Wednesday, July 09, 2008

OF CISTERNS, WATER CARRIERS AND POST OFFICES

Imagine my despair when the water appeared to be off yet again this morning [after the 35 euros I’d paid for a lorry load last week!] I just about managed to eke out enough for a shower before it dried up completely, then, on my way out, saw that there were two men working down in the cistern area. One of my mottos is, “When men are working, leave them alone”, so I did. They were, in fact, putting the leak in the tank to rights by replacing the whole thing and I rejoiced about that, but I did wonder how much precious water might be lost in the process. Anyway, upon my return, the water was gleefully gushing from all the taps in the apartment and at the time of writing we still have some.

Earlier I saw my kind and gentle neighbour the “water carrier” and he asked me how I was off for mineral water. [James has been carrying packs of six up the road whenever he can, but this is onerous in the heat, obviously.] The neighbour has just kindly brought us four packs and I am very grateful for this thoughtfulness.

Today I could put it off no longer; a visit to the dreaded post office was necessary. As the place was packed when I went past with Simi on our walk this morning, I decided to try my luck at around 2.30 pm ., when most people have started their siesta: This time, the only seat I could find was not next to one, but between two old souls who were fascinated by the changing numbers on the display board, so I have bruises from being nudged on both sides of my ribcage every time these changed, reader. Another little old lady was darting, at amazing speed, from one counter to the other, insisting on drawing her pension right there and then. Each time her son, who could hardly keep up with her, managed to convince her that she had to wait her turn and gently persuade her to sit down again. No doubt the lady could remember better days.

All of life is here in this very street, dear reader!

11 comments:

Nunyaa said...

Lets hope the water problem is fixed for you. Bless the older people, sometimes I even wonder at all the new tech stuff. Respectful amusement at how the older generation react to "new" innovations.

Unknown said...

You maks Sicily so inviting to live! I just love your blog! And of courese, Simi is also a reason to hear about!

Maria said...

Of course I pray that you are always with water... It's the post office I just don't understand. I have to say upon visiting my own post office, there are always long lines and short tempers flaring!

They need to play music and serve cocktails this way everyone would be happy!

Maybe even give out a chocolate or two!

LOL,M

James Higham said...

It's a real pain this water problem and we need to find a solution to it.

Whispering Walls said...

If you were over here, you'd simply put out your buckets every day to catch the rain.

CherryPie said...

What a thoughtful neighbour :-)

jmb said...

This reminds me of my post the downside of Vancouver, instead the downside of Modica/Italy. The infuriating things that never seem to change! While the water situation is never funny I guess sometimes the post office is except when you are in a hurry.

Dragonstar said...

Maybe this means that you'll have a lot less trouble with your water (!) in future. I do hope so.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Thanks, nunyaa. I'm not techie at all myself so I, too, empathise. Thank you, Diana, for your kind comment. Simi is very flattered! Hi, M. cocktails at the post office - I will suggest it! Hi, James - pazienza. Ciao, WW. Trouble is, there's no rain! Hi, cherrypie. Yes, he is very kind. Ciao, jmb. Exactly so: the water situation is a constant worry. Thank you, dragonstar. I hope so, too.

Leslie: said...

Gosh, I just don't know what I'd do if I had to go through what you do for water. We take it so for granted here!

At least you had a good "show" at the post office today. ;)

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Hi, Leslie. I admit the water is the one thing that drives me crazy.

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