Settling In

April 6, 2022

I woke up early, Wednesday 4/6/22, hell bent on getting internet. Francesco had said the store opened at 9 so I headed into Fabro Scalo at 9:30. Italy reminds me a lot of Hawaii in that opening hours are simply suggestions, not hard and fast rules. I went to the bar next door for a cappuccino and slice of pizza while I waited. Around 10:15 Francesco was in the store and had done his research. Given that I was in Santa Maria and not in Monteleone centro, TIM would provide excellent WiFi service. But Franceso wanted to set up a contract, a year over year, multi-year contract, which requires an Italian bank account. I said ‘No!’, I just need a modem and connection but he said ‘No!’, without a bank account I am just a stranieri – a foreigner or stranger. He suggested I go to the Poste and set up an account there. Please keep in mind, this was all in Italian, I was feeling frustrated but very proud.

I went to La Posta just up the road and around the corner and was shocked to find the largest chickens and roosters I think I have ever seen. I had to stop and take pictures! I went inside the Posta and waited for my turn. None of the three ladies working spoke a word of English so they asked for me to wait for Fabrizio, as he spoke a little English. After about 10 minutes Fabrizio was free and we discussed what I needed, an Italian bank account to support setting up WiFi. He was a bit confused, thinking all I needed was a SIM card and needed to do a little research to determine what was needed to establish an Italian back account. He asked me to come back tomorrow.

Domani. Sempre domani.