Carry On

Let's talk ... couriers!

Those of you following my blog will know we've been semi-constantly assembling furniture for months now. Something you can't do without unassembled furniture pieces arriving at your doorstep.
And that's the rub right there: It both has to arrive and at your doorstep. Not 100 metres away, big and awkward, and weighing 100 kilograms!
But I'm getting ahead of myself.

A courier with a trolley? Who knew?

Much of what we've ordered came from a company called 'Songmics'. Strange name, but great products, with no-fuss, excellent (and free) delivery. Consequently, our entrance, kitchen, dining room, and lounge are full of their 'Industrial Style' pieces.
We love 'em!
When you order, within a day or two they'll send you the delivery details, down to the actual day and an estimated time. The products are Chinese (of course) but, joke all you like, the company here in Europe is based in Germany, and they’re f’sure efficient.

However, you can't order everything from one company.
So we looked elsewhere for our kitchen pantry, terrace furniture, bedroom suite, etc. And that’s when the 'fun' started.
Some of the delivery companies involved were okay. Most weren’t. Estimated delivery dates? Fine. Everything else? Not so good.
And the excuses: "But signora, my truck's too big...", "But signora, I’m here. Why aren't you home?", and "But signora, I don't have a trolley..."
That last one really got us! We heard it any number of times. A courier without a trolley? Please!
But we’re about done now … thankfully!

Next Up

Next up is installing double glazing, and a new kitchen.
I was initially sceptical about the windows. F'sure they’re wooden, single-paned, and came with gaps due to age?

Getting on a bit now...

But this is Sicily after all: Our island-in-the-sun, whose weather bears no resemblance at all to that we’ve experienced previously. So surely, we could get away with a cheaper update, rather than a full do-over?
My fault entirely, I'm afraid! Too busy concentrating on getting our forever home furnished to give it much thought. In my defence, last Summer was a scorcher, so there seemed no rush.
Well, there is now!
The weather recently has been very reminiscent of London’s, albeit somewhat milder. With constant rain, lots o' hail, and cold-and-dark overcast days.
Luckily, I finally listened to Alice’s demands that we get it organised and, after getting three quotes, chose a local company to install them.
That was in late August but, this being Sicily, it looks like we may finally get them installed in December.
The kitchen was less problematic.
And, while there was no argument about getting a new and bespoke one, again we left it a little late. We ordered it in October, and may see it in by Christmas. We hope!
Our home came with a rudimentary (Ikea) kitchen so, in our defence, there was no real rush. There are only two of us after all. Although it’ll be great to have a new one, I have to say!
‘Cause I do love to cook.

Utilities

You won’t get far without water and electricity.
Not only do these utilities make life bearable, they’re essential, of course!

We had a wee struggle with the first one when we moved into our new home. We could get our heads around the fact water was only supplied for 3-4 hours a day, so you needed to store it.
And, as we have three 300 litre water tanks, we found ourselves with more than enough for our daily needs.
Now water tanks need a pump, which kicks in every time you use any water, to ensure water pressure when turning on a tap, taking a shower, etc. But our new place had two pumps: One for pumping the water into the tanks from the mains; the other for moving it about the property.
While the previous owner had assured us both pumps worked just fine, she didn't tell us the mains one had been left turned off.
Two days without any water wasn’t pleasant!
We had less of a struggle with electricity.
Except for the fact that this is also ‘rationed’. As in: You have access to a limited amount, per household, at any one time.
Which means, for example, while you can have the aircon on with the stove, the power will cut off if’n you try to use the aircon with the washing machine. Or the washing machine with the stove. But the aircon and the iron are just fine!
Yes, we’ve had to make a list!

More Soon...