Having a postal system is something we take for granted. This Service was created at the beginning of
the USA because they understood the need for connections across the continent. It
has grown over time with addition of railroads, ships, and airplanes.
Right now, we are considering a world in which our postal
system may be in danger. Living in rural France has given me a chance to
experience what it was like in the past. My daughter and a friend sent me
letters more than a month ago which have not arrived. Before you jump to the
conclusion the French Postal system is failing, let me tell you I received a
book of poems from a friend in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
My experience came to a fine point when I tried to send my
passport to the US Embassy in Paris. I sent it as a registered letter 12 days
ago. Tracking records showed the letter move to Bordeaux but never moved to
Paris. Try to get an explanation. Good
luck. I need my passport to apply for a visa extension to remain legally in
France. I came to France, thinking I would stay for 60 days After 60 days I
need a visa, but my passport is in limbo.
The answer to the mystery probably lies in Globalization. Airlines
carry mail around the world, but the airline flights have been curtailed. In
addition, France has stopped Amazon from importing into France because labor
safety protections are inadequate.
Yesterday brought a new wrinkle in
the mystery. I heard a knock on my door, and it was the postman holding a Parcel
from Amazon.fr. I took it but he asked why I did not have a postal box. I led him around the corner of the house and
voila, there it was! So, there is another reason for my isolation. My mailbox
is misplaced.
My passport is now in Paris but
who knows when it will appear. Good government workers like the postal workers
and State Department workers are doing their best.
