Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Perbaungan is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety harness. So, I roll into work, right? It’s a typical morning on Jl. Sudirman, the sun’s blazin’, and I’m already sweating like a pig.
First ride of the day, I got this lady. She’s all decked out in her fancy clothes, probably just came from a wedding or somethin’. She steps in, and I’m like, “Hey, where to?” She goes, “Up, of course!” Like, duh, lady, I’m not a mind reader! So, I hit the button for the 5th floor, and she’s just staring at me like I’m supposed to entertain her. I mean, c’mon! I’m not a clown!
Then, boom! The elevator stops. Just stops! I’m like, “Oh no, not today!” I can hear her huffin’ and puffin’. I’m sweating bullets. I’m thinkin’, “Great, I’m gonna be stuck here forever.” But then, I remember the emergency button. I hit it, and after a few minutes that felt like hours, the doors finally open. She storms out, and I swear I heard her mutter something about “useless operators.” Rude!
After that, I needed a break. So, I step out for a quick kopi (coffee) at the corner of Jl. Diponegoro. Best place ever! The barista knows me by name. I grab my usual, a kopi tubruk, and it’s like heaven in a cup. I’m feelin’ good again, ya know?
But then, back to the grind. Next up, a group of teenagers. They’re loud, obnoxious, and full of energy. They pile in, and I’m like, “Whoa, easy there!” They’re all talkin’ about the latest TikTok trends and I’m just tryin’ to keep my cool. One of ‘em, this dude with bright blue hair, starts doin’ some dance moves in the elevator. I’m like, “Bro, this ain’t a club!” But I can’t help but laugh.
Then, we hit the 3rd floor, and the doors open. They all spill out like a bunch of clowns. I’m just standin’ there, shakin’ my head, thinkin’, “Kids these days!”
Later, I get this old man. He’s got a cane and moves slower than a snail. He gets in and says, “Take me to the top, sonny.” I’m like, “Sure thing, grandpa!” But then, he starts tellin’ me about the good ol’ days in Perbaungan. He talks about how Jl. Alamsyah Ratu Prawiranegara used to be a quiet street. I’m just nodding along, but inside I’m like, “Man, I wish I could’ve seen that.”
Then, outta nowhere, the lights flicker. I’m thinkin’, “Oh no, not again!” But it’s just a power surge. Phew! I’m not ready for another freak-out moment.
As the day drags on, I get a call from my buddy. He’s at the pasar (market) on Jl. Sisingamangaraja, and he’s like, “Dude, you gotta come try this street food!” I’m drooling just thinkin’ about it. But I can’t leave my post. Ugh!
Finally, the clock strikes 5 PM. I’m ready to bounce. I step out, and the streets are alive! Perbaungan is buzzing with people. I can smell the fried rice from a nearby stall. My stomach’s growlin’ like a beast.
I head to the market after work. I grab some nasi goreng and sit on a bench. I’m watchin’ the world go by. Kids are playin’, couples are laughin’, and I’m just chillin’.
What a day, man! From stuck elevators to crazy teens, Perbaungan never fails to surprise me. I love this city, even when it drives me nuts. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!