Domani

          Tomorrow--that's a word you hear all the time in Naples.  If you're really unlucky, it'll be dopodomani: "after tomorrow." 

          Even on base, we're starting to see how rampant this mentality is.  Yesterday we went to pick up some dry-cleaning.  (It had been dropped off not Friday, not Thursday, not even Wednesday, but Tuesday.)  The guy behind the counter, who 2 seconds before had been "the guy with the jingling keys hurrying from somewhere he wasn't supposed to be while two anxious clients toyed with the locked door and double-checked their watches," took one look at our ticket and pronounced his verdict: domani. 

          There was just one problem: Alan sure wasn't going to show up to work naked, and besides, our ticket told us otherwise.  We had to speak to a manager, who promised us a 3pm pickup--it was noon at this point, and our plans to head to the city were now shot--so we headed back to TLA (temporary lodging) sweet TLA. 

          "5 minuti."  That's another phrase you'll hear a lot in Italy, roughly translated as "come back in a few, as it's going to be another 20 minutes...if you're lucky."  And that's how long we waited at the dry-cleaners' come 3pm, watching the aforementioned guy behind the counter turn into the "guy whistling as he pulled in loads of clothes from the truck outside, with not a care in the world, as 2 increasingly irritated clients watched 5 minutes-and-then-some pass."  A first load came in--no sign of Alan's uniforms.  A second load came in--still no sign of the uniforms, and it looked like this was it for the day.  But...surprise!  They were hidden behind this dress in the first load!  And with an "oh!" and an "ah!" the guy behind the counter turned into "the guy who bopped himself lightly on the forehead and chuckled at himself for missing the number the first time around...but who did not apologize."

          Turns out the uniforms didn't even look professionally pressed, and it was our turn to negotiate and refuse payment.  Clearly, we had earned it, but it was bittersweet as we had wasted a perfectly good Sunday afternoon, and we would have to return to pick up a second batch of clothes.  Close to 4pm, as we were walking back to TLA, we agreed that while this mentality is to be expected in Italy, there are times when it really shouldn't be accepted.  (Like right now: we've had an issue with our room for the past week.  It's been days that they've been saying someone will come.  I just called the front desk, who promptly told me "the problem has been entered into the system"--to which I countered, "but will it be fixed today?"  This guy is smart--at least he doesn't lie--"Yes, today...99% sure.")

          Despite little kinks here and there, the base is still cozy and convenient...but we are getting really antsy and hoping our move into town isn't too far away.  Most of the realtors have been far from reliable, and in regards to the apartments that could work, there is always some kind of major drawback.  Every day I hope to make progress, but for the moment it's another big dose of domani.  To those who have been asking: as soon as we have details, we will gladly share them.  In the meantime, thanks for your thoughts and your crossed fingers.  :-)