A couple of weeks ago, I checked our mailbox and found an interesting note. It was from the post stating that on that day they couldn't deliver our package to us because we didn't answer the doorbell. We were home all day. The postman never rang us. The interesting thing about this note was the time. The postman wrote: "Attempted delivery at 12:15". I started laughing when I looked at my watch, and it wasn't yet 11:45. M complained to the Italian post. They sent a letter to him, basically passing the buck. They said it wasn't their fault because they sub-contracted out to another delivery company for that particular piece of mail. Ok, Va bene. We now know it wasn't the Italian post's fault. So we simply shrugged our shoulders and said, ok, weird... but no big deal.
So today? The sun is shining and the birds are chirping and I was flitting domestically around the house when all of the sudden the intercom buzzes. I answered but the man was talking so quickly I couldn't understand him. All I got was that he was a postman. I hurried downstairs to see if we were getting a package or something. It was something! I got chewed out in Italian! Rapidly. It was because of the complaint my husband had made. He said he had rung the bell and we never answered. I asked about the time discrepancy and he said something hardly intelligible, and at the same time untrue, so before I got angry and said something not nice back to him I said, "Well, whatever. You can say what you want to say, but we know this should never happen." Then I left him in mid rant, and went back in the house. By that time I was fuming. I am sure that a postman or delivery service person would never come to my house to chew me out in America! And what is worse? I heard him loudly proclaiming his innocence to our neighbors. Che bello! I am trying to imagine making a complaint over his rude behavior but if this is what already happened... maybe it's not a great idea. Any Expats out there have prior experience with this kind of stuff?
The sun is still shining, and the birds are still chirping, and I am cheerful again. I can't believe I let the postman raise my blood pressure.
Oh Ambra...I didn't mean to laugh when I read this, but I just have this image of you trying to have a civil conversation with the postman. What can ya do, huh?? It's good you have laughed it off!
ReplyDeleteIt is in situation likes this that I wish I was fluent in Italian instead of just getting by. I would just love to be able to say what I wanted to say to alot of people and to defend myself, hopefully one day!
ReplyDeleteLeaving him mid rant was the best thing! What a rude fellow. Hopefully you won't have that experience ever again.
ReplyDeleteThis has actually happened to me and my husband a couple of times. We've never filed a complaint though, because my husband is far too disillusioned to do anything else but curse all the "furbacchioni." Wish he would though, because I'd love to give the postman a piece of my mind like you did. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteCherrye, it is funny in retrospect! And what else can you do but laugh it off, although not during the moment!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Shirley, if I could have I sure would have said something different! hmmm maybe it is better my tongue was tied up in Italian knots of frustration.
Thanks E of O, luckily he is not the normal postman who is a really nice guy, but only the man who brings the "raccomandata" something you have to sign for.
KC I think your husband is right to be disillusioned. Really, I am afraid to complain much more. Probably we would stop getting any mail... and the stuff that comes from overseas? It is too emotionally important for us to risk. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I have started checking out yours, it is great! Can I add it to my blogroll?
Hi Ambra. I'd be honored if you added me to your blogroll! I'd like to add you to mine, too. BTW, I noticed in your profile that you've got two favorites by Umberto Eco- I absolutely love him!
ReplyDeleteSee today's UTNS entry for a similar story...butchers instead of postmen, but still. As for passing the buck: it's beginning to sound like an Italian phenomenon, not just Neapolitan. No one ever takes responsibility for anything here...except for good things. Oy, I mean, Ai.
ReplyDeleteFor the most part haven't had any problems with our regular postman, unless we're gone for 2-3 weeks while housesitting my in-law's place once a year. Still make it home every couple of days to check the mail, but seems since am not home to open the gate when he rings for any length of time, some of our mail does not get delivered and returned to sender. Example in point, my Italian credit card expired in October, and a renewal never arrived. In February my bank called me, asking if I had moved, I was like no, haven't moved in almost five years. For some reason the post office had returned my credit card. About the time it had originally went out, my husband and I were housesitting his parent's place.
ReplyDeleteAnn
http://www.blogcharm.com/amborg
KC, you're on! Thanks for adding me to yours too.
ReplyDeleterompipalle, I can't believe some butchers... "I won't sell you my meat."
Hi Ann, thanks for stopping by.