On November 21, I posted a registered letter to the US after having been assured it should reach its destination in two or three weeks’ time.

When after four weeks this had not materialised, I started a chain of enquries, never expecting so many surprises.

I contacted Maltapost and had the first surprise: I was told that the letter had in fact not left the island. After much huffing and puffing and scurrying around here and there, they assured me that it had after all left, on that same date.

However, I was asked to fill ina form so that Maltapost could start investigating.

This I did immediately, handing it in at the local branch.

Imagine my surprise when after nearly a week in which nothing happened, I phoned Customer Care again and was advised to fill in a form so that an investigation could start into the disappearance of the letter. If a form handed in at a local branch fails to reach the Maltapost head office, then no wonder it is so difficult for a registered letter to reach the US.

I asked if my registered letter could be traced once it had left the island.

Not really, I was told, as it had not been scanned yet.

Now I have received a consolation prize.

It seems the application form I had filled in was finally unearthed but, because of the imminent festivities, I would be receiving an acknowledgement in a fortnight’s time, when I presume they will start investigating. I suppose I should feel honoured, satisfied and privileged with such prompt action.