The bancomat [cash dispenser / ATM] machine at my branch was broken this morning. I didn't have time to go to another bank as I had an all-important facial appointment [ at my age, a girl needs all the help she can get! ] so I went inside and dutifully joined the queue. There was only one clerk on and everything was taking ages - not as long as in the post office but nowhere is as bad as the post office - when in comes an elegantly dressed and coiffured lady who ignores the queue and demands of the clerk the reason why the machine is not working. I am always gobsmacked when someone does this when a clerk or sales assistant is attending to another customer, and this in Italy where in other circumstances people are so polite; I am even more amazed when the clerk takes any notice of the interruption. The woman's yelling gained her the attention of the manager, who attended to her personally, so she got her cash before I did, although I'd been waiting in the queue for ten minutes. Mad.
Having a facial reminded me how much I miss department stores. There are plenty of small beauty parlours and perfumeries but I just miss browsing all the make-up stands and talking to a consultant who really knows her own brand. Every now and then a perfumery here will ring me to say that "viene 'la beauty' di [name of make-up company]" and then you can have a complimentary consultation or make-up but it is not the same. Never mind: I've had a "hot stones" facial and feel better!
3 comments:
I guess there are ways to get what you want. Making a lot of noise seems to work for some. The Germans my age will wait, but I've noticed some of the older folks just jump in front at the store, bank or wherever they are.
Buona sera, Steve. Are you celebrating Thanksgiving in any way there? Yes, here, too, some old folks will elbow their way to the front and manage to get served first. I try to be tolerant but sometimes my "pazienza" just gives up the ghost!
My wife went in to work at 2 in the afternoon, so I was alone until she got home. I did pop a frozen turkey dinner into the microwave. That was about it.
Post a Comment