I just had the greatest morning. I won't bother you with all the other strokes of bad luck I had today, instead focussing on the main point of my irritiations. Bureaucratie. No matter what kind of government institution you call, you always seem to experience the same !#@$@. An hour ago, the Powers that Be commanded me to write an article about a murder case, of which the appeal served today. So I walk to the main redaction phone (we only have two on about fifty people) to call the court in question. Of course, the thing was broken. So I grab my cell phone instead. I thought that wouldn't be a problem, since the conversation should be over in a matter of minutes. The following happened.

Person 1: Court Den Bosch, this is (insert name here)
Me: Hello, I'm ...., calling on behalf of the ... I would like to inquire as to when the appeal in the case against ... might run.
Person 1: One moment please

several moments later

Person 1: Hold on please, I'm transfering your call to the information desk.

Person 2: Court Den Bosh, information desk.
Me: (repeats earlier story)
Person 1: All right, please hold.

several minutes later

Person 2: we can't find the case you are refering to, are you sure it's a criminal justice case?
Me: No, it is in fact an appeal.
Person 2: Oh.. I see. Please hold, I'm transfering your call.

A few moments later

Person 3: Court Den Bosh, (..) Desk.
Me: (repeats the same story for the third time)
Person 3: Right. Could you please hold.

[i]Nearly five minutes later (I'm calling on my cell phone)

Person 4: I'm sorry, I'm afraid we can't find the case you are refering to. Do you have the parket number [i](note that you have to be at the court to obtain said number) of your case.
Me: No, I'm afraid I don't.
Person 4: Then I fear we can't help you. (end of conversation)

:D

that's musthave beeen SOO Annoying....sheesh

wah! they are so helpful oh! :D