Like a Knife Through Butter

Who would have thought it - the administrative department here at the institute is like a well oiled chainsaw, cutting through stacks of Italian bureaucracy like a hot knife through butter. In one day I have a signed contract, and already have an entry pass. I have decided on a flat and all associated paperwork is being completed. Tomorrow I sign that contract too and open a bank account.
Amazing.

What could go wrong? ...

PS - a little aside: I just noticed that that blurred picture of me, top-left, was actually taken in Italy. We were holidaying in Tuscany when Yousef was just 3 (I think) and that pic is taken outside of the main cathedral in Florence (although I can't remember its name!). Horizontal stripes in various shades of terracotta and cream and grey - a feature of the churches and cathedrals here.