Don’t break the rules in Bologna!

There’s a bewildering pointlessness to rule enforcement in Bologna. Last night I couldn’t find the exit in a shop so I went out via the entrance. I was already out in the street when a security guard came running out to confront me. He went full Italian stereotype on me, hands waving dramatically, yelling at the top of his voice and a few “Mama Mias” thrown in for good measure. I’m pretty sure I caught the word “Stupido” somewhere in there too. When he was sure every person within 100 metres was staring, I was marched back into the shop like a criminal and made to leave by the proper exit.

Then today, when I caught a cab to the airport, I got into the backseat with my backpack. After I’d shut the door and was putting my seatbelt on, the driver got most upset with me. After shouting at me for a bit he got out, came tearing around the car, opened my door and insisted that I get out. Then he heaved the pack back out of the back seat and threw it in the boot.

He was so furious with me! He slammed his door shut when he got back in and drove like a lunatic all the way to departures. Honestly, I’m glad to have made it to the airport in one piece.

So anyway, next stop Lisbon where I hope that Latin spirit comes in a less intimidating form!