It is fairly well known that there is quiet a large gap in the thinking between the German speaking part of CH and the French speaking part.

I posted a message on Glocals a while ago, to which a very kindly contributor gave me the address to write to for any queries regarding pensions.

The procedure is lengthy but not too difficult, so I dutifully filled in the on-line form and dispatched it to their office. Nothing! 4/5 weeks later the same form, with the same information was sent a second time. Nothing! Not even an acknowledgement or a "we are overloaded with communications and it may take a while". This also ca. 4/5 weeks ago.

Today in utter frustration, and not wishing to go through this yet again, I wrote to the Federal Offices in Bern. Lo and behold, not two hours later, came a response in acknowledgement.

Is there such a vast difference in mentalities and/or efficiency between the two regions?