Man, what a day! Seriously, Alatri hit me like a ton of bricks. I woke up thinking it’d be just another boring day as a Research Associate. But nah, Alatri had other plans.
So, I’m strolling down Via Roma, right? It’s this cute little street lined with cafes and shops. I’m half-awake, sipping my cappuccino, and boom! I spill it all over my shirt. Great start, huh? I’m like, “Awesome, now I look like a walking coffee stain.”
But whatever, I brush it off. I mean, who doesn’t love a little caffeine on their clothes? I head to the archaeological site near the Castello di Alatri. It’s this ancient fortress, super cool, right? I’m all hyped to dig into some research. But guess what? The site’s closed! Like, seriously? I’m standing there, staring at the locked gate, feeling like a total loser.
I’m fuming. I mean, c’mon! I came all this way! So, I decide to wander around. I hit up Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore. It’s this beautiful square with a stunning church. I’m just chilling there, trying to calm down. And then, outta nowhere, this street performer starts playing the accordion. It’s like a scene from a movie! I can’t help but smile.
But then, I notice this group of tourists. They’re taking selfies, blocking the whole square. I’m like, “Guys, it’s not that serious!” I mean, I get it, but c’mon! I just wanna enjoy the music. So, I’m standing there, rolling my eyes, when one of them bumps into me. Ugh!
After that, I decide to check out the local shops. I wander down Via dei Giardini. It’s this charming street with all these little boutiques. I find this cute little store selling handmade ceramics. I’m browsing, and the owner starts chatting me up. She’s super nice, but I can’t understand half of what she’s saying. My Italian is rusty, to say the least. But we’re laughing, and I end up buying this funky mug. It’s got a cat on it. Totally worth it!
Then, I’m feeling adventurous, so I head to the Parco della Rimembranza. It’s this lovely park with trees and paths. I’m walking, just enjoying the vibe, when I see this old guy feeding pigeons. He’s got like a million of them around him. I’m thinking, “Dude, you’re gonna get swarmed!” But he’s chill, just tossing crumbs. I can’t help but laugh.
But then, outta nowhere, a pigeon lands on my head! I freak out! I’m flailing my arms, trying to get it off. The old guy is cracking up. I’m like, “Thanks for the help, man!” I finally shake it off, and I’m just standing there, embarrassed.
After that, I’m ready for some food. I hit up this little trattoria on Via della Libertà. I order pasta, of course. It’s Alatri, how could I not? The waiter brings it out, and it’s like a work of art. I take a bite, and it’s heavenly! I’m in food paradise.
But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my boss. He’s like, “Need that report ASAP!” I’m like, “Dude, I’m in the middle of pasta heaven!” But I can’t ignore it. So, I’m trying to type out this report while shoveling pasta in my mouth. Multitasking at its finest, right?
Finally, I wrap up my day. I’m exhausted but happy. Alatri surprised me, for sure. I mean, I went from coffee spills to pigeon attacks to pasta bliss. What a rollercoaster! I can’t wait to tell my friends about this wild day. Alatri, you’ve got my heart!