02.27.06
41 + 41 = 80?
Had to make a trek to the post office today. I had two things on my agenda:
- Buy stamps
- Open a bank account
In Italy, the post office is much more than just where you go to mail packages. You can open a bank account, pay bills, buy insurance, get a home loan, buy gifts, and recharge your cell phone’s minutes. I pushed the little button, and waited for my number to be called. The bell rings, and I go to the counter. “I need 20 stamps for the United States,” I said.
“I don’t have any stamps,” the clerk replied. She leans over to the next window and asks if he has any stamps. He didn’t. I wondered for a split second if I really entered the door to the post office. She directs me to a different line. I wait some more, behind some frustrated Italians who received a notice that they have a package waiting for them only to find out that they returned the package to the sender because they were late coming to pick it up. She complained that she got the notice only last Thursday, but the woman wouldn’t budge - the postcard was postmarked weeks ago. I’m siding with the lady, but I digress.
It’s my turn, I ask for stamps. She says she doesn’t have any. I calmly, but firmly stand my ground and explain to the lady that I was told to come here by her coworker. She rolls her eyes and says, “Well she probably thought that because I have other stamps. We don’t have any stamps for the United States. We’re out.” At this point I’m confused. Sensing this, she explains, “The only reason to buy an €?0.80 stamp is to send a letter to the USA. They’re not used for anything else, so they only print them twice a year.”
I’m still determined, “How about 2 €?0.40 stamps?”
“Those don’t exist. Let me check in back.” She wanders off, asking everyone she comes in contact with if they have seen any €?0.80 stamps. I don’t see her for a while. She’s probably hoping I’ll go away. I don’t.
She finally comes back carrying two sheets of stamps. She smiles and hands them to me. I politely point out that these are €0.41 stamps.”
“It’s the best I can do. You’re only wasting €?0.02.”
I give her my money and walk away, trying to convince myself that €?0.41 + €?0.41 = €?0.80.
Johnie Mac-Vail said,
02.27.06 at 10:22 am
That is funny! If ya need some stamps just ask…I will mail them to ya! hahahaha. What a concept, mailing stamps. I wonder how long I will have to wait at the post office here in Joplin for soem Italian stamps….
Johnie Mac
Jason said,
02.28.06 at 3:08 am
Great post! You must have stepped back in time because the ANCONA post office has fancy computerized machines which actually print stamps in ANY DENOMINATION…so salivate all you want to over the fancy bus system (and never to be opened mono-rail) in Perugia, but I believe the Ancona Post Office has you licked! Get it? Licked? Stamps? Although these are printed on adhesive paper…
Brian said,
02.28.06 at 3:19 am
Hey everyone. Jason, the guy that just posted, he’s my team leader. Imagine what team meetings are like with such a punny guy in charge. Get it?! PUNNY?