Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I wake up in my little workshop on Jl. Raya Gongdanglegi, right? The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I’m trying to finish this violin for a client. You know, the usual—perfect wood, sweet sound, all that jazz. But then, I realize I’m outta varnish. Ugh! So, I grab my tools and head out to the market on Jl. Sumber Rejo. It’s a total madhouse! People everywhere, like ants on a sugar hill. I’m dodging folks, trying not to spill my coffee.
I finally find the varnish guy. He’s this old dude, always grumpy. I ask him for the good stuff, and he’s like, “You want good? Pay more!” I’m like, “Dude, I’m a violin maker, not a millionaire!” But whatever, I hand over the cash.
On my way back, I pass by the park near Jl. Kebon Agung. There’s this street musician playing the most beautiful tune. I stop, totally mesmerized. I mean, I’m a violin maker, but this guy? He’s got skills! I’m thinking, “Man, I wish I could play like that.” But then, I remember my own violins and get all proud.
So, I get back to my workshop, ready to rock. I start applying the varnish, and it’s looking good. But then, BAM! My neighbor’s kid kicks a soccer ball right through my window! Glass everywhere! I’m like, “Are you kidding me?!” I run outside, and the kid’s just standing there, wide-eyed. I’m trying to be calm, but inside, I’m fuming.
I tell the kid, “You gotta be more careful, man!” He just shrugs and runs off. Great. Now I gotta fix a window AND finish this violin.
After that chaos, I finally get into a groove. I’m sanding, shaping, and it’s all coming together. I’m feeling good, you know? But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my client. He’s like, “Hey, can I pick up the violin today?” I’m like, “Dude, it’s not ready!” But he insists. Ugh, why do people rush art?
So, I hustle. I’m sweating, racing against time. I finish just as the sun’s setting over the rice fields near Jl. Padi. It’s beautiful, but I’m too stressed to enjoy it. I grab the violin, and it’s finally perfect.
When my client arrives, he’s all smiles. He plays a few notes, and I’m like, “Yes! It sounds amazing!” He’s thrilled, and I’m relieved. But then, he says, “Can you make me another one?” I’m like, “Dude, give me a break!”
As he leaves, I finally breathe. I sit on my workshop floor, surrounded by wood shavings and broken glass. I think about the day—crazy, chaotic, but somehow, it all worked out.
Gongdanglegi-Kulon, man. It’s wild. Full of surprises, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Just another day in the life of a violin maker, right?