Updating my papers
The members of my family are important. I count them, over and over again (a genealogist thing, apparently). I consider them as valuable. However, when it comes to getting your passport renewed, the government favours “calling a friend”. Two, actually, with verifiable identities and telephones.
As of today, my (recently expired) papers have been sent in for an update. I opted for the ten year period; an act of faith that I will live long. From the electronic completion of the application through to the electronic payment, there was nothing “difficult”. I just managed to kill off a whole day getting things done.
The photos took only minutes. Polaroid speed from an inkjet printer, I believe. In, sit, don’t smile, pay, leave. Compared to the last century, we’ve made progress. However, the government side of things has remained steadfastly anchored in the old ways. I know, having a new waiting room, you must want people to wait in it. I did, for better than an hour (on what appeared to be a quiet day). Watched the fancy screen with the information tidbits from our civil service until the message was clear. To be a good citizen, I need to save, accept electronic deposit AND apply to be a census taker. (Disclosure: I do accept magic monies and I did my service as the guy with the big sack filled with forms, albeit forty years gone.)
My actual contact with a service agent (the NewSpeak for what used to be a clerk) lasted about four minutes. Enough time to have my paperwork sealed in a clear plastic envelope, before making payment. When the new booklet arrives, I’ll be apt to travel (even if I don’t have any plans. They inquired.)
