A package arrived for me the other day (containing a wireless internet router... see upcoming entry for that story), but as I was not home, the postman was unable to deliver the parcel. Rather than leave a note telling me to retrieve the package at the postoffice, it was left with the store below my flat which sells children's clothing. A note in my box told me to go get it there.
In fact, this sort of thing is standard procedure. If you're not home, a neighbor will take the package for you. Likewise, when going on vacation, you are supposed to leave a key with someone nearby so that if the landlord needs to send a worker, the neighbor can let her/him in.
It is interesting how neighborly behaviour is so much a part of how life here operates. At first it seemed very "unprofessional" or ineffecient, but I now appreciate the very human aspect of this set-up.
No comments:
Post a Comment