It won't be long before these flowers fade and leaves appear on the forsythia. Then we're done for another year.
I went to the post office yesterday to mail something to the US. To my surprise, the postal clerk told me that France doesn't send mail (like letters) to the US any more. Since August. I asked if it was because of the war(s) in the Middle East and he said no, it has something to do with customs and duties tied to US tariffs. There are interruptions because of the war, but this is something else. I don't recall seeing anything in the news about this. Some internet sites say that letters and post cards are exempt (they're not heavy and they're not merchandise) and can be posted, but they weren't able to at the two post offices I went to yesterday. The clerk at one of the post offices insisted that I could send my letters, but the computer would not allow her to print the postage. She was as puzzled as I was.
I wonder what would happen to the letter if you just put the right amount of stamps on it and popped it in the post box. Would it ever arrive?
ReplyDeleteHow strange about posting to the USA. What are you supposed to do instead? DHL? FedEx? But there’s still the customs and duties issue. I’ve told friends to stop sending packages to us here (letters are fine). I’ve been hit with customs fees every time. Often absurdly high and with no explanation.
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful photo!
We had the same issue in Australia late last year for about 3 - 4 months. It was over the tariffs slapped on all imports into the USA - our Post Office would accept letters (under a certain weight) but definitely no parcels. They have sorted that one out now by finding a way whereby our Post Office sends the tax to the USA (grrrr!)
ReplyDeleteI knew about the package situation because of tariffs but didn’t know letters were affected as well. I hope this will be sorted out soon.
ReplyDeleteBettyAnn
We are living through chaotic times especially now. I guess Voltaire had it right saying in Candide, we are living in "the best of all possible worlds" ha ha.
ReplyDelete