Man, lemme tell ya about my day in Padalarang. Woke up early, like, way too early. The sun was barely up, and I was already sweating like a pig. You know how it is, right? Charcoal burner life ain't glamorous.
So, I grabbed my gear and headed out. The streets of Padalarang were still quiet. I mean, who’s up at 5 AM? Only the crazy ones, like me. I walked down Jalan Raya Padalarang, and it was eerily peaceful. Just me and the sound of my flip-flops slapping against the pavement.
Then, boom! Outta nowhere, this stray dog starts barking at me. Like, chill dude, I’m not here to steal your turf. I swear, that dog had a vendetta. I was like, “Bro, I’m just tryna get to work!” But nah, he wasn’t having it. I had to dodge him like I was in some action movie.
Finally made it to my spot near the river. The smell of burning wood hit me hard. It’s like my morning coffee, ya know? But then, I realized I forgot my lighter. Ugh! I was so mad. How do you burn charcoal without fire? It’s like trying to cook rice without water.
So, I had to trek back to the nearest warung on Jalan Cihampelas. The lady there knows me. I’m basically a regular. I asked her for a lighter, and she just laughed. “You again?” she said. I mean, c’mon! I’m not that forgetful… okay, maybe I am.
After I got my lighter, I headed back. The sun was up now, and it was getting hot. Like, “I’m melting” hot. I started the fire, and it was glorious. The flames danced like they were at a party. I was feeling good, ya know?
But then, outta nowhere, this group of kids came by. They were throwing rocks at my charcoal pile! I was like, “What the heck, kids?!” I mean, I get it, they’re just having fun, but c’mon! I yelled at them, “You wanna help me or what?” They just laughed and ran off. Kids these days, man.
Later, I took a break and sat by the river. It’s so beautiful there. The water sparkled like diamonds. I thought about how lucky I am to live in Padalarang. The mountains, the trees, the vibe. It’s home.
But then, my phone buzzed. My buddy, Rudi, texted me. He was like, “Yo, let’s hit up the market later!” I was down. I love the market on Jalan Raya Padalarang. So much food! I could eat my weight in sate.
After work, I packed up and headed to the market. The streets were packed! People everywhere, selling everything. I got some fried tofu and a drink. Best combo ever. I was munching away, feeling like a king.
But then, I saw that same stray dog again. He was eyeing my food! I was like, “Not today, buddy!” I held my food close, like it was my last meal.
As I was leaving, I bumped into an old friend. We started chatting about life, and it hit me how much I missed hanging out. Padalarang is small, but it’s full of surprises.
By the time I got home, I was exhausted but happy. I mean, yeah, it was a crazy day, but that’s life, right? Full of ups and downs. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Padalarang, you wild, but I love ya!