Post Italia!

The Post system in Italy is amazing! I have never before been instilled with the feeling my post may never reach it's destination from a Post Office worker before last week.

I was sending off my first Short Screenplay to the British Screenplay Competition, the day of the deadline. So when I asked the lady to send the letter ASAP "Subito" I was a little worried when her face turned a shade of grey and her demeanor shrivelled, which made me think that what she was rattleing off in Italian had to mean that that might not be possible!!! I was a little confused and asked for what reason did she think it was such a task that Italia post couldn't send my letter? Now I'll be honest, my Italian is getting good but this woman was incomprehensible, although I continued to nod as if I understood of course. I asked her if she thought it could arrive in a few days, to which her reply was in 5 days or more! It seems, you see, if you want to send a package or letter it's transit time very much depends on the time you decide to send it. It seemed my last minute cavaier attitude didn't wash in Italy! So I opted for the expensive 'express' delivery option which of course takes upto 3 days, and not a penny spent of that money gave me any confidence my letter would arrive at it's destination!

After my confusing morning and expensive 'Express' postal experience, my Italian friend explained to me that if you go to the post office after 9 am on a Friday they won't do anything with that post until the Monday, hence the 5 days at least explanation!

While we were on the subject I thought it appropriate to also ask my friend about a package I have been expecting for a few months. Like many things in Italy the explanation involved a shrug, a gesture that has become loaded with meaning for me in my months in Italy. This particular shrug meant, 'well, maybe it'll reach you and maybe it won't'. Comforting!

So alas I must wait for the teleport machine to be invented as I think this means of delivery might be a little more reliable! Oh and obviously if someone has written to us and not heard a reply, apologies but perhaps now you understand why!!