30 minutes

Got the call I was waiting for this morning. 
"Show up two hours before your surgery time on the 21st, which is 2.05pm."
2.05? Not 2pm, not 2.30, but specifically 2.05. (I wonder if I should time them for their punctuality.)
Off for my appointment at the passport office. for 3pm.
Showed up at 2.55 and was the only person in there.
Marilyn, the receptionist behind the desk,  looked at my forms, and my passport, and said, "take a seat, the next available agent will see you as soon as possible."
I sat down. 4 minutes later, Marilyn came out and said "let's go meet in booth 1". She was obviously the next available agent.
In booth 1, "your mothers maiden name was ?..... when were your pohotos taken?" "Did you bring a method of payment?" "Tap here with your card" and quick as a flash,  $160 for a 10 year passport was  removed from my visa.
"Have a nice day" she said.
"Why did I have to come in, I've always done this by mail in the past" I asked.
"Most people find it more convenient, that's all" she replied. "Expect your new passport in 5 weeks at the latest"
"Oh, OK, thank you" And off I went. 



Ah well...