I've only had 2 consular experiences. Perhaps it's the luck of the draw, but for what it's worth:

Aussie consulate in DC for visas - folks were friendly and efficient.

Yugoslavian consulate in Den Haag for visas - we filled out our applications, handed them in and sat down to wait. It was beginning to look like it might be all day, as the room was very full of Yugoslavian workers resident in Holland, and there was a great deal of talking and confusion. Suddenly someone noticed they had American would-be tourists on the hoof; we were glad-handed, swept up into a private office, plied with books and brochures, offered coffee, and only extricated ourselves from the hospitality, complete with visas, with some difficulty. It was a stunning experience, as in hit by a brick. Nice, too, and a little sad.


[This message has been edited by GG (edited 02-11-2001).]