Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a bartender in Saint-Just-en-Chaussée is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. One minute you’re chillin’, pouring a pint, and the next, BAM! Chaos everywhere.
So, I roll into work at Le Café de la Gare, right? It’s on Rue de la République, the heart of the town. I love this place. It’s got that old-school vibe, ya know? The walls are plastered with photos of locals from back in the day. But today? Today was a whole different story.
First off, I’m setting up the bar, and this dude walks in. I swear, he looked like he just ran a marathon. Turns out, he was just sprinting from the market on Rue de la Liberté. He’s all outta breath, gasping for air, and he orders a beer like it’s the last one on Earth. I mean, c’mon, man! It’s 10 AM! But hey, who am I to judge? I pour him a pint of our local brew, and he downs it like it’s water.
Then, outta nowhere, a group of tourists strolls in. They’re lost, obviously. I mean, who wouldn’t be? Saint-Just is a maze of streets. They start asking me about the best places to see. I’m like, “Dude, you’re in the middle of it! Just look around!” But they want specifics. So, I’m rattling off names like Rue de la Paix and Rue des Écoles. I’m trying to sound all knowledgeable, but honestly, I’m just winging it.
Suddenly, the fire alarm goes off. Like, seriously? In the middle of my shift? I’m thinking, “Great, just what I need.” Everyone’s panicking, running around like headless chickens. I’m just standing there, pouring another drink, thinking, “This is gonna be a story.”
After the chaos calms down, I get a regular, Jean-Pierre, who’s always got a story. He’s sitting at the bar, nursing his usual glass of red. He starts telling me about his cat, Moustache. Apparently, Moustache has taken a liking to the neighbor’s garden. I’m like, “Dude, your cat is living the life!” We both crack up.
But then, outta nowhere, this lady storms in. She’s fuming. Turns out, she just got into a fight with her husband over something dumb. I mean, c’mon, people! It’s just a dish in the sink! But she’s ranting, and I’m just nodding, trying to keep my cool. I pour her a strong cocktail, and she downs it like it’s nothing. I’m thinking, “This is gonna be a long night.”
As the sun sets, the vibe shifts. The locals start rolling in. It’s like a scene from a movie. Laughter, music, and the smell of fries wafting from the kitchen. I’m pouring drinks, chatting, and just soaking it all in. I love this town. The way the streets light up at night, especially around Place de la Mairie, it’s magical.
But then, I see that same dude from the morning. He’s back, and this time he’s with a bunch of friends. They’re loud, obnoxious, and ordering shots like it’s their last night on Earth. I’m like, “Dude, pace yourselves!” But they don’t listen. They’re having the time of their lives, and honestly, it’s kinda infectious.
By the end of the night, I’m exhausted but happy. I clean up the bar, thinking about all the wild moments. Saint-Just-en-Chaussee is a small town, but man, it’s got a big heart. I wouldn’t trade this job for anything.
So, yeah, that was my day. Full of surprises, laughter, and a bit of chaos. Just another day in the life of a bartender in this crazy little town. Can’t wait to do it all over again tomorrow!