There’s no escape even in Rome?

Watery-eyed building manager briefs us on garbage collection, electricity outlets, laundry and WIFI services, back-up heating, and apartment security. He’s thorough and, in places, non-committal.

He’s French: works in Rome in the winter, and will return to Paris in May.

The local weather’s been “horrendous.” It will improve. But, generally, we’ll have to be patient. “Italians,” he explains, “have no government, and are poor workers.” 

What would any of us do without lousy neighbors?