A Chain of Events
How is it that by doing one small thing often starts a chain of events in quick succession?
On this particular occasion, after speaking to an unusually helpful lady at the Town Hall, I found out how to obtain a codice fiscale (the equivalent of the UK National Insurance number) - from the Agencie della Entrate - so I could finally open a bank account. It turns out to be incredibly easy and I am puzzled as to why I wasn't told this in the first place, either at the Town Hall when I went to find out about Residency, or at the police station when I arrived to register my presence. But this is Italy and things are done very differently here ....
Therefore in May 2004, six months after I had arrived I had a codice fiscale and opened the much needed bank account. On the same day that this happened Felice and I were in one of the many coffee bars in Trani and the waiter said he wanted to learn English and wondered if I might be able to help him? I responded that yes that would be fine, and have since been giving English tuition so he can go to London in September.
Therefore, after months of frustration, I at last seem to be making some progress in certain areas that before seemed to evade me!