The Italian Adventure Begins!

I am back in the beautiful land of Berlusconi. He is always smiling. This inspires me. I must be in a land where everything is beautiful and perfect. It probaby rains beer. Money grows on trees. It is always warm and sunny. Trains run on time. People never jump queues. Everyone is polite. There is no red tape. Politics is fun ... OR maybe he is laughing ... at us (or me). Maybe everything is not as it seems. Maybe he knows the reality. This is for me to find out. This is my Italian adventure, my quest to discover the REAL Italy.
Friday I have to go to the Questura (Police Station). Eveyone from the EU must register within 3 months of arriving in Italy and obtain a permit to stay (permesso di soggiorno). I know I have been here more than 3 months. However, this is the 4th attempt! Each time I have met with such stupid problems. It all seems to depend on the mood the person granting this permit is in. Last attempt I didn't even get into the building (even though I started queing from 7am for an 8.30am opening!). Too many people! Mainly from outside the EU. At least Friday I have an appointment. But I know that is no guarantee.
Watch this space to see if I get my permit (if I don't, what will happen? Will Berlusconi hunt me down and send me back to blighty? Should I be worried? Is this the only country in the EU who has this stupid requirement? - it also costs €14.)
See you soon.
Mike 'the pasta man'