my last name (just got married) AND my address from MA to NY at the same time. Right... because no one ever gets married AND moves! It was such a nightmare, and I dread having to renew my license in three years.
