If you wish to see a reflection of the US, stop by a SS office. All sorts of people, attitudes and…read morevibes. Since I needed to provide verification of date of birth to start Medicare, a trip to the office was required. Fortunately, there is a location just 2 miles from us in SW Austin. The facility is large, clean and institutional. Wouldn't expect anything different. The waiting area is large, with lot's of seats. There were clean restrooms and water dispensers. You cannot bring in food/drink, no biggie.
Once we arrived, I expected a decent wait time, so brought the spousey to join me and we just enjoyed each other during the wait. When we entered, not really knowing next steps, I went to ask the gentlemen in a uniform for direction behind a counter. I barely got out, Good Afternoon, I was.... well cutoff.. and told, check in at the kiosk as he pointed to the thingy to my left and went back to what was more important than helping me. Look, I feel for these folks who have these jobs. I'm sure they work with a great deal of angst from folks, not getting what they think they deserve from the system and may be the target of their discontent. However, it would be nice if he would of let me finish my statement, perhaps a smile, but not today. Hit up the kiosk, checked in, got a ticket and we sat and watched the monitor for when it was our time. As you are informed, your wait my be longer or shorter then others already in the room. Depends what you are there for.
My number was called and we were greeted by a smiling agent, who took it from there. He eliminated my fears that I may have been a little late to apply, took my identification, including my Dutch birth certificate, passport and TDL to make copies. Came back, let me know I was all set and would be receiving stuff in the mail. Polite, efficient and pleasant interaction. I believe we may have been waiting 25mins. It was pretty quick IMO. We headed out and I made a point to walk out by the counter, smiled really big at the same gentlemen and thanked the dude and wished him a good afternoon. This blew him away by the look on his face, he managed a smile and wished me the same. Kill them with kindness is always a moto for me.
For reference, I was there on a Friday a little after noon. Job Done..