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He sits with a broad smile on the chair at the check-in desk at Bologna Airport, chats with a pilot here, waves to a flight attendant there: Arnaldo is part of the inventory in the hall. The Italian has been ‘living’ here for six months.
Reason: He only receives social assistance and can no longer pay the rent on his apartment. So he packed a suitcase and drove to the airport. Since then, he has mainly stayed in the check-in area, Italian media report.
In the summer he slept outside so as not to disturb anyone. As temperatures cooled, the former wine consultant moved indoors. He found an incredible humanity here, he said: “Bologna in diretta”
Airport staff provide him with food
The staff provided him with a sleeping bag so he doesn’t have to sleep unprotected on the couches. He is woken up at four in the morning, when the first planes take off. He often gets his first coffee from the ground staff. Later also meals.
Arnaldo then goes to the newsstand and gets a free newspaper to study the world situation. He shaves in the toilets. He wanders around the airport and finds lost luggage or forgotten things. “For example, a blanket from the Caucasus that I have kept and that I will put on the couch when I get my own house.”
His case is reminiscent of the Hollywood film ‘The Terminal’ with Tom Hanks. His character is stuck at the airport for months because of an invalid passport.
Arnaldo, on the other hand, has a passport, but no money. He wants a room with a stove. “I’m a good cook,” says the 83-year-old. The social security office in Bologna is aware of Arnaldo’s case and has made efforts to find him a suitable apartment. However, according to Italian media, he has not yet discovered anything suitable. His home will therefore remain the airport for the time being. (neo)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
