Embassies’ false advertising leaves bitter aftertaste
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
There is something rather comforting about embassies. For travellers or ex-pats, they are a safe haven; a little piece of home that you can call on in times of need. They also project a rather grand image; think of an embassy and one’s mind creates images of cocktail parties, or afternoon tea on sweeping lawns. This romantic view has been perpetuated by the commercial age. Our British readers will doubtless remember Ferrero Rocher’s ‘Ambassador’s Party’ advertising campaign, which included the timeless line; “Monsieur, with these Ferrero Rocher you are really spoiling us!”
Likewise, we have cigarette brands called ‘Embassy’ and ‘Consulate’, with tobacco companies hoping to impress on us that by smoking their ciggies we’ll somehow become part of some elite group that, no doubt, dines on huge, golden pyramids on Ferrero Rocher.
But let’s take a real look at embassies - the side most people see: consular and visa services – taking the example of the Bangkok branches of Vietnam and the UK. The Vietnam Embassy is a desperately drab brown office, where a single surly member of staff takes absolutely no notice of the queue of people waiting to be served. On asking a question, the official silently pointed to a scruffy noticeboard, without even looking up from her work.
The UK Embassy meanwhile, bares all the hallmarks of a 1970s DSS office in Slough. Visitors are relived of phones, computers, and any other device that could provide some light relief during the excruciating waiting period, which is caused by only two or the four counters ever being open at one time. As for being a bastion of the glitterati, you are much more likely to be sat next to a shabby old man trying to get a visa for his young Thai bride.
So let’s get back to reality - we have been lied to for too long! Modern day embassies are not glamorous; they are miserable, depressing places, with not a pyramid of Ferrero Rocher in sight. Truly, Monsieur Ambassador, you are not spoiling us.
Comments are closed.