“Buongiorno! Potresti aiutarmi per favore? Sono venuto a ritirare il mio pacco da IKEA.”
(Translation: "Good morning! Could you help me please? I came to collect my package from IKEA.”)
By the time I reached the post office this morning, I had memorised the phrase. After all, I must have repeated it at least a hundred times during the 2km walk.
But, at the post office…
The moment the clerk at the counter returned my greeting with a “Buongiorno! Come stai?”, my well-rehearsed Italian and I collapsed like clumsily balanced Jenga pieces.
“Buongiorno! Per favore aiutarmi prosciutto? Venti mono a ritiraro IKEA mio pacca!” said your man.
(Translation: “Good morning! Please help me ham? Twenty mono to IKEA collection my pat!”)
The clerk smiled. And then he stole my line.
“Lei parla Inglese?”, asked the kind man.
To which I replied confidently, “Si!”
