Man, what a day! I swear, Apricena is wild. I’m a car instructor, right? So, I’m used to the chaos. But today? Pffft, it was next level.
Started off at 8 AM. I’m sippin’ my espresso at Bar Centrale on Via Roma. You know, the one with the best pastries? I’m munchin’ on a cornetto, and boom! My phone buzzes. It’s my student, Marco. Late again. Classic Marco.
So, I’m like, “Dude, hurry up!” I’m already picturing him zooming down Via Cavour like a maniac. I finish my coffee, toss a few coins on the counter, and head out. The sun’s shining, but it’s that weird Apricena heat. You know, the kind that makes you sweat just standing still.
Finally, Marco rolls up in his mom’s old Fiat. I mean, this thing is ancient. I’m talkin’ rust, dents, the works. I can’t help but laugh. “You sure this thing runs?” I joke. He just shrugs. “It’s got character!” he says. Yeah, character like a horror movie.
We hit the road, and I’m trying to teach him the basics. “Turn left on Via San Francesco,” I say. He’s all over the place. I’m gripping the seat like it’s a rollercoaster. “Dude, chill! You’re not in a race!” But he’s got that look—like he’s about to take off.
Then, outta nowhere, a cat darts across the street. I’m like, “Marco, watch out!” He slams the brakes. We skid a bit. Heart’s racing. The cat? Just strolls away like it owns the place. Typical Apricena.
After that, we head towards the old town. I love it there. The narrow streets, the vibe. But man, it’s packed today. Tourists everywhere. I’m trying to teach Marco how to parallel park, and it’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. “Just breathe, man!” I’m yelling.
He finally gets it, but then—oh boy—he backs into a flower stand. Flowers everywhere! I’m dying. “You just turned a driving lesson into a gardening class!” I can’t stop laughing. The owner? Not so amused. He’s yelling in Italian, waving his hands. I’m like, “Sorry, buddy! Just a little accident!”
We finally escape that mess and head to the coast. The view from the Lungomare is stunning. I mean, the Adriatic Sea sparkles like diamonds. I’m feeling good again. “See, Marco? This is why we drive!” I say. He’s grinning, finally getting into it.
But then, we hit traffic on Via Nazionale. I’m losing it. “Why is everyone out today?” I’m shouting. It’s like the whole city decided to go for a drive. I’m stuck behind a bus that’s going 2 mph. I swear, I could walk faster.
Finally, we get moving again. I’m trying to keep my cool. “Okay, let’s practice merging,” I say. Marco’s nodding, but then he just floors it. We’re flying down the road, and I’m like, “Whoa, slow down, Speed Racer!”
He laughs, but I’m not kidding. I’m gripping the handle again. We zoom past the old castle, and I’m thinking, “This kid’s gonna give me a heart attack.”
After what feels like an eternity, we finally park. I’m exhausted. “Dude, you’re a maniac!” I tell him. He just smiles, proud of himself. “I did good, right?”
“Yeah, if you’re trying to win a demolition derby!” I joke.
As we wrap up, I’m reflecting on the day. Apricena is crazy, but it’s home. The streets, the people, the unexpected moments. It’s all part of the ride.
I head back to Bar Centrale for a well-deserved gelato. I’m thinking, “What a day!” I can’t wait to do it all over again.