VPS Meeting with CFN Set

For several months, I have been corresponding with a contact at the Commercializzazione Filatelica e Numismatica (CFN), the Vatican’s philatelic and numismatic marketing agency. I eventually asked if it would be possible to arrange a meeting during an upcoming trip to Rome I had been planning. They agreed to set up a meeting, and I recently received confirmation that this meeting has been scheduled for Monday, May 6th at 9 am at the Vatican Central Post Office building. I have been ecstatic since receiving this news! A meeting with a Vatican CFN person is actually going to take place! Additionally, I have been trying to get permission to photograph the outside of the Vatican Central Post Office building for several years. My problem has been getting by the Swiss Guard at St. Ann's Gate as Vatican government buildings are not traditionally open to the public. I have been told that a permit is being issued to allow my entrance past St. Ann's Gate for this meeting, so getting in shouldn't be an issue this time. My prep work is done, and I have written out a list of questions to ask the representatives from CFN. I am not expecting this to be a lengthy meeting, but I do hope to establish better lines of communication with the CFN so we can continue to work together in the future. I hope to gain some insight into the procedures for obtaining Vatican first day covers, special postmarks, and folders not currently sold through the CFN website. Some of these products are sold only by the Vatican Post Office, which is a separate entity from CFN. There are other questions that I will be asking that may or may not get immediate results, but having the opportunity to ask someone directly is certainly a step in the right direction. Wish me luck and expect a report on sometime after May 6th. I promise to get it out as soon as possible!