Man, today was a wild ride in Tanjung-Pinang! Like, seriously, I’m still trying to process it all. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I had to rush to the office on Jalan Yos Sudarso. Traffic was a mess! I mean, come on, it’s Tanjung-Pinang, not Jakarta! But nope, everyone decided to drive like they were in a race. I swear, I saw a guy on a motorbike weaving through cars like he was in some action movie. I was like, “Dude, chill! You’re not Vin Diesel!”
Finally, I get to the office, and I’m already late. My first assignment? Interpreting for a community meeting about the new ferry service. Sounds boring, right? But it was packed! People were fired up about it. I mean, who wouldn’t be? Tanjung-Pinang’s got some killer islands nearby, and everyone wants to hop on a ferry to explore.
But then, this one guy, let’s call him Pak Budi, starts yelling about how the government is “useless” and “never listens.” I’m standing there, trying to keep up with his signs, and I’m like, “Dude, chill! I’m just the interpreter!” But he was on a roll. I could feel the energy in the room. It was electric!
After that, I needed a break. So, I hit up the local warung on Jalan Raya. You know, the one with the best nasi goreng? I’m munching away, and this little kid comes up to me, all wide-eyed. He’s like, “Are you a superhero?” I laughed so hard! I mean, I’m just a sign language interpreter, not Spiderman! But hey, I’ll take the compliment.
Then, I get a call for an emergency assignment. Some event at the Tanjung-Pinang City Hall. I rush over, and it’s a wedding! Like, what? I’m not a wedding interpreter! But they were desperate. The bride’s family only spoke sign language. So, I’m there, trying to keep it together while the couple is exchanging vows. It was so sweet, but also super awkward. I mean, who wants to interpret “I do” while trying not to cry?
And then, outta nowhere, the power goes out! Total blackout! I’m standing there in the dark, and everyone’s like, “What now?” I’m just thinking, “Great, now I’m a wedding interpreter in the dark.” But the couple just laughed it off. They lit some candles, and it turned into this cozy, romantic vibe. I was like, “Okay, this is kinda cute.”
After the wedding, I’m walking back home, and I pass by the waterfront. The sunset was insane! Like, the sky was on fire. I stopped for a sec, just to soak it all in. Tanjung-Pinang can be chaotic, but moments like this make it worth it.
But then, I hear this loud crash! I turn around, and it’s a bunch of kids playing soccer. They kicked the ball right into a vendor’s cart! The vendor was NOT happy. He starts yelling, and the kids are running away like they just robbed a bank. I couldn’t help but laugh. Classic Tanjung-Pinang moment!
Finally, I get home, totally exhausted. I flop onto my bed, and I’m just like, “What a day!” I mean, from community meetings to weddings and soccer disasters, it was a rollercoaster. Tanjung-Pinang, you never cease to amaze me!
So yeah, that was my day. Just another day in the life of a sign language interpreter in this crazy, beautiful city. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!