Firenze-La Guerra della Scarpa

One of the many things Italy is famous for is shoes. Everyone knows this, we don't doubt it, just accept it. Italy, shoes, Italy, shoes.


Knowing this, I ventured into a very nice negozzio in Florence near the Piazza della Republica. I bought a pair of shoes; quite a nice pair. I was contented. I paid too much, but after receiving so many horrified gasps and "non esista's" at the sight of my size 42's, I was relieved to find a pair that fitted. Ho comprato. I bought.


After only five days these lovely shoes betrayed me. hey fell apart. The leather torn and the soles in tatters (my soul too)... Povera Polly


Don't worry I thought, I'll just take them back and get a refund. A bit of an inconvenience, but no problem really. I'm on holiday and have plenty of time. Did Ikeep the receipt? Yes luckily I did.


So I strolled back into the shop. "Uuurrggg Mio Dio" gasped the commessa. She was shocked. "Yes", I said
"They are quite bad". She spoke to the senior manager - stronsissima


"These are sandals, you can't use them in water."
"Excuse me?"
"You have been in water, you can't do this with sandals."
"Excuse me, what do you mean I've been in water?"
"Have you worn them in the water?
"No off course not." (I avoid puddles in Florence at all costs - (remember what I told you about the dog poo?))
"There's nothing we can do."
"Yes there is. You can give me my money back"
"Impossible in Italy"
"What do you mean impossible?"
"NON ESISTA IN ITALY .... IM-POS-SI-BI-LE"
"Excuse me?"
"We can ask the factory whether they are prepared to repair them"
"I dont want patched up sandals. I only wore them for five days"
"Well then, bo (Italian shrug)" (Tuff luck honey!)
"OK, I'm going to Consumer Affairs"
"BO. Va bene"
"Arrivaderci."


OK. Think think think. What to do? Ah...my land lady works in the clothing industry here. She will know what to do. So off I went to visit Flavia.


"Ciao Flavia"
"Ciao Polly, come stai?"
"Well.....not that well actually, I bought a pair of shoes and ... blah blah blah blah,."
"Oh I know someone who knows one of the boys who works in that shop. I'll see what I can find out."
"Ohhhh thank you. That would be great."
"This sort of thing can happen to stranieri."
"Yes apparently."


I so I waited......