Back in the Bureaucracy Saddle Again

So, while we are down in Puglia for the holidays, stuffing our faces and do as little as possible, we do have a real and important task while we’re down here.

We have to pick up my Permesso di Soggiorno, which is a permission of stay while you’re in Italy. Technically all visitors, including tourists should request this within 8 days of entering Italy but almost all tourists who are passing through don’t.

We applied for mine back in September upon entering the country. They said it would take 3 months. This is either very quick or very slow depending on what part of the country you’re in – in Milan I’ve heard it take 3 hours, and in Rome it can take months and months. Luckily, we survived that experience and I had my “receipt” to carry around with me.

Since you can only go certain days to the Questura in Foggia for these things – Monday (holiday), Tuesday – receiving spouses of Italian citizens (receiving??), Wednesday/Friday – applications, Thursday – pick-up.

So, Tuesday, or Thursday?? We went on a Tuesday for the application, but it wasn’t clear about picking up.

We called Tuesday morning. A nice gentleman answered the phone.

“My wife who is a foreigner, needs to pick up her Permesso di Soggiorno. We looked on the internet regarding the hours and days, but we’re still confused. Should we come on a Tuesday, or on Monday/Thursday when there is the ‘pick-up’ day?”

“You should come on a Tuesday since she is married to an Italian.”

“So, not on a Thursday or Monday?”

“No, no. There are too many other foreigners those days.”

“Ok, so today is the right day. And you’re already open?”

“Yes, we open at 8:30. Although, the digital fingerprint machine isn’t working, so you’ll have to come next Tuesday.”

CRIPES. The day we were originally intending to leave. Thank goodness I have the next week off as well. Just have to get there and leave before our train leaves the 3rd.

Good times are back again. Did you think it’d be different in 2006?

Sante/Santa getting into his sleigh