recently we were having trouble with our main drain backing up and when my husband mentioned it to one of his Italian Clients, who has become a good friend to my husband one Sunday over the phone, within 2 hours he called us back to let us know another mutual friend would be accompanying a Major Plumbing company on its way to our house, on a Sunday!! Once they arrived they knew exactly what to do. With a huge vacuum system, they cleared out our main drain (previous tennants apparently poured tons of fireplace ashes inside). When that was clear, we learned there was an additional "back up drain" that also needing clearing out so they did that one too. The entire process took over 5 hours. Afterwards, we asked the plumbing guys what the cost was, and they said, "It's FREE--no charge" <--what!!! After 20 minutes of convincing, they did accept $20 euros each, but I know this type of job in the states would have cost us between $2-3K, maybe more!
We thanked the guys who worked for the plumbing company profusely as well as the italian friend, who also came with his wife, and we asked them what can we do for them to thank them, and he said, "Monday, if I see you at the plant, we can share a cafe together, that's all," They were so sweet and sincere, I wanted to cry. So, I've been trying to think of some type of Gift to give them to show our appreciation for helping us and husband says,
"... you don't need to give them anything, just always know that if they ever need us for anything, we will be there for them... they won't accept money, so don't even think about offering it to them--this is PERSONAL"
Ok, I understand the difference between tipping the service attendant at the fuel station and Gifts of appreciation for FRIENDS.. in the states when friends went out of their way to help us, we took them out to dinner, theater or anything we knew they would accept with pleasure, took care of their dogs while they went on vacation, etc. But here, I feel guilty just WAITING for our turn to help our Italian friends when they need us... when is that gonna happen? and what can we possibly do for them that could help them in a huge way? I mean, we're like babes in the woods here (new expats) and barely speak the language
Is there ANYTHING ELSE we can do in the meantime? They've been over for dinner, but that doesnt seem like much, after all, they're our friends and we always invite friends over for dinner.
My feeling is that inviting them over for dinner or making them something like banana bread, carrot cake, etc. and gioving it to them with a nice bottle of Vin Santo would be perfect. This is what I would do.
Also, double check to see if your contract with your water company includes drain unclogging. Ours does and so if ever iun need they come out 24/7 for free.
quote:Originally posted by Cristina: My feeling is that inviting them over for dinner or making them something like banana bread, carrot cake, etc. and gioving it to them with a nice bottle of Vin Santo would be perfect. This is what I would do.
Cristina, I love your suggestion! Thank you very much ... maybe I'll include a bouquet of flowers, too!
quote:Also, double check to see if your contract with your water company includes drain unclogging. Ours does and so if ever we need they come out 24/7 for free.
Really?!! Wow, I didn't realize that! Will definitely check into it.
tanto grazi, Cristina
edited to fix quote.
[This message was edited by Cristina on 27 January 2004 at 02:46 AM.]
Topic Closed
... maybe I'll include a bouquet of flowers, too!
