Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a watchmaker in Tonneins is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I stroll down Rue de la République, and I’m already late. Classic me. I’m dodging old ladies and their shopping carts like it’s an Olympic sport. Seriously, they’re like ninjas with those things. One almost took me out! I’m like, “Lady, I’m just tryin’ to fix watches here, not get run over!”
Get to my shop, Le Temps Perdu, and it’s a mess. I mean, I love my little place, but it looks like a tornado hit a clock factory. Tools everywhere, watch parts scattered like confetti. I’m tryin’ to find my favorite screwdriver, and it’s like searching for a needle in a haystack. Ugh!
Then, my first customer walks in. It’s this dude, Pierre, who thinks he’s a watch expert. He’s all, “This watch is vintage!” I’m like, “Bro, it’s from the 90s. Chill.” But I smile and nod. Gotta keep the peace, right? He wants me to fix it, but it’s a total wreck. I’m thinkin’, “Dude, just buy a new one!” But no, he insists. So, I take it, and he leaves, lookin’ all smug.
Next, I head out for lunch. I’m craving a baguette from the bakery on Rue de la Liberté. Best bread in Tonneins, no contest. I grab my sandwich, and as I’m munching, I see this street performer. He’s juggling and singing, and honestly, he’s terrible. But the crowd loves him! I’m like, “What’s wrong with you people?” But hey, whatever floats your boat, right?
Then, BAM! Outta nowhere, it starts pouring. I mean, like, monsoon-level rain. I’m sprinting back to my shop, soaked to the bone. My hair’s a mess, and I’m pretty sure I look like a drowned rat. But I get back, and guess what? The power’s out! Great. Just great.
I’m sittin’ there in the dark, surrounded by ticking clocks, and I’m losing it. I can’t fix watches without light! I’m pacing, thinking about how I should’ve just stayed in bed. But then, I remember the old lantern in the back. I dig it out, light it up, and suddenly, it’s like I’m in a cozy little time capsule.
Hours pass, and I’m finally getting into a groove. Fixing watches by lantern light is kinda cool, honestly. It’s like I’m some old-school craftsman or something. I even start humming a tune. But then, the door swings open, and it’s Pierre again. He’s back, and he’s not happy.
“Where’s my watch?” he barks. I’m like, “Dude, it’s a power outage! Chill!” But he’s not having it. I’m ready to lose my cool, but then I see the look on his face. He’s genuinely worried. So, I take a breath and say, “I’ll have it ready tomorrow, promise.”
He softens a bit, and I can see he’s just a guy who loves his watch. I get it. I mean, I love my craft. So, we chat a bit, and by the end, we’re laughing about the rain and the street performer. Who knew?
Finally, the power comes back on, and I’m like, “Hallelujah!” I finish up a couple of watches, and as I’m locking up, I look around my shop. It’s a mess, but it’s MY mess. Tonneins is my home, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So, yeah, what a day! From dodging carts to fixing watches by lantern light, it was a wild ride. I’m exhausted, but I’m smiling. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.