Blessed is She

“For sure, in Italy, the sun always shines”

After months of dealing with Vodafone in Italy & ultimately leaving Italy without wifi… I have had many migraines over our wifi situation. With our upcoming trip it’s been another stressor. Our daughter Kailee and her friend Maggie will be staying at the house for months working remote…..so this was a bit of urgency. Anyhow, we finally were able to sign up for a new contract in Mike’s name. We used the Vodafone store # in Rieti as our “italian” contact number (this was required). My name turned up an unpaid, outstanding invoice. We still don’t know how that is even possible. But, now I don’t really give 2 hoots! So, putting the contract in Mike’s name turned out to be successful. Go Smartie!! It’s ya birthday!!

Simple and easy…..right? Nope. Vodafone shipped the package to our home in Italy while Mike and I are still in Florida. See last time, we were told 3 days we could pick it up at the local store. We assumed they would do the same and ship the modem to the store this time. Lesson #1 NEVER ASSUME. We received notification that our package was undeliverable. Well ya. However, it was sent to the local postal office. The notice said we had 10 days to pick it up. Well, again that wouldn’t work as we don’t return to Italy until late June. Luckily for us we were blessed with the most amazing neighbors. Truly the most generous people. Like honest to God the best.

We reached out to our neighbor Giovanni who lives in front of us. After sending multiple documents to him (the contract, the delivery confirmation slip, order number, copies of Mike’s license and codice fiscale) Giovanni attempted to pick up the for us on Monday (at the local postal office). Nope, not enough information. Mike had to sign a “delegation” letter

Day 2.

Giovanni went back to the postal office now fully equipped, willing and able to pick up said package on behalf of Mike Smart…..finally he was given permission and able to take our package home on our behalf. To go not once, but twice to the postal office for basically new neighbors and take time out of his day for us ~ that’s Amore. We are so truly so grateful.

We haven’t asked him to actually open the package, so for all we know it’s a box of tomatoes lol. We shall see when we arrive! Hopefully we are pleasantly surprised and it is infact a modem for wifi service from Vodafone! Wouldn’t that be splendid. Imagine if it’s just a phone book lol. Do they still use phone books?

Just a little update on our ongoing connection issues. Luckily our water is all set. We still anxiously await our 1st water bill. Holding our breath, because we have absolutely no idea what that may run. Our electric is all set and soon to be transferred to a different company as of June 1st. A company that is suppose to offer us a 40% discount rate!! That will be wonderful. Think of all the “stuff” I can go find at the antique & vintage markets throughout Tuscany with that savings!! 

On another note, I was so happy to hear our sweet furry friend, Camilla is doing ok. I miss that sweet little face so much. She greeted us every single morning while there, stopped over anytime we came walking down the street…..and usually meowed herself away as we shut the door for the night. Giovanni sends me pictures of this sweet girl, the last was a little video. I hope she remembers us! I’m sure as soon as she sees us coming down the street, she’ll come running for her bowl of milk. He also sent us a picture of a tiny kitten he and his wife had recently found and are taking care of. There are so many stray cats and they just bring such character to our village. Seeing them gives a sense of cleanliness, you know there will not be a rodent problem with all the village cats around! And for that I’m so grateful. Most of them are so friendly and sweet. Camilla is the sweetest.

Well friends, I hope you have a wonderful day. How’s your home search going? Are you staying positive and excited ….or has it been frustrating and aggravating? I guess the process will be what you put into it AND what you make of it. Not everything will go smooth….look at us. We are 3 months passEd on receiving a package from Vodafone, praying it is a modem once and for all. Dealing with the Italian pace of life has to be embraced. It just has to. We can’t rush it. We can’t stress over it and we certainly don’t want to change anything about “it”. Italy that is.

There is so much joy and excitement in just planning our next trip. Slowing down to stop and enjoy life. Well, maybe after we fix “this” and finish renovating “that”…….but, at least we’ll be in Italy.

We are going in June and it will be Mike’s birthday while there. We have exciting plans to head down south to Calabria. We are planning on meeting up with Chris & Pete from Super Savvy Travelers!! I’m so excited to see them in person & have them show us their neck of the woods! We got a cute little Airbnb for the weekend directly across from the sea! We are so looking forward to spending this time with our daughter Kailee …..vivere la dolce vita.

Ciao friends.

“Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life”