LA GENTILEZZA

For every frustration here [with the possible exception of the post office!] there is a compensating kindness. I've mentioned that one of the frustrations is not being able to simply call a taxi when you need one: well, next week I am going to need a taxi to take Simone the dog to the grooming parlour. [It is on a dangerous, pavementless road.] I asked Raffaele the hairdresser [who knows everybody] if he had the number of a reliable taxi firm this morning and he immediately said that one of his staff would take us and pick us up. Kindnesses like that are very cheering indeed.