Originally Posted by
grouse
Nine days after they received the application it's back in my hands. I'm very impressed.
That's good news.
I trust that you've checked whether any necessary visas will still be valid if left in your old passport or whether they need to be moved/reissued in your new one.
In a broader sense, this confirms a theory I've held for a while. Given the option, it's often a lot quicker, friendlier and easier to deal with one's government via an embassy or consulate abroad than it is at home.