Customer service?

Today was the opposite of yesterday, weatherwise. Yesterday started off wet and horrible, but after a couple of hours inside (movies) the weather was beautiful. Today started off beautiful but after a couple of hours inside (bank) the weather was awful. I got soaked trying to a) find the bus stop which had been moved b) get the next bus stop as the crossings had been moved and it they now herd pedestrians on a long detour. Bad words were muttered.

Had a coffee and scone in Bruntsfield. And do you know, I definitely prefer my coffee machine coffee at home:
a) it's hotter
b) it's cheaper
c) it's accompanied by music I like, if required
d) it's served with a smile - often just to myself

JR and I were just commenting on the difference in service here and in Australia and NZ. There you would be invariably be welcomed, served with a smile, maybe even some cheery banter and a friendly 'Cheerio!' as you left. It's a fairly sweeping statement, I know. But it's true.

We have oft considered moving our vast fortune *cough* from the bank we have been with for years. This has been put off, not because we feel any loyalty to them, but has just been put it in the 'too much bother' tray. However, we had an appointment this afternoon with a bank that seems to value customer service. And hasn't nearly bankrupted a country. All done. Painless. Charming young man, good service.

On the way into town we walked past Greyfriar's Kirk and had a wee peak in the gate. If you go large you might just be able to read the inscription on the gravestone. If you can't - it's wee Bobby himself. You will see a pile of sticks, and I've just read in Wikipedia that people leave them there for wee Bobby to fetch. Strange, but rather sweet.