1. The piano for which we waited six weeks, was returned last week without having been touched. It was neither refinished nor tuned. They just never got around to it and the owner was so fed up with the piano company promising completion but never delivering that she instructed them to just return the damn thing to villa. So, now we have a piano - not in the best shape, but functional - which is completely and utterly out of tune. But it's not her fault. According to her, she still had to pay 300 euros just for the pick up and delivery. We are waiting for the tuner to come next week. I hope he shows up.
2. The guest room which should have been completed at the start of the month, is still not completed because the curtains that were ordered have not been made. Curtains don't sound that important, but if that's all that's separating the bedroom from the bathroom they're critical, not to mention the part about not letting the light in and having privacy when your front door is made of glass. So whose fault is it that the room is not ready? Is it the owners fault, or the upholsterers? It's a matter of your perspective, I guess.
3. The Sky TV subscription entitling us to get more than the six basic Italian channels has still not been properly activated. The latest problem (since we've been through many permutations) has to do with the owner's codice fiscale (like a SSN number). Well, apparently she lost her wallet and therefore can't produce the card to prove her number. Can you imagine having to produce a physical Social Security card in the United States in order to subscribe for cable? Now whose fault is that?
4. When returning the toaster (that didn't toast) to the Euronics store, Josh was told no credits or refunds. But he could exchange the toaster or apply the value to another item. So, if you can exchange the toaster for something else, why can' t the store issue a store credit since you may not have another item in mind right away. It's an inventory issue. Euronics must account daily for the number of items in all the stores and so they can't issue a piece of paper - they can not accept an increase in the inventory. Accounting issues, etc. The manager (who was involved in the discussion by now) admitted to the absurdity of it all. But he had to uphold the rules set by corporate. It's not his fault.
It's unfortunate to spend the day in Rome chasing your tail, but that is what today felt like.
Josh's mom and step-dad arrived this morning and I wanted everything to be ready and organized. They were super-troupers and made it through the whole day with nary a place to rest their heads. Then, my mother-in-law even cooked dinner. She had the great idea to make chicken soup. Now that's something we've been missing!
The highlight today was taking Don and Dale to our favorite Parioli Trattoria for the amazing lunch buffet. But alas, even there all was not well. The restaurant had always had a nice patio in front where we ate. The patio was on a platform that did protrude somewhat into the street. We even commented on how unusual it was for the city to allow the restaurant this use of space. Logic and not rules - we thought - since so many people enjoy the patio, and that is what life is all about here. Well, no more. The neighboring merchants complained and insisted the restaurant remove the platform patio. Now, cars are parked there instead. What a shame.
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