Leaves in the park

I experienced the best and worst of French systems today. My toothache had worsened over the weekend and I was afraid I would not get seen due to the lockdown. I have read horror stories of people extracting their own teeth!  I got through to the dentist and was seen in the morning, and an X-ray taken and antibiotics prescribed. It is an abscess and I will have to have the tooth out in a fortnight. In the afternoon, after a bit of fresh air in the park, I tried to sort out Mrs TT's health cover which has still not come through after over three months. The local health office has asked for an additional document and then said the document is missing a date of birth (which it would never have had!) I have made numerous phone calls and written three letters but have got nowhere. They seem to think it their job to delay, prevaricate and deny people essential rights. I decided to phone the English speaking helpline and a very helpful lady drafted another letter to them saying they are acting illegally and said she herself was suffering from bureaucratic incompetence with her daughter and had had to supply a translated document which cost her €1000. Anyway she said she would keep an eye on my case. It is encouraging to come across a rare customer service gem like her.