Going to a government office in a Socialist country is usually about as much fun as cutting off…read moreyour own toe. The thought is always "How much of my life will I have to sacrifice for this?" But au contraire my French-bashing friends, strange and wonderful things are afoot at your local French post office. We step inside, on the day before Christmas and there is NO line. My brother-in-law walks up to the counter and is immediately greeted by an employee who quickly retrieves the package in question and bestows it upon its rightful owner. I ask about postage for a few last minute Christmas cards and this same eager employee walks me over to the shiny new automated postage machine and begins to elaborate on its numerous glories. I'm only catching a little of this but I fish a five out of my pocket. Mr. Eager continues the schpeal as he gets me change from the equally shiny, equally new and apparently glorious change machine, gets my stamps and we are in and out of the Post Office in under 5 minutes. I was flabbergasted. France. you continue to surprise me!