I was standing outside the British Embassy this afternoon talking one of the security men when a relatively handsome blond man walked unassumingly into the Embassy foyer. Given that I recognised him, I turned to the security guard and explained that he was a 'famous Aussie'. Then when I noticed that this initial statement had very little impact I added "Dermot Brerton is a famous Aussie footballer". However this still had little impact as the secuirty guard was more interested in talking to me, than taking Dermie's measurements.
Anyway Dermie looked a little lost, so I redirected him to the Embassy office. But rather than take my directions he redirected his enquiry to me...(?)
Apparently he had experienced a problem whilst exchanging money at an office near the Ponte Vecchio. Somehow, I ended up acting as the international liaison person and the mediator between him and the police we called to help with the situation. Once the situation was resolved Dermie thanked the police officer and the security guard and walked casually away. He then turned around and say "Hey what's your name?".."Julie-Ann.. yeah thanks."
Once the translation exercise was complete, I finished the discussion I had been previously been engaged in with the security guard, smiled farewell at the police officers and walked away with Valentino. As I was about to cycle away the police officer called out to me.
"Scusa-mi lei puo vienere qui per favore?.." Excuse-me can you come here please?
"Si. Vengo" Ok. I'm coming
"Questo uomo mi ha detto che sei una infermiera e ricerca per lavoro, forse io posso aiutarti?" This man told me that you are a nurse and that you are looking for work, maybe I can help you?
Ironically it appears that Salvo di Castello (the police officer) has just finished his nursing training and after 10 minutes on the phone he managed to contact the Director of Nursing in Florence. I was so surprised - and pleased! You see after months of trying to contact a nursing authority, I actually spoke to this Director only this morning. Finally I had to laugh when he mentioned that his friend was an Australian nurse and she remembered our conversation this morning.
Well at least I'm speaking to the right people.
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