Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Singaraja is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety harness. So, I roll into work, right? It’s a sunny morning, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I’m at the lift in Jalan Diponegoro, and this lady hops in. She’s got like five bags of groceries. I mean, c’mon! Who needs that much rice? Anyway, she’s yappin’ away about the best warung for nasi campur. I’m like, “Lady, I’m just here to push buttons.” But she’s on a roll, talkin’ about how the fish market at Pasar Anyar is the best. I’m nodding, but inside I’m like, “Please, just let me breathe!”
Then, boom! The elevator stops. Just stops. I’m stuck between floors. Great. Just great. I can hear her panicking. “What’s happening?!” she screams. I’m tryin’ to keep it cool, but inside I’m like, “I didn’t sign up for this!” I hit the emergency button, and it’s like, “Hello? Is anyone there?” I’m thinkin’, “Yeah, I’m here, and I’m about to lose my mind!”
Finally, after what feels like forever, the lift starts movin’ again. I open the doors, and she bolts out like she just escaped a horror movie. I’m just standin’ there, like, “What just happened?”
Next, I get a group of tourists from Jakarta. They’re all excited, takin’ selfies in the lift. I’m like, “Dude, it’s just an elevator!” But they’re lovin’ it. They start askin’ me about Singaraja. I’m tryin’ to give ‘em the lowdown on the history, you know? Like how Singaraja was once the capital of Bali. But they’re more interested in where to find the best beach. I’m like, “Duh, Lovina Beach is just a short drive away!”
Then, outta nowhere, this guy jumps in. He’s all sweaty and outta breath. He’s like, “I just ran from the market!” I’m thinkin’, “Bro, it’s not a marathon.” He starts tellin’ me about this crazy deal he got on fresh fish. I’m like, “Dude, I’m happy for ya, but I’m not your therapist.”
After that, I get a call from my buddy, Wayan. He’s at the coffee shop on Jalan Gajah Mada, and he’s like, “You gotta try this new brew!” I’m like, “I can’t just leave the elevator, man!” But he’s persistent. “C’mon, it’s life-changing!” So, I’m daydreaming about that coffee while I’m stuck with more tourists.
Then, the best part of the day happens. This little kid hops in with his mom. He’s got this huge smile, and he’s like, “Are we going to the top?” I’m like, “Yeah, buddy! We’re going to the top!” His excitement is contagious. I can’t help but smile.
But then, just as we’re about to reach the top, the elevator jerks again. I’m like, “Not again!” The kid’s eyes go wide, and I’m tryin’ to keep it together. “It’s just a little hiccup!” I say, but I’m sweating bullets. Finally, we make it, and the kid jumps out, yelling, “We did it!”
After that, I’m just exhausted. I’m thinkin’ about how crazy this day was. From the panic to the laughter, it’s all part of the gig. Singaraja is wild, man. The streets are alive, the people are colorful, and every day is a new adventure.
As I close up for the day, I can’t help but laugh. I mean, who knew being an elevator operator could be this intense? I’m ready for a cold drink and some nasi goreng. Tomorrow’s another day, and I’m sure it’ll be just as wild. Bring it on, Singaraja!