More than an interesting day in search of the ever-important bike box.
First, the box is a necessity to get the bike home. Research confirmed the airline would be of little help. Most stores in Italy are closed Monday, or they open after 2:30 p.m. Claudia said the store operators need a rest day. I decide to ask how they make money to stay in business. “This is why Americans are crazy,” she said, “You work yourself to death.”
Managed to find an auto repair shop that also said “bicycle” on the sign. I located a door ajar in back and went in.
I found a man at a desk, and he wasn’t grouchy at all. I showed him my note written in Italian that said I was looking for a bike box. He shrugged, said “no bikes,” and then snapped his fingers, leading me to a corner collection of large cardboard. He found two large weighty pieces.
I cheered. It was my best option so far. The man came running out with a fresh roll of tape and I managed to get across that I’d be back on Tuesday.
‘Plan B’ on the bike is coming together with a bit of MacGyver ingenuity.
If I have to, I can make this work. “Build-A-Box 101” could be around the corner.
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| Lorenzo, with flowers |