My favorite pair of boots recently developed a hole in the toe area, where the leather connects to the sole. Considering that the rest of the boot(s) is in great condition, and the leather is good as new, I located a shoe repair shop about 10 minutes from my apartment and went there today on the way to a babysitting job, boots in hand. The sign says something like this: "Shoes and Boots repaired instantaneously: we repair leather canvas all materials blah blah". I felt confident as I entered and approached the desk, where the cobbler (is this term still in use?) was surrounded by piles of mismatched shoes. The air smelled like chemicals.
Me (holding out my boots): Would it be possible to repair these?"
Cobbler (not moving): No. Can't do a thing for them.
Me: In what sense, you can't do a thing for them?
Cobbler (visibly irritated): In the sense that I can't do a thing for them.
Me (gesturing towards the sole of the boot in question): What about replacing this part here?
Cobbler: It doesn't make sense to replace that part. It would be better to just throw them away.
Me: Throw them away?
Cobbler: It's not convenient for you to repair them. It makes more sense to throw them out and buy another pair.
(At this point he's returned to his work and is no longer acknowledging my presence.)
Me (bewildered): Okay. Bye.
Cobbler: (silence)
Can someone please explain to me WHY this always happens in Italy? I would really, really be happy to pay to repair my boots. Willing cobblers, please apply here!
